New Balance might just have created the best version for college football fans.
I’m not talking about the licensed gear at your local sporting goods store. I’m talking about an already good golf shoe with an emphasis on some of the most iconic college football programs of all time.
Picture this: It’s a Saturday in early September. You have a time at 1:30 and your team takes the field at 6. This Saturday is different. Instead of lacing up your old golf shoes, you step into something that embodies that Saturday excitement.
Introducing New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush.
To sweeten the pot, the Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush isn’t just for looks. We put them to the test in this year’s studless shoe test and they scored a solid 9.2/10.
I walked nine holes a while ago in the Fresh Foam Contend v3 and was impressed by the minimal foot fatigue after four miles. The removable insert is a step up from most competitors in the space, with a solid quarter-inch that helps increase comfort.
I did notice some chafing in the heels, but that went away after the first round. I would recommend wearing thicker socks and tying them tighter than usual as you break them in.
Featured schools
At the time of writing, New Balance offers nine colors on their site, and additional colors can be found in other stores. I have decided that seven of those colors reflect a collegiate program.
As far as I can, I have decided that the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush is suitable for fans of these main programs:
- LSU Tigers
- North Carolina Tarheels
- Michigan Wolverines
- Texas Longhorns
- Oregon Ducks
- (TE) Ohio State Buckeyes
- Louisville Cardinals
I lived just outside of Louisville for a while, so it seemed fitting to rock the couple that reflects the Cardinals colors. I enjoyed pairing my Louisville Cardinals football cap with the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush (even if it looked a little over the top).
Final thoughts
I’m all over the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush.
For $109.99, you’re not just getting a golf shoe that matches your favorite team, you’re getting an above-average comfort shoe that scored a 9.2 out of 10 in our testing. The Fresh Foam Contend v3 is one of the best spikeless golf shoes I’ve tested in 2026 and is an easy addition to my recommended list of budget friendly golf shoes.
If you’re a fan of either of these schools, you’d be a fool to pass up a pair of the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush.
