After a false start to spring golf, the summer season is coming in with straight fire. Not only is the PGA Tour back, but a series of dope footwear drops are bringing fresh looks to the course.
Looking to get your shoe game on-point this summer? Well, it’s all about chunky soles and retro reboots. We suggest lacing up these golf sneaks before they melt away.
See Also: Spring/Summer Golf Shoe Guide: Lace Up for the Links
Puma Golf RS-G
Sneakers with expansive midsoles aren’t just for your dad, anymore. They have been dominating the fashion runways in recent years. Now, Puma is bringing this high-fashion streetwear look to the fairways with the new RS-G.
It is no secret that golf has been trying to shed its stodgy style rep the last few years and the RS-G is as hip and trendy a golf shoe as you will find.
Based on Puma’s RS (Running System) series of shoes from the ‘80s, the RS-G takes that chunky silhouette to the course with golf-specific features. The microfiber leather and TPU skin delivers waterproof protection. Meanwhile, comfortable energy return is provided by the cushioned Fusion Foam midsole and Soft Foam sockliner. Exaggerated and pronounced carbon rubber lugs comprise the unique traction system.
Pair the Puma RS-G with your favorite joggers or shorts.
Nike Air Max 97 G
Nike continues to dig into the archives to reboot iconic sneakers for the course. The latest is the Air Max 97 G.
The Swoosh dropped a ‘Silver Bullet’ version of the Air Max 97 G earlier this year, but this Triple White colorway is next-level and perfect for summer. The cool thing about the AM97 G is that the re-imagination isn’t much of a re-imagination. The upper is true to the original aesthetics of the shoe and it features the same full-length visible air midsole as the OG model 23 years ago.
Of course, traction is needed for the course, so Nike turned to the tried and true spikeless outsole from the Air Max 1 G that has been successfully gamed by the likes of Jason Day and Tony Finau. The soft rubber outsole easily transitions to the street without missing a beat. This means you can kick it in the pub after your round and everyone will think you are wearing a sick pair of sneakers.
While the AM97 certainly has that chunky ‘90s-retro vibe, back in the day it was sleek and sexy and an innovation marvel. Most notably, it was Nike’s first shoe with a hidden lacing system and a visible air midsole stretching from heel to toe.
The AM97 remains one of the most impactful shoes in sneaker culture, but the inspiration behind it isn’t without controversy. Nike claimed that the upper’s wavy lines were inspired by Japanese bullet trains, which made for a cool and tidy marketing story. However, rumor has it that designer Christian Tresser, an avid mountain biker, was inspired by high-performance bikes, shiny materials, and ripples of water.
G/FORE MG4+
G/FORE’s brand new MG4+ won a GolfThreads Style Award. Based on the fact that the initial drop sold out in a matter of days on the G/FORE website, we are feeling pretty good about our pick.
Sure, the MG4+’s midsole doesn’t have quite the same volume as some of the ‘dadcore’ styles in this post, but it is a striking feature of the shoe. The texture on the EVA midsole is eye-catching and the sloping angle from heel to toe is ultra-modern. Add some pop color accents to the heel and the MG4+ is one stylish golf shoe.
From a performance standpoint, the MG4+ possesses all the bells and whistles. Building on its predecessor, the MG4.1, it features a waterproof upper, a 3D molded external heel cup, and an outsole with hybrid knurled and sawtooth traction.
Royal Albartross The Strider
Another GolfThreads Style Award winner arriving in pro shops this summer is Royal Albartross’ The Strider. When I saw The Strider at the PGA Show in January, it was love at first sight. The colorful blocked design is sure to turn heads from the first tee to the 19th hole.
While other shoes on this list get their chunkiness from exaggerated midsoles, The Strider gets its robust proportions from its rugged outsole—an outsole that can move from the lush country club fairways to the harsh city streets with ease.
Those who say today’s golf shoes aren’t made the way the used to be made, need to take a closer look at The Strider. It is a proper trainer-style hybrid golf shoe handcrafted in Portugal. The upper is meticulously fashioned with a medley of rich Italian leather, suede, and anti-microbial canvas. The luxurious feel extends to the inside of the shoe as a soft, natural calf leather lines the interior. A heel cup provides support during the swing and the air cushion sole is enhanced with a multi-directional traction system.
Take an understated approach with the simple and stylish Monochrome colorway or the moody blues and greys of the Storm. For those looking to dial-up a strong summer vibe, check out the vibrant Miami colorway.
Pair The Strider with your favorite shorts or technical chinos.
Those puma shoes look super comfy and light weight. Very cool new offering.