Comfort, Stability, and Toes: My Honest Test of Peluva Golf Shoes
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Robert Y – Golf Wear Tester
Robert is a second-generation native of Phoenix, Arizona. When not practicing law, he can usually be found playing–as he has for the past 44 years–one of the nearly 300 golf courses in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area.
In the decades of my golf life, I’ve played in traditional leather tour shoes, sneakers, zero drop shoes and even barefoot, and now, thanks to Peluva, I can say I’ve played in “five-toe” golf shoes.
My primary criteria for golf shoes are (1) comfort; and (2) that they be laterally stable as I initiate my downswing, i.e., they allow me to push off from the inside of my back foot. My first impression on opening the box was there’s no way those shoes can be comfortable for 18 holes or have the lateral stability I need. First impressions can be deceiving.
Although I found the shoes a little difficult to slip on the first time (my toes were inclined to miss each separate toe opening), once on I found them to be remarkably comfortable. I have a wide foot (size 13 wide), so I’ve always preferred shoes with a wide toe box. With these Peluva shoes, my toes felt “liberated” to spread out how they were intended. And because they have a zero drop and relatively thin sole, they felt almost as if I was completely barefoot. The exception being that at the top of my swing, I never felt my back foot trying to roll to the outside. In other words, the shoes are quite stable laterally.
They have good grip on the turf. Because the soles are thin, I felt as if I could read the greens with my feet. Likewise, in the bunkers I could better gauge the depth of the sand.
Because I often play in hot weather, I thought it would be better to wear Peluva’s five-toe socks. Although they’re very comfortable, I took them off after a few holes and found I prefer the feel of playing without socks.
The shoes come in white or black and white. Although their unconventional looks may take a bit of getting used to, the comfort and function are immediate.
I wear size 13 in all my other shoes, but Peluva’s 13’s were too tight. I went up to 14 and they’re pretty perfect. I’d recommend going up at least a half size.
