Let’s be honest. If you look at a pair of TRUE linkswear golf shoes, your first thought might be, “Those look a little weird.” They have a massive toe box. They have a zero-drop heel. They look more like a running shoe or a minimalist sneaker than a traditional spiked golf shoe.
But here is the thing. If you are a golfer who likes to walk 18 holes—or if you are a golfer who has foot pain, bunions, or just hates the feeling of being trapped in a stiff, narrow golf shoe—TRUE has probably been on your radar for years.
TRUE linkswear started with a simple mission: make a golf shoe that you can walk in all day, and then wear to the bar afterward without your feet screaming. They are the pioneers of the “hybrid” golf shoe category.
In this TRUE Linkswear Review, I’m going to give you the good, the bad, and the slightly annoying. I’ve tested their shoes, dug into their customer reviews, and looked at the fine print on their waterproofing. Here is everything you need to know before you drop $125 to $175 on a pair.
We don’t just look at the marketing photos. We actually walk 18 holes in these shoes. We look at how the waterproofing holds up after a few months, how the sole wears down, and whether the zero-drop design actually helps or hurts. We also cross-reference our findings with the brand’s official website, verified customer reviews, and independent testing from sources like MyGolfSpy. If a shoe has a fatal flaw, we will tell you.
TRUE Linkswear is a golf footwear brand that started in 2009. The founders were tired of traditional golf shoes that were stiff, heavy, and uncomfortable to walk in. They wanted to create a shoe that felt like a barefoot running shoe but performed on the course.
Today, they are best known for their “zero-drop” and “minimalist” golf shoes. They offer a huge range of spikeless and spiked models, plus a growing line of apparel. They are based in Tacoma, Washington.
Who is this brand for? It’s for the golfer who prioritizes comfort above all else. It’s for the guy who walks 36 holes in a day and wants his feet to feel fresh at the end. It’s not for the traditionalist who wants a classic, stiff leather saddle shoe.
The materials are where TRUE really shines. They use a mix of premium leathers, knits, and sustainable materials.
The TRUE Original 1.2, for example, uses a full-grain leather upper that is both durable and supple. The LUX Hybrid uses a knit upper that is breathable but still waterproof. The FS-01 Earth is made with recycled materials.
The build quality is generally excellent. The stitching is solid, the insoles are removable and cushioned, and the outsoles are designed for natural movement. However, there are some common complaints. The Original 1.2 has a notorious issue where the toe box can scuff easily, and some users report that the waterproofing fails after a few months of heavy use.
The biggest feature is the zero-drop heel. This means there is no height difference between the heel and the toe. This promotes a more natural, mid-foot strike when you walk, which can help with posture and reduce joint pain.
The second major feature is the wide toe box. Your toes can splay out naturally, which is a game-changer if you have wide feet, bunions, or just hate the feeling of your toes being squished.
The Antigravity models feature a Pebax Superfoam midsole. This is the same material used in high-end running shoes. It returns a massive amount of energy, making the shoe feel incredibly bouncy and responsive.
On the course, these shoes perform very well for walking. The zero-drop design and wide toe box mean you can walk 18 holes without your feet feeling cramped. The Antigravity models are particularly impressive; they feel like you’re walking on a cloud, and the energy return is noticeable.
However, if you are a sweeper or a digger, the traction might be an issue. The Original 1.2 has decent traction for a spikeless shoe, but it’s not as aggressive as traditional soft spikes. The Antigravity is also known for having below-average traction in wet conditions.
If you play in the dew or in the rain, you need to look at their spiked models or their PNWProof line, which is designed for wet weather.
The shoes are easy to put on and take off. The LUX models have a “TRUE easy-on collar” that makes slipping them on a breeze. The laces are standard, but some models have a “Sport Lacing System” that allows for a more personalized fit.
The only usability issue is the sizing. TRUE shoes are notorious for running a half-size small. You absolutely need to size up, especially if you have wide feet.
For the leather models, you need to clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. You should also treat them with a leather protector to maintain the waterproofing.
For the knit models, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle, but you should air dry them.
The biggest maintenance issue is the Original 1.2 toe box. It scuffs very easily, especially in lighter colors. You’ll need to clean them after every round to keep them looking fresh.
TRUE shoes are not cheap. The Original 1.2 retails for around $179 but is often on sale for $125. The LUX Hybrid retails for $205 but is often discounted to $143. The Antigravity is around $160.
Is it worth it? If you prioritize comfort and walkability, yes. The materials are premium, and the shoes are designed to last. But if you are a traditionalist who wants a stiff, supportive golf shoe, you might be disappointed. The value is best when you catch them on sale.
Based on the brand’s official website, these are the five most popular items currently flying off the shelves.
If you look at TRUE’s website, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The Original 1.2 has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,200 reviews. The All Day Knit II has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,100 reviews. People love the comfort, the wide toe box, and the zero-drop design.
However, if you look at Trustpilot, the story is different. The truelinkswear.eu profile has a 3.1/5 rating, and there are complaints about customer service. One reviewer wrote, “They have no phone number, and the customer support email is monitored by a bot — so, really, there is no way to contact them.”
Another common complaint is the sizing. Many customers say the shoes run a half-size small, and that the toe box is actually too wide for some people. One reviewer noted, “The overall fit was fine except that it was too narrow in the toe box.”
There are also complaints about the waterproofing. One reviewer wrote, “Definitely NOT Waterproof. Reluctantly, I’m moving on from True after 5 pairs of comfortable but non-waterproof shoes.”
Customer Service:
This is a mixed bag. Some customers report excellent service, with fast replacements and helpful staff. Others report being ignored or getting automated responses. It seems to depend on the issue and the time of year.
Yes, TRUE Linkswear is a legitimate brand. They have been around since 2009, they have a strong presence in the golf industry, and they are sold by major retailers like PGA Tour Superstore and TGW. They are not a scam. However, their customer service and sizing issues are real, so you should be aware of them before you buy.
Let’s make this simple.
Buy it if: You prioritize comfort and walkability. You have wide feet or foot pain. You want a shoe that can transition from the course to the street.
Skip it if: You need aggressive traction in wet conditions. You want a traditional, stiff golf shoe. You are not willing to deal with inconsistent sizing and potentially slow customer service.
If you’re looking for a premium, comfortable golf shoe, you might be deciding between TRUE Linkswear and Ecco.
Feature | TRUE Linkswear | Ecco | Who Wins |
Price | $125-$205 | $150-$250 | TRUE |
Comfort | Excellent (zero-drop, wide toe box) | Excellent (cushioned, supportive) | Tie |
Traction | Below Average (spikeless) | Good (spikeless) | Ecco |
Waterproofing | Good (LUX models) | Excellent | Ecco |
Style | Divisive (minimalist) | Classic (premium leather) | Ecco |
Sizing | Inconsistent | True to size | Ecco |
The TRUE Linkswear vs Ecco debate comes down to your priorities. If you want maximum walking comfort and a wide toe box, TRUE wins. If you want a more traditional look, better traction, and more reliable sizing, Ecco is the safer bet.
TRUE Linkswear runs sales frequently. They often have 30% off sitewide, and you can usually find last-season models for even less. They also offer a discount for signing up for their email list. The best time to buy is around Black Friday or during their seasonal clearance events.
You can buy directly from the official TRUE Linkswear website. They are also sold at major retailers like PGA Tour Superstore, TGW, and Amazon. Buying direct gives you the widest selection of colors and models, but buying from a retailer might be easier if you need to return them.
No. Many reviewers report that they run a half-size small. You should size up, especially if you have wide feet.
The LUX models are waterproof. However, the Original 1.2 has received complaints about the waterproofing failing over time.
Yes. They are designed for walking, with a zero-drop heel and a wide toe box that promotes natural movement.
The spikeless models have below-average traction compared to traditional golf shoes. If you need grip in wet conditions, look at their spiked models.
It means there is no height difference between the heel and the toe. This promotes a more natural, mid-foot strike when you walk.
Yes. The wide toe box is one of their biggest selling points. However, some reviewers say the toe box is actually too wide for them.
Yes, they offer a one-year warranty on manufacturing defects. The Antigravity Pro has a two-year waterproof warranty.
TRUE Linkswear makes some of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market. If you walk the course and want a shoe that feels like a running shoe, they are hard to beat. The wide toe box and zero-drop design are genuinely game-changing for people with foot pain.
But they are not perfect. The sizing is inconsistent, the traction is below average on the spikeless models, and the customer service can be frustrating. If you can get past those issues, you’ll probably love them.
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