I’ve been rocking spikes for twenty years. Nothing beats that feeling of digging in and knowing you aren't going to slip when you make contact. So when TRUE Linkswear sent over their Knit II spikeless shoes, I was skeptical. Another "lifestyle" golf shoe that would have me slipping around like I'm wearing dress shoes on the course? Not interested. But after three months of testing these things in everything from early morning dew to late summer heat, I've got to eat my words. The TRUE Knit II isn't just a good spikeless shoe; it's making me question why I've been lugging around those heavy, stiff spiked shoes all these years.
The initial thing that hits you when you pull these out of the box is how ridiculously light they are. At 9.1 ounces for a size 9, they're literally lighter than my golf glove and tees combined. The one-piece knit upper looks more like something you'd see at a running store than a golf shop, and honestly, that had me worried. But TRUE has been making minimalist golf shoes since 2010, and they've clearly learned a thing or two about what actually matters on the course.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Ultralight 9.1-ounce spikeless golf shoe with one-piece knit upper provides sock-like comfort without breaking in.
Wanderlux foam midsole delivers excellent cushioning and rebound, reducing fatigue during 18-hole rounds compared to traditional golf shoes.
Cross-life outsole maintains reliable traction in dry conditions but lacks waterproofing for wet-weather play.
Competitively priced at $140-160 with 30-day returns and free exchanges for sizing adjustments.
Best suited for casual golfers prioritizing comfort over stability, not recommended for low-handicappers needing maximum ground force reaction.
That Sock-Like Fit Actually Works
Let's talk about this TRUEknit upper because it's the star of the show here. TRUE uses a 90% polyester and 10% spandex blend that's knitted as one continuous piece, no seams, no overlays, no pressure points. The weave gets tighter around the midfoot for support (and it gives a nice visual break in the design), but the entire thing stretches and moves with your foot like a high-end athletic sock. When you first slide your foot in, and yes, you literally slide it in like a sock, it feels wrong for a golf shoe. Where's the structure? Where's the support? But the reality is: after about five minutes of walking, you realize this is exactly what your feet have been asking for all along.
I've got slightly wide feet (somewhere between D and E width depending on the brand), and finding golf shoes that don't squeeze my forefoot has always been a challenge. The TRUE Knit II accommodates up to EE width naturally because the knit material just conforms to whatever shape you throw at it. No breaking in required. No blisters after the first round. Just instant comfort that lasted through 36 holes in one day during a member-guest tournament. My playing partners were switching shoes at the turn, while I forgot I was even wearing golf shoes.
The breathability is next level too. Playing in 95-degree Georgia heat, my feet stayed remarkably dry. That open-cell footbed, combined with the knit upper, creates actual airflow through the shoe. I'm not saying your feet won't sweat; they will, but the moisture doesn't just sit there making your socks soggy and your feet miserable. It actually evaporates. Wild concept, right?
Wanderlux Foam: Marketing Fluff or the Real Deal?
Every shoe company has its proprietary foam technology with some space-age name, and usually it's just EVA foam with a fancy label. TRUE's Wanderlux super foam midsole had me rolling my eyes initially. But after walking 18 holes four days in a row (vacation golf is the best golf), I'm a believer. This stuff has a unique rebound quality that's hard to describe; it's not mushy like memory foam, but it's not firm like traditional golf shoe midsoles either. It compresses under impact and then pushes back with actual energy return.
The cushioning really shines when you're walking on cart paths or concrete. You know that jarring feeling when you step from grass to pavement in traditional golf shoes? Almost non-existent here. My lower back, which usually starts barking after walking 18, felt noticeably better after rounds in the TRUE Knit IIs. The 6mm heel-to-toe drop is what they call "shift", not completely flat like a minimalist shoe, but not the typical 10-12mm drop of most golf shoes. It promotes a more natural walking gait without being so extreme that it throws off your golf stance.
I tested these against my FootJoy Pro SLs and Adidas CodeChaos shoes on consecutive days, same course, similar conditions. The TRUE Knit IIs had less fatigue in my feet and legs by a noticeable margin. Now, they don't have the locked-in stability of those other shoes during the swing, but unless you're swinging out of your shoes like Bryson, the trade-off in comfort is worth it.
Traction Without Spikes (Yes, Really)
This is where I expected these shoes to fall flat on their face, literally. The Cross-life outsole looks pretty basic compared to the aggressive patterns on something like the FootJoy Flex or the Adidas Tour360. But TRUE has somehow engineered a tread pattern that grips without being overly aggressive. On dry fairways and tee boxes, I never once felt myself slip during a swing. Even on those awkward sidehill lies where you're really testing your shoe's grip, the TRUE Knit IIs held firm.
Morning dew is where things get interesting. These are not waterproof shoes (they're water-repellent, which basically means water beads up for about 5 seconds before soaking through). But even with wet grass, the traction held up surprisingly well. I wouldn't choose these for a rainy round or early morning tee time in heavy dew, but for those slightly damp conditions we all encounter? Totally fine. The outsole also transitions beautifully from course to clubhouse to car. No clicking on hard floors, no worn-down spikes to replace, no changing shoes in the parking lot.
I've put about 30 rounds on these shoes now, walking about half of them, and the outsole shows minimal wear. The tread pattern in the high-wear areas (heel and forefoot) is still pronounced and grippy. TRUE claims its outsole material is tour-tested for durability, and based on my experience, these should easily last a full season of regular play, maybe two if you rotate them with another pair.
Style Points Matter (Even If We Pretend They Don't)
Let's be honest, we all want to look good on the course. The TRUE Knit II comes in several colorways, but I tested the Goat Grey and Maui Black versions. The grey is subtle and goes with everything, while the black has these cool blue accents that pop without being obnoxious. The knit texture gives them a modern, athletic look that works just as well with shorts as it does with pants.
These shoes have sparked more conversations in the course than any equipment I've tested. "What are those?" is something I heard at least once per round. They look premium without screaming for attention, and the minimalist design means they don't look dated after a season like some of the more aggressive athletic golf shoes do. I've worn them to dinner after rounds, to the driving range in jeans, even to run quick errands. Try doing that in your spiked FootJoys.
The machine-washable construction is a breakthrough, too. After a particularly dusty round, I threw them in a gentle cycle with cold water, let them air dry overnight, and they looked brand new. No special cleaners, no scrubbing with a toothbrush, just toss them in and forget about it. For someone who's ruined multiple pairs of white golf shoes over the years, this feature alone might be worth the price of admission.
True Linkswear True Knit II Golf Shoes
Indulge in luxury with the True Knit II, where style meets superior comfort.
Is the True Linkswear True Knit II Golf Shoes Worth It?
Absolutely, while the True Linkswear True Knit II Golf Shoes are a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Unmatched comfort for walking rounds – feels like wearing athletic socks with grip.
Accommodates wide feet without needing special sizing
Machine washable and incredibly breathable for hot weather play
Cons:
Not waterproof, morning dew and wet conditions will soak through
Less lateral stability during aggressive swings compared to traditional golf shoes
Limited color options compared to major brands
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear TRUE Knit II Shoes in Wet or Rainy Conditions?
You can wear TRUE Knit II shoes in light rain and damp conditions, but they're not suitable for heavy wet weather. They're water repellent, not waterproof, so they'll handle moisture from damp grass and light drizzle. The Cross-life tread provides decent traction on wet surfaces. For heavy rain or muddy conditions, you'll need waterproof alternatives like TRUE Majors or LUX Sport. Apply Sneaker LAB Protector to enhance water repellency.
How Long Is the Manufacturer's Warranty on These Golf Shoes?
Your TRUE Knit II golf shoes come with a 90-day warranty against manufacturing defects from the purchase date. If you identify any defects during this period, you'll receive a repair or replacement with an equivalent item. You'll need to submit a warranty claim through the manufacturer's designated form with proof of purchase. The TRUE Knit II doesn't include the extended 2-year waterproof warranty that's available on some other TRUE Linkswear models.
Are Replacement Insoles Available for Purchase Separately?
Yes, you can purchase replacement insoles separately. TRUE offers the Comfort 5mm Insole on their official site under the accessories collection. It's an ultra-plush, breathable microsuede insert designed to rejuvenate your TRUE footwear. The 5mm thickness provides maximum comfort and creates extra room inside your shoes. You'll get free domestic ground shipping on accessories orders over $150, or you can choose faster shipping options if you need them sooner.
Do These Shoes Run True to Size or Should I Size Up/Down?
These shoes tend to run slightly small, so you'll likely want to size up, especially if you're between sizes. Most users find TRUE Knit II fits true to size or a fraction smaller than other golf brands. The sock-fit feel contributes to this snugger sensation. You should measure your foot and check TRUE's conversion chart for accuracy. If you're unsure, order a half size larger than your regular size.
Can These Be Worn as Everyday Casual Shoes off the Golf Course?
You'll definitely wear these as everyday casual shoes off the course. They're designed for all-day wear with minimal branding that works with everything from jeans to suits. The lightweight sock-like fit and Wanderlux cushioning keep you comfortable whether you're traveling, walking the city, or just hanging out. At under $100 on sale, they're perfect for daily wear, though they excel more as lifestyle shoes than dedicated golf footwear.
Final Verdict: A Shift in Golf Footwear
The TRUE Linkswear Knit II has fundamentally changed how I think about golf shoes. If you're a low-handicapper who generates massive clubhead speed and needs every ounce of ground force reaction, stick with your spiked shoes. But if you're like most of us – walking when possible, playing for fun and fitness, dealing with some aches and pains, these shoes are a revelation. They're for the golfer who wants to feel good after 18 holes, not just during the swing. They're for anyone tired of changing shoes in the parking lot or dealing with clicking spikes on cart paths.
I've already ordered a second pair as backup. When a skeptical spike-loyalist converts this completely, you know TRUE is onto something special. The Knit II isn't just a good spikeless shoe; it's proof that comfort and performance aren't mutually exclusive. Sometimes the best golf equipment is the stuff that gets out of your way and lets you focus on playing. That's exactly what these shoes do, and they do it better than anything else I've tested in this category.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
