I am probably not going out on a limb saying that New Balance is not one of the top brands that come to mind when thinking about golf shoes. Many of us recognize their styles as top-notch running shoes or classic lifestyle offerings. Being that they are a significant player in the running space, it only makes sense that we see some of their cushioning technologies bleed over to their golf lineup. After all, golfers spend a lot of time on their feet, making it necessary to have a shoe that provides comfort and stability. For 2022, New Balance has brought their Fresh Foam X technology from the track to the links with the new Fresh Foam X Defender and Defender SL shoes.
Fresh Foam X is New Balance’s premium collection that delivers an ultra-cushioned feel that is responsive and lightweight. These shoes certainly do not lack technology as they benefit from Cush+ and FantomFit. Cush+ is New Balance’s insole foam compound that will help keep the foot feeling fresh throughout the round. The FantomFit helps provide that lightweight structured and secure fit for the shoe’s upper part.
For their golf department, New Balance has three different lasts, which is the form that helps create the shape of each shoe. Defender and Defender SL shoes are built off the PW-1 last, offering a more performance fit. The other two lasts are the MX-001 and the SL-2, representing a relaxed and lifestyle fit. New Balance focuses on four general areas of fit when creating their shoes, and with the Defender models, the fits are standard within the heel, shallower for toe box depth, a lower instep height, and a wider toe bed.
Trying on the Fresh Foam X Defender shoes for the first time, the word that came to mind was comfort. I could quickly feel the softness of the insole, which I enjoyed. These shoes also have a form-fitting tongue, which comfortably hugs the top part of my foot, helping make this design feel secure. My only complaint about these shoes in the early stages is that the upper part of the toe section feels overly stiff. In reality, it’s probably more noticeable than other shoes because of the shallower depth of the toe box. Over time, I imagine this area would soften up, rendering this a non-issue. For sizing, the fit is true to size. I have several New Balance running shoes, and they match the size I would typically wear but are also on par with other brands’ shoes.
New Balance has gone with an Exoskeleton TPU design for the outsole made to respond to the foot’s natural motion. There are also seven removable soft spikes on the sole that offers plenty of traction. These spikes utilize Softspikes FastTwist 3.0 technology, making it easy to replace when the time comes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X Defender shoes come in two different colorways, White/Grey and Black/Red. Meanwhile, there are three color options for the spikeless option, the Defender SL, white/grey, grey/blue, and black. Both Fresh Foam X models offer a 2-year waterproof warranty.
As you can tell, from the inside out, these new Fresh Foam X Defender shoes are made for both comfort and performance. What do you think of the latest shoes from New Balance? Will the Fresh Foam X Defender get you to think twice about New Balance when it comes time to pick up your next pair of golf shoes? Let us know your thoughts either below or on the THP Community!
The Details:
Available: Today
Price: Defender $129.95
Defender SL $119.95
I actually really like the looks of those. Not sure I would choose them over the new Adidas Tour 360, but the white with grey look great.
New Balance has come extremely far from days of old. One of my favorite daily wearers are NB and I’m excited for these shoes. I think they look great (though not my favorite color scheme). I don’t need shoes currently though.
Great write up
Nice looking shoe and priced “Right”
Is it me or when you by a new pair of shoes with spikes, they’re really fancy and when you go to replace them, you can’t an exact replacement so you end up with Black Spikes?
[QUOTE=”Someonescoat, post: 10485125, member: 67738″]
New Balance has come extremely far from days of old. One of my favorite daily wearers are NB and I’m excited for these shoes. I think they look great (though not my favorite color scheme). I don’t need shoes currently though.
Great write up
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[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 10485120, member: 40538″]
I actually really like the looks of those. Not sure I would choose them over the new Adidas Tour 360, but the white with grey look great.
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I dig the looks as well. Nice and soft feeling too. I have plenty of other NB shoes, during my non-session days it’s pretty much what I wear to work.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485129, member: 782″]
I dig the looks as well. Nice and soft feeling too. I have plenty of other NB shoes, during my non-session days it’s pretty much what I wear to work.
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I’m wearing new balance as we speak (regular shoes) and they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. I will honestly probably pick up another pair of them in the next few months once these wear out, I have another pair. I have had 2 sets of new balance golf shoes in the past. The first pair I bought was in 2017 and I loved them. Super comfy. The pair I bought for the Grandaddy were not very comfortable at first wear. After about 2 rounds though, they were fine.
Not a bad-looking shoe at all. New Balance is making some big strides.
These look like the perfect walking shoe. NB has always felt good on the feet. Not so much on the feet (view).
These might help shift a bit in the right direction.
White are still the best color IMHO, but these are pretty nice.
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[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 10485133, member: 40538″]
I’m wearing new balance as we speak (regular shoes) and they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. I will honestly probably pick up another pair of them in the next few months once these wear out, I have another pair. I have had 2 sets of new balance golf shoes in the past. The first pair I bought was in 2017 and I loved them. Super comfy. The pair I bought for the Grandaddy were not very comfortable at first wear.[B] After about 2 rounds though, they were fine.[/B]
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and that’s why I kind of mentioned the upper on the toe area. It just felt incredibly stiff, but I’m sure it would be fine after a few rounds. Everything else about the fit I actually enjoyed quite a bit.
[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 10485143, member: 52297″]
These look like the perfect walking shoe. NB has always felt good on the feet. Not so much on the feet (view).
These might help shift a bit in the right direction.
White are still the best color IMHO, but these are pretty nice.
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I like the color options in the spiked version a bit better overall. Definitely like the one you posted above.
That’s a good looking shoe. Reminds me of the FJ Fuel.
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 10485151, member: 48815″]
That’s a good looking shoe. Reminds me of the FJ Fuel.
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I thought the same thing!
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485145, member: 782″]
and that’s why I kind of mentioned the upper on the toe area. It just felt incredibly stiff, but I’m sure it would be fine after a few rounds. Everything else about the fit I actually enjoyed quite a bit.
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That’s exactly what the issue with the last pair I had was, but it worked itself out.
Her
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 10485151, member: 48815″]
That’s a good looking shoe. Reminds me of the FJ Fuel.
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logo placement right? I thought the same.
I think they have just enough color and design to look really nice while still being understated… without being a “dad shoe”.
I’m wearing some NB sneakers right now that are definitely comfy, if I had this feel in a golf shoe I’d be happy.
Here’s the black/red combo in the spiked… It just doesn’t do it for me.
[IMG]https://golfcityharbourtown.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-defender-spiked-golf-shoe-black-red-front.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”russtopher, post: 10485162, member: 14253″]
I think they have just enough color and design to look really nice while still being understated… without being a “dad shoe”.
I’m wearing some NB sneakers right now that are definitely comfy, if I had this feel in a golf shoe I’d be happy.
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I will fully admit that my non-session day work shoe is a dad shoe lol
I was fully prepared to come in here and crap on the design, but those actually look really good.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485165, member: 782″]
Here’s the black/red combo in the spiked… It just doesn’t do it for me.
[IMG]https://golfcityharbourtown.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-defender-spiked-golf-shoe-black-red-front.jpg[/IMG]
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eh. much better looking shoes in that colorway.
Clean looking shoe. Never tried NB before but it looks good.
Good write-up [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] I really like the look of the white ones, not so much the black and red shown later in the thread. But in my mind, those spikeless ones that [USER=52297]@Gman79[/USER] showed are the great. I could/would wear those.
I really wish the liner print was more on the outside. NB just always seems to be quite muted in their color ways
Not my bag
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485165, member: 782″]
Here’s the black/red combo in the spiked… It just doesn’t do it for me.
[IMG]https://golfcityharbourtown.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-defender-spiked-golf-shoe-black-red-front.jpg[/IMG]
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Not for me either. The only black shoes I wear are dress shoes. I haven’t found a pair of black or other dark color athletic shoes that I like.
The logo placement is better here than plastered on the side. And, yes, the logo placement does remind me of the FJ.
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 10485180, member: 9006″]
Good write-up [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] I really like the look of the white ones, not so much the black and red shown later in the thread. But in my mind, those spikeless ones that [USER=52297]@Gman79[/USER] showed are the great. I could/would wear those.
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I like this spikeless option too. It’s like they went a little safer on the spiked with the colors.
[IMG]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja7_BZh-PRuSEBuK9ajteOYG3Mf-P4NqFjBP8ukr02sRej5sJk2XDaw8nNfAVS7WCdZt2wZD96Eo6-h3DPoluDQFy_FFWPryI_WAfwsnpw-pDTFX92y07o1ycCxId8F-iO-8D3BWGI_i9QDkL0Y4jMmFdvfOBPkRlxkIZka8y2PfMULftW8Nh-VQh8=s1200[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485165, member: 782″]
Here’s the black/red combo in the spiked… It just doesn’t do it for me.
[IMG]https://golfcityharbourtown.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-defender-spiked-golf-shoe-black-red-front.jpg[/IMG]
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yeesh, stick with the lighter colors NB
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10485191, member: 52381″]
yeesh, stick with the lighter colors NB
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see, I knew I could help you to come in here and talk trash on them. You’re welcome haha
The white spiked shoe look better than the black/red for sure. Interesting to see gray/blue colors for both this and Puma’s new spikeless shoe
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485188, member: 782″]
I like this spikeless option too. It’s like they went a little safer on the spiked with the colors.
[IMG]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja7_BZh-PRuSEBuK9ajteOYG3Mf-P4NqFjBP8ukr02sRej5sJk2XDaw8nNfAVS7WCdZt2wZD96Eo6-h3DPoluDQFy_FFWPryI_WAfwsnpw-pDTFX92y07o1ycCxId8F-iO-8D3BWGI_i9QDkL0Y4jMmFdvfOBPkRlxkIZka8y2PfMULftW8Nh-VQh8=s1200[/IMG]
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needed blue laces or all white bottom. Cool for Lions fans [USER=5944]@jdtox[/USER] (but I think you already have lions Pumas lol)
Also wish they had spikeless with the neon on it. Like i said i want a casual spikeless that is super comfy for warm dry summer walks on the course.
I think the black red is a tough combo, only FJ SL have been able to pull that off, but then again I hate black shoes.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485188, member: 782″]
I like this spikeless option too. It’s like they went a little safer on the spiked with the colors.
[IMG]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja7_BZh-PRuSEBuK9ajteOYG3Mf-P4NqFjBP8ukr02sRej5sJk2XDaw8nNfAVS7WCdZt2wZD96Eo6-h3DPoluDQFy_FFWPryI_WAfwsnpw-pDTFX92y07o1ycCxId8F-iO-8D3BWGI_i9QDkL0Y4jMmFdvfOBPkRlxkIZka8y2PfMULftW8Nh-VQh8=s1200[/IMG]
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Ohhh… I like that one too. I think I’m going to be looking at the spikeless ones more than the spiked
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485188, member: 782″]
I like this spikeless option too. It’s like they went a little safer on the spiked with the colors.
[IMG]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja7_BZh-PRuSEBuK9ajteOYG3Mf-P4NqFjBP8ukr02sRej5sJk2XDaw8nNfAVS7WCdZt2wZD96Eo6-h3DPoluDQFy_FFWPryI_WAfwsnpw-pDTFX92y07o1ycCxId8F-iO-8D3BWGI_i9QDkL0Y4jMmFdvfOBPkRlxkIZka8y2PfMULftW8Nh-VQh8=s1200[/IMG]
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[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] I found a par of shoes to match your new putter
[QUOTE=”The Dave, post: 10485301, member: 19474″]
[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] I found a par of shoes to match your new putter
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yup, they go perfectly together
I feel like those are super comfortable, and look even better with pants.
The little bit of color flare in the heels ads just a nice touch, so it doesn’t look overall boring.
[QUOTE=”The Dave, post: 10485301, member: 19474″]
[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] I found a par of shoes to match your new putter
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what a great pairing ?
I thought it was the FJ Fuel as well. Both Boston brands.
NB is a multi Billion dollar shoe brand. They make great stuff. I had a pair I let a buddy borrow. Never saw them again.
I liked the color in the review and well done. The others not so much. Trying to stay focus on spineless but that first pair is really nice.
I am liking the color of the one in the review and well done! Trying to go spikeless but thought that one looked really good. The other colors not so much.
I really hate Footjoys and love my Puma. I try to keep a rotation of shoes just for comfort and these kinda climb up the list on looks!
Too bad Puma beat them to my wallet… It woulda been happier with the NB price. But them alpha cats are something…
Great write up. I actually really like the look of those. And now that I’m a Dad I can wear New Balances ?
Price is great but I’m not digging the looks
I haven’t been a fan of NB but I like the white colorways…
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10485188, member: 782″]
I like this spikeless option too. It’s like they went a little safer on the spiked with the colors.
[IMG]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja7_BZh-PRuSEBuK9ajteOYG3Mf-P4NqFjBP8ukr02sRej5sJk2XDaw8nNfAVS7WCdZt2wZD96Eo6-h3DPoluDQFy_FFWPryI_WAfwsnpw-pDTFX92y07o1ycCxId8F-iO-8D3BWGI_i9QDkL0Y4jMmFdvfOBPkRlxkIZka8y2PfMULftW8Nh-VQh8=s1200[/IMG]
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Man, that actually looks pretty decent! And waterproof.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10488205, member: 2320″]
Man, that actually looks pretty decent! And waterproof.
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I wish the Grey was in their spike version, not spikeless
I actually really kind of like the white ones pictured here, gray/blue aren’t bad either. They definitely look more comfy than the NB shoes I’ve used in the past
Not terrible looking golf shoes. New Balance will always make me think of this
[MEDIA=youtube]rGrtuqoHhcQ[/MEDIA]
Like the black shoe, but would look better all black without the white. The stripe is too much of a FJ copy thing – come up with something original geez
Fat wide footed golfers know that we only can get FJ or NB – no other brand fits 3E+
I bought the early NB Fresh Foams and have walked a ton of rounds and they are great
Major edition New Balance
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I wore mine for my round last week.
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