Woman wearing disc golf shoes on rocky terrain and near water, comparing waterproof hiking boots and barefoot water shoes for different course conditions

Best Shoes for Disc Golf: What to Wear for Different Courses and Conditions

This article shares my experience as a woman playing disc golf. It is shaped by more than 63 courses. I have played over 400 rounds in a wide range of conditions.

Disc golf has a unique way of leading you into adventures that make you question your footwear choices. You’ll find yourself on wooded fairways, navigating rocky paths, and trudging through muddy ground. It leads you to wet grass, river edges, and wide-open park courses. One thing I’ve learned quickly is this:

Your shoes matter just as much as your throw.

I don’t believe there’s one perfect shoe for every disc golf course. I believe in choosing the right pair based on the terrain. I also consider the conditions of the round I’m playing that day.

Here’s what I actually wear — and why.


Disc Golf Isn’t Played on Flat Ground

Even on a single course, you walk through multiple types of terrain. When you start traveling to new courses, that variety multiplies fast. Some days call for stability and protection. Other days call for freedom and flexibility.

That’s why I rotate between two very different pairs of shoes depending on where I’m playing.


When I Want to Feel the Course: SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes

There are rounds where I want to feel light, grounded, and connected to the course. That’s when I reach for my SEEKWAY barefoot water shoes.

These are the shoes I wear when:

  • The course has wet grass or morning dew
  • I’m playing near rivers, lakes, or sandy areas
  • The terrain is forgiving
  • I want lightweight movement without bulk

They dry quickly. They pack flat for travel. They honestly feel like I’m playing barefoot with enough protection to stay comfortable. When I’m moving through softer terrain or playing a casual round, these give me that natural feel I love.

👉 SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes


When I Need Stability and Protection: Women’s Zionic Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots

When the course gets serious, I don’t mess around.

The Women’s Zionic Mid Height Waterproof All-Terrain Hiking Boots are hands down the best. They are the best shoes I’ve played disc golf in so far.

These are my go-to when:

  • The course is wooded or rocky
  • There’s elevation or uneven footing
  • I’m walking long distances
  • I want ankle support and traction I can trust

One of my favorite things about these boots is how well they handle water. I’ve stood in puddles, walked through wet areas, and played on soaked courses, and my feet stayed completely dry. That waterproof protection makes a huge difference. You can focus on your next shot, not on soggy socks.

They let me walk through just about anything I’ve encountered so far. I don’t have to think twice. That confidence shows up in my game.

👉 Women’s Zionic Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots


How Terrain Changes What I Wear

Disc golf courses don’t play the same — and that’s exactly why my shoe choice changes.

  • Wooded & rocky courses: I want ankle support and protection → Zionic boots
  • Wet grass, puddles & muddy areas: I want waterproof stability → Zionic boots
  • River edges, sandy ground & casual rounds: I want freedom and flexibility → SEEKWAY barefoot shoes
  • Park-style courses: I choose based on comfort and vibe

Different courses.
Different conditions.
Different shoes.

A Quick Note on Playing in Snow

I’ve only played disc golf in snow once — right when we were first starting out. It wasn’t a long round, maybe about 30 minutes, but it was enough to notice one important thing.

My feet stayed dry.

That short experience showed me just how reliable good waterproof footwear can be, especially when conditions aren’t ideal.

Final Thoughts

Disc golf isn’t just about distance and putting — it’s about how you move through the course. The right shoes can completely change your round.

Some days I want to feel every step.
Some days I want to walk through water, mud, and rough terrain without a second thought.

Knowing when to switch makes all the difference.

If you’re curious about our disc golf journey, you can explore our Disc Golf Travel Map. It has a growing list of courses. It shows where we’ve played so far.