Paul Miller brings you the low down on the Payntr X-001 Mesh Spikeless Golf Shoes. Shoes that have links to a great English cricketer – do you know which one?
NCG SUMMARY
Better known for producing quality cricket shoes Payntr have now entered the golf market. It is not often a new golf shoe comes along and you think, yep, I might just consider shifting allegiance and move away from the more established brands. Having tested these shoes I do think they could be a disruptor in the market. Along with Jason Day, I would happily be a Payntr brand champion! Simply – they are the best golf shoes I have ever tested. They are unbelievably comfortable, attractively designed and leaves you with the feeling a lot of thought has gone into producing a shoe to break into the golf market. If you are looking for a new shoe for the Spring/Summer I would seriously consider the Payntr brand. What’s more if you get lucky with your size and colour preference there are some great deals to be had – read on to find out more
PROS
Unbelievably comfortable
Attractive sporty style
Colourway of grey and green I loved
CONS
Might be hard to clean and so not a 12 month a year shoe
Payntr X 001 Mesh Spikeless Golf Shoe: First Impressions
Before I even received the box, I must admit I already had an affinity for Payntr. As a cricketer, I was fully aware of the brand and its reputation for delivering comfortable, quality products. Call me a sporting geek, but I also knew the links back to the co-founder (David Paynter) great-grandad – England’s cricketing great Eddie Paynter. For those Englishmen who have played at least 20 Test Matches, Eddie comes in with the 2nd highest Test batting average. The 1980s Bodyline dramatisation of Eddie getting off his sick bed to defeat Australia lives long in the memory! On opening the box I immediately liked what I saw. I am a fan of the more casual / trainer looking shoe, especially for the Spring and Summer. The grey colour with splattering of green I loved and the mesh sole with brand written across it looked fantastic and just to my liking. The shoe on first handling is very light but the sole and heel feel substantial and sturdy. With the vented tongue it gave me the impression that the foundations (sole and heel) were solid on to which the more breathable aspects of the shoe has been designed and put on top of. I, therefore, could not wait to slip (no cricket pun intended) it on and test it out.
NCG Verdict
If you read the blurb on the Payntr website you might think you are reading a different language. Over technical and lots of big words/phrases used that for those not in the industry would need further deciphering. For example, we are told the shoe has an “Articulated TPU outsole & zonally engineered dual durometer EVA midsole house a lightweight, responsive carbon fibre propulsion plate”. What on earth does this mean you might ask? More importantly, how does it play out in reality when playing golf? Let me try and help – designed for golfers, these shoes are made to help your feet move the way they’re supposed to during a swing, giving you both comfort and performance. They give you better grip in three different directions, making it easier to control your movements and stay balanced while you swing. I definitely found this to be the case when playing shots from a variety of lies, be it uphill, downhill or on the side. I never felt like I was going to slip and the grip was stable. They’re also really comfy, with soft and responsive cushioning under your feet. Plus, they’re lightweight and breathable, so your feet stay cool and dry. Though not tested on a really hot summer’s day these are definitely some of the most breathable shoes I have worn. Let me break down why I’m giving these shoes a 5-star review. First off, let’s talk comfort. From the moment I slipped these shoes on, they felt different. No need to break them in and comfortable from the off. I am a size 12 and there was no need to size up or down. The soft and responsive cushioning provides a slipper like feel when walking but with ample support on the sole. Even after 18 holes, my feet felt fresh and not sweaty. Plus, the lightweight and flexible upper, complete with a vented tongue, kept my feet cool. Now, onto performance. The stability the shoe provided me ultimately gave me confidence when addressing and swinging through the ball. Whether I was driving off the tee or putting on the green, I felt grounded and stable, and by the end of the round foot fatigue had not set in. Though I cannot claim these shoes will knock shots off your game or add yards to your shots, for me, they put me in a confident frame of mind before I even tee the ball up. I like the way they look and feel. And can we talk about style? The grey and green colorway is sleek and modern, adding something different to my golf attire. The woven upper part of the shoe not only looks great but also provides excellent breathability, while the reinforcement offers lightweight support and flexibility. These shoes are as functional as they are fashionable, and I’ve already received countless compliments from my golfing pals. Overall, I can’t recommend the Payntr 001 Mesh Spikeless golf shoe enough. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, performance, and style, and it’s made the 5-6km walk whilst playing golf more comfortable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, these shoes are a must-have for any golfer looking for the ideal Spring/Summer shoe. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Payntr can now quite rightly claim to produce quality golf shoes to go along with their established quality cricket shoes. Currently – if you want this style in black it is £50 off, retailing at a bargain £79.99.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow
Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual
Out of Box Comfort: 10/10
Stability: 10/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Payntr X 001 Mesh Spikeless Golf Shoe Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £129.99 – if you want the style in black it is £50 off, retailing at a bargain £79.99.
SIZE: 7-12 UK
COLOUR: Grey-Green / Black-red
