Hard to believe it’s been nearly a decade since Fred Couples’ spikeless golf shoes created not only a media buzz at the 2010 Masters but the start of a whole new industry for the casual performance golf shoe.
Today, it’s all about shoes that can be worn on and off the golf course. Stylish, modern, functional and technical enough to wear with shorts on a golf outing, but shoes that can also transition right into an outdoor evening concert worn with jeans.
Some of you cringe at the notion of not having ‘dedicated’ golf shoes. Others, like myself, are ecstatic to be able to pack one less pair of shoes in the suitcase for vacation. Here are three perfect examples.
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Puma Suede G Patch shoe for men and women
“The Suede shoe has been a street legend since Puma first launched it back in 1968. It’s clean, classic, comfortable, and now we’ve had success bringing the same iconic look to the golf course,” said Grant Knudson, Head of Product Creation. “The new Suede G Patch celebrates the retro design of the original version, but incorporates traction and function that’s vital to a spikeless golf shoe. The interchangeable patches add another element of style, giving golfers the chance to customize their shoes with one of six fun Puma patches.”
The Suede G Patch ($110) uppers have a tonal hoop-and-loop formstripe and come equipped with six interchangeable, woven label patches. This version is also built on a hidden traction outsole that provides the stability needed on course. A dual-density insole provides two unique layers of cushioning for customized comfort, fit and long-lasting durability. The Suede G Patch is available in men’s and women’s sizes 4–14 and comes in rose, black and quarry colorways.
Royal Albartross Daring Merlot shoe for women
“We decided to raise a glass to one of fashion’s most on-trend hues for 2019—merlot.
We like to break the mold a bit at Albartross, so we side-stepped the color red for a change and went with a soft white calf and patent leather merlot combination,” said Alex Bartholomew, Founder & Head Designer. “Warm and full-bodied, wine tones complement the traditional neutral palette that is so popular in golf. The Daring works well with grey, navy, white, beige or black as a great choice for on and off the course this season.”
Also available in black and nude colorways, the Daring ($299) boasts an anatomically-shaped inlay sole with lightweight cushioning foam and Vibram pro golf outsoles. There is brogue detailing around the patent stripe accent, a pull tab for ease slipping on, and a soft, breathable leather lining. The Daring is offered in sizes 5-10 and arrives in a shoe box you’ll want to keep as well as a nice shoe bag.
True Linkswear TL-01 for men
“With the TL-01 we were selfishly looking for a minimalist, classic sneaker that we could seamlessly transition from the office to the links,” said Jason Moore, Partner & President. “It’s really a shoe designed with our own lifestyles in mind—meaning it’s a shoe that can look casual or smart, built with incognito tech to be as light and comfortable as possible. A great golf lifestyle shoe to put it simply.”
Crafted from the finest weatherproof full grain Nappa leather, the TL-01 ($149) will mold to your foot over time for the utmost walking comfort. It is available for pre-order, (at the time of publication), in white and black, sizes 8-13. The TL-01 also has a zero drop cushioned midsole in a neutral platform for natural balance and stability, as well as a sock fit opening for additional comfort. Weatheready provides enough protection to keep your feet dry on damp days yet breathable on warmer days, and the shoes come packed in a reusable canvas bag for a lighter environmental footprint.