PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes Review
GolfMagic tests out the new PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes
Outstanding level of traction,
Fresh design that pairs well with almost any outfit
PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes Key Features:
- TPU outsole and FLEXSPIKES: offer ultra supportive multi-density performance where you need it most
- NITRO foam midsole: Advanced nitrogen-injected foam designed to provide superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package
- EXOSHELL UPPER: 1-year waterproof EXOSHELL upper keeps the elements out while providing support and comfort
One of the newest additions to PUMA's shoe lineup, the Phantomcat Nitro, is worn on Tour by none other than Rickie Fowler.
The sporty golf shoes offer a mixed material construction, utilising both leather and synthetics to provide the ideal blend of form and function.
The spiked model is aimed at golfers looking to maximise on-course performance, with a whole host of game-improving tech packed into the shoes.
Related: Best Golf Shoes 2024
They clearly work for Fowler, but could they work for us?
To find out, we played a number of rounds in them at Foxhills Country Club.
Let's get into it.
PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes Looks
Keeping things relatively simple up top, PUMA's designers have gone for a clean white upper with a small silver PUMA logo on the outside of the shoes.
We've recently seen PUMA move away from the larger logo that is featured on the GS-X Efekt golf shoes, and personally, we prefer the more minimal design style.
In this case, the smaller PUMA logo is silver, which complements the black-and-white primary panels nicely for a monochromatic colour palette.
Moving towards the heel of the shoe, there is some discreet nitro branding on the midsole and a black panel that runs up the heel of the shoe.
Once again, this is a subtle but effective stylistic decision which gives shape and movement to the overall appearance of the shoes.
Breaking up the monochromatic colour scheme, the outsole is a vibrant green that's prominently visible on the toe and the outsides of the shoes. This added colour gives the shoes additional shelf appeal, and we think it will resonate particularly well with younger golfers.
All in all, the Phantomcat NITRO+ shoes are a very solid offering from PUMA in the looks department. We're typically used to seeing more out-there designs from the brand, but this slightly more reserved approach is one that ticks a lot of boxes for us.
PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes Comfort and Performance
Comfort is king in modern golf shoes, and PUMA has absolutely nailed it with the standard of support and padding in these shoes.
Before we discuss why these shoes are so comfortable, though, it's worth noting that they run about half a size large.
Typically, we wear a size 10UK, but these certainly felt like more of a 10 1/2, with quite a bit of wiggle room in the toe box and midfoot.
Despite that, slipping these shoes on was like wearing a pair of your favourite slippers.
Thankfully, the days of stiff golf shoes are long behind us, and this particular pair offered instant out-of-the-box comfort.
The upper is supple, the midsole is bouncy, and the tongue and heel sit snuggly without rubbing.
As mentioned, there was plenty of room in these shoes, but had we gone half a size smaller, there still would have been ample width, even for golfers who have particularly wide feet.
The shoes also offer ample arch support, and the heel region locks the foot in nicely to give you a very stable base when swinging.
A special shout-out has to be given to the Nitro Foam midsole, which does a fantastic job of retaining a spring in your step throughout the round.
In terms of traction, these shoes offer an array of Flexspike cleats carefully positioned throughout the sole to deliver excellent levels of grip.
In total, there are eight spikes across four positions. The design is intended to increase surface area and contact with the ground, which in turn produces greater traction and stability throughout the swing.
We can confirm these shoes have some serious gripping power. On a variety of different shots, we felt absolutely no loss in traction, and even on our most vigorous driver swings, they held firm without an issue.
All-in-all, these shoes deliver excellent levels of comfort and traction and are one of the most impressive spiked models on the market in 2024.
Should you buy the PUMA Phantomcat Nitro+ Golf Shoes?
If you're looking for a pair of super comfy golf shoes that offer an outstanding level of traction in a clean and simple silhouette, then the Phantomcat Nitro+ golf shoes are hard to beat in 2024.
The Nitro foam offers a super smooth ride, and the innovative new spike configuration delivers excellent grip in all conditions.
Thanks to the 1-year waterproof warranty, you can also rest easy that your feet will remain protected from the elements in even your toughest rounds.
Coming in at £130, these shoes are also very fairly priced, and if looked after correctly, could last a number of seasons.
Johnny joined GolfMagic as Reviews Editor in 2023 having worked for Sports Impact for two years as Head of Social Media, working alongside prominent golf brands including Galvin Green, Motocaddy and Wilson.
