There are more golf shoe options out there than you can count. I've recently owned Tomo, Curater, and Nikes. The Tomo are stupid comfortable but really lacking in support - for example, if I'm walking up a steep hill (which are everywhere at my course), my heel pops out. The Curater Moneymakers and Nike 270s are great all around - comfortable and walkable with good support and feel. They aren't the cheapest but look the part and can be worn anywhere.
Lessons are the answer. IMO, don't bother with new sticks until you know you're playing often. I play weekly and I'm swinging nearly 7 year old Cobra ForedTecs for my irons, 10+ year old SLDR 3H, 6 year old M2 3W + Driver and have 0 desire to replace them. I've tried the latest and greatest in all those options. The difference in tech helps with forgiveness but not a ton in distance.
What helps even more with forgiveness? Lessons do. Rather than groove in bad habits with more forgiving clubs, fix the bad habits with lessons.