New Balance 997 Golf Shoe Review

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If you’re the kind of golfer who cares about comfort as much as style—and you want a shoe that bridges your time on and off the course—the New Balance 997 golf shoe should be on your radar. It brings the iconic heritage of the original 997 sneaker into the golf world, combining nostalgic flair with functional upgrades designed specifically for the course. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s walk through this review together so you can decide if the 997 deserves a spot in your golf wardrobe.

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First Impressions: A Golf Shoe with Sneaker DNA

The moment you take the 997 golf shoe out of the box, one thing is clear—it doesn’t look like a traditional golf shoe. That’s a good thing if you’re tired of the rigid, ultra-sporty look of many modern options. The 997 channels a more lifestyle-driven aesthetic, rooted in the original 997 sneaker released in the ’90s.

You’re getting suede overlays, mesh underlays, and a low-profile silhouette that’s instantly familiar. If you’re someone who appreciates versatility, the 997 feels like something you could wear from the first tee to the clubhouse bar without changing shoes.

Visually, it carries the heritage of New Balance with refined details—think clean lines, subtle branding, and a color palette that doesn’t scream for attention but still looks sharp. The shoe makes a statement, not with flash, but with its well-crafted simplicity.

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Fit and Comfort: A Surprise in Every Step

Now let’s talk about what you’ll notice when you put them on—how they feel. One of the key selling points of New Balance footwear has always been comfort, and the 997 golf shoe doesn’t stray from that reputation.

1. Fit Profile

This shoe runs true to size for most golfers, with a roomy toe box and a midfoot that hugs your foot without squeezing it. If you have wider feet, you’ll appreciate how accommodating the 997 feels compared to some narrower options on the market.

You get the sense that it was built for walking. The collar padding around the ankle is soft but supportive, keeping your foot stable without creating hotspots.

2. Cushioning System

Underfoot, you’re standing on New Balance’s signature REVlite midsole. That’s not just marketing jargon—REVlite is a lightweight foam compound that offers solid responsiveness and shock absorption.

You’ll feel this cushioning come into play especially if you walk your rounds. There’s enough rebound to keep your feet fresh on the back nine, without feeling overly squishy or disconnected from the ground. It’s a sweet spot that many golf shoes struggle to hit.

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Performance on the Course: Traction Meets Flexibility

The 997 golf shoe doesn’t just look good or feel good—it performs. And when you’re stepping onto the tee box or setting up for an approach shot, you need to trust that your shoes won’t hold you back.

1. Grip and Stability

The shoe features a spikeless outsole designed with pressure-mapped traction zones. That means the pattern on the sole isn’t random—it’s engineered to give you grip where you need it most during your swing.

On dry turf, the grip is impressive. You can take full swings without slipping, and the sole maintains enough contact with the ground to give you feedback and control. On wet grass or dewy mornings, the traction still holds up, though not quite at the level of aggressive spiked shoes.

For most golfers—especially those playing in average or dry conditions—the spikeless design offers the best of both worlds: dependable grip and versatile wearability.

2. Stability During the Swing

One thing that often separates great golf shoes from average ones is how well they anchor your foot during rotation. The 997 does a solid job here. While it’s not a full-blown tour-level stability shoe, it offers enough lateral support for most swing speeds.

If you tend to swing aggressively or need a lot of foot structure, you might prefer a stiffer sole. But for the majority of players, the 997 provides a nice blend of mobility and balance.

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Versatility and Off-Course Appeal

Here’s where the 997 really shines—versatility. This is the kind of shoe that doesn’t lock you into the look and feel of traditional golf footwear. You could easily wear these to the driving range, run errands afterward, or even to a casual dinner.

If you’re someone who values the idea of fewer shoes doing more, the 997 delivers. You won’t feel like you’re wearing “golf shoes” in the usual sense. And because it doesn’t have soft spikes, you won’t be tearing up your flooring or parking lot surfaces when you forget to change out of them.

This off-course flexibility is ideal for golfers who play after work, enjoy social outings at the course, or just want something more low-key and lifestyle-inspired.

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Durability and Build Quality

Let’s talk longevity. The materials used in the 997 don’t just feel premium—they hold up. The combination of suede, mesh, and synthetic elements works well in resisting wear, and the outsole shows little sign of quick degradation even after several rounds.

1. Water Resistance

This shoe is water-resistant, not waterproof. That distinction matters. You’ll be fine in light dew or a splash from a wet bunker, but in heavy rain or early-morning soggy conditions, moisture can seep in.

If you often play in wet environments, this might be the only real limitation of the 997. It’s more breathable and comfortable in warm conditions but sacrifices full waterproof protection.

2. Sole Durability

The spikeless rubber sole shows excellent wear resistance. You won’t see peeling, cracking, or flattening after just a few walks. Even if you use it off the course occasionally, the traction elements are robust enough to handle both turf and pavement.

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Who the New Balance 997 Golf Shoe is Best For

You’ll love the 997 if you fall into one or more of these categories:

• Style-first players who want to break away from traditional golf shoe looks.

• Walkers who need all-day comfort and support for long rounds.

• Casual golfers who play multiple times a week and want something they can wear everywhere.

• Sneakerheads who appreciate the retro New Balance aesthetic but want it functional on the course.

It may not be the best fit for golfers who:

• Need maximum traction in wet or muddy conditions.

• Prefer structured shoes with aggressive stability for high-speed swings.

• Want a waterproof guarantee for frequent play in all weather.

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Pros and Cons Recap

Pros:

• Classic, sneaker-inspired style

• Exceptional walking comfort

• Breathable and lightweight

• Durable outsole with reliable traction

• Spikeless for off-course use

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof

• Less structured than tour-level performance shoes

• Traction can be moderate on wet ground

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Final Verdict: Should You Add the 997 to Your Golf Shoe Rotation?

If you’re looking for a golf shoe that blends sneaker comfort, on-course performance, and street-ready style, the New Balance 997 is a strong contender. It won’t replace your rain-day spikes or ultra-stiff tour shoes, but it offers a fresh take for players who want something different.

Think of the 997 as your go-to for casual rounds, twilight 9s, and weekends when you just want to walk and enjoy the game. It brings a new kind of energy to your gear—less about technical edge and more about feel, flow, and freedom.

Whether you’re upgrading your old pair or just want to shake up your golf shoe collection, the 997 is a solid step in a stylish direction. Once you try them, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for them more often than you expected.