What’s the deal with hard gate hardware storage?
If something is natural goodyou should feel the responsibility to share it with others. When I like something, I run like Paul Revere in hopes that everyone will come and see it for themselves.
The finding of Atalonz Breakwall this early is like finding In-N-Out before In-N-Out. I’ve been a fan of Athalonz for a while, previously testing the Mana Mangrove Pro.
The Breakwall features Mastrotto Italian Nappa Leather which means you are getting some of the best leather Italy has to offer. You don’t believe me? You will find Nappa Leather on some Bentley and Rolls Royce vehicles. If you want your golf shoes to humbly boast “look at me,” the Breakwall is a perfect choice.
The resentment when brands don’t get the recognition they deserve. Like any shoe, there are pros and cons. Up to this point, I’ve found mostly pros with Athalonz shoes. So many pros that I’ve added Breakwall to my steady rotation.
Materials
This is what Athalonz does really well: they don’t take shortcuts when it comes to materials.
- Nappa leather is built to handle any conditions you encounter on the course. This Nappa leather comes from the Italian leather manufacturer The Mastrotto Groupa leader in the leather manufacturing industry.
- Athalonz uses Vibram traction technology for the Breakwall. If you mountain bike, run trails, climb or do something on the athletic field or wear slip-resistant work boots, you’ve probably seen Vibram.
- The heel and tongue feature suede to keep you more secure.
- This is not football, but “Pigskin” is used for clothing to increase durability on the field.
Pros
The Breakwall features my favorite type of fit in a golf shoe.
I prefer when there is a little extra room in the toes and a little extra room throughout the rest of the shoe. The toe box has an almost perfect balance between tight and roomy, leaning closer to the narrow side of the scale.
As mentioned, the materials are top of the line. If luxury is your cup of tea, the Breakwall fits the bill. If you’re a self-professed “leather junkie,” you’ll love the feel of Nappa leather. It has a relaxed feel and a hint of elegance.
It pairs well as a lifestyle shoe. With its Nappa leather construction, the Breakwall can be worn off the course in professional settings.
ANTI
In wet conditions, traction is poor at best.
The notes are very repetitive and basic to provide that extra “oomph” you need when wet. The Vibram technology seems to work very well in non-golf scenarios, but doesn’t make the grade in rainy climates.
In hot conditions, expect your feet to rise hot.
Nappa leather can trap heat, so you can expect your feet to get pretty toasty in hot conditions. If you live in a humid climate, be warned.
At $275, you’re getting less bang for your buck.
I felt the same way when I tested Mana Mangrove Pro. For context, the price is steep due to the fact that Athalonz makes their shoes in the USA and uses high-end materials, but I can’t justify the $275 price tag. Attraction is controversial and other industry leaders offer more for less.
The cost is increased due to the fact that they are “Made in the USA.”
They get dirty great easy.
If your golf shoes are white, you will face getting them dirtier than most golf shoes. When you add the fact that they’re leather, expect even more marks that you’ll have to constantly clean.
Key relationships
If I had to score the Athalonz Breakwall, I’d give them a solid 9/10. For someone who loves the look and feel of leather, it was an easy addition to my rotation.
I would like a lot of improvement in traction, not necessarily talking full studs, but an improvement is required. I’m a big believer that attraction is the second the most important part of a golf shoe after comfort. Breakwall needs an attractive upgrade.
In terms of comfort, the Breakwall has a great removable insole with an emphasis on heel comfort. If you constantly feel aches and pains in your heels, the Breakwall insole may be the solution for you.
I’ve played about a dozen rounds with the Breakwall and the putty has created a slight imprint of my fingers on the bottom of the putty. On the one hand, this could be a good thing, potentially meaning a more customizable experience when it comes to comfort. On the other hand, it can also mean poor quality and materials that will deteriorate after I put more rounds through them. Only time will tell.
At first glance, you wouldn’t guess it’s a golf shoe. If this type of design is your vibe, look no further. Breakwall felt better on grass than concrete (figure). It’s a small thing, but worth noting for those who plan to wear the Breakwall off course. Expect pain on hard surfaces.
Many golf shoes have trade-offs that you should consider before purchasing. While the Athalonz Breakwall is a good balance between style, luxury and performance, it struggled to keep up with the industry in terms of appeal and price.
