Here we are: 2021! Finally.
I don’t know about you, but for me, 2020 was one helluva roller coaster ride. Sickness, quarantine, and yep, disc golf getting cancelled. But as we move into 2021, there’s still some light at the end of the tunnel: professional disc golf is going strong again, disc golf stores are finally getting restocked, and more new stuff is coming out monthly.
So now that we can really get back out there and play, you need some high quality gear. And it starts with the shoes you wear on the course. You want durability, comfort, and the right price. Well, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll be going over 7 of the best disc golf sport hiking and trail shoes for your rounds in 2021. But real quick…
Good shoes matter – here’s why
1. The way we play: as disc golfers, we play the game hard. And while disc golf is not a forceful, contact sport, we all push our bodies to the limit. By doing so, we need gear, and shoes specifically, that can hold up to what we put them through. We spin, jump, turn, and torque our way through every shot, and if the shoes can’t hold up, that could affect the final outcome.
2. The terrain: the courses we play on often have many different types of surfaces and terrain. For example, one of my local courses starts out with gravel, then moves to grassy field, then to woods and hiking trails, then back and forth of those previously listed terrain types. Most courses are pretty similar so you need a really good shoe to tackle the terrain challenges that lie ahead.
3. The length of the course: as disc golfers, we walk a lot every round. The average course has disc golfers walking around 1-2 miles over 18 holes. That’s a ton of steps. And if you’re feet aren’t comfortable, your rounds can really suffer. You need shoes that will hold up to how we play and to the terrain, but you also want shoes to keep your feet happy. The shoes on this list will do that. Let’s check ’em out!
The 7 Best Disc Golf Shoes of 2021
Our #1 pick: Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX Disc Golf Shoe
The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX is our #1 pick for a reason: it’s simply the best shoe made for disc golf at the moment. It has the perfect combination of everything a disc golfer needs – a sport hiking shoe, great traction on the trail, comfort, style, and a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Basically, you need to try a pair of these if you play disc golf. Period.
Here’s what Adidas has to say about this phenominal shoe: “Move swiftly across alpine terrain in these trail shoes. A low-cut, durable upper with speed lacing supports your feet on uneven ground, while a Continental™ Rubber outsole sticks to wet and dry surfaces. A breathable, waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry every step of the way.”
Check out the video review below of the R2 GTX ⬇️.
⬇️
Grab one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
If they’re out of stock, you can also grab them here on Amazon.
2. Asics Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner
The Big Kahuna! Just kidding…this is the Gel-Kahana. Equally as awesome, though. I bought a pair of these not really expecting them to become some of the best shoes I’ve ever bought. I just saw a lot of good reviews online and figured I would give them a chance because they looked pretty sweet. So I dove in head first and purchased them. 6 months later and they’re REALLY exceeding my expectations. If you’re looking for an all-around awesome shoe for sports that can work inside and outside, the Kahana has got you covered.
Here’s what Asics has to say about the Kahana: “Go wherever the trail takes you in the durable and rugged GEL-Kahana® 8 shoe. Feel the energetic bounceback of the SpevaFoam™ Midsole and rearfoot GEL® cushioning as you connect with the ground and push past the outdoor elements. Reversed lugs on the outsole deliver enhanced traction that’s essential for the path less followed.”
3. Adidas Terrex AX3 Sport Hiking Shoe
The AX3 is one of Adidas’ best overall hiking shoes. You might be able to see a trend with Adidas, even with this small list, as they take up 3 of the 7 picks on this list (including our #1 overall pick). Adidas just makes a phenominal crossover sport hiking/trail shoe. I put them at number 3 because of their overwhelming popularity in the #discgolfcommunity and the price: around $80 dollars.
You basically get everything from R2 GTX minus the waterproofing. But honestly, that’s worth the $40 dollar upgrade.
Here’s what Adidas has to say: “Go fast on the trail. These lightweight shoes are built for speed across rugged terrain. A durable rubber outsole gives you surefooted grip on wet and dry surfaces on your trail run or hike.”
Grab a pair here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
4. Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
I’ve been a huge fan of Merrell ever since I started working in Law Enforcement. They just make a great shoe. From the Moab to the Yokota to their tactical boots, they have a Merrell for anything you come across. But they have excellent trail hiking shoes. I would even say that these beat Keen out in comfort and durability.
Here’s what Merrill has to say about the Moab: “Experience out-of-the-box comfort in waterproof hiking shoes. With durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram® traction, the Moab has been worn on the feet of nearly 20 million people since its inception.”
5. Saloman Speedcross 5 Trail Runner
Saloman is another brand that makes an insanely durable sport hiking shoe. The word insane also can be used when talking about this shoe’s grip. It makes you feel good to know that there really isn’t any slipping when it comes to Saloman. On ice maybe?
Here’s what Saloman has to say about the Speedcross5: “To create the next generation SPEEDCROSS 5, we went back to the source code, capitalizing on the values that make SPEEDCROSS legendary. Even more grip, and a more dynamic upper set a new high-bar on performance and fit. And with better stability and a refined look, a new legend has arrived.”
6. New Balance 410v6 Trail Runner
The 410v6 is yet another phenominal trail hiking shoe that can really help you play better on the course.
Here’s what New Balance has to say about the 410v6: “Hit the trails in the New Balance Men’s MT 410v6 Off-Road Running Shoes. These off-road shoes have ventilating mesh uppers, and the durable AT TREAD rubber outsoles are designed to grip the rough terrain.”
7. Adidas Terrex Agravic TR Trail Runner
The Terrex Agravic TR trail runner is a really nice, sporty version of something you’d want to be wearing while playing disc golf. They offer superior style, comfort, and reliability.
Here’s what Adidas has to say about the Agravic TR: “Expand your boundaries. Leave the pavement behind with these adidas Terrex Agravic Trail Running Shoes. Their traction, support and comfort let you move swiftly between smooth ground and rough, rocky terrain.”
Grab your pair here on Amazon.
Related Content
For more on shoe recommendations, check out the following posts ⬇️.
27 Best Disc Golf Shoes: Ranked by Price!
17 Best Disc Golf Shoes for Women in 2020
The 7 Best Cheap Disc Golf Shoes: Ranked by Price!
Don’t forget about the book!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the best beginner disc golf book on the planet, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.” This ebook is packed with over 200+ pages of the best tips, tricks, and advice for new players