Welcome to I Tried, a GOLF.com series about golf articles – clothes, equipment, accessories, etc. — that we recently took out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest and simple opinions on the latest and greatest golf or golf related articles. So scroll down to read about what we love about the newest (or new to us) golf products.
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Earlier this year, I learned about the fastest-growing shoe brand in America — and it’s not one of the household names you’d think. it’s Payntr — a shoe brand that launched its first pair of shoes in 2021. In the years since, Payntr has been on a sharp growth trajectory, adding more than six dozen SKUs to its original product offering. The brand has also been bolstered by a number of big-name pros who have chosen to wear the shoes on a whim – a rarity in the world of pro golf.
How has Payntr made such a huge impact on the golf shoe market so quickly? It all depends on the brand’s compelling technology. Inside every Payntr shoe is a thrust plate, which helps golfers harness ground reaction forces to bring more speed and power to the ball during the downswing.
Jason’s day is currently Payntr’s only sponsored player on Tour, and he became a Payntr equity partner last year. Justin Rose, Denny McCarthy and Mike Weir are also among a growing list of pros who wear Payntr shoes without a deal simply because they love them. Needless to say, when my pair arrived, I couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about.
Payntr Golf Shoe Wear Test Highlights
The view
The model I received for testing was the X 003 F – a clean, all-white shoe with neon yellow and blue accents. The upper features some visually appealing textural panels and some eyelets. As a fan of all white shoes, I love the look. It is sporty and looks like an athletic shoe. The TPU outsole is also worth mentioning, as it is covered with traction knots in different shapes and directed in different directions.
adjustment
Although the shoes come with traditional laces, I only laced them once and didn’t need to. My foot slipped easily into the shoe and the fit was snug all around. I noticed a slight pressure on my right toe – but this has happened to me with other pairs, so I’m convinced it’s a “me” issue and not a shoe defect. It should be noted, however, that this particular model features a slightly tapered toe box rather than a wide one, if that’s something that matters to you. For what it’s worth, the toe pressure I felt didn’t result in any blisters or pain. My whole leg felt locked up, in a good way.
performance
I was really curious how the push plate would feel once I stepped into the shoe, and there was definitely a springy and supportive feel to the sole that I don’t experience with other pairs of golf shoes. And while the thrust plate can’t cure general swing ailments or ailments, it does help you feel in control of your swing. And that feeling of remaining solid and balanced aligns with what Payntr co-founder and president Mike Forsey told me about the shoe’s technology during our conversation earlier this year.
“When you’re on the golf ball during the golf swing — and it happens so quickly — you’re going to feel that stability.” he said. “When we talk about traction for the golf swing, that’s where we can give the performance advantage from the perspective of, if your feet slide out from under you, it’s going to negatively affect your score. If you’re not efficiently and effectively utilizing ground reaction forces, you may not hit it as far and it’s going to affect your performance. So you’re going to feel it there.”
Forsey’s words were apt. The traction and connection I felt while swinging was impressive, and overall, the shoe was everything Forsey promised it would be: comfortable, lightweight, flexible, supportive. Did they help me play better golf? I think this is unknown at the moment. But one thing’s for sure: I’m looking forward to many more rounds in this pair.
Shop Payntr Shoes at Fairway Jockey
PAYNTR X 003 F (for women)
CLARINO™️ Microfiber Upper NEVERWET™️ Super Hydrophobic Treatment Durable TPU Outsole TPU Power Plate PMX Foam™️ Midsole ORTHOLITE™️ Footbed
$140 from Fairway Jockey
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PAYNTR Jason Day Eighty Seven SC (Men’s)
In collaboration with Jason Day, our newest model, the Eighty Seven SC, has arrived! CLARINO Trivela™️ microfiber upper provides lightweight support and flexibility Full WATERPROOF + breathable membrane fused to liner and sealed with bottom gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue and boot provide supreme foot closure to ensure maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. The TPU outsole, with the Fast Twist insertion system, provides traction in three dimensions for the life of the shoe. The PMXNitro+ Footbed provides responsive lightweight protection for the life of the shoe. PMXNitro+ Midsole provides maximum energy return and ultimate underfoot support. The CARBITEX GearFlex™️ drive plate allows players to more effectively utilize ground reaction forces. *Discount does not apply to this style*
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All Day SC
CLARINO microfiber upper provides lightweight support and flexibility. BREAK+ and breathable membrane fused to the liner and sealed with a waterproof end gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue provides supreme foot closure to ensure maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. The TPU outsole, with the Fast Twist insertion system, provides traction in three dimensions for the life of the shoe. The ORTHOLITE footbed, designed to compress less than 5%, ensures cushioning, fit and comfort never compromise. The PMX Nitro+ Midsole is designed to provide maximum energy return, giving you the ultimate underfoot support. The PMX SPEED PLT driver plate allows golfers to utilize ground reaction forces more effectively.
$180 from Fairway Jockey
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SC Match Day
The CLARINO Trivela microfiber upper provides lightweight support and flexibility. INDEPENDENT+ and absorbent membrane fused to the liner and sealed with a bottom gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue and boot provide supreme foot closure to ensure maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. The TPU outsole provides traction in three dimensions for the longevity of the shoe. The PMX Nitro+ Footbed offers lightweight and responsive cushioning for shoe longevity. PMXNitro+ Midsole provides maximum energy return and ultimate underfoot support. The CARBITEX GearFlex™️ drive plate allows players to utilize ground reaction forces more effectively.
$200 from Fairway Jockey
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