10 outrageous Nike Golf shoes that don't instantly scream 'golf shoe'
Best Golf Shoes 2018: Not all golfers want to look like golfers.
BEST GOLF SHOES 2018: Nike Golf isn't messing around when it comes to footwear in 2018, and its latest line of kicks will likely appeal to the younger demographic looking to follow in the footsteps of many of the world's best such as Rory McIlroy and Jason Day.
Nike Golf may have dropped its equipment contract on Tour a couple of years ago - albeit some of the world's best still actually use Nike Golf clubs in various parts of their bags such as the Nike VR Pro Forged wedges in Tiger Woods' bag - but shoes and apparel are everything the brand stands for today - and for us, they do it better than anyone when it comes to style and standing out from the crowd.
From classic trainer looks to hi-tops more likened to a basketball court, Nike Golf is catering for every "golf athlete" out there in 2018. WARNING: You will need some serious cajones, or a serious golf game, to pull a number of these off...
#1 - NIKE FLYKNIT ELITE
Although this one previously worn by Rory McIlroy has been around a couple of years now, it's still one of the most eye-catching designs and it's going for under £100 online right now.
The Nike Flyknit Elite features a free inspired shape and style. Featuring Nike's upper technology, the Flyknit provides lightweight support and superior fit with modern styling.
With integrated Dynamic Flywire, the Elite features the leading upper technologies as seen in running and training shoes. The upper is combined with a TPU 'skin' that keeps your feet dry when the ground is moist.
Its Elite sole design and lightweight, full length, phylon midsole takes weight out of the shoe but still adds comfort and flexibility.
It also utilises a 'continuous traction' pattern outsole that provides terrific grip through the swing, and its design ensures a better freedom of movement for longer lasting comfort.
#2 - NIKE AIR ZOOM GIMME
These will make the club captain choke on his cheese and pickle sandwich. Not to everyone’s tastes - granted - but definitely worthy of a spot in the list. You need to have some cajones to pull these off - because the members are going to have a pop, no doubt.
Just mumble something about Muirfield and golf being elitest, then walk off.
Look, this is not a rigid golf shoe offering maximum grip. Great for a quick nine or trip to the range, but probably not for the club champs.
Zoom air cushioning and the mesh upper offer outrageous levels of comfort, and you will get a mediocre offering of grip from the traction outsole.
#3 - NIKE AIR JORDAN III GOLF SHOES
Inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, Nike Golf is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan III sneaker this year, which appropriately becomes the third iconic Air Jordan silhouette to become transformed to the golf course.
You'll unlikely see any of these being worn by members of the R&A at the Home of Golf.
You will have seen these shoes as worn by the likes of Keegan Bradley and Pat Perez on the PGA Tour recently, who clearly have a liking for the basketball court. We've yet to see the likes of Jason Day and Rory McIlroy rocking up in these, but who knows maybe soon.
Nevertheless, this incredibly popular and absolute icon of the sneaker world has been on everyone's wishlist since the Air Jordan brand started re-creating their most signature styles into golf shoes, and we can see it proving popular amongst a number of golfing NBA fans.
#4 - NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 GOLF SHOES
While we're big fans of the new Air Jordan 3s, for us, the Air Jordan 1 is still the one we'd opt for when it comes to Nike Golf hi-tops. We also feel its colour combination is much more of a hat tip to the Chicago Bulls star.
Jordan wore almost identical shoes - minus the spikes - in the 1985 NBA season, and again when he returned to the Chicago Bulls in 1998.
A premium leather upper mixed with a Nike Free inspired outsole combines with flex grooves and a Phylon injected unisole. Basically there’s a load of golf-related technology in there, despite looking like they just dropped straight out of White Men Can’t Jump.
#5 - NIKE AIR ZOOM 90 IT
Rory McIlroy's personal favourite, well when he's not being paid to wear the Lunar Control Vapor 2s!
It's also one of our favourites, too.
These babies offer more grip than the summer style shoes thanks to an integrated Traction pattern. They also have a waterproof upper and inner sleeve which will get you through the worst of conditions. You’re going to be able to wear these for the majority of the year.
Nike’s Air Zoom technology maxes out the comfort levels, in this excellent shoe.
#6 - NIKE FLYKNIT RACER G GOLF SHOES
We're in love with these in the black/white version. The lime green version is an acquired taste, let's say...
The Nike Flyknit Racer G shoes feature a breathable, Flyknit-constructed upper with Flywire cables for a lightweight, secure comfort on the course.
Its low top, sneaker-like design will certainly be welcomed with open arms by a number of golfers, as too its price point around £130.
#7 - NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 PREMIUM GOLF SHOES
Back to the basketball court again with the Air Jordan 1 Golf Premium, an all-black version of the Air Jordan 1 that's made with an antique leather upper, that Nike says will transform into a patina as it's worn.
Quite possibly the most suited new Nike golf shoe for the avid sneakehead out there. It also comes with a one-year waterproof warranty.
#8 - NIKE LUNAR CONTROL VAPOR PE
This Nike Lunar Control Vapor PE that was created for McIlroy boasts a multi-color iridescent outsole.
The unique TPU tread features a protruding series of tooth-like tracks, allowing for maximum traction and continuous engagement with the ground as weight shifts from heel to toe.
#9 - NIKE AIR JORDAN 6 GOLF SHOES
Based on the shoe worn in Jordan’s first of six championship runs (that’s SIX Lebron fanboys).
Nike say it’s also inspired by Jordan’s competitive spirit - ?! - and it comes with a full grain leather, waterproof upper.
A plate helps the foot stay stable through the swing, while the rubber outsole provides traction. A strategically placed Jumpman logo also provides extra grip.
#10 - NIKE LUNAR MONT ROYAL
The Swoosh are calling it a “heritage look” - we just think it looks like a classic trainer.
Nike’s knowledge in the trainer department - both in developing striking aesthetics and high performance shoes - come to the fore here. The all-white colour scheme make this a summer staple for sneaker heads, and will have non golfers asking “are those really golf shoes?”
Check out the latest range of Nike Golf shoes here