The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the way we live, and many aspects of our lives– both major and minor –have consequently been affected. Social distancing is now etched in everyone’s minds that it seems like face-to-face activities of any kind are well in the rearview mirror (at least for the foreseeable future). As someone who worships the game of basketball as if it were my own religion, to say that not being able to step out on the court and shoot some hoops for nearly 2 years would take its toll on you would be a massive understatement.
Fortunately, as they say, “when one door closes, another one opens”. For me and many others in my age group that find themselves in the same, basketball/football/volleyball//gym-less boat, the beautiful and non-contact sport of golf exists and has been growing rapidly as of late.
About half a year into the pandemic, my dad, an avid golfer, introduced me to the sport and, to say the least, I have not looked back one bit. What better than hitting the fairway for a round of golf on a beautiful Sunday morning, being surrounded by awe-inspiring greenery and in the company of your best buds?
Dressing up in a nice polo shirt, some khaki pants and a clean pair of spikes is definitely a bonus, especially for someone into fashion and sneakers. Admittedly, I may occasionally put too much emphasis on the clothing aspect than the actual sport. After all, they say “look good, play good”, right?
So, here is my list of top 10 golf shoes to up your fairway fits and, hopefully, up your game as well.
*For uniformity, prices will be in US dollars.
10. Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged ($150)
Starting off this list is the sleek and sporty-looking Ignite PWRADAPT Caged from Puma. The PWRADAPT technology, which is the main focal point of this shoe, allows for both better traction and better comfort, while its PWRCAGE that wraps around the shoe improves fit and support. You can also choose from either the Caged Laced or Caged Disc options for whichever type of lacing and fit you prefer. Moreover, the Ignite PWRADAPT Caged has the versatility to be worn off the course as well, that’s if you don’t mind walking around in spikes.
9. FJ Premier Series ($200)
With Premium Pittard Leathers, Full Leather Linings and calfskin details, the FJ Premier Series gives off a classy and old school vibe on a timeless design. Its VersaTrax offers more than your typical spikes, allowing better traction and stability in any condition and surface. Although on the pricier end of the spectrum, nothing says classy like landing your ball neatly on the green from 150+ yards in these classics.
8. Jordan V Low ($200)
As previously mentioned, basketball is like a religion to me. So, when the G.O.A.T. (who happens to be a golf addict as well) adds spikes to his ball shoes, you very well know I’m following suit.
Although a bit bulkier as compared to other golf shoes, the Jordan V Low has great cushioning and comfort. My favorite aspect is that each shoe comes with magnetic ball markers in lieu of the iconic lace locks on Jordan V models. Oh, and did I mention this is the G.O.A.T.’s shoe?
7. Puma Ignite Fasten8 ($120)
Similar to that of the Ignite PWRADAPT Caged, the Ignite Fasten8 is a sleek and sporty looking shoe from Puma that likewise possesses the PWRCAGE technology. Unlike the former, the Ignite Fasten8 isn’t equipped with spikes and, instead, has an organically-altered traction pattern, making it more suitable off the course. A big plus is that it’s relatively cheap, as well.
6. Nike AirMax 97 ($110)
One of my favorite sneakers of all time, the AirMax 97 has both style and performance. Its full-length Max Air unit allows for cushioning, while its integrated traction pattern gives you the grip you need.
What I like most about this sneaker is that Nike didn’t hold back when coming up with different designs for this sneaker, allowing you to be stylish with the many different silhouettes they have for the 97’s.
5. Adidas Tour 360 XT-SL ($180)
Personally, the Tour 360 XT-SL embodies both the classic and the sporty designs; its leather upper, similar to that of the FJ Premier Series, gives off an old school flavor, while the recognizable Adidas Boost sole adds to its sporty side.
If you’ve ever owned an Adidas shoe with the Boost soles, as seen in popular models UltraBoost and NMD, to name a few, you’d know how comfortable these bad boys are. So, seeing Adidas integrate this technology into their golfing catalogue is sure to turn heads.
4. Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 NRG ($200)
If the previous shoe embodies class and sportiness, the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 NRG embodies the 19th hole– the post-golf inuman spot or, as Nike aptly describes as “a place where successes become legendary and lost balls are laughed over. Featuring cork details, the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 NRG lets you take a piece of the after-party to the course.”
Forget that this shoe both looks beautiful and performs great as well; I’m rocking these sneakers purely and simply for what it symbolizes!
3. Adidas Adicross Retro Spikeless Shoe ($90)
By far the cheapest shoe on this list, the Adicross barely even looks like a golf shoe. To me, it looks eerily similar to the YEEZY Powerphase Calabasas, which is exactly the reason why these would look great on the fairway.
Although spikeless, the Adicross boasts Traxion outsoles to secure footing and grip. This shoe is made from recycled content too and, at only $90, is surely a good buy.
2. Jordan IV ($200)
Another one of Mike’s coveted sneakers, the Jordan IV might just be the most swaggy of all golf shoes. Unlike the Jordan Vs that come in a low cut version for its golf iteration, the IVs retain its original high cut design.
Although admittedly slightly heavy, the Jordan IVs offer great traction and protection from wet surfaces due to its leathery, bulky nature. It offers maximum swag, too.
1. Nike AirMax 1 ($130)
The AirMax 1 is my all-time favorite sneaker, so it was a no-brainer placing it atop my list. Almost all the elements I mentioned earlier– style, design, class, sportiness and even swag –the AirMax 1 possesses. With synthetic leather, foam midsole and a Max Air unit, it is both lightweight and breathable as well. Whether partying on a Friday night, heading out to do some errands or, most importantly, dropping bombs on the fairway, the Nike AirMax 1 is the sneaker to wear.
So, these are my top 10 golf shoes to rock on the course.
Golf, which can be extremely frustrating, taxing and humbling, is the type of sport to make you rethink all your previous life decisions and question why you even bothered to take up the sport in the first place, regardless of skill level. In the same sense, however, golf can also be extremely rewarding, fulfilling and downright euphoric.
Such is golf, right?
So, whether you’re a single handicapper who can drive your ball on the fairway with ease, or, like me, who slices and shanks all over the place (FORE!), one thing is for certain: you can always step on the fairway in a nice pair of shoes. Like I said: look good, play good!
