TRUE Linkswear OG Feel Golf Shoes Review

The initial time I slipped on the OG Feels, I actually double-checked the box to make sure they sent the right product. At 8.7 ounces, these things feel like wearing socks with a thin rubber sole attached. The zero-drop construction, meaning there's no heel rise whatsoever, immediately made me stand differently. My weight naturally shifted toward the balls of my feet, and I could feel every contour of the ground beneath me. This isn't marketing fluff; with just 7.5mm of total stack height (5mm tread, 2.5mm sole, plus a removable 6mm insole), you're practically barefoot with just enough protection to keep from bruising your feet on cart paths.

What really caught my attention was how this design philosophy translates to the golf swing. Traditional golf shoes raise your heel and compress your toes into a narrow box, which I never realized was limiting my balance until I experienced the alternative. With the OG Feels, my toes could spread naturally inside that gloriously wide toe box (it accommodates up to 4E widths), creating a more stable base. During my initial range session, I noticed I wasn't fighting to maintain my posture through impact; my body naturally found a more athletic position.

The zero-drop sole forces you to engage muscles in your feet and lower legs that have been sleeping in cushioned shoes for years. The initial week was honestly uncomfortable, not painful, just different. My calves were sore after 18 holes, and I felt muscles in my feet I didn't know existed. But by week two, something clicked. My balance improved dramatically, especially on uneven lies. I could feel subtle slopes I'd never noticed before, and my weight transfer became more intuitive.

I've tested other minimalist golf shoes (Vivobarefoot comes to mind), but TRUE has found the sweet spot between barefoot feel and practical functionality. That thin 6mm insole is genius, it provides just enough cushioning to prevent foot fatigue without disconnecting you from the ground. You can remove it for an even more minimalist experience, though I found leaving it in struck the perfect balance for walking 18 holes.

Most knit golf shoes I've tested fall into two camps: either they're so loose and stretchy that your foot slides around during the swing, or they're so tight and restrictive that they defeat the purpose of having a flexible upper. The OG Feel's one-piece sock-fit knit upper somehow avoids both pitfalls. The knit is taut enough to keep your foot secure during aggressive swings but stretchy enough to accommodate different sock thicknesses and allow natural foot movement throughout your round.

The DWR (durable water repellent) coating deserves special mention. No, these aren't waterproof shoes; if you step in a puddle, your feet will get wet. But that DWR treatment handles morning dew and light moisture surprisingly well. During a particularly dewy morning round in September, my feet stayed dry for the first nine holes before the moisture ultimately worked its way through. For a fully breathable shoe, that's impressive.

What really sets this upper apart is the leather saddle with a paracord lacing system. This isn't just aesthetic (though the color contrast does look sharp); it provides vital midfoot stability. The paracord laces lock your foot in place without creating pressure points, and in three months of testing, they've never come untied mid-round. The leather saddle adds structure exactly where you need it, through the midfoot, while allowing the forefoot and heel areas to remain flexible.

The breathability is outstanding. During a brutal 95-degree afternoon in August, my feet stayed remarkably comfortable. The knit construction allows air to flow freely, and unlike my traditional leather golf shoes that turn into sweat saunas, the OG Feels kept my feet dry even during a riding round (where you're not getting the benefit of walking breeze). The trade-off is obvious; these aren't cold-weather shoes. Once temperatures dropped below 50 degrees, my feet got cold quickly, especially with any wind.

The wide toe box accommodation is a transformative aspect for anyone with wide feet or bunions. I wear a 2E width in most shoes, and finding comfortable golf shoes has always been a challenge. The OG Feel's stretchy knit upper, combined with that roomy toe box, means my feet can spread naturally without feeling constrained. Even better, the stretch accommodates foot swelling during hot rounds, something rigid shoes can't do.

Here's where I expected the OG Feels to fail. How could a shoe this minimal, with what looks like a running shoe outsole, provide enough traction for a golf swing? The aggressive TPU spikeless tread pattern proved me completely wrong. These shoes grip better than some spiked models I've tested, and they do it without feeling like you're stuck to the ground.

The traction pattern features deep, multi-directional lugs that bite into turf without tearing it up. On firm fairways, the grip is confidence-inspiring. On soft conditions, they perform adequately, not as well as aggressive spikes, but better than most spikeless options. Where they really shine is in versatility. I can walk from the parking lot, through the clubhouse, onto the range, and straight to the first tee without that awkward spike-on-pavement clicking or worrying about damaging floors.

During testing, I intentionally sought out challenging lies, sidehill, downhill, wet rough, and pine straw. The OG Feels handled everything except the most extreme situations (don't try hitting from mud). The flexible outsole actually helps with traction on uneven lies because it can conform to the ground rather than fighting against it. On a severe sidehill, I could feel my foot naturally adjusting to the slope while maintaining grip.

Wet condition performance exceeded expectations. While these aren't rain shoes, the rubber compound maintains grip even when damp. I played through a light drizzle (not by choice), and while my feet eventually got wet, I never felt like I was going to slip during the swing. The tread pattern channels water away effectively, though standing water is still problematic.

Durability has been solid through three months of regular play (2-3 rounds per week). The outsole shows minimal wear, even on the high-stress areas under the big toe and heel. The tread depth has compressed slightly, but hasn't worn smooth anywhere. Based on current wear patterns, I'd expect these to last a full season of regular play, which is respectable for such a lightweight shoe.

Sizing these shoes requires attention. TRUE Links shoes run about a half size small compared to other golf brands and a full size small compared to athletic shoes. I typically wear a 10.5 in FootJoy and Adidas golf shoes, an 11 in Nike running shoes, and need an 11.5 in the OG Feels. Don't guess; if you're between sizes or unsure, go up.

Once you nail the sizing, the fit is exceptional. The sock-fit liner hugs your foot without creating pressure points. The heel lockdown is secure without being restrictive, and there's no heel slippage even with the flexible upper. The midfoot feels supported thanks to that leather saddle, while the forefoot has room to spread naturally.

Breaking in these shoes takes about two rounds. Not because they're uncomfortable initially, but because your feet need time to adjust to the minimalist design. The knit upper softens slightly with wear, conforming to your foot shape. After a week, they feel like custom shoes.

One clever design element is how the removable insole allows fit customization. With the insole in, there's just enough cushioning for all-day comfort. Remove it, and you gain extra room if you prefer thick socks or have particularly high-volume feet. I've played with and without the insole, and both work well; it's purely preference.

The shoe accommodates different sock thicknesses remarkably well. I've worn everything from no-show socks to cushioned crew socks, and the stretchy upper adjusts accordingly. This flexibility is perfect for varying weather conditions or personal preference changes throughout the season.

These shoes were clearly designed with warm, dry conditions in mind, and that's where they absolutely excel. The breathability is unmatched in the golf shoe category. During those humid summer mornings when everything else feels suffocating, the OG Feels keep your feet comfortable. The lightweight construction means you're not lugging around unnecessary weight during a walking round, and the flexibility means no hot spots or blisters even during 36-hole days.

The minimalist design extends beyond the course. I've worn these as casual shoes to the driving range, running errands after a round, and even to casual dinners. They don't scream "golf shoe," which is invigorating. The aesthetic is more athletic than country club, which appeals to younger golfers and anyone tired of traditional golf fashion. TRUE packages these shoes in a reusable shoe bag rather than a traditional box, which doubles as storage for muddy shoes after your round.

However, these aren't all-weather shoes. Once temperatures drop below 60 degrees, your feet will get cold. Any serious moisture (beyond morning dew) will work its way through. If you play year-round in changing conditions, these work best as a warm-weather rotation option rather than your only golf shoes. TRUE does make the Original 1.2 model with waterproof faux leather for those needing weather protection.

The DWR coating helps with light moisture but needs reapplication every few months to maintain effectiveness. I've been using a standard DWR spray (the same stuff I use on hiking gear), and it works perfectly. One application lasts about a month of regular play.

For hot-weather golf, these are simply the best shoes I've tested. The combination of breathability, lightweight construction, and ground feel makes walking 18 holes in 90-degree heat surprisingly bearable. Your feet don't overheat, you're not carrying extra weight, and the natural foot position reduces fatigue. During a late-July round in brutal humidity, these were the only reasons I finished 18 holes comfortably.

Absolutely, while the TRUE Linkswear OG Feel Golf Shoes are a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Transformative ground feel improves balance and swing stability.

• Exceptional breathability makes hot-weather rounds comfortable.

• Wide toe box and stretchy upper accommodate diverse foot shapes

Cons: 

• Not suitable for wet or cold conditions

• Requires sizing up from a normal golf shoe size

• Adjustment period needed for zero-drop design