On 2005-05-14, Michael Smith rated this Nike Air Max Sport Plus a 1...(5506)
Purchase: I put these shoes on at a pro shop and immediately had the "wow" effect. I admit that my feet seem to like Nike's, be they distance running shoes in high school, basketball, ACG light hikers, and now these (years ago when I played soccer, I tried the Nike soccer shoes, but they were pieces of dung). That is important to know, because everyone's feet are different. A partner of mine won't wear anything other than Adidas or Ecco. Anyway, I paid $ 85.00 at a private pro-shop, normal retail is $ 99.95. I would gladly have paid $ 99.95.
Pros: They fit wonderfully and are extremely comfortable. I took them out of the box, pulled out the cardboard inserts, put them on, and walked 18 holes. My feet felt great after the round, which says something, because usually my feet are sore after 18 holes. No rubbing, sore spots, or blisters. The Scorpion removable cleats on these shoes worked great. What's more, the unique shape of the non-removable cleats on the bottom were impressive. I'm an 18 hdcp and I struggle with my left foot sliding out on my downswing. These shoes held my feet to the turf so strongly that I was actually worried during the round that I might twist my ankle (that was probably the wrong swing thought for that shot). That also says something, because I played 18 holes on an Willamette Valley Oregon course on the first sunny day following a week of constant rain. The course was very soft, though not muddy (the kind of day where you need one extra club due to the soft turf conditions). The shoes are not leather lined, but are lined like cross-trainers or basketball shoes. At first I was worried about my feet getting hot, but they did not. That also says something, because it was a very humid mid-seventies day, and my feet tend to sweat a lot. Support and comfort were fantastic. These shoes are replacing three other pairs that have finally worn out, a pair of FootJoy Dry Joys DX, a pair of Florsheim's, and a pair of Cutter & Buck shoes. These shoes run circles around all those others. I'm not sure if they are waterproof, but I don't want that feature in the summer anyway--just makes the shoes less breathable. I initially avoided Nike golf shoes for the first few years, because they reminded me of the first few versions of Nike soccer shoes (crappy). These, however, are more like a pair of Nike basketball or running shoes--they are well put together. I think Nike golf products have finally come around.
Cons: Nothing other that the usual complaints we all have regarding Nike shoes: sizing!! Every time I purchase a pair of Nikes, I have to try them on, because there is no consistency in the sizes. Nike has created the new U.S. sizes that have destroyed any consistency in the U.S. shoe industry. I purchased a size 12 M and the fit is perfect. I wear an 11.5 E-EE Allen Edmonds dress shoes, an 11.5 W FootJoy, and an 11.5 E Florsheim. I wear a 12.5 Nike Basketball shoe and a 12.5 Nike ACG or running shoe. I wear a size 46 Ecco. I give all this information not because my feet are of any particular interest, quite the contrary, but to help someone who might make it through this review and wonder what size to buy. They make a "wide" version of this shoe which my pro-shop did not have. I have a wide foot, but the 12 M's fit me fine.
Quality: These shoes have a second Air bladder under the balls of the feet, and I must say that I think it works splendidly. A similar Nike golf shoe without a second Air bladder is about $ 10.00 less. I am a dedicated walker, and yesterday was the first time in years that I didn't want to immediately get my feet out of my golf shoes and into something more comfortable. I'd say that second Air Bladder is ten of the best bucks I've ever spent.
Review Summary: After one 18-hole round, I believe beyond a reasonable doubt that these are the most comfortable, supportive, and effective golf shoes that I have ever worn. If my initial impressions prove otherwise, I will update this review.
NEWS
FORUMS
EQUIPMENT
COURSES
PRO SHOP
DIRECTORY
CONTACT US
GIVEAWAYS
ADVERTISING
