
Today, Puma Golf is announcing the release of their newest pair of golf shoes, Phantomcat Nitro. We’ve seen a great deal of love for the Alphacats that preceded this new offering, and it appears that Puma has spent considerable energy into delivering another shoe with both high-end comfort and stability.

The Phantomcat Nitro isn’t just a tweak on the Alphacats, but instead offers a number of new technologies, both inside and out, to ensure the performance matches Puma’s well-known ability to deliver attractive styles.
In the heel section, Nitrogen Infused Foam reduces weight, provides ample cushioning, and has a rebound effect to make walking a comfortable experience. In a quest to make the Phantomcat Nitro’s even more comfortable, Puma has designed a new anatomically shaped last with a generous toe box. If you are wondering what a last is, so were we, so we did some research and learned a last is a footprint, or form, referring to the shape of the shoe. They believe that this will give an even wider group of consumers the ability to find a comfortable fit. The company notes that this redesigned shape has been in the works for years. It seems impossible that they could make an even more comfortable golf shoe, but their track record speaks for itself.

The most visible new feature on the Phantomcat Ntiro’s will surely be Flexspike. This is a completely new and unique approach to traction that we can’t wait to try. These cleats are integrated into the shoe and provide a broad area of surface contact with the ground, which should offer top-rate traction and stability in the golf swing. Flexspike is meant to work with a variety of different forces from opposing directions and is made to balance out weight distribution more evenly.
“The Phantomcat NITRO™ is our most advanced shoe to date,” said Andrew Lawson, Senior PLM Footwear, Puma Golf. “NITRO™ foam and FLEXSPIKE technology gives the golfer a combination of traction and comfort like never before. The feedback we’ve received from our Tour Athletes has been fantastic and I can’t wait for golfers to try this shoe.”
Rounding out the feature set are a full grain leather upper with a 1 year waterproof guarantee, secondary spikes made of a TPU material, and a molded heel to provide additional stability.
Puma Phantomcat Nitro Details

- Price: $180
- Four Colorways:
- Sizes M 7-15 available
- Available at retail and on pumagolf.com on February 15, 2024.
I love the look of these, I want a pair.
I really didnt like the press release photos but they look good on feet.
These are growing on me…I think I like the bottoms more than the actual shoe though
These are good looking shoes. I like that they’re not as pointy as the Alphacats in the toes.
Will definitely be trying these on when I go to Golf Galaxy to roll the new Cobra putters on the 23rd. They look comfy, like the talk of a wider toe box.
Just saw and tried these on. Plenty of room in the toe box, fit true to size for me. Honestly they look good but were not as comfy as I had hoped in comparison to other models. The sole was cool but felt hard at least inside the store, maybe they will be better outside ?????
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[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12143409, member: 53737″]
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Woohoo!! It’s finally time!
I’ve been putting these through their paces and I’m a big fan!
Traction – The new Flexspike is really interesting. Sound is a little louder than I would have guessed on sidewalks and parking lots, grips like crazy on swings, and haven’t noticed a single mark on a green so far. Not that I’m known for doing that, but still. And the grip on swings was so good in the muck when I got them that it actually spooked me and me wonky lead knee a bit.
Comfortable – No heel issues I saw with some of their shoes last year. That was kind of a non-starter for me with them. Light. They’ve been in my shoe bag for a while and it’s weird but I actually notice that compared to the pair that’s normally in there when I carry them
Waterproof – Waterproof upper, but not coated so I imagine will wear like normal white leather over longer time period. That was my biggest disappoint if I’m being honest. Part of why my original Alphas are still going strong is because of that coating. I can’t imagine these will last as many rounds, and I am known for scratching through the other shoe’s leather with my opposing sole. I always seen to accidentally rub them across each other. Hasn’t happened yet with these, but feels a little inevitable.
I don’t run around the clubhouse and lots as much as some so it’ll take some serious time to figure out how the spikes wear. Wife spotted these on Amazon late last year and they’ve had a bunch of rounds, but not enough to judge there. They’re a pretty hard material though.
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It looks like the heel is still padded and fabric on the inside? From the outside it almost looked like a one piece neoprene type heel. Do I have that right?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12147347, member: 62865″]
It looks like the heel is still padded and fabric on the inside? From the outside it almost looked like a one piece neoprene type heel. Do I have that right?
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Yes.
[B]OH – Benefit Realized[/B]
These things get great traction, but do NOT collect leaves. I have a personal pet peeve (and preference for, it seems) about shoes that collect leaves. That poke through them and collect them on the soles. Didn’t really occur to me until I went to clean shoes, and they didn’t have any. And I’ve never even banged them out like I do the ones that tend to.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12147419, member: 53737″]
[B]OH – Benefit Realized[/B]
These things get great traction, but do NOT collect leaves. I have a personal pet peeve (and preference for, it seems) about shoes that collect leaves. That poke through them and collect them on the soles. Didn’t really occur to me until I went to clean shoes, and they didn’t have any. And I’ve never even banged them out like I do the ones that tend to.
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Oddly enough that’s good to hear as that was always my pet peeve with Payntr shoes.
Do these come in a wider sole with a high-volume last? The only Pumas I’ve been able to wear have been the old Ignite Pwradapt Caged in 15 wide. Tried the Alphacat last year and they were OK (ie, I could actually get them on) but didn’t have as much volume or comfort as Adidas.
Another great looking shoe from Puma. Will definitely be giving these a look. I think one of my local courses will be getting some in…
Really curious to see that sole in person. Those “spikes” look neat!
One question for anybody who’s had them in hand – are the insoles removable, or are they glued in?
That’s the one problem I’ve discovered with my Alphacats. I walk all my rounds so I’ve worn the insoles out, but when I went to replace them I discovered they’re glued in there. I put the new insoles in on top of the factory ones, but just that small difference in thickness completely changed (for the worse) the comfort of the shoes. Boo Puma, for gluing your insoles.
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12156217, member: 3386″]
One question for anybody who’s had them in hand – are the insoles removable, or are they glued in?
That’s the one problem I’ve discovered with my Alphacats. I walk all my rounds so I’ve worn the insoles out, but when I went to replace them I discovered they’re glued in there. I put the new insoles in on top of the factory ones, but just that small difference in thickness completely changed (for the worse) the comfort of the shoes. Boo Puma, for gluing your insoles.
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Removable. ??
A volition version of these would be fire!
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Loading and organizing and these became the shoes that are in t truck and ready to go at all times over a month ago. They’re versatile like that. ?
Big puma fan and have been waiting for these to be available. Going for the white with green bottoms for sure. I have spike and spikeless Puma shoes and really have been happy with all of them.
So my Try Before You Buy came in. 15 Wide. Will be sending them back. Materials-wise, they feel pretty comfortable but if you have a wide foot with a broad forefoot you’re not going to like these. There is no volume in the toebox. It’s for a straight foot shape, and it’s also quite shallow. Their Wide fits like a typical New Balance wide where they just make the heel and ankle area huge but don’t actually do anything different for the forefoot.
Also not really a fan of the “spikes.” Most spikeless shoes on the market have a more aggressive lug pattern. These seem like they would slip after a couple walks from the range to the clubhouse would wear down the “teeth” around the edges.
Also, the toe has a kinda weird crevice that looks like it would collect dirt and be a pain to clean. Here’s a photo of that and my foot fighting for its life lol:
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I tried these on today and really really like them. They feel like other Puma golf shoes and have a lot in common with the ProAdapt in terms of upper look and feel. The spike system is intriguing. I may try a pair.
I saw these in person at my course when I was waiting to buy my season pass…I like them a lot more in person than I have in pictures
Saw these shoes in the wild last week @ GolfGalaxy. Great looking shoe. I’m skeptical about the spikes if I’m being totally honest
I have been wearing the pair that I picked up around the house this evening. They are super comfortable, right out of the box. The leather is already breaking in and feels quite soft. I think that they are a high quality shoe. If the spike/traction system works out on the course, the shoe is an absolute winner.
I want to get these in hand and try out. Not available here yet, but I’ll definitely get a pair. I’ve worn spikeless for th epast 5 or so years, but this might be something nicely in between.
[QUOTE=”Inioch, post: 12178436, member: 72219″]
I want to get these in hand and try out. Not available here yet, but I’ll definitely get a pair. I’ve worn spikeless for th epast 5 or so years, but this might be something nicely in between.
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I bet you get some cool shoes in September too. Won’t hurt to have a pair of these for your lead up though!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12179355, member: 56094″]
I bet you get some cool shoes in September too. Won’t hurt to have a pair of these for your lead up though!
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I’m sure I will! But that’s the tail end of my season and I know I’ll need at least one new pair this year.
It looks like the cleats might be more comfortable than many yo walk on and give great traction still.
[QUOTE=”PKorf, post: 12178134, member: 38677″]
Saw these shoes in the wild last week @ GolfGalaxy. Great looking shoe. I’m skeptical about the spikes if I’m being totally honest
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Skeptical about what specifically?
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12179411, member: 53737″]
Skeptical about what specifically?
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The actual spike itself and its ability to grip better than a traditional spike of round nature. Dont get me wrong……they look cool. Theyre eye catching. I just dont know if they can or will do anything better. Different is fun. Different isnt always a better option (especially for traction purposes) Take for example, spikeless shoes. More comfy….yes. thats about it.
Im not saying they dont provide better traction somehow. Im just saying im skeptical. ????
[QUOTE=”PKorf, post: 12179428, member: 38677″]
The actual spike itself and its ability to grip better than a traditional spike of round nature. Dont get me wrong……they look cool. Theyre eye catching. I just dont know if they can or will do anything better. Different is fun. Different isnt always a better option (especially for traction purposes) Take for example, spikeless shoes. More comfy….yes. thats about it.
Im not saying they dont provide better traction somehow. Im just saying im skeptical. ????
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Oh they provide great traction. Better? I mean I don’t know. Probably a little individual with how you use the ground. I definitely think they get into the greens less, while working like normal spikes during the swing.
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They don’t stick out as much as some but definitely get a bite. I’m wearing them again today.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12179437, member: 53737″]
Oh they provide great traction. Better? I mean I don’t know. Probably a little individual with how you use the ground. I definitely think they get into the greens less, while working like normal spikes during the swing.
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They don’t stick out as much as some but definitely get a bite. I’m wearing them again today.
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You need to use some Mr Clean pads on these to clean them up and get rid of all the blue stuff! 🙂
[QUOTE=”fdheadwear, post: 12185631, member: 1646″]
You need to use some Mr Clean pads on these to clean them up and get rid of all the blue stuff! 🙂
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I kind of get that on all of my shoes.
I have worn a pair of these shoes around the office this week, breaking them in for real golf. I know that every foot has its own needs, but for my foot, these feel awesome. I am going to be using them for golf this weekend in will be able to provide more thoughts on how stable they are for real golf swings.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12185874, member: 42964″]
I have worn a pair of these shoes around the office this week, breaking them in for real golf. I know that every foot has its own needs, but for my foot, these feel awesome. I am going to be using them for golf this weekend in will be able to provide more thoughts on how stable they are for real golf swings.
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Do you find golf shoes need to be broken in? I have never done that before. Also I need to try these again, when I first tried them on I didn’t find them as comfortable as I have come to expect from Puma.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12185879, member: 5944″]
Do you find golf shoes need to be broken in? I have never done that before. Also I need to try these again, when I first tried them on I didn’t find them as comfortable as I have come to expect from Puma.
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Sometimes for me, the top of the shoe wears an abrasion into my skin around the low ankle area and if I wear them a bit beforehand, it softens them up. I also have fairly flat feet and the arches can be uncomfortable. With a new pair, I like to see how that feels before I get out on the course.
To me, there are two lines of Puma shoes, the Ignite-type footbed and the line that is like the ProAdapt. To me, this Phantomcat Nitro line is much like the ProAdapt in terms of how the footbed feels. That line of shoes has always fit my foot well, so it doesn’t surprise me that I really like this new release.
I love the looks of these but having wide feet I’m afraid these will not work for me. We need more golf manufacturers to cater to people with wide feet aside from New Balance. 🙁
I love these and thinking about picking up a pair. For those that own them already, Is this a spikeless show that you wear to the course? Or is this something you put on at the course? lol I know this sounds silly but I wear spikeless a lot when I practice or play with the kids as it’s quick and easy.
[QUOTE=”JimmyOhio, post: 12187769, member: 52694″]
I love the looks of these but having wide feet I’m afraid these will not work for me. We need more golf manufacturers to cater to people with wide feet aside from New Balance. 🙁
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There is a wide version. Look it up on the Cobra website (Puma).
[QUOTE=”Motopilot, post: 12187906, member: 23346″]
I love these and thinking about picking up a pair. For those that own them already, Is this a spikeless show that you wear to the course? Or is this something you put on at the course? lol I know this sounds silly but I wear spikeless a lot when I practice or play with the kids as it’s quick and easy.
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I wore mine to work to help break them in. It wasn’t an issue.
I wore these today for a real round of golf. They are fantastic. They grip great with plenty of stability. I have posted previously that they feel very comfortable to me and my opinion did not change after wearing them for 18 holes of golf.
Saw these at the store today and really like them in person. Tried them on and the comfort seemed good.
[QUOTE=”Motopilot, post: 12187906, member: 23346″]
I love these and thinking about picking up a pair. For those that own them already, Is this a spikeless show that you wear to the course? Or is this something you put on at the course? lol I know this sounds silly but I wear spikeless a lot when I practice or play with the kids as it’s quick and easy.
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I mean it’s not a spikeless like the Asics or ones similar. I don’t picture it as a sneaker that doubles as a golf shoe. The spikes don’t protrude a lot, but they’re there. And they’re not especially quiet.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12188413, member: 42964″]
There is a wide version. Look it up on the Cobra website (Puma).
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Yes, but according to a previous post the wide isn’t really “wide”. 🙁
Okay I wore these today in challenging conditions. (Flooded swamp)
1. I was limping like heck and in pain from a fall last night, and they were great. Effective but gentle.
2. Yeah I really don’t think they’re meant for any off course wear. Like I said the Flexspike is actually pretty hard plastic. The entire sole is. And I just about busted my ass on the clubhouse floor even though I was being careful.
3. My right heel has a huge chunk missing from an accident a few days ago and all my shoes rest right against it. I’m basically collecting bloody shoes at home. And I was a little scared to wear these because even though these have been noticeably better Puma golf shoes haven’t historically been a friend to my heels. Happy to report that went wonderfully today. Didn’t rub too much. Surprisingly comfortable. Didn’t even have to change the bandage. Which was great.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12203650, member: 53737″]
Okay I wore these today in challenging conditions. (Flooded swamp)
1. I was limping like heck and in pain from a fall last night, and they were great. Effective but gentle.
2. Yeah I really don’t think they’re meant for any off course wear. Like I said the Flexspike is actually pretty hard plastic. The entire sole is. And I just about busted my ass on the clubhouse floor even though I was being careful.
3. My right heel has a huge chunk missing from an accident a few days ago and all my shoes rest right against it. I’m basically collecting bloody shoes at home. And I was a little scared to wear these because even though these have been noticeably better Puma golf shoes haven’t historically been a friend to my heels. Happy to report that went wonderfully today. Didn’t rub too much. Surprisingly comfortable. Didn’t even have to change the bandage. Which was great.
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Glad you aren’t banged up too much.
Tried these on today and I really liked them. Not as comfortable as my Fasten8s but still pretty comfortable. They had a nice casual look too.
The spikes are interesting. They felt grippy but didn’t look like they would tear up a green
I wore my Phantomcats yesterday, walking 18 holes. They were very comfortable. The stability and traction continue to be top notch. They shoes are fantastic.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12203650, member: 53737″]
Okay I wore these today in challenging conditions. (Flooded swamp)
1. I was limping like heck and in pain from a fall last night, and they were great. Effective but gentle.
2. Yeah I really don’t think they’re meant for any off course wear. Like I said the Flexspike is actually pretty hard plastic. The entire sole is. And I just about busted my ass on the clubhouse floor even though I was being careful.
3. My right heel has a huge chunk missing from an accident a few days ago and all my shoes rest right against it. I’m basically collecting bloody shoes at home. And I was a little scared to wear these because even though these have been noticeably better Puma golf shoes haven’t historically been a friend to my heels. Happy to report that went wonderfully today. Didn’t rub too much. Surprisingly comfortable. Didn’t even have to change the bandage. Which was great.
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Great to hear. Try the brand Compede band-aids. Life changing comfort for your heels with blisters, etc.
Very sharp shoes. I’m digging the ones with the green soles. Every pair of golf shoes I own are Puma.
These look really good in hand. Once my current spikes go, which I expect this summer, these will get a long look. Love the insoles can be replaced.
Saw these for the first time in person. The spike sections are a little more aggressive and firm than what I thought they would be. I would wear these but still hoping for a predominately gray colorway.
I went into my local GG to size on the Puma Phantomcat Nitro in hopes of ordering the tastefully inspired Masters edition of the shoe and found that they are very uncomfortable — too stiff. I walk the course and this would never work for me 🙁