Golf can be very expensive—between clubs, membership dues/green fees, and balls not yet lost to the pond, the costs associated with the sport are enough to rip a bigger divot in your wallet than most guys could on the course. But it doesn't have to be that way if you know where to look, especially for footwear. While many golf shoes can cost well above $200, Sports Illustrated recently spotted a popular style from New Balance that might be one of the best pairs for under $100.
Right now, the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend SL golf shoes are on sale at PGA Tour Superstore for just under $80—a 20% discount on the original price of $100. These golf shoes are the highest-rated pair from New Balance at PGATSS, with over 50 five-star ratings, many of which are from frequent players. They're available in sizes 7 to 16 with options for medium, wide, or extra-wide widths.
These New Balance golf shoes combine the brand's expertise in running and comfort with key features golfers want. The upper is made from a combination of waterproof engineered mesh and leather, with an added toe bumper that further combats morning dew and light rain. It uses the brand's sought-after Fresh Foam midsole to bring cushion and support underfoot with proper arches that promote stability. The sole is spikeless, instead utilizing a mosaic-like pattern of molded rubber grips to keep feet planted while swinging.
Despite the many great features, if the sizing is wrong, it's all for naught. These shoes are known to run about a half-size small, so it's wise to consider ordering up. Furthermore, if you have wide feet, factor in the two extended width offerings to find the best fit. If there's a silver lining, it's that most other golf shoes won't be available in such a vast array of sizes, so there's bound to be a pair that fits every guy perfectly. That's what many shoppers have found so far.
After wearing the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend SL golf shoes, shoppers agree that they're decently lightweight, comfortable enough for a full day of walking, and very nice looking. "I love the feel and looks of these," one shopper said. "The sole is hard rubber, so you can stay stable while swinging but gives a sneaker-like feel while walking." This shopper also urged guys to not be shy about trying the extra-wide after having experimented with it and stumbling on the perfect fit.
Many other shoppers praised these golf shoes for their "sneaker-like" feel. "This golf shoe feels more like a comfortable sneaker," one shopper said, while another added that "it is as comfortable as their running shoes."
Shoppers were mostly in agreement that the shoe's waterproofing was up to par. One shopper who wore the shoes in varying conditions said they remain unphased when encountering bad weather. "I have played these in both dry and soaking wet conditions now," they said. "Great traction and comfort in both conditions. My feet stayed dry in the wet conditions, too."
Golf doesn't have to be ridiculously expensive, and these New Balance golf shoes are proof. For just under $80, you can have a close-to-custom fit in a shoe that's said to remain comfortable for hours of wear. We're unsure how long the sale price will be live for, so if you need a go-to golf shoe that can be counted on for comfort and durability while keeping you stable mid-swing, pick a pair of these up while the sale is live.
