The most "game-changing" shoe in your experience?

[popp]

I'm wondering what has been the biggest upgrade in shoes has been for you, either performance wise or simply perceptually. I'm sure there's been a decent amount of improvements in terms of weight, some of the shoes made last century look like they'd feel like clogs. Personally, I haven't worn a shoe that has made me go "wow" in terms of performance on the golf course, but I've never bought the highest end shoes from various brands. If it's light and comfortable, or waterproof and comfortable, I'm happy.

 

Growing up in the mid 00s, the Adidas Tour360s had just come out and were the shoe to buy. For whatever reason, everyone who had a pair swore by them, and me and my friends all wanted a pair like crazy too. I've never seen such buzz around a shoe like that since- was any of it warranted?

 

 

[MattM97]

The most game changing shoe is the one that fits best and is the most comfortable to wear. 

[RacineBoxer]

10 hours ago, MattM97 said:

The most game changing shoe is the one that fits best and is the most comfortable to wear. 

 

Agreed. 

 

To the OP's question: I've had 3-4 pairs of Adidas 360's over the years. When I went to buy a pair of the most recent version I found them quite narrow, so I sized up an additional 1/2 size and now I don't enjoy them much because they are a little too long and don't bend/crease it the right spot.

 

[pseudoswede]

BOA laces. They were a game-changer with snowboard boots, and I was so excited when they started appearing in golf shoes. There is a similar system now for ski boots, and that will be my next purchase.

 

I must have weird feet because I have to constantly re-tie my laces even if I double-tie them. BOA fixed that.

 

Oh yeah, I'm also lazy.

[Greensmaster95]

For me, switching to a "zero drop" shoe like the True Linkswear shoes was game changing.  Super comfortable, waterproof, wide toe box, and the grip is pretty great for spikeless shoes. The zero drop helps me keep my center of gravity underneath me a bit more as opposed in front as I was before, leading to me tipping over in my finish.

[Warrick]

6 hours ago, Greensmaster95 said:

For me, switching to a "zero drop" shoe like the True Linkswear shoes was game changing.  Super comfortable, waterproof, wide toe box, and the grip is pretty great for spikeless shoes. The zero drop helps me keep my center of gravity underneath me a bit more as opposed in front as I was before, leading to me tipping over in my finish.

Right there with you, only wear FS-01, and OG3 Pro.

 

When you don’t even notice your shoes, then you know they are good.

[Llortamaisey]

Footjoy Classics. After I got my first pair i instantly realized that I could still look like a player even if my game was trash. 

[smoova]

6 hours ago, Greensmaster95 said:

For me, switching to a "zero drop" shoe like the True Linkswear shoes was game changing.  Super comfortable, waterproof, wide toe box, and the grip is pretty great for spikeless shoes. The zero drop helps me keep my center of gravity underneath me a bit more as opposed in front as I was before, leading to me tipping over in my finish.

Had a similar experience finding Ecco Bioms. Allow me to walk/carry 36 in a day with zero discomfort from mortons neuroma. Play much better when I walk. Have 6 pairs now. 

[Leftytom69]

I have using Ecco C4s with inserts.  Totally helps reduce soreness after walking.  

[qtlaw]

Athletic shoes (Nike Air Max, etc.) being made for golf; they are so much more comfortable.

[semarlor]

Finally accepting that I have really short, really wide feet and stopped trying to cram myself into shoes that dont fit. It limits the brands and styles I can wear but I've had so many foot issues that I almost don't even care what they look like anymore if the fit right. 

[Flip4000]

Moving to the footjoy Premiere's were a game changer for me in stability and comfort. They look like dress shoes, but are extremely comfortable and stable.

Another shoe that was great for me was the adidas ZG3 with the boa. Love the BOA system as it is very easy to get shoes on and off, but the cushioning has been excellent. The boost + lighting strike has been awesome and has made the shoes perfect for walking. The biggest thing with these shoes is the material. Its somewhat rubberized and perfectly keeps water out. Super easy to clean with just a wet cloth, which makes a big difference. They have become my new inclement weather shoes, and being super easy to clean has been awesome for muddy days 

[Dr.Frankenputz]

On 5/18/2025 at 5:39 PM, smoova said:

Had a similar experience finding Ecco Bioms. Allow me to walk/carry 36 in a day with zero discomfort from mortons neuroma. Play much better when I walk. Have 6 pairs now. 

The original Ecco biom hybrid were (for me) way more comfortable than any other golf shoe I had used before. I’ve had a bunch of Ecco’s since then and been pretty happy; just wish they’d put out more spiked shoes. 

[caniac6]

On 5/18/2025 at 11:59 AM, Greensmaster95 said:

For me, switching to a "zero drop" shoe like the True Linkswear shoes was game changing.  Super comfortable, waterproof, wide toe box, and the grip is pretty great for spikeless shoes. The zero drop helps me keep my center of gravity underneath me a bit more as opposed in front as I was before, leading to me tipping over in my finish.

I would like to try them, but have no idea what size, or model to order. I wear a size 44 in Ecco, and I would want some cushion. Any recommendations?

[BMC]

These...

 

https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Sneaker-Chalk-White-Alumina/dp/B09YXBZRMN/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3RNZS910H8AN0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tnDH6jt9y-nWwoIffmSDnHcS9O6MnbGz3cO-5moO_JMRdmr4_Q5QfWh5VsCZciSwTxztX5Hxis_Oip2yM-Kzbs-RUeCLxohX41Cc5PLWx_UhAsEGXKLLtD1LVkviGcE3y3WTm7CNinwwWYhThKm1M_ONpigYmAcxPJfYLbpVBojv6RjmWYW8xCopclWa3SogqJxGla8mK2o0wGL2mba4w117IaI9nzxbSzI9a92q-el16BQCG96XS8BHQ05oKXFCFhC73Aj8kMtWnvHV0xXlZ1sGaIQnSmn7IoelenwO9pY.G-QpiD7O15KahCRnbn0NQ5RqKFZDsw_I8x5EL3tYcLw&dib_tag=se&keywords=adidas%2Bgo%2Bto%2Bgolf%2Bshoes&qid=1747768988&sprefix=adidas%2Bgo%2Bto%2Bgolf%2Bshoes%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-2&th=1

[Lasorcier]

1.  No shoes at all;

2.  True Linkswear zero drop; and,

3.  Ecco.

 

The tipping thing mentioned before is the reason for that, and who doesn't enjoy a barefoot walk in the grass?

 

The higher the stack in the shoe, the worse I play.  

 

[jda]

For me, it is the shoes with the zero torque, are balanced and have the winglets to help with aerodynamics and lift with every step.

 

All of this said, I like New Balance in regular life and I like their golf shoes too.

 

I had to switch to New Balance after God's Shoes were sold out everywhere...

[Hawkeye77]

On 5/20/2025 at 1:22 PM, caniac6 said:

I would like to try them, but have no idea what size, or model to order. I wear a size 44 in Ecco, and I would want some cushion. Any recommendations?

 

I'd always recommend trying something - I had a couple different variations but noticed when wearing them a lot more and walking and mowing, lol, I had pain developing in my heels and eventually figured out zero drop is no good for me.  I also tried some well cushioned running shoes with a similar almost zero drop notion and no good (for me).    

 

The Trues I had years ago weren't much for any kind of cushion but that may have changed and I have no experience with recent models at all - but I can say zero drop is very individual to your feet (and I think my young feet would have tolerated them better, haha vs. the feet I've had for awhile).     

[Rob G 89]

FJ traditions all white

comfortable, stability, goes with any outfit 

easy to clean 

 

[RickyBubbs]

Johnson and Murphy, I wouldn’t buy any others. 

[Santiago Golf]

TW13 is it even a question 

 

I am a True Linkswear guy now, but if I was playing early morning rounds for money, it would be TW13 all day

[LongNwrong27]

9 minutes ago, Santiago Golf said:

TW13 is it even a question 

 

I am a True Linkswear guy now, but if I was playing early morning rounds for money, it would be TW13 all day

It’s wild they created the best shoe ever and then could never match or improve it. 
 

had a true phase myself but prefer FJ premier in wide now 

[edgibson22]

Ecco s3. Last forever. Waterproof forever. Can walk in them forever. 

[mshills]

I wore Classics for a long time. Then FJ came with the Classics Tour which were absolute trash and it was obvious they weren’t going to be in the game long. So for me it was the circa 2006 TWs:

 

 

….and around the same time the first Adidas Tour 360 that got me out of Classics.

[Shankyouverymuch]

Foot Joy Dry Joys. My distance control kicking out from under trees is dialed in with these bad boys. Improved my scores 5 shots minimum.

[dfwgolfer92]

Will second TW13, I am a huge FJ Premiere/Icon guy for normal rounds but heavy walking trips like Bandon, SV, etc. TWs are a god send for my feet.

 

Still wear Frees almost daily so having that in my golf shoe has been huge, can walk 36 a day and my feet arent killing me.

[Kmac]

On 5/23/2025 at 12:43 PM, Santiago Golf said:

TW13 is it even a question 

 

I am a True Linkswear guy now, but if I was playing early morning rounds for money, it would be TW13 all day

I thought this as well and the bought the re-released TW13 Masters editions and the toe box is so small and tight. They feel awful compared to some of the newer shoes with a better toe box. And I loved the original TW13 when they came out.

 

The Adidas MC80's are my favorite shoe right now. 

[FormerBigDaddy]

The g/fore mg4+ O2 is by far the best shoe I’ve ever wore. Perfect mix of softness and stability. To me it’s the perfect golf shoe. 

[PowerFade36]

TW13 for its time.

[BCULAW]

On 5/22/2025 at 9:53 PM, Rob G 89 said:

FJ traditions all white

comfortable, stability, goes with any outfit 

easy to clean 

 

This was mine as well. I walk anytime I’m allowed. Struggled for years with blisters and, more recently, plantar fasciitis. I stopped wearing sox - actually forgot them one round after work - and going sockless cured my blisters, crazy as it sounds. The Traditions almost immediately cured my foot problems. I’m on my fifth or sixth pair now. Can’t get away from them.