New Balance Brighton Golf Shoe Review

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When you’re picking a golf shoe, you’re not just looking for something that protects your feet—you’re looking for a tool that complements your swing, supports your stride, and matches your style. That’s where the New Balance Brighton golf shoe steps in. Built with a running shoe’s DNA but engineered for the golf course, this shoe offers a compelling mix of comfort, grip, and athletic performance.

If you’ve been eyeing the Brighton, wondering if it can handle your walk-heavy rounds or match your energetic swing, you’re in the right place. This review will walk you through everything you need to know—from how it fits and feels to how it performs under pressure. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether the New Balance Brighton is the right choice for your game.

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Aesthetic First Impressions: Athletic and Purpose-Built

From the moment you unbox the Brighton, you’ll notice it carries a sporty, modern vibe. This isn’t a throwback style, nor is it trying to look like a traditional leather golf shoe. Instead, it leans heavily into athletic aesthetics. The mesh upper, sleek profile, and clean lines scream performance—like something you’d expect from a high-end training shoe, but fine-tuned for fairways and greens.

The design isn’t flashy, but it is bold in its intent. The overlays are clean, the laces secure the shoe snugly without bulk, and the midsole gives off a slightly chunky—but not clunky—look. This shoe is for you if you like golf gear that looks fast, feels responsive, and transitions easily into off-course wear.

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Fit and Feel: All-Day Wearability

When you slide into the Brighton, the first thing you’ll notice is the fit. It hugs your foot with a glove-like feel but leaves enough room in the toe box to avoid that pinched sensation. The heel locks in with enough support to prevent slippage on uneven lies, and the upper material wraps your foot comfortably without feeling stiff or overly structured.

1. Sizing and Shape

The Brighton runs true to size for most golfers. If you typically wear New Balance athletic shoes, you’ll likely be right at home with your regular size. What’s nice is that it comes in multiple widths—ideal if you’ve struggled in the past with narrow or overly tight golf shoes.

You’ll especially appreciate the comfort if you walk a lot during your rounds. Whether you’re navigating the front nine or hitting balls at the range, the fit remains stable and forgiving.

2. Interior Comfort

The interior of the shoe features a well-padded collar and tongue, and the insole is cushioned with a performance footbed that offers arch support and impact protection. Every step feels like a continuation of a well-crafted walking shoe—plush enough to reduce fatigue, yet firm enough to keep your stance stable during your swing.

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Midsole Tech: Walking on Clouds Without Losing Ground Feel

The Brighton’s midsole uses New Balance’s signature DynaSoft foam. This isn’t your typical EVA compound. DynaSoft is engineered to deliver responsive cushioning with a touch of firmness, giving you both comfort and feedback.

That matters a lot when you’re walking the course or powering through a swing. You don’t want to feel like you’re sinking into a marshmallow—but you also don’t want to feel like you’re walking barefoot on concrete. The Brighton strikes that balance.

You’ll feel a noticeable energy return with every step, especially on long walks between holes. It’s the kind of midsole that works in sync with your feet, not against them. And if you struggle with foot fatigue after 18 holes, the Brighton’s impact-dampening properties will make a difference.

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Outsole Performance: Spikeless Traction That Works

The spikeless outsole on the Brighton is designed with performance in mind. It uses rubber traction lugs placed strategically to maximize grip during the swing. These lugs are pressure-mapped based on where your feet exert force during different phases of your swing and walking gait.

1. Traction

On dry turf, the traction is exceptional. You’ll feel locked in during your swing, and there’s little concern about slippage. It offers enough bite to keep you grounded without limiting your foot movement. This is especially important when hitting from uneven lies or making aggressive moves off the tee.

In wet conditions, it performs admirably for a spikeless shoe. It doesn’t have the same level of bite as full cleats, but unless you’re playing in soaked rough or mud, the grip is more than sufficient for maintaining balance and confidence.

2. Ground Feel

What’s interesting about the Brighton’s outsole is that it still gives you a solid connection to the ground. Some spikeless shoes can feel overly detached, but this one allows for just enough feedback. That’s helpful when reading lies, adjusting your stance, or trying to feel your weight shift during the swing.

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Breathability and Weather Resistance

Breathability is a strength for the Brighton. The mesh upper allows for excellent airflow, keeping your feet cool during hot rounds. This becomes a huge advantage during summer play or if you tend to sweat a lot.

However, with breathability comes a trade-off in waterproofing. The Brighton isn’t designed for heavy rain. It may handle light moisture or early morning dew, but don’t expect it to keep your feet dry in a downpour.

If you’re a fair-weather player or only occasionally encounter wet conditions, this might not be an issue. But if waterproofing is high on your priority list, this shoe may fall short.

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Stability and Swing Support

While the Brighton looks and feels like a running shoe, it’s clearly been tuned for the mechanics of golf. The heel counter is firm enough to stabilize your rear foot during the backswing, and the wide platform base keeps you balanced through impact.

The lightweight structure also means you won’t feel restricted. It allows your foot to move naturally, which is great if you rely on mobility in your footwork. The trade-off is that it doesn’t offer the same torsional rigidity as a tour-level performance shoe—but unless you have an exceptionally fast swing speed, you likely won’t miss that stiffness.

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Style Versatility: Wear It Beyond the Course

One of the big appeals of the Brighton is how wearable it is off the course. You could throw these on with jeans or joggers and hit the grocery store, the gym, or a casual lunch spot. The spikeless outsole and athletic upper blend right in with everyday outfits.

This is especially handy if you like to play twilight rounds, run errands after the course, or simply prefer not to carry an extra pair of shoes. The Brighton’s crossover appeal means you can transition seamlessly from golf to life.

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Durability: Built to Last Without Compromise

The materials used in the Brighton are chosen for performance and longevity. The mesh is reinforced with synthetic overlays to prevent tearing or stretching over time. The rubber outsole is dense enough to withstand regular use on pavement without rapidly wearing down.

That being said, it’s still best to reserve these for the course and light walking. If you wear them every day on city streets, you’ll reduce their traction performance over time. But in terms of golf-specific durability, the Brighton holds up well over many rounds.

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Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Exceptional walking comfort and cushioning

• Lightweight and breathable

• Great spikeless traction with pressure-mapped zones

• True-to-size fit with multiple width options

• Modern, athletic style for on- and off-course wear

Cons:

• Not waterproof—best for dry or mildly wet conditions

• Less structure and torsional support than some premium performance shoes

• Mesh upper may be harder to clean than leather alternatives

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Final Thoughts: Is the New Balance Brighton Right for You?

If your golf shoe priorities include comfort, lightweight design, and a modern, athletic style, the New Balance Brighton checks a lot of boxes. It’s ideal for walking rounds, summer golf, and casual play. You’ll appreciate its energy-returning midsole, reliable traction, and breathable build.

However, if you play in wet or cold conditions regularly or need maximum swing stability, you might want something more structured or waterproof. But for the majority of players—especially those who value comfort and walkability—the Brighton is a standout.

At the end of the day, golf should feel good. And the Brighton is a shoe that lets you enjoy every step of the game—whether you’re grinding out a low score or just soaking in the sunshine. If you’re looking for a shoe that blends performance with casual comfort, this one deserves serious consideration.