REVIEW: Tiger Woods’s Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress Golf Shoes

Tiger Woods’s Sun Day Red has already built itself quite a reputation. After all, if it’s good enough for the 15-time Major winner, it should be good enough for us, right?

After launching apparel last year for the first time and having a peek at the great quality and matching price tag, SDR has finally launched its first footwear: a classic aesthetic golf shoe that is sure to rival some of the biggest and most successful companies in the industry.

But is it good enough to live up to the expectations of having perhaps the greatest professional golfer to ever play the game’s name attached to it?

The Inspiration

It is evident that the Pioneer Cypress model is launching SDR’s footwear the correct way. Everything from the packaging to the materials that come with the shoes is crafted with exceptional quality.

Designed by Tiger, the shoe is aimed at being the perfect piece of golf equipment. Crafted and inspired by the 40,000,000 steps that Woods has taken on a golf course in his lifetime, it truly feels like a shoe made by golfers for golfers.

Woods would know what kind of shoe would offer premium support, unparalleled longevity, and an exceptional look. Woods chose not only the design but also the small details.

Everything from the height of the heel to the material used within the liner is handpicked and has a reason behind it.

First Impressions

In the box, you will find a note from Tiger, your order details packed inside a quality “folder,” a bag of tees (which has come standard with every SDR package I’ve received), two dust bags, one for each shoe, a pair of the infamous “massaging” footbeds, and the shoes themselves:

The shoe itself feels heavy and is made of high-quality Premium Full Grain waterproof leather that will keep them looking good even in the worst conditions. While lightweight shoes are requested by some and perhaps a non-negotiable for others, the Pioneer Cypress does not compromise on weight. 

Also worth mentioning is the smell. Opening up the SDR shoebox was everything I thought it should be. A nearly intoxicating aroma of leather and other materials rushes from the box as you open it for the first and also the hundredth time.

No matter how many times I open this box, the smell of all of the elements of this shoe are available.

I’m always very impressed with a company that takes pride in the entire presentation of a product and not just the product itself. This is one of those times when I’m truly appreciative of what I have received.

The box is thick and high quality, and while most might just throw it away, I’m hesitant because it would ideally make for a nice storage piece for the shoes.

I have found this with everything SDR sends, and it will make it to you in the same fashion. Everything is super high quality, so the price tag on these shoes is undoubtedly worth it, not only because of the quality of the shoes themselves but also what comes with them.

All the Details Matter

Perhaps my favorite part of these shoes is that there are no cut corners. Everything about them is designed with a focus on making a shoe that is for the true golfer.

What do I mean by that? Many things.

High-Quality Laces

First is the little things. Waxed poly laces and reinforced metal eyelets ensure your laces will stay together and not fray. One of the most common and most frustrating things is when you have a cheap pair of laces, and they begin to unravel. Threading a frayed lace through an eyelet is not only next to impossible, but it also looks awful.

You also get an extra pair of laces in the box, so don’t get too upset if this first pair loses its white color to green grass or brown dirt.

Interior Lining

Secondly is the lining. The lining of the Pioneer Cypress is comprised of calfskin leather and textile, giving a soft and smooth feel to the interior of the shoe, enabling even more comfort.

Most golf shoes are lined with a cotton and polyester mix or cheap, synthetic materials. Neither of these are breathable, so it can cause issues with moisture in the short term, which can lead to more damage in the long term.

Outsole

Third is the outsole. One thing you’ll notice with golf shoes of a similar appearance but worth less money is the lack of focus on the outsole. This is a very underrated part of the shoe that many more players should pay attention to.

Without traction, your golf swing is spoiled. It never has a chance. Not only do you want the shoe to perform in a manner that is appropriate for the conditions, but you also want to feel like it will do its job before the shot.

SDR went with a High-Density TPU full ground contact plate with nine cleats in total. The Pulsar Soft Spikes are removable and replaceable, so if one gets damaged, it can be replaced.

Compared to other shoes, this is one of the more filled-out examples of an outsole on a golf shoe that I can remember. I tend to stay away from shoes like Nike Air Max on the course and only use them in the simulator, although I have been surprised by the grip of those shoes out on real grass.

I also tend to stay away from shoes that have a lesser focus on the outsole grip because slipping is something that I genuinely don’t care to worry about; it impacts my game too much.

There is no doubt that this shoe grabs the turf and keeps you stable and planted. If you are someone who struggles with grip on the course, be sure to check these out.

Two Footbeds/Insoles

Next is the inclusion of the additional custom massage footbed. What other shoe have you ever bought that includes an additional insole for a more tailored feel?

The massaging footbed was the first modification I made to this shoe. I immediately placed them inside and enjoyed the sweet sensation of comfort as I broke them in. I doubt they will ever leave the shoe, at least for me. They are much more rewarding than the smooth footbed that comes as a standard.

Tiger Embossed Designs

Lastly, and more of an aesthetic feature than anything, is the inclusion of embossed Tiger designs on the heel of the shoe.

It would not be a Tiger Woods product if it did not feature Tiger Woods logos. With his previous endorsement deal, Woods never had a piece of clothing that did not equip his old logo. It was always out there and ready for you to see.

These shoes are no different.

Of course, this does not improve the performance of the shoe whatsoever. But it is a quality feature that truly shoes how much care and craft went into creating what are, in my opinion, the best golf shoe I have ever owned.

It is nice and refreshing to see so much meticulous design go into what is perhaps the most anticipated golf shoe launch in the history of the game.

The thing about SDR products is that they do not get released to the public if Tiger does not give the thumbs up. You can tell that these were designed by an athlete who requires only the best, because the best has earned him what is one of the most dominant professional sports careers of all time.

The Pioneer Cypress from Sun Day Red is available and can be picked up here for $250.

@jklendsholla Tiger Woods Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress Unboxing #tigerwoods #golf #sundayred #pgatour #golfshoes #unboxing #fyp #CapCut ♬ Midnight City – SugarPro