I tried the cutting-edge golf shoes that pros love

Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.

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Earlier this year, I learned about the fastest growing footwear brand in America — and it’s not one of the familiar names you’d think. It’s Payntr — a footwear brand that launched its first pair of shoes in 2021. In the years since, Payntr has been on a sharp upward trajectory, adding more than six-dozen SKUs to its original product offering. The brand has also been bolstered by a number of big-name pros who have opted to wear the shoes by choice — a rarity in the world of pro golf.

How has Payntr made such a big impact on the golf shoe market so quickly? It all comes down to the brand’s compelling technology. Inside every Payntr shoe is a propulsion plate, which helps golfers harness ground reaction forces to bring more speed and power to the ball during the downswing.

Jason Day is currently Payntr’s lone sponsored player on Tour, and he became a Payntr equity partner last year. Justin Rose, Denny McCarthy and Mike Weir are also among a growing list of pros who wear Payntr shoes without a deal simply because they love them. Needless to say, when my pair arrived, I couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about.

Payntr golf shoe wear-test highlights

The look

The model I received for testing was the X 003 F — a clean, all-white shoe with neon yellow and blue accents. The upper features some visually appealing textural panels and some perforation. As an all-white shoe fan, I love the look. It’s sporty, and looks like an athletic shoe. The TPU outsole is also noteworthy, as it’s covered with traction nubs in different shapes and pointing in different directions.

The fit

Though the shoe is equipped with traditional laces, I only tied them once and didn’t have to again. My foot slipped easily into the shoe and the fit was snug all around. I did notice some light pressure on my right toe — but this has happened to me with other pairs, so I’m convinced that’s a “me” issue rather than a shoe flaw. It should be noted, however, that this particular model features a slightly tapered toe box rather than a wide one, if that’s something that matters to you. For what it’s worth, the toe pressure I felt did not result in any blisters or pain. My whole foot felt locked in, in a good way.

The performance

I was really curious about how the propulsion plate would feel once I had my foot in the shoe, and there was definitely a feel of springiness and support in the sole that I don’t experience with my other pairs golf shoes. And while the propulsion plate can’t cure mishits or general swing maladies, it does aid in helping you feel in control of your swing. And that feeling of remaining solid and balanced aligns with what Payntr co-founder and president Mike Forsey told me about the shoes’ technology during our conversation earlier this year.

“When you’re over the golf ball during the golf swing — and it happens so quickly — you’re going to feel that stability,” he said. “When we talk about traction for the golf swing, that’s where we can deliver the performance advantage from the perspective of, if your feet slip out from under you, that’s going to adversely affect your score. If you’re not efficiently and effectively harnessing ground reaction forces, you may not hit it as far, and it’s going to affect your performance. So you’ll feel it there.”

Forsey’s words were spot on. The traction and connection I felt during the swing was impressive, and overall, the shoes were everything Forsey promised they would be: comfortable, lightweight, flexible, supportive. Did they help me play better golf? I suppose that’s unknowable for now. But one thing’s for sure: I’m looking forward to banking many more rounds in this pair.

Shop Payntr shoes at Fairway Jockey

PAYNTR X 003 F (Women’s)

CLARINO

microfiber upper NEVERWET

superhydrophobic treatment Durable TPU outsole TPU power plate PMX Foam

midsole ORTHOLITE

footbed

View Product

PAYNTR Jason Day Eighty Seven SC (Men’s)

In collaboration with Jason Day our newest model has arrived, the Eighty Seven SC! CLARINO Trivela

microfiber upper delivers lightweight support and flexibility Full WATERPROOF+ breathable membrane fused to lining and sealed with bottom gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue & bootie offers supreme foot lockdown to provide maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. TPU Outsole, with Fast Twist insert system, delivers traction in three dimension for the life of the shoe. PMXNitro+ Footbed delivers lightweight responsive cushioning for the life of the shoe. PMXNitro+ Midsole provides maximum energy return & ultimate under foot support. CARBITEX GearFlex

propulsion plate allows golfers to more effectively harness ground reaction forces. *Discounts are not applicable to this style*

$220 from Fairway Jockey