With TRUE linkswear Co-Founder and CEO Jason Moore
Jason Moore is a bit of an expert when it comes to golf footwear––see the throngs of five-star reviews on TRUE’s site for confirmation. Therefore, we asked him to share some advice for golfers searching for their white whale––the perfect pair of golf shoes.
1. Golf shoes should feel comfortable right out of the box. It depends on the style and function of the shoe, but any manufacturer can make a shoe that feels amazing right out of the box. I definitely don’t believe in trying shoes that give you any pain while you break them in.
2. Try-on new pairs with the socks you would normally wear on the course. You would be amazed at how thickness of a sock can change the comfort of a shoe. In fact, socks can account for up to one quarter size added to your feet inside a shoe, completely altering the fit dynamic. So, pay attention to the socks you're wearing when trying on shoes. From a consistency standpoint on the golf course––if you're a performance golfer––you're going to want to keep that sock consistent just like the shoes.
3. Keep foot support in mind as you’re shopping. Golf courses offer relatively soft turf to walk on for five hours, and golf shoes are specifically designed for that turf interaction. Start by looking at the midsole and outsole, with the midsole being the cushioning element of the shoe. You might want to look for something with reasonably minimalist cushioning––something that provides lateral support for the swing and grip for various lies you will encounter on course. Ask yourself, is this shoe putting me in a stable position? Or, is it lifting my heels in an unnatural way, reducing the amount of balance and comfort?
When it comes to outsole grip, look to see if the sole has adequate grip to keep you from slipping. It's easy to tell tread depth, and there should be different directional elements that face forward and backwards in the heel and forefoot. Tread direction will help with stability and balance during the swing. However, if buying in a store this can be tough to determine due to the firm surface you are trying the shoes out on.
4. You may even want to take a few practice swings with the shoes on in the store. It wouldn't hurt to do some lateral movement, ensuring you feel adequate stability in the shoes. Bear in mind, it’s not a fair translation to real turf interaction.
5. Compare several pairs. If it was up to me, you’d spend a good hour analyzing which shoes work. You're going to be in these shoes for an extended period of time each round, walking around 5 to 7 miles. Especially if playing often, ensuring you find the right shoe is paramount to enjoying your walk during the golf season.
6. You’ll notice a difference with TRUE shoes. We design our shoes ergonomically for the average human foot. So, we're not going to make anything that's forced or unnatural. TRUEs are built to provide adequate width in the toe box and a secure fit in the midfoot, ensuring your foot sits fixed and stable. The more you force your toes into a narrow toe box, the looser your heel is, ultimately resulting in an uncomfortable walking experience.
7. Keep in mind TRUEs zero drop footwear. If you want your foundation to be stable and balanced, it helps to have a level base––and zero drop is a fancy way of saying we provide you with an even footbed. When talking about athletic positions––balance and stability––the more level you can be, the stronger you will be. We pretty much provide the only zero drop shoe in the golf footwear landscape. Zero drop provides the golfer a natural base for the swing, and also the most powerful, grounded, and balanced. If you have been prescribed arch support orthotics by a doctor, we recommend swapping them into zero drop TRUEs. However, the average person really doesn't need much arch support. When forcing your foot into an unnatural position with a high heel, narrow toe box shoe, it can often lead to foot problems.
BONUS TIPS: Be honest with yourself when trying on a pair––does it really embody your style and look? Will you be proud to wear them? Can you imagine walking seven miles in them? If you’re going through a rigorous walking experience, you don't want to do it in an uncomfortable pair of shoes, even if they look great. Be honest with yourself in the try-on process so you end up with a better result.