As 2026 comes to a close, I take a moment to reflect on the golf equipment I use each week.
When it comes to golf shoes, I often prioritize those that are easy to put on and offer enough performance to get the job done for a mid-handicapper like me. In all honesty, 2026 may be the year that changed my perspective and priorities when it comes to golf shoes.
As I approach my 30s, I realize more and more that I just can’t “bear the pain” anymore. I walked just under seven miles while playing a beautiful course in North Carolina and I truly believe that the shoes I chose that day caused my back for the next 10 days. I hadn’t had any major problems with those shoes in the past, but I noticed pain the next time I wore them, too.
I finally realized that I need golf shoes that are high performance as well as comfort. I can no longer survive without them. I won’t put up with mediocre or even slightly above average comfort on the golf course for another second.
Testing golf shoes is a primary function of my job and I routinely rotate between shoes on a round-to-round basis.
Most recently, I spent time with the TRUE Linkswear Original 1.2. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the OG 1.2 is a bad shoe – I actually believe the opposite. At the same time, people don’t drive across town like Paul Revere shouting that the OG 1.2 is the most comfortable golf shoe of all time.
In fact, in mine comprehensive reviewI would label the comfort as just “fine” on the course, but much less comfortable when walking on the cart path or in the parking lot. TRUE Linkswear is incredible for convenience on the golf course and off the golf course, but the And 1.2 it wasn’t and the brand isn’t the industry leader when it comes to comfort.
During my seven-mile walk in North Carolina, the OG 1.2 felt great. After that, my back had a lot more pain than I’m used to.
What I will do differently in 2027
If you haven’t guessed yet, my plan for 2027 is simple.
Comfort, comfort and more comfort.
Maybe 26 is the age cutoff for golfers who can get away with shoes that lack adequate comfort or maybe my back injuries are worse, but whatever the problem, I’m fixing it in 2027.
Every golfer has priorities when choosing golf shoes, but I have come to the conclusion that the lack of comfort should not be a beginner. If you are like me, it may take you until the ripe old age of 27 to realize this, but it should be the most important factor when choosing your next pair.
It’s easy to choose to sacrifice a little in terms of traction, stability and price if the shoe is comfortable, but when was the last time you heard someone say “Wow, this shoe is really uncomfortable but the traction is great!”?
The best golf shoes do not compromise. In our shoe test every year, we evaluate the best spiked and spikeless golf shoes in terms of comfort, traction, stability and whether they can out-duel the elements.
If you are in a similar place with sore feet, back pain or notice more body fatigue after playing golf, take my advice and dive deeper into the comfort that is readily available at the click of a button.
The next shoe I’m going to put to the test is the SUBTXT Macaw Golf which features Blumaka Max Cushion insoles for increased comfort. I’ve only put a couple of miles on them so far, but I’ve been impressed with how they’ve felt.
If you are not sure which shoes are the most comfortable, you can click one of the two links below to see our spikeless and spikeless test results.
The place Test golf shoes for a lifetime. Here’s what I learned in 2026 and what I’ll change in 2027 appeared first MyGolfSpy.