Choosing a pair of golf shoes is a personal decision, as everyone has their own preferences regarding fit, comfort, and brand loyalty. While Asics may not be the first brand that comes to mind when considering golf shoes, it’s worth highlighting some of their current models to help you find a pair that meets your needs. Recently, I have spent significant time with the Japan S, Gel-Kayano Ace 2, and Gel-Ace Pro M shoes. Let’s find out how they compare and which model can be crowned the best Asics golf shoe for 2025.
Asics Casual Golf Shoe – Japan S
Asics unveiled the Japan S golf shoe earlier this year, paying homage to their classic basketball shoes from the early ’80s. When examining the landscape of golf shoes, these clearly put them head-to-head with some of the more casual and non-traditional golf shoes from companies like Nike and Puma.
Out of the three models discussed in this article, this shoe required the most significant break-in period, as it felt a bit stiff during the initial sessions. However, after spending some time on the course and at the office, the synthetic leather softened slightly, making it a very comfortable daily shoe. Even with this added comfort, I wouldn’t choose these shoes if I planned to play 36 holes in one day. Walking 18 holes was no issue, but other models in Asics’ lineup outperformed this one in nearly every category.
Asics aimed to create a unique golf shoe with the Japan S, departing from traditional designs while ensuring golfers had solid footing on the course. The sole features a turf tread pattern that is actually more aggressive than what online photos suggest.
Overall, I describe the grip as adequate; however, I experienced the occasional slippage during my swing, particularly on wet surfaces. Without any waterproofing, these shoes are not ideal for early morning rounds or days with unpredictable weather. Fortunately, Asics offers other models that are better for those conditions.
While the Japan S shoes are classified as golf shoes, they also have significant appeal as casual footwear. In fact, I’ve started wearing them frequently to the office because they pair well with both golf pants and jeans. One of the standout features of the Japan S is how easy it is to clean the synthetic leather, which helps keep them looking fresh.
These shoes are primarily designed to appeal to golfers who want a stylish or retro look while still maintaining good on-course performance. Priced at $100, they are also the most budget-friendly option among the models discussed.
Price: $100
Asics Spikeless Golf Shoe – Gel-Kayano Ace 2
Whereas the Japan S drew inspiration from a basketball shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano Ace 2 draws from the brand’s rich lineage of running shoes. The result is a lightweight shoe that deserves recognition as one of the best walking shoes available on the market.
When examining the pictures, you can see the FlyteFoam that runs across the entire foot. There is also a TPU heel cradle that provides extra support without compromising flexibility, along with Asics’ signature Gel cushioning in the heel for enhanced shock absorption. Those who wear Asics running shoes will not be surprised to find that these shoes provide instant comfort as soon as they are put on.
My primary concern about these shoes was their traction. Until now, I had only worn one pair of Asics spikeless shoes, the Match Play 33, which I wore back in 2013. However, this marks a new era for Asics golf, and I’m glad to report that the wedge-shaped studs on these shoes are significantly more aggressive. I encountered virtually no traction issues, whether I was on wet or dry ground, flat terrain, or a sidehill. No matter the situation, these shoes performed well, providing excellent grip throughout every round.
The only semi-consistent spot where I had trouble with slipping was while crossing a 120-yard wooden bridge in the mornings. To be honest, that bridge is a challenging surface no matter what shoes I wear, so I can’t really fault these shoes for that.
Aside from their traction, there were two key aspects of these shoes that I really came to enjoy: the stability they provided throughout my swing and their performance in wet conditions. My foot felt securely locked in place, which contributed to a laterally stable experience. Additionally, I felt more connected to the ground, which enhanced my awareness of weight shifts during my swing.
Asics classifies the Gel Kayano Ace 2 shoes as waterproof because of a thin PU lining. As someone who frequently plays in the morning dew, I can confidently say they perform well in those conditions. Even during moderate to heavy rain, my feet stayed impressively dry. However, if I had to identify a weak point, it would be around the tongue area, which is not uncommon.
Asics Gel Kayano Ace 2 golf shoes offer wide appeal due to their athletic design and ample cushioning and support. Golfers who prefer walking the course or have a history of lower-body injuries will find these shoes to be strong performers.
Price: $170
Asics Stability Golf Shoe – Gel-Ace Pro M
Among the three models discussed in this article, the GEL-ACE Pro M shoe has been available the longest, having been released in the spring of 2022. Unfortunately, this shoe has been overlooked during its time on the market. While it may appear bulky in photos and the color options are not particularly striking, those who have ignored the Pro M have genuinely missed out on a fantastic pair of golf shoes.
Pro M takes advantage of Asics technologies such as FlyteFoam to help reduce weight and improve cushioning, and Gel Technology found in the heel to help keep your feet comfortable. An X-Shaped TPU Trusstic that spans from the rearfoot to the forefoot helps provide better stability throughout the swing.
In terms of fit, the Pro M, like all shoes mentioned in this article, was ordered in my usual size and fit perfectly. With it looking more like a traditional golf shoe, it’s not surprising that the toe box fits a little narrower than that of the Kayano Ace 2. However, it still provides plenty of room for comfort.
Performance-wise, the Pro M scores high in many areas, including comfort, stability, and yes, waterproofing. Right out of the box, these shoes were extremely comfortable, and the more I wore them, the better they became. Asics managed to strike the perfect balance between making these feel firmer than the Kayano Ace 2, while still maintaining the cushioning and shock absorption for which the brand is renowned. They easily handled walking 18 holes and hitting the driving range afterward.
In addition to their stability and comfort, a standout feature of these shoes is their excellent waterproofing. Throughout several stretches of my golf season, it felt like every round was played either in the rain or on a soaked course. However, with the Pro M shoes, the conditions were never an issue, and my feet stayed dry during all those rounds. Believe me, accomplishing that on some of those days was quite a feat. Because of their performance in wet weather, these shoes would definitely make my short list of gear to pack for playing in inclement conditions.
When these shoes were first launched, the colorways were somewhat bland. Although some fresh colorways were released in 2024, they still didn’t garner much attention. I would love to see some changes in the presentation of the Asics logo in the future, as this could enhance the premium look of a shoe that is priced accordingly.
Aside from the aesthetics, my only minor complaint is that the shoes can feel warm when playing on very hot days. However, I’m willing to accept that trade-off because the waterproofing proved to be highly effective during rainy conditions. Needless to say, whenever Asics decides to update the Pro M, they will definitely be on my must-try list.
Price: $200
Winner: Best Asics Golf Shoe 2025
Now for the big moment: Which Asics shoes should be declared the best for 2025? For me, the answer is the Gel-Kayano Ace 2. While the Pro M offers slightly better waterproofing and features an improved spiked outsole for increased traction, I naturally gravitate toward the Ace 2 more often. Similar to the Japan S, I can easily throw these shoes on when I’m getting ready to leave the house, walk 18 holes, and then run errands, all while keeping them on my feet. Aside from that rickety old bridge, the traction has never been a problem for me, which is impressive since spikeless shoes and I don’t always get along.
As someone who walks most of my rounds, having a shoe like the Gel-Kayano Ace 2 has provided significant comfort for my feet throughout the day. One of the best compliments I can give these shoes is that the comfort persisted even after the round; my feet, legs, and lower back all felt noticeably better afterward. While the running shoe style may not appeal to everyone, these shoes offer an excellent balance of comfort, stability, traction, and waterproofing.
Final Thoughts
Asics may not have the most extensive range of golf shoes compared to other brands, but they do offer enough models to suit every type of golfer. The Gel-Kayano Ace 2 holds the top position on our list, while the Japan S and Pro M are also excellent options to consider adding to your collection. For more information you can visit their website.
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you tried an Asics golf shoe? Please share your thoughts and experiences with the THP Community.
