TRUE’s TL-01 – Proof That Leather Can Be Ultra-Lightweight

Despite being founded in 2009, TRUE linkswear has recently been releasing some of its best offerings.  Indeed, starting with the well-known and highly praised Originals from last year, TRUE followed up with the Majors (which were just released in a Tuxedo color pattern), their new flagship model that features a premium waterproof full grain leather construction, minimal heel drop, sockfit liner that hugs your foot and, true to TRUE, 80,000 step dynamic waterproof and breathable 2-Year Guarantee.

Taking things in a slightly different direction, TRUE released the Knits last year, which were designed to be super lightweight (weighing only 9.5 oz) and breathable.  While the Originals, Majors, and Knits all feature a spikeless, nubby rubber pattern on the sole to provide traction, the Knits were equally usable on and off the course.  In fact, the white Knits my fiancée treated me to last Christmas have become my go-to pair of shoes whenever I was traveling because they’re so lightweight, breathable and flexible that my feet never feel uncomfortable, whether I’m walking to the terminal or relaxing in my seat for a few hours.

Incredibly, however, the Knits are no longer TRUE’s lightest shoe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hozel Rocket 🚀 (@hozel_rocket) on Aug 2, 2019 at 6:56am PDT

The TL-01s are TRUE’s newest release.  Notably, the TL-01s—which are available in Classic Black (pictured above), Vintage White, and Grey Area—feature a premium full grain Nappa leather and weigh only 8.7 oz!  That’s right, somehow, TRUE was able to make a leather shoe weighs less than its already super lightweight knit model.

Similar to prior TRUE models, the TL-01s also features a minimalist, zero-drop sole, which provides natural balance and stability.  This is great because, similar to the Knits, the TL-01s benefit from the same on and off the course “dual personality.”

Notably, the TL-01s distinguish themselves from the standard TRUE design by instead being designed with a traditional width toe box.  For anyone who’s concerned that this comprises TRUE’s “walking on clouds” comfort, do not fret.  Indeed, the full grain Nappa leather upper actually will mold to the shape of your foot after a few wears.  Along with the sock fit opening, the TL-01s quickly become a lightweight, comfortable extension of your feet.

In fact, rather than waiting for the weekend to try out the TL-01s on the golf course, I decided to wear them to work a few days with jeans.  Despite the long commute and walk to my NYC office, the TL-01s instantly felt comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by TRUE linkswear (@truelinkswear) on Aug 19, 2019 at 6:11pm PDT

In my opinion, the TL-01s in Black hit that perfect balance of professional, classy and casual.  In addition to the more traditional width toe, as opposed to TRUE’s more common natural width toe box, helps it easily blend in.  As a result, the TL-01s easily pass the casual wear test, as they could likely go with any outfit that doesn’t call for suit shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by TRUE linkswear (@truelinkswear) on Jun 16, 2019 at 7:04pm PDT

On the golf course, the TL-01s were equally at home.  Indeed, the aggressive, durable tread pattern on the sole was surprisingly grippy even without spikes that are reserved for dedicated golf shoes.

But perhaps the greatest benefit of the TL-01s on the golf course is how lightweight they are, particularly in light of the fact that the feature a full leather construction.  Indeed, one of the biggest drawbacks of dedicated golf shoes are their weight.  The standard spiked golf shoes weighs approximately 30 oz. (or nearly 4 times the weight of the TL-01s).  Unsurprisingly, the additional weight will take a toll on you, especially if you’re walking the course.

And while my home course only measures in at just over 6,300 yards, I often found myself with a little more energy while walking with the TL-01s than if I had been wearing spikes.

Finally, while most brands simply provide you with a box that you inevitable toss once you decide to keep the shoes, TRUE packages the TL-01s in a cotton canvas bag that could easily be used to hold your TL-01s or keys, wallet and cell phone during the round.

Little things like this really help separate the mainstream brands from the niche companies who look to provide their customers with something unique, and it’s a nice touch that really demonstrates that TRUE is a customer-conscious brand.

In sum, if you’re sick of constantly having to change your shoes between a round of golf and a night out, are looking for something lightweight while you walk around the city or golf course or maybe just need something different in your closest that provides you with a unique combination of comfort and versatility, then you need to check out the TL-01s.  As mentioned above, the TRUE’s are available in Classic Black (pictured above), Vintage White, and Grey Area and come in sizes 8, 8.5-11.5, 12 and 13, so there’s a color and size for essentially everyone.