Skechers shoes have always come top (or very near the top) of our testing when it comes to the most comfortable golf shoes on the market. In recent years, especially since signing Matt Fitzpatrick as an ambassador, it's also been working on making some stylish offerings too. The latest in its wide range is this, the Go Golf Blade GF Slip-ins. Using many of the brand's wealth of proprietary tech, it's the shoe of choice for Fitzpatrick this year, so I was exited to see what it was all about on the course.
While it doesn’t actually use the brand’s patented Arch Fit technology, there is still lots of arch support in the Blade. As someone who is slightly flat footed, any extra arch support is very much welcomed and it really helps reduce foot fatigue after walking 18 holes. Also present is the brand’s Slip-in technology which we first tried on last year’s Go Golf Elite 5 shoes. Slip-in technology means there’s no fighting with the shoe around the heel area when you try and put it on. The heel area is built to be incredibly rigid, allowing you to put weight through it and for the foot to slide in. Rigid though this area is, its complimented by what is called a Heel Pillow, which is an incredibly soft and cushioned area directly where the heel sits. It’s the most comprehensive padding and cushioning I’ve ever tested on a shoe in this particular area on the foot, so if you struggle from time to time with aching or rubbing in this area, these shoes will have you covered.
Great though the slip in technology is, it feels wasted on shoes that have normal laces - they’re not truly ‘hands free’ as the brand suggests. On last years Elite 5 Slip-ins which used a twist lace system, there was a greater argument that these shoes were truly hands free. That being said, the slip in technology is a useful one if you find shoes tricky to get on - these do slide on incredibly easily.
The outsole is 'technically' a spikeless one, although it employs a hybrid of nubs and more traditional looking integrated spikes, which I was impressed with. The integrated soft spikes sit on the outside heel and inside toe of the outsole, which are areas where golfers need grip the most during the swing. It made for a very convincing sensation as I unloaded through my golf swing and I had the confidence to really swing fast in these.
As for looks, I wasn’t particularly enamored with the Blade GF. There’s this rather bizarre shiny finish on the upper of all of the four colorways in the shoe, one that I don’t quite understand the purpose of. It comes up much less on the white shoes but on the black it makes the finish look like it has an unnecessary sheen to it. I suspect it's part of the waterproofing - this shoe is 100% waterproof - but there are plenty of other shoes that are fully waterproof without this.
I’m also really not a fan of shoes with graphics or writing on. These feature a ‘SKX’ print on the side of the shoes as well as ‘Skechers Slip-ins’ toward the heel, niether of which do anything to add to the premium price tag placed on this shoe. In short, it’s not Skechers’ finest looking shoe and it’s a disappointing step back from the Pro 5 Hyper from a few years ago. It goes the same for the latest Under Armour Drive Pro SL which has unnecessary graphics on it.
I’d also recommend getting these shoes in an extra half size bigger than you normally would. Unlike Skechers shoes of the past, the toe area was a little cramped for space in my normal size and I expect half a size extra will give the room needed for a more comfortable fit. The RRP of £160 feels a little steep for these shoes. That’s the same price as the Adidas Tour360 24 and Ecco LT1 which both utilise far more premium materials throughout. It makes the likes of the Under Armour Drive Pro and Nike Infinity Next% 2 cheaper too, which I'd probably spend my money on ahead of these.
However if comfort is the absolute top of your list when it comes to a golf shoe, Skechers has once again nailed the brief. Those who are a bit flat footed will really appreciate added arch support while the heel pillow is the best construction in a golf shoe that protects and comforts the often problematic heel area.
