Have we seen the last of the soft-spiked, traditional golf shoe we’ve all gotten so accustomed to? It seems that casual “street” shoes are the hottest thing in the golf shoe market at the moment. I’ve even heard some of my golf buddies say they’ll never wear normal golf shoes again. There is no question that these shoes offer a great deal of convenience due to the ability to wear them on and off the course, but are they a legitimate replacement to the traditional golf shoe?
A new company called GoBe Golf has entered the casual golf shoe market with an entire line that is designed for both on and off- course use. Before I get into my review of the line, I’d like to introduce you to the company.
About GoBe Golf
GoBe Golf, headquartered in Austin, Minn., was founded by industry footwear veterans and PGA Professionals for the sole purpose of creating the best shoes for playing golf. GoBe Golf manufactures high performance footwear for men and women. The shoes are built from the ground up using innovative materials derived from advanced footwear technology to specifically provide better traction, comfort and support for golfers.
After several years of perfecting the golf shoe from the ground up, GoBe Golf is ready to debut its inaugural line of performance golf footwear. The company, guided by footware industry veterans and PGA Professionals, has launched this high performance golf shoe line with a game-changing tread designed for ideal traction and maximum grip throughout the golf swing. GoBe’s innovative, patent-pending Talon tread sole design allows for superior traction on the course without the need for cleats for a “go anywhere” design.
Looks
With three very distinct models for men and two designs geared for the ladies, there is a GoBe shoe for just about everyone. Throw in the various color combinations and there is certainly a wide variety to choose from. The model I tested for this review was the Rebel in black and tan. In my opinion, the look is very unique and stylish. I feel they are casual and dressy at the same time. In looking over the entire line, I like the simple classy look of all of the combinations available. The shoe definitely has a modern look to it. It’s something that that can be worn anywhere on and off the course. I’ve worn the shoe with shorts, golf pants, and jeans, and the look was quite nice in each situation.
Technology
You wouldn’t realize just how much technology is packed into GoBe shoes by just looking at a pair. From the construction of the shoe’s upper to the patented pending Talon tread sole design, your feet and your golf game can benefit from the performance of a GoBe Golf shoe. Check out the following technical information taken from the GoBe Golf website.
- Talon stars & bars stability technology:
GoBe’s Talon grip technology provides exceptional stability and traction on and off the golf course. Featuring a deep groove 5-point star pattern, the Talon grip stabilizes foot placement and prevents slipping- even on wet grass. Vertical traction bars are added to maintain lateral presser and proper weight placement.
- Sole & Midsole:
Made of a single density, Grade A TPU, the Talon sole is designed to last. The premium tread offers superior traction, and is twice as resilient as rubber. It is fabricated to flex with the foot, and the PU midsole cushions against impact. The foot bed is designed to provide a roomy toe area for comfort and a deep heel cup to hold the foot in place.
- PurTec sports performance upper:
The GoBe performance upper is a revolutionary, lightweight design that maintains natural color, texture and quality even after extensive wear. It is constructed with breathable fibers that are 20 times more water resistance than treated leathers. Flexible and durable, the upper requires minimal care and no break-in time.
- GoBe Dry sport liner:
GoBe’s moisture wicking lining has unique vapor control channels to pull perspiration away from your feet to keep them cool and dry. Dual density EVA insoles cradle your feet with a cushioned core for long lasting support. The natural warmth of your foot helps to mold the shoe for a better fit.
Testing
As I mentioned, there are more technical features packed into the GoBe shoes than you may realize. I was excited to put them to the test the day they arrived. I walk almost every round that I play and my shoes have to be comfortable. The day the GoBe shoe arrived happened to be the same day as a Men’s Club event at my course. I read the material in the package and took particular notice to the part that stated ‘no break-in time required’. I put them on at the house and went off for my round.
I was impressed right away with how comfortable these shoes were. The leather felt firm to the touch when holding the shoe in my hand, but I didn’t get that feeling after putting them on. They really seemed to flex and contour to my foot quite nicely. Men’s Club events are only nine holes, so my first test was a nice casual walk on my relatively flat course. I had no problems with my feet hurting at all. In fact, I was quite impressed with the comfort and they fit very nicely. The toe area of the GoBe is a little wider, so I’m not sure how they’d work for a person with narrow feet, but they worked great for my medium width foot.
I wore the GoBe for several rounds during this review. My first 18-hole round left me with aching feet after it was finished. As I said, I walk almost exclusively, so walking 18 holes usually doesn’t leave me in too bad of shape afterwards. A little soreness is typical, but nothing too bad. Subsequent 18-hole walks in the GoBe did not result in any soreness to speak of, so I tend to think the pain I was in after the first round may have been due to the newness of the shoe.
The traction the Talon sole offers is outstanding. I never once had a situation where I lost my footing during the swing. One of the rounds I wore the GoBe was very early in the morning with plenty of dew on the ground, so it was a good opportunity to put the grip to the test. I have a few pairs of casual golf shoes and none of them seem to stack up in terms of traction like the GoBe does.
Overall
I liked the look of these shoes from the minute they arrived. I’ve worn them as casual shoes off the course even more than I’ve worn them on the course, and I’m impressed with the look and the feel they offer. Due to the outstanding traction and comfort, I think the GoBe would be a great addition to anyone’s shoe collection. They aren’t quite as comfortable as my running shoes are, but they’re not uncomfortable by any stretch of the imagination.
In my opinion, the GoBe shoes fit very close to true-to-size. If anything, the wider toe area makes them feel like they might run about a quarter-size big, but certainly nothing more than that. My foot had plenty of room to breathe, yet they offered plenty of stability to walk the course and to swing the golf club. GoBe Golf footwear offers three styles for men at a suggested retail of $159 and two styles for women at a suggested retail of $139. GoBe Golf shoes come with a two-year warranty and will be sold only through high-end resorts, pro shops, and online at www.gobegolf.com.
Thanks for the review Jake! Decent looking street style shoes, sounds like they worked pretty well for you after that first 18 hole outing.
The price does scare me a bit, there are well known manufacturers putting shoes out for well less than that and I do not think this is an easy market to break into, especially with that high of a price.
Great review Jake! Seems to be a hit for you, and think it’s telling that you have worn them quite a bit off the course as well as on!
Very good review, all of my golf shoes are the “traditional” spiked type. This review is making me think maybe it is time to try the casual style golf shoe. I think these GoBe’s look very sharp.
I really like the looks of the white and silver pair. Nice work on this review, Jake. Would love to try a pair of these out.
Great review! Price is a bit high but I’m sure it’ll come down in time.
Good writeup Jake, I too like the looks of that Silver and White pair that is available. Ive been pondering a pair of the “street shoes” so might have to add these to the list.
I really like the looks of these. Price is a little steep for an unknown. Might have to try these out
The shoes look good as casual and golf shoes but the price point is a bit high considering competitors in the market. I’m a huge fan of spikeless golf shoes that don’t leave my feet sore.
That we a nice review Jake some great info in that write up.
Great review Jake. This will be an item to keep an eye on during the Holiday season to try to catch on sale. This shoe def. had a smooth look.
Good review. I’m in the market for new shoes. The price does make me think twice about these, tho.
Great write up Jake. Liking the white pair the most but the price scares me a bit.
These kook nice. Look to be aimed at the upper end of the casual golf shoe market. Pricing seems inline with the Ecco styles which are 130 to 190.
Well written review Jake. I’m really taking a liking to the black and tan model.
Well done Jake. I am not a fan of the looks but nice to see you rate them high in comfort and traction which are very important. I am sure the styles and designs will change as the company grows.
I wonder how those soles will hold up over time. It’s the only reason I have stayed away from that style. My regular shoes I just replace the spikes, kind of hard to do that with casuals.
These shoes are sneakily stylish as well! Glad they worked out so well for you, not having to break in a shoe is a huge plus in my book.
I love the look of them. It’s pretty cool to see some of these companies begin to combine a casual shoe and golf shoe. I like the versatility that is taking hold.
Those are some beautiful shoes, GoBe really impressed me with these, great review as always Jake
Very nice review Jake. Looks like a very solid, and incredibly comfy golf shoe.
That was a great review jake!!
Nice write up Jake….I am really looking at some of the causal style shoes
I just wonder how long those rubber cleats will last and how many rounds you can get out of them before you start slipping. At $160 without being able to replace any of the spikes, how long or how many rounds will you get? I’ve pondered spikeless shoes and just haven’t pulled the trigger on any of them because of that fear. They look great though! Nice write-up Jake!
Very nice write up Jake! I am interested in spikeless shoes but worried about the traction personally. They are sweet looking though!
I hope we haven’t begun to see the last of the traditional spiked shoes. These are all the rage now, but I am fighting them still! I like to be abler to replace my spikes. Thatg said, I have never tried these, so I don’t really know how good or bad they are nor how long they remain functional as a golf shoe.
They are looking better to me but still not for me just yet.
Nice write up. I still can’t do the casual golf shoe. I like my spikes and saddle’s
Those look awesome glad to hear that they performed as well.
I like what I see here Jakester…good review!!!
I’ve got to check these out. I like the white ones in that picture.
I read on the tag attached to the shoes that if I registered on line I would receive a replacement of one free pair od replacement liners & cotton shoe laces to maintain the life of my shoes. How do I do this?
Bought a pair and played 18 yesterday. Got blisters on top part of both heels. Shoe is not padded very well in ankle area nor cushioned in sole well. Liked the aesthetic design. Tried to register on their web site as instructed on the product tag attached to the shoe. There was no working site. Called their number I got online with no answer. Is this company gone out of business already?
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