550

I got my New Balance 550 Golf Shoes during the time I was still figuring out my preferred brands. I got suckered in by a Malbon collab that was on sale (down to $85 from $150), but check the regular New Balance site, where the price will be cheaper for some other golf shoe options.

This shoe got a lot of use, but I felt like it wore down a bit quicker than my current shoes I use to walk my home course all the time. The tread on the shoes felt more minimal than other spikeless golf shoes, but the real point of contention for me is how they held up in the rain. As a Florida golfer, you simply accept that at least a few rounds a year you are going to get absolutely drenched from an afternoon downpour. More than any other golf shoe I have had, I felt that these really had negative effects from getting caught in the rain. They took a while to dry out, and I felt they didn't really fit the same afterwards. Did I look to see if these shoes were waterproof or water resistant before buying them? No, I did not. The site does say the microfiber leather upper is waterproof, but unfortunately for the rest of the shoe that did not help. I think the biggest complaint for me is how I felt it pinch a little on the sides of my foot during my swing, and I felt this was a result of the cushioning around the sides of the heel deteriorating.

This was the last time I've bought a golf shoe from a regular shoe brand. As long as you find a good sale, you can always get a shoe specifically from a golf brand for the same or less than the regular shoe, and in my experience it has been worth it. I didn't really expect this review to be so bearish on New Balance, but I found it coming up short in what I held important. I could see someone liking this shoe if the New Balance fit is ideal for you, I am not one of those people though.

It's important to note that it wasn't that there was nothing I liked about the shoe. It was decently comfortable to play in, and it lasted for a good 4-6 months before things began to deteriorate.

The New Balance 550 is getting a rare Nope rating from me, and I feel a little bad about it. But the key thing for me here is I know there are better options for the same price, which makes this something I just can't recommend to others.