REVIEW: These Nike Golf Shoes Are For the Golfer Who Isn’t Phased by the Elements

Stringer Bell once said during Season 3 of The Wire that “nobody gives a **** about a forty-degree day.” The thing is, I do, and I care because it’s an opportunity to get out on the golf course while most people are under the impression that it is just too cold outside.

It is now November, and in Pennsylvania, forty degree days are more common than not. I still use these days to get some work in out on the range or the course, and in my experience, it’s the least congested time of the year. Plus, the tougher conditions make things a lot harder to control and when things are warm and there is no wind, it seems like an easier game to play. In short, you get better when you play in the cold and the wind and in adverse conditions.

But in the cold comes a lot of necessary equipment, including plenty of warm clothing. I prefer long johns, a neck warmer, and nice winter hat, along with warm clothes to keep myself comfortable. One thing that has been difficult, however, is finding a pair of shoes to keep my feet warm. Shoes are usually geared toward breathability, which is not necessarily favorable when it comes to colder conditions. Even thicker socks can be a disadvantage, and surprisingly, I haven’t seen many OEMs come out with footwear that is ideal for golf in cold weather.

Nike answered my questions about this by releasing the Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield weatherized golf shoes, geared toward protecting your feet from the elements. In my initial impressions, I thought of them as more of a baseball or football cleat than a golf shoe, but after wearing them, it is obvious they will be in the rotation for my colder rounds this Fall and Winter:

“Sideways rain? Gale-force winds? They’re all tamable in the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NXT% Shield. Made to help you stay dry when the weather turns, it has waterproof materials and innovative traction, so you can skip the cozy clubhouse confines at the turn and march to the back 9 in confidence.”

First Impressions and Looks –7.9/10

I’m going to be honest: There is not very much I like in terms of looks. I am definitely someone who prefers Mid-Top shoes, even on the golf course. However, I don’t like grey or black shoes, and I don’t necessarily love how these look. They’re very rugged for a golf shoe and they’re not what I would like if I had my choice and was responsible for designing them.

With that being said, I don’t really want to hold too much against them. If they were a white and black shoe, meaning predominantly white with black accents, I would score these a 9+.

On the Course Performance – 9.0/10

They get the job done. They offer exceptional grip, I felt really comfortable with them in the soppy conditions, too, which is what I used them for the first time I wore them.

They also were not as stiff as I expected them to be. I enjoyed how they made my ankle feel very supported without being too restrictive. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comfort – 8.2/10

I truly feel like these are going to take some time to break in. I don’t know how long that will take because I don’t know how many rounds I will play outside. It won’t be as many as I play during the Spring, Summer, or early Fall, and I can’t see myself wearing these anytime it’s above 45 degrees. 

They are a tad boxy. The toe region does not provide as much give as I would like and they are a tad stiff.

One thing I really love is the neoprene liner that wraps around your ankle and foot. It takes a minute to get into the shoe but once your foot slides in, you do feel a sense of security and like the liner is really hugging your foot. The shell is where things get iffy, and where my complaints lie currently.

Durability – 9.1/10

These are made for weather, and I don’t doubt that they will stay together and in great shape through any part of that. I am actually hoping that in the Spring I am able to play a few holes in some rain so I can truly test their limits.

Overall – 8.5/10

I admit that these are not my favorite shoe aesthetically, but they’re going to do what they’re designed to do. I really do enjoy the fact that if I am forced to play in the elements, like for a scramble or tournament, I can have these in the rotation for various reasons, including to keep my feet dry and warm.

Nike has really done a great job of adding a lot of different shoes to their lineup and making sure there is something for everyone. These might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re a great option for those who love to golf in any condition.