50 Words or Less
The G/FORE G/18 golf shoes have a distinctive modern look and offer outstanding traction. Wonderful overall comfort. Wide stable base with sway mitigation.
Introduction
I realize this is a shoe review, but I have to give kudos to G/FORE for another whimsical, yet well constructed box. As much as I appreciate the magnetic closure of the hinged box lid, it’s what’s printed inside that always brings a smile to my face – “THE NUMBER FUN SHOE IN GOLF” is the slogan for this G/18 variant. Unwrapping the G/FORE G/18 golf shoes, my smile switched to a “wow” face as I soaked in the cutting edge look.
Looks
From every angle, the G/FORE G/18 golf shoes look unique and, I’ll state it again, cutting edge. The most eye catching element is the traction covered toe wrap. It’s similar to the wrap points seen in the adidas CODECHAOS 22 [full review HERE], but the prominent positioning on the G/18 is unique and beyond distinctive.
Wearing the shoes and looking down at them, the width of the G/18 also stood out. The slimming effect of the black central section against the white accentuated the width of the shoes at the balls of my feet. As with the toe wrap, there’s purpose to what you see that I’ll elaborate on in the Performance section below.
A few other visual elements add to the distinctive, modern look of the G/FORE G/18 golf shoe. On the tongue, under the laces, are tiny nubs that spell out G/FOR – split between the left and right shoes. Why no “E” I have not a clue. Just below the laces, the split white rings are embossed with “PLAY” and “NICE” on the left and right shoes. And on each heel you’ll find a raised G/FORE logo tastefully done in black.
As of this writing, the G/FORE G/18 is available in the ONYX/SNOW version pictured in this review, and SNOW/KNOCKOUT PINK. The G/FORE website (see the link at the bottom of the review) is currently teasing three additional colorways which I’m certain will be spectacular.
Find style & performance in the G/FORE Operative Collection HERE
Comfort
Seeing the now signature bumps on the insoles I slipped on the G/18 shoes sans socks and allowed my feet to be rewarded. If you’ve never enjoyed these compressible, massaging bumps, you’re missing out on one of life’s simple joys.
While the interior was very comfortable around the top of my feet, it was the comfort at my heels that was truly outstanding. It felt like the heel section was custom made for me. Between the contours created by the cut and the padding, my heel felt stable and secure.
I tested the G/18s in my standard size 9.5 and they were a tad shorter in the toe box than I prefer. I still had room to wiggle my toes, and the fit across my forefoot was spot on. Based on the synthetic materials and overall construction, I don’t believe there will be any stretch, so I’d recommend going up a half size if you find yourself between sizes.
Performance
Traction is a top consideration with spikeless golf shoes and the G/FORE G/18 traction was impressive. Based on the tall, aggressive, cleat like traction elements of the G/18, calling them spikeless just isn’t fair – and spotlights the problem with the nomenclature the golf industry has embraced. As for that toe wrap section, it didn’t really add anything to my swing action. However, I can envision that occasional awkward stance where it could come into play.
I described the extra width of the shoe in the Looks section above, but later noticed the wider platform was apparent around the entire perimeter of the G/18, not just the toe. The width not only offered a wide, stable platform for building a swing but helped abate sway in my backswing. If you’ve ever performed the anti-sway drill of placing a golf ball under the trailing edge of your shoe, you’ll grasp what the G/18 design offers. And while a wide platform can often feel like you’re walking with boards on your feet, G/FORE incorporated a rocker type arc to the base of the G/18 to facilitate a natural walking motion.
The rain cooperated, or didn’t, during wear testing so I gave the G/18s a full stream faucet test and confirmed they are waterproof. Not only did the water run off the TPU uppers, wiping dirt and grime off the shoes was a breeze. Retailing for $250, it’s comforting to know the shoes can still look good after more than one season.
Conclusion
G/FORE has once again disrupted the golf shoe space. The G/FORE G/18 golf shoes are on the cutting edge of both performance and style. The look may not please every golfer’s eye, but then again G/FORE isn’t known for being run of the mill.
Buy the G/FORE G/18 Golf Shoe HERE
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4 Comments
This is the ugliest shoe since the sdidas code chaos…
Thanks for reading.
– Meeks
I’ve worn True Linkswear so I’m accustomed to weird shoes — I’ll try the G/Fore and see if the fit is right. Right now, I am wearing the Ecco Van Rooyen Shoe. Very comfortable if a tad heavy. Always up for G/Fore but the comfort level hasn’t been there for my foot in previous iterations.
Jerry,
Love to see people open to trying new stuff.
Great choice on the Van Rooyen’s, too. Dylan has been wearing those non-stop since his review.
-Matt