Although New Balance has been producing high quality trainers and running shoes for many years – over 100 to be precise – it has only recently got into golf – and even only more recently started selling them in the UK thanks for an exclusive retail partnership with American Golf.
Thankfully the brand has lost none of its cool looks and performance-focused attributes with its first golf offering, with American Golf selling nine different models, with seven options for men and two for women, that will appeal to a wide range of golfers.
The range features spiked and spikeless designs, as well as a choice of laced or BOA closures. The latter enables the wearer to tighten the fit of the shoe across the whole top part of the saddle, not just at the top of the laces, for a snugger feel and fit. It also means that you can simply pull out the BOA button at the end of the round to release the tension and slip them off with ease.
The BOA feature is offered on the Fresh Foam Pace SL model for men, which is available in black with red accents, or grey with slate accents in five sizes from 7.5-11.5, and has an RRP of £164.99. Boasting a waterproof mesh upper designed for year-round play, the Fresh Foam Pace SL features a cushioned insole for the ultimate in in-shoe comfort and energy return, while the smart rubber spikeless outsole delivers all the traction and stability you need to deal with all underfoot conditions.
For those who prefer a traditional lace-up, the Men’s Fresh Foam Contend is definitely one to consider. Boasting a stylish and sporty design, a microfiber leather/mesh upper provides year-round waterproof protection, while a contoured foam insole and spikeless outsole delivers comfort, grip and performance in equal measure. It is offered in three colour options – navy/red, white with blue/red accents, and charcoal grey, and is priced at £124.99.
For fans of a more traditional New Balance look, the 997 Waterproof Spiked model (£139.99), and the 574 Greens (£114.99) will be the ones to go for, with the overall styling being as close as you can get to one of the brand’s most popular trainer models. The 997s feature Pulsar cleats and are ideal for rounds where traction is at a premium, while the 574s feature rubber nubs that make them ideal for summer golf, although it also boasts microfibre/leather waterproof uppers.
Women golfers can take their pick from the Brighton Spiked (£99.99), or the spikeless Fresh Foam LinksSL v2 (£89.99), both of which are waterproof. The Brighton is offered with Dynasoft midsole cushioning and a durable rubber outsole that also feature FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats for enhanced grip, while the latter is a Links SL v2 is spikeless model that comes in white uppers with pink accents, or grey uppers with green accents.
To check out the entire New Balance range of golf shoes, which are exclusive to American Golf, visit www.americangolf.co.uk.