Golf shoes might be the most subjective equipment purchase that consumers take on each golf season. When I get the question of, “I need new golf shoes this year, what’s the best? What should I get?” It’s not quite so easy to answer because there is no definitive “Best” without answering several individual questions beforehand. Do you prefer to walk or ride? Do you prefer a spikeless or a cleated golf shoe? Are you someone who likes to hit shots barefoot (preferring a lower profile type of experience), or do you favor a beefed up cushy shoe with the max foot support? Partial towards a sporty or a more classic traditional dress style? Leather, synthetic or a breathable knit? Equally important to the choice is fitting, standard sizing really only exists in theory, the industry differs with each brand in both width and length. Lastly, how much are you looking to spend? All of these factors must be answered to determined what the “Best” golf footwear is for you and your game. So unlike every other golf footwear review, we focus on helping you narrow down the choices.
In our 2020 edition of the Best Links Footwear, we review an eclectic portfolio of brands that contributed spikeless and some fully cleated models (the industry is trending towards spikeless). A big thanks to the ten fine brands that participated: Adidas, Footjoy, Puma, New Balance, True Linkswear, ECCO, Under Armour and even a few newbies – Asics, SQAIRZ and Duca del Cosma (Nike had committed, then Covid-19 took over). It should be stated that it’s pretty tough to find a truly bad golf shoe these days. The competition is just too steep to survive in today’s marketplace with an inferior product.
Adidas Code Chaos
Adidas CodeChaos is a breath of fresh air for the Three Stripes featuring vibrant colors, a lightweight synthetic textile upper, new Traxion spikeless outsole and the tried and true BOOST cushioning midsole.
An upclose look at the spikeless Traxion outsole.
CodeChaos waterproof synthetic textile upper brings a lightweight component to a tour validated offering and a BOOST midsole for a super comfortable playing experience.
- Waterproof textile upper
- InSITE sockliner and Fitfoam cushioning
- BOOST midsole with Torsion stability bar.
- Chaos Traxion and Twist Grip hybrid spikeless outsole
Adidas recently rolled out this special edition “Summer of Golf” CodeChaos
Testing:
CodeChaos is an easy on the feet/easy on the eyes shoe that proved to be worthy as Adi’s 2020 flagship links shoe. Loved everything about wearing and playing in these. The spikeless traxion outsole is among the finest turf gripping performers in this review.
Grades:
Aesthetics: 9
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 8+
Traction: 9
Durability: 8+
Wet/Conditions: 9
Value: 8
Fit/sizing: standard/true to size (favors a slightly narrow foot)
Best Suited For:
Golfers who put a premium on comfort and prefer a sporty look, not exactly a lifestyle or classic golf shoe, these are athletic shoes. Adi loyalists will find CodeChaos to be lighter and sleeker than past premium spikeless models like Tour360 SL. The pricepoint is about where you’d expect – MSRP – $150
Visit: https://www.adidas.com/us/men-golf-shoes
ECCO – S THREE
ECCO’s new S-Three blends the best of both worlds, superb links performance and a classy off-course vibe, which follows with the company’s ethos of being anything but ordinary shoemakers. S-Three has the component that ECCO does better than just about every other golf shoe brand – their premium leather upper. S-Three upper is made with soft calf Nappa leather, second to none in quality and feel (and also features Gore-Tex superior weatherproofing that keeps you dry regardless of conditions).
Aesthetically, the S-Three keeps with ECCO’s subtle euro styling, our pair came in the gray colorway that the company calls Magnet (two other color choices are available – White/Yellow trim and Concrete/ Dark Gray trim). Note the cool midsole color fade from light to dark.
ECCO’s Zonal Fluidform midsole features 3 different zones of rigidity to provide just the right amount of cushioning and stability. A double-layer neoprene collar surrounds the ankle and achilles area for max comfort.
Features:
- – GORE-TEX waterproof technology
- – ZONAL FLUIDFORM midsole w/3 differing levels of rigidity
- – E-DTS traction system 100 traction bars/800 traction angles
- – Crafted with ECCO soft calf NAPPA leather
- – Removable open-cell OrthoLite® insole cushioning
ECCO Dynamic Traction System is a hybrid outsole design that provides worthy traction while being flexible and shock absorbing.
Testing: The ECCO S-Three impressed in nearly every category on the course, but perhaps it’s strongest suit is its versatility and high quality. Wear these anywhere, the fairway or the steakhouse. The extra insole pad is a great option not only for potential fitting purposes, but also for those who prefer a wee bit more cushion (I’m the guy who often adds a cushy aftermarket insole, no need with S-Three).
Grades:
Aesthetics: 9
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 9
Traction: 8+
Durability: 9
Wet/Conditions: 9+
Value: 8
Fit/sizing: standard, true to size)
Best Suited For: The golfer who demands tour level performance and superior wet weather protection in a spikeless. This is the ideal model for the golfer who prefers a lifestyle capable golf shoe. Value wise, S-Three is on the premium $ end of the spikeless scale so expect to pay for top shelf quality -MSRP $200. https://us.ecco.com/golf/
PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED
Puma’s 2020 flagship is the IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED which features their PWRCAGE saddle that wraps around the upper to provide the proper fit and support. Puma’s new kicks have Tour validation by way of Bryson DeChambeau and 2019 U.S Open Champion Gary Woodland.
According to Puma’s shoe creator Grant Knudson, “The full-length IGNITE Foam cushioning platform and PWRADAPT Technology provide responsive comfort and 3-dimensional traction that adapts to every swing and step you make around the golf course.”
Features:
- Performance Flat Knit Mesh
- PRO-FIT INSOLE
- IGNITE
- PWRFRAME
- PWRCAGE
- Adaptive Fit System
- GripZone Traction
- PWRADAPT
- PRO-FORM TPU
- Tornado Cleat
- 1 Year Waterproof
Available in five different colorways, our pair came in Puma’s Peacoat/ Silver/Quiet Shade. Standard lace and DISC version available
Puma provides a 1 year waterproof warranty on the IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED.
Testing: You won’t need to be a Puma loyalist to appreciate these treads. We’ve been reviewing Puma golf footwear for a decade now, and these are the finest combination of comfort, foot support, traction and style of the models we’ve tested to date. Like all PUMA golf shoes these are a progressive modern innovation, but even traditionalists won’t be able to resist a good stroll in these. PWRADAPT CAGED does run about a half size long in size, so make sure you’re aware if ordering online (Puma’s website does note the size/fitting issue). On the links, PWRADAPT CAGED provides the comfort of a spikeless but the performance of a fully cleated premium tour shoe. The combo of PWRFRAME/PWRADAPT is another worthy innovation that provides the best fit and support of any Puma golf shoe in recent memory. We took these out for their maiden voyage on a Friday night skins game at WP9 and promptly bagged a fist full of $$. So yeah, you can say these are moneymakers . . .
Aesthetics/Style: 9
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 9
Traction: 10
Durability: 9
Wet/Conditions: 9
Value: 8+
Fit/sizing: Runs at least a half size longer than marked size
Best Suited For: Golfers who prefer an innovative performance shoe that wears like a spikeless but is actually a fully cleated traction beast. The value is even par for a shoe that compromises nothing. MSRP $150 https://www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf/men/shoes/spikeless
New Balance – Fresh Foam Links Spikeless
The New Balance Fresh Foam Links SL is a shoe built for extraordinary comfort on the chasis of a running shoe. The Green & Yellow Masters themed version that came out earlier this spring, with the Masters moved to November the Magnolia Lane treads get extended interest.
Fresh Foam Links SL comes in 5 different colorways. Notice the wide toe-box section.
- Cush+ midsole cushioning delivers all-day comfort & support
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning delivers a lightweight ride
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2-Year Waterproof
- rubber spikeless outsole has pressure mapping colors
- Waterproof microfiber leather & mesh upper w/TPU eyestay
- Welded forefoot water-guard for extra protection
Testing:
Aesthetically, Fresh Foam Links SL is one of those shoes that either you love or you don’t. Personally, we thought the special Masters colors give these a cool aura. Built on a lightweight cushy platform, the FF Links SL provide the cushion of a running shoe in a links walker. Super roomy, especially in the mid-foot and toe box area, wide footed golfers will love these. The pressure mapping rubber outsole provides better than average turf gripping performance.
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 8
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 9
Traction: 8
Durability: 8
Wet/Conditions: 8
Value: 10
Fit/sizing: Wider than normal (roomy)
Best Suited For:
Golfers who prefer the lightweight feel of a running shoe, want big comfort in a wider than normal fit, and a value that’s among the best in the industry – MSRP $120. For more info on NB Golf:
https://www.newbalance.com/men/shoes/golf-1/
FOOTJOY FLEX XP
The calling card of Footjoy’s FLEX XP is versatility. It has the capability to be as cool an everyday lifestyle shoe as it is a fairway stroller.
FLEX XP features a lightweight mesh upper and a soft EVA midsole for a cushy ride and a stable base for even the most aggressive swings. FLEX XP comes with Footjoy’s 1 year waterproof warranty.
FLEX XP comes in four colorways – Blue, White, Black and Grey.
Versa-Trax outsole does the heavy lifting, providing exceptional grip while walking the links and provides a smooth ride whether it’s 9/18 or 36 holes.
Testing:
FLEX XP does a solid job of providing comfort and all-weather protection, especially when choosing to walk the links. A superb waterproof offering that is ideal for a trip to Bandon Dunes or any destination where the elements come into play. FJ loyalists that prefer more foot support and extra traction in a spikeless would be wise to go the Pro SL route. FLEX XP is on the short list of treads I’m picking to walk in.
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 8+
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 8-
Traction: 8
Durability: 8+
Wet Conditions: 9
Value: 9
Fit/sizing: size is slightly larger/longer fit. (go down half a size)
Best Suited For: The golfer who wants supreme comfort in a waterproof spikeless. FLEX XP could easily become your favorite everyday lifestyle shoe, and if so one pair won’t be enough. A solid candidate for best value in its class – MSRP of $109.99
https://www.footjoy.com/golf-shoes/
FOOTJOY PRO/SL
FOOTJOY’s 2020 PRO/SL features a revamped outsole with wider platform in the heel section to improve stability in what was already the most popular shoe on the PGA Tour.
The latest iteration features a restyled upper made from premium ChromoSkin leather. The integrated power harness provides medial and lateral foot support for power throughout the swing.
Six colorways, four width options and the chance to customize your very own Pro SL is available on the FJ website.
Note the new infinity outsole with a wider base in the rear and mid-foot that provides greater stability. According to Footjoy this ’20 edition provides 30% more points of traction.
Testing:
The new Pro SL definitely improved on what was already one of the very best spikeless on the market. No surprises – Great snug fit, superb comfort and the finest traction of any non-cleated footwear. 36 holes walking in these is a no-brainer. When you buy a tour level Footjoy shoe, these are exactly what you’d expect. These are golf’s version of a can’t miss shoe.
The Dual-Density midsole provides extraordinary comfort, note the squared off rear outsole platform = stability.
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 8+
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 8+
Traction: 9
Durability: 9
Value: 8
Wet/Conditions: 9
Fit/sizing: standard, true to size
Best Suited For: Any lover of the previous generation of Pro SL will only appreciate these even more. Comfort, stability and sporty style in a tour validated best seller. Value would grade a bit higher if it was priced in the $149 range. MSRP $169 (BOA version $199).
FOOTJOY PRO/SL CARBON
As noted in the review of the standard PRO/SL, the ’20 iteration is certainly improved, but when FJ took it another step further with their Pro/SL Carbon, they gave the hard swinging alpha player a shoe that is the BOSS of the spikeless category.
The new wider sole platform teamed with a carbon fiber inlay provides next level stability and energy return.
Sideview of the rear and midfoot featuring an integrated Power Harness that provides wrapped support to help you reach peak performance. FJ Pro/SL Carbon comes in black and white colorways.
Two blends of FTF (Fine Tuned Foam) combined with a TPU molded sole provides worthy cushioning for maximum comfort.
ORTHOLITE IMPRESSIONS FIT-BED make your feet happy, while 3D molded collar adds a bit of extra support for your ankles.
Testing: At first glance, these appear as just another pair of Pro/SL, but once you put them on and walk in them, you realize these are a different beast, a Pro/SL on steroids. The carbon fiber component provides next level stability and noticeable support to those parts of the foot that work in harmony with the terrain. For an all-day walking 36 holer, these could be an edge. I can say for sure, these will be packed for the upcoming trip to Bandon. . .
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 9
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 9+
Traction: 9
Durability: 9
Value: 8
Wet/Conditions: 9
Fit/sizing: standard, true to size
Best Suited For: Any FJ loyalist or golfer seeking max foot support in a spikeless. At an MSRP of $199, you can question the value, but when you go for that high-performance exotic sports car you don’t think value, you think performance. In the spikeless categoy, this is the Ferrari . . .
https://www.footjoy.com/golf-shoes/
TRUE LINKSWEAR – OG Premium
TRUE’s OG Premium kicks were inspired by the thought of putting all of its finest into a top of the line fairway strider. Once considered to have a cult following, TRUE Linkswear’s reputation for comfort, quality and lifestyle versatility has grown into a legion of fashionable links loyalists.
- – TRUE Premium Supple Vintage Full Grain Leather
- – Water and Oil Repellant Upper
- – 80,000 Step Dynamic Waterproofing (2 year guarantee)
- – Lightweight – 12.7 oz. (size 9 M)
- – Cross-Life Tread for Maximum Versatility
- – Natural Width Toe Box for Comfort
The guys from TRUE are based in the Pacific Northwest, so wet conditions are what they know, full grain leather upper provides protection from the elements and unique comfort (as they say on their site), “OG Premium molds to your feet and breaks in like a well-oiled baseball glove.” Available in 3 colorways – White/Nubuck, Nubuck, Gray.
Testing: The OG Premium is the most complete golf shoe from TRUE that we’ve reviewed. A really cool look and very comfortable fit with a roomy toe box. All of the joys of wearing your favorite shoes in a high quality spikeless offering. The outsole is a flexible turf gripping Cross-Life tread that’s worthy of any conditions thrown your way. A soft extra thick insole pad provides much appreciated top level comfort. Wear the OG Premium anywhere post round, gotta love the versatility. One pair of OGP might not be enough because you’re gonna want to wear these everyday once you lace them up. A pair of those classy nubucks are in our future for sure.
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 9+
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 9
Traction: 8+
Durability: 9
Value: 7+
Wet/Conditions: 9
Fit/sizing: standard to size (Roomy toe box)
Best Suited For: The golfer who wants a super versatile spikeless that looks nothing like a typical golf shoe. The most cushioning of the TRUE line, OGP just might become your favorite pair of shoes you own. A bit pricey, but the craftsmanship and quality is off the chain.
MSRP – $179 https://truelinkswear.com
TRUE LINKSWEAR – OG FEEL
TRUE Linkswear’s OG FEEL was just introduced to the line this summer, a super casual stylish knit version of the TRUE Original featuring a lean minimalist (close to the ground/low profile) feel.
OG FEEL features a roomy width toe area and is designed on a zero drop to enhance ground feel. Full grain leather meets stretchable knit fabric to provide an easy fit.
- – Fully breathable, 1-piece knit upperWater Repellent shell
- – Flexible outsole and upper for ultimate on-course feel
- – Zero-drop construction for optimal feel and power
- – Reusable shoe bag in lieu of the traditional box
- – Ultra lightweight (8.7 oz)
- – Leather saddle and ORIGINAL lacing system for stable fit
- – Wide toe box accommodates up to 4E
- – Aggressive rubber tread for on-course traction and versatility
Testing: The OG FEEL (along with TRUE’s ECO Knit) is the most casual model in this review. A stylish low profile minimalist shoe for those who don’t want a big cushy feel loaded w/foot support features. If you like that low to the turf barefoot vibe, these are for you. A roomy toe box that will fit even the widest of hard to fit feet. OG FEEL may be the coolest looking shoe in this review. The perfect 9 hole par 3 walking golf shoe, I even wore these down to the beach and my wife who rarely pays attention to any golf shoe, says, “Wow, those are really cool.” So if you need a reason beyond golf, chicks dig the OG FEEL. Just sayin . . .
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 10
Comfort: 8
Foot Support: 6
Traction: 8+
Durability: 7
Value: 8
Wet/Conditions: 8
Fit/sizing: standard to size (Roomy toe box)
Best Suited For: The walking player who wants to feel the terrainand do it in classy style. OG FEEL is as much a lifestyle offering as it is a golf shoe. A worthy companion to OG Premium that won’t break the bank. MSRP – $139 : https://truelinkswear.com/true-og-feel/
TRUE LINKSWEAR – ECO KNIT
TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit has the SoCal style of old school VANS with the treads of a top notch turf gripper. Made with from 100% post consumer recycled products, ECO Knit is the first sustainable golf footwear on the market. Now available in five colorways.
- – Completely breathable and quick dry
- – Ultra-light, weighing just 7.4 ounces
- – Zero heel drop with a soft cushioned footbed
- – 100% recycled knit upper
- – Aggressive tread ready for the links
- – Versatile outsole comfortable enough for everyday life
Testing: ECO Knit has a very surprising cushy feel, especially when considering they’re feather-light at 7.4 ounces. As is the heritage with virtually every TRUE model, these are not your typical golf shoes. ECO Knit is another that has a great chance of becoming your everyday hang casual wear. I personally have began wearing these just about everywhere.
Grades:
Aesthetics/Style: 8+
Comfort: 8+
Foot Support: 7+
Traction: 8+
Durability: 7
Value: 9
Wet/Conditions: 8
Fit/sizing: standard to size
Best Suited For: The golfer who’s looking for a lightweight lifestyle casual at a price point that wins the day. MSRP – $99. For more info on TRUE ECO Knit: https://truelinkswear.com/
Duca Del Cosma — Camelot
Originating in Europe over 20 years ago and influenced by an Italian design heritage, Duca Del Cosma combines top quality materials and fine craftsmanship to produce their 2020 line of golf /lifestyle footwear. We enlisted our trusty media colleague and guest contributor Ryan Adams to assist on this review. Here’s a few of his thoughts on the Duca Del Cosma Camelot . . .
Details, details, details. That’s what you’re getting when it comes to the Camelot shoe from Duca Del Cosma. Who? Duca isn’t known to many in the U.S, however, that doesn’t mean its wide selection of stylish links treads should go unnoticed. Crafty details, impeccable quality and some European swagger will elevate your shoe game to a new level.
Camelot projects a classic flair in a modern tech spikeless offering, featuring a perforated Nappa leather upper. The choice of Red or Navy wax laces (both are included) speaks of luxury and feel. Camelot has a waterproof breathable membrane in the mid-foot, which allows feet to stay dry and comfortable. Cognac heel section adds a touch of class. The red wax laces give the shoes a more “bowling shoe” look, whereas the navy laces give off a more subtle classy vibe. To each their own though.
The Airplay VI spikeless outsole provides grippy traction and allows for versatility whether you’re on or off the course. Duca’s Arneflex insole is packed with memory foam for comfortability.
Testing:
We gave the Camelot a spin for 3 rounds – two walking and one riding. The shoe leans toward a narrow fit (Duca does offer a wide option if needed). Once slipped on, Camelot conforms to your feet, almost like a glove. Support is moderate, but it’s waterproof membrane and outsole are plenty up to the task, even walking through wet fairways and casual water. Traction and stability is solid for a spikeless shoe.
Grades:
Aesthetics: 9
Comfort: 9
Foot Support: 6.5
Traction: 8
Durability: 8
Wet/Conditions: 8+
Value: 6.5
Fit/sizing: Regular (Wide option available/European sizing true to size)
Best Suited For:
The golfer who is fashion conscious and isn’t budget minded (Camelot is the highest priced shoe in this review), but if you’re willing to spend the dough, you’ll get plenty of Italian style and performance.
MSRP – $229 https://ducadelcosma.us/
ASICS GEL COURSE DUO BOA
New to the golf industry but not new to shoe enthusiasts – specifically those that log miles as runners, Asics brings their global expertise to the links. In a partnership with Srixon, you’ll see Asics on the feet of Graeme McDowell out on tour.
There is no better fitting system than BOA.
Gel Course Duo has the aesthetics of a running shoe and gives the comfortable ride of a running shoe, but with the traction and support of a premium tour tread. 3 colorways are available: Black/Gunmetal, White/Peacoat (shown), Peacoat/Silver
FEATURES:
– Boa Lacing System offers a quick precise and custom fit.
– Air Mesh provides flexibility during the swing and while walking the golf course. FlyteFoam provides lightweight shock absorbtion.
– Support featuring an air mesh and integrated quarter panel to offer a superb fit. Molded heel counter provides optimal foot support and added ankle padding helps ensure a snug fit to support the walk on any terrain.
– Rearfoot Gel cushioning reduces impact and increases shock absorbtion while toe and lateral rubber wraps help to maintain stability.
FG traction sole places spikes where they’re needed for stability and traction.
Testing:
Since Asics is new to the party, there was no preconceived notion or reference to prior models, so with that in mind came somewhat low expectations. Being underestimated is a powerful place to be, the Asics Gel Course Duo Boa was the sleeper of this review, a complete breath of fresh air, ranking near or at the top in several categories including fit, comfort, foot support, traction and wet weather protection. These won’t be mistaken as lifestyle shoes, they are athletic shoes in the truest sense. I highly advise you to head to your golf retailer and try these on and walk around, you can thank us later . . .
Grades:
Aesthetics: 7+
Comfort: 10
Foot Support: 10
Traction: 9
Durability: 9
Wet/Conditions: 9
Value: 9
Fit/sizing: Regular (BOA rules!)
Best Suited For:
Anyone with feet that plays golf. Seriously, these shoes are on target on so many levels, if there’s a criticism it may be that they resemble running shoes, but that’s about as nit-picky as I can be with these. Form follows function, and the function here is world class. The value is on par with the features and performance. MSRP – $179
For more: https://www.srixon.com/us/golf-shoes/
SQAIRZ :
A true original, SQAIRZ was born from one man’s need to get aligned to his target line on a New England driving range and like many great ideas it’s usually a simple common sense thought that succeeds.
SQAIRZ Arrow model features a wider than typical toe box and fits about a half size larger than you might normally wear. 100% weatherproof with a 2 year waterproof warranty. Arrow comes in two colorways, Black/Red andWhite/Red (as shown).
Six replaceable Pivix Softspikes® strategically placed where you need it the most, additional traction comes by way of numerous computer generated traction lugs.
Features:
Testing:
The first impression of SQAIRZ when you take them out of the box is that these are different. They’re beefy, square tipped and not designed as a streamlined featherweight or as any type of lifestyle model. Their calling card is the super wide base platform that encourages the golfer to go ahead and get after it. Some may think these are a bit clunky, perhaps for those who prefer to walk, but for the cart riding masses SQAIRZ will have a following. Golfers with narrow width feet may struggle to get a proper fit, so best to go down at least a half size. Overall a solid performer for those who appreciate a shoe that’s big on support.
Grades:
Aesthetics: 8
Comfort: 8
Foot Support: 9+
Traction: 9
Durability: 9
Wet/Conditions: 9
Value: 6+
Fit/sizing: Fits wide and about a 1/2 size large to standard
Best Suited For:
The cart rider who wants a fully cleated full size shoe that breaks from conventional. A sturdy and stable platform with a wider profile than most standard sizes. At $200 MSRP for a synthetic upper, the value just isn’t there. Find a promo-code and get after it. For more info:
UNDER ARMOUR – SPIETH 4 GTX
Under Armour’s Spieth 4 GTX is the product of extensive R&D where shoe creator Michael Glancy and Jordan Spieth collaborated to give the 3 time major champion the ultimate tour shoe.
Premium leather combines with Gore-Tex for the ultimate in waterproof performance.
- – Breathable, Clarino® microfiber upper & a lightweight waterproof
- membrane keep you cool & dry
- – 3D molded quarter panel & tongue lining for added comfort & support
- – Dual durometer EVA footbed provides lateral support & medial
- softness to harness power
- -New, lower profile (RST 2.0) spikes for lockdown horizontal traction
- & comfort
- – Durable TPU outsole with carbon insert for added support
- -2 year waterproof warranty
Under Armour’s Rotational Resistance spikes provide exceptional traction, especially as you move from the top of the downswing and transition through the impact zone
The Spieth 4 GTX has an understated but clean style (available presently in white/silver only, hopefully a cool gray or black color option will be available soon).
Testing:
Spieth 4 Gore-Tex is a modern day premium tour golf shoe, it wears like it and it plays like it. Superior Gore-Tex waterproofing and the finest traction outsole in the entire review. It carries a hefty price tag, but it compromises absolutely nothing. It’s a bit longer in size so be sure to purchase these from a retail shop where you can try them on.
GRADES:
Aesthetics: 8+
Comfort: 8+
Foot Support: 9+
Traction: 10
Durability: 10
Wet/Conditions: 10
Value: 8+
Fit/sizing: Fits a half size longer than normal.
Best Suited For:
The serious player who wants an authentic top shelf tour shoe with all of the bells and whistles. About the only option that would improve the Spieth 4 would be a BOA option (and few more color choices). The Spieth 4 is a legit high ticket item, even at its $200 MSRP.
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/sports/golf
Review Summary:
After last year’s feature we received feedback from several respected colleagues and shoe enthusiasts on certain footwear topics – Fit/Sizing, Traction, Foot Support, Turf Damage, Walking, Lifestyle, Stability, Wet Conditions. So we decided to give a cliff notes style summary of each specific category:
Fit/Sizing:
Best fit for Wide Width Feet:
– SQAIRZ
– NB Fresh Foam Links SL
– FJ Flex XP
– TRUE OG FEEL, OG Premium
Best fit for Narrow/Medium Width Feet:
– Adidas CodeChaos
– FJ Pro SL/ Pro SL Carbon
– Asics Gel Course Boa
– ECCO S-Three
Best Traction:
– UA Spieth 4 GTX
– Puma PWRADAPT CAGED
– Asics Gel Course Duo Boa
– FJ Pro SL/ Pro SL Carbon
– SQAIRZ
Best Foot Support:
– Asics Gel Course Duo Boa
– Under Armour Spieth 4 GTX
– Puma PWRADAPT CAGED
– FJ Pro SL Carbon
– SQAIRZ
Best for Superintendents (least turf damage)
– FJ Flex XP
– TRUE OG Premium/OG FEEL
– Adidas CodeChaos
– New Balance Fresh Foam Links SL
– TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit
– ECCO S-Three
Best walking experience:
– Adidas CodeChaos
– FJ Flex XP
– NB Fresh Foam Links SL
– ECCO S-Three
– TRUE OG Premium
– Asics Gel Course Duo Boa
– FJ Pro SL/ Pro SL Carbon
– Puma PWRADAPT CAGED
– TRUE ECO Knit
Best Lifestyle/Versatility:
– ECCO S-Three
– TRUE OG Premium
– TRUE OG FEEL
– TRUE ECO Knit
– FJ Flex XP
– Duca del Cosma
Best Stability:
– SQAIRZ Arrow
– FJ Pro SL / FJ Pro SL Carbon
– UA Spieth 4 GTX
– Asics Gel Course Duo Boa
– TRUE OG Premium
– ECCO S-Three
Best for Wet conditions:
– Under Armour Spieth 4 GTX
– ECCO S-Three (Gore-Tex)
– FJ Flex XP
– SQAIRZ Arrow
– Puma PWRADAPT CAGED
– TRUE OG Premium
– Asics Gel Course Duo
