Back in 2019 a partnership between Srixon and ASICS was announced and their first line of golf shoes in the US came out in December of that year. Those shoes gained almost cult like status on the THP Forum for their comfort and durability. The new ASICS GEL-Course ACE golf shoes look to double down on that, and early impressions are they might even be better.
“The Srixon/ASICS partnership has been tremendous for both our brands,” said Mike Powell, President of Sales and Marketing at Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO. “ASICS is a huge global sports brand and widely recognized as the leader in performance footwear. We’re excited to launch the new ASICS GEL-Course ACE. This shoe will provide the legendary performance of ASICS running shoes and the waterproof protection you need when conditions on the course aren’t perfect.”
Before diving into the tech and features, we know everybody likes to hear about sizing and fit and we can safely report that the new ASICS GEL-Course ACE fits true to size. They are not too narrow or too wide, and fit remarkably similar to their running shoes, with what feels like even more support. Right out of the gate, they are one of the more “fits like a glove” golf shoes we have received to test.
Jumping into the tech a bit, the ASICS GEL-Course ACE (that is a mouthful) features a lightweight frame for flexibility. The air mesh works well here and the overall weight doesn’t feel much heavier than that of a running shoe. FlyteFoam from Asics provides a certain level of shock absorption, in other words, your feet don’t take the brunt of the impact walking the course.
Underneath that flexible mesh is a thin layer of PU and waterproof lining to keep you dry. Testing this out in the early morning with dew all over the grass it worked extremely well. Feet stayed dry, and while we have not tested in a heavy rain, we suspect it will hold up rather well.
They are spikeless, but not just nubs or ribs added to the sole to offer some traction. The ASICS GEL-Course ACE has what is called FG traction sole pattern, which places “spikes” exactly where you need them for stability and traction.
The comfort comes from a myriad of different things. The sole pattern mentioned above is part of the equation where pressure is placed. GEL cushioning in the heel reduces impact from walking and has a way of making it mold to your foot a little better, in my opinion anyway. The GEL-Course ACE also has Toe and lateral rubber wraps that are designed to maintain stability and balance through the golf swing.
After a couple of weeks wearing the ASICS GEL-Course ACE golf shoes, the above sounds more like an advertisement than a review, but the truth is, right out of the box they are one of the most comfortable golf shoes we have tried to date. Combining that with solid stability in a spikeless design with early signs showing decent resistance to water, and they have a winner here.
The Details
Cost: $149
In Stores: January 27th, 2021
Colors: White/Pure Silver, White/White, Graphite Grey/Graphite Grey
Bingo.
Agent Jay, you just have to get older. You’ll come back around to liking them around 60.
Take a look at FJ’s new traditions line if you like a blend of tradition and comfort.And good pricepoint.
They look very similar to Asics running shoes which in my opinion are very good running shoes. I’ll give these a look as comfort and stability are two of the features that I seek from my golf shoes.
In theory, the design of the sole is more specific to the movements inherent to golf. But I imagine that trail running shoes would work fine in most conditions. Road running shoes wouldn’t be very grippy though.
You and I both loved the previous line and I think this one is as good or better.
Thanks for this tidbit! Knowing they’re based on the cumulus really helps! Do you know if it’s made on the same last?
Totally agree
the cumulus are comfy but i prefer the nimbus…cumulus felt mushy to me.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
decisions…wanted to grab the new FJ hyperflexes but they felt stiff (the soles) outta the box.
They’re both neutral cushioning shoes, but the Nimbus is built with the maximum amount (more than Cumulus). Maybe because of different cushion types?
could be…i felt like the nimbus offered more support and weren’t so mushy while running.
Me too. The other colors not so much. But I was an ASICS shoe guy exclusively for years and if these are as comfortable as you say, I’m very interested
I have both and the ASICS blow the Fjs out of the water in comfort
message received.
If you were wondering – these are the most comfortable golf shoes…and maybe shoes overall that I’ve owned. They look good, feel good, and now the next step is for me to play good with them on. I will be ordering a second pair shortly and tossing my other FJ’s that I gamed last year.
Thank you @JB for the stellar recommendation!
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Those look silly comfy!
Legit best ones I’ve had. May also end up being Friday schools shoes!
Only up to 13’s, sadly it means I’m out
Geez. I remember "Kilties" and metal spikes, and shoes weighing nearly 2 lbs apiece! But I will take a look at these, as long as they are REALLY waterproof! That and comfort are my main considerations. Whether I’m sweeping the morning dew, or slogging around in the early spring muck, or trying to play through some showers, that is the overarching consideration I have for my footwear! I hate wet feet! I will suffer no other footwear that I use to have that feature so, the same with golf shoes!
Going out to play in them today. Should be able to give good feedback.
Nice and grippy on the wet grass?
They were. I am pleased with the performance.
Cool Of the three shoes I’m considering, these are the ones towards which I’m leaning the hardest.
Which other 2 shoes are you considering?
Puma Fasten8 and Puma Ignite NXT. Fasten8 for the system. Ignite NXT for their appearance.
Did you try any retailers like Budget or others? Maybe they can help?
Yes, just checking there now and trying to figure out import costs and if I’m okay getting a colour I wasn’t as excited about.
I have a tee time in a few minutes so will wear them for the first time on course and see how they perform.
More thoughts to follow…
Shoot from the hip impressions:
1. My feet feel good after the round. No major hot spots considering they’re brand new.
2. They look good. Walked through some nasty stuff today and water/mud beaded right off.
3. I wish I ordered 1/2 size smaller. My feet were floating around inside a little so I had to stop after the 4th hole and tighten things up.
4. Good breathability. It was decently warm tonight and after the round my feet felt comfortable.
5. I really wish I ordered 1/2 size smaller.
I’ll wear them again next time I play. And for the record, today I wore my usual Puma sports socks (very similar in thickness to the Motion Wool THP type). I did feel comfortable with the amount of grip I experienced all round. And that included some significantly steep descending, walking on VERY wet grass, dry clay, gravel, and nice tee boxes. These definitely feel like a nice trainer on my feet.