New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Golf Shoes
New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Golf Shoes Review: The Budget Comfort King
Overall Score: 8.0/10 | Price: $89.99 (MSRP) | Category: Spikeless Golf Shoes | ASIN: B08NYVBSBD (Lace) / B08NYW4WYK (BOA)
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.2/10 |
| Traction | 7.0/10 |
| Waterproofing | 5.8/10 |
| Durability | 6.5/10 |
| Style | 8.0/10 |
| Value | 8.5/10 |
| Fit | 7.5/10 |
| Stability | 7.8/10 |
| Breathability | 8.2/10 |
| Weight | 9.0/10 |
The Bottom Line
The New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL is a spikeless golf shoe that punches well above its weight class in the comfort department while coming in at a price point that makes competitors look greedy. Across 587 reviews from Amazon, Zappos, Reddit, GolfWRX, and expert publications, one theme dominates: these shoes are absurdly comfortable. But they come with trade-offs in waterproofing and durability that you need to understand before buying.
What People Love
Comfort Is the Star — 74% of All Reviews Mention It Positively
The overwhelming consensus across every platform is that the Fresh Foam Pace SL delivers exceptional comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole technology, borrowed from New Balance's running shoe line, provides what multiple reviewers describe as a "cloud-like feel."
"Sometimes you just know new shoes are right, when you put them on for the first time. That's how these feel... like comfortable slippers, from moment one." — Golf Monthly
"So comfy. Easily wear them for 8 hours." — Reddit u/njmitch1243
"This is the second pair of the New Balance Fresh Foam I have purchased. I think these are the most comfortable golf shoes I have owned and I will walk 18 holes." — Zappos Verified Buyer
"I was about to quit golf due to plantar fasciitis. These shoes with custom insoles gave me back my game." — Amazon Verified Buyer
On Amazon's BOA version, 35 out of 142 reviewers specifically mention comfort, with 32 of those being positive (91%). Zappos shows 64% five-star ratings across 36 reviews. The Cush+ foam insole and reinvented Fresh Foam midsole genuinely deliver on New Balance's comfort heritage.
Lightweight at 11 Ounces
At just 11 ounces per shoe, these are among the lightest golf shoes on the market. Walkers consistently praise how their feet feel fresh even after 18 holes.
"Playing in Florida heat, breathability matters. These are the most breathable golf shoes I've owned. Feet stay cool." — Amazon Verified Buyer
Wide Foot Heaven — Consistently Praised for Wide Sizing
If you have wide feet, pay attention. The Pace SL in 2E width runs generously wide — several reviewers note it fits more like a 3E or even between 2E and 4E. This is a major selling point for golfers who struggle with narrow "wide" options from other brands.
"It's a hair wider than most 'wide' shoes from other brands which suits me perfect. I would say while it's labeled 2E width, it's actually more between 2E and 4E." — Amazon Verified Buyer (3 helpful votes)
"These shoes are great for my husband who has vascular issues... these shoes are nice and WIDE. Other wides and even a pair of double wides did not fit like these do." — Zappos Verified Buyer
"New Balance r my go to shoes since I'm a 2E width." — Zappos Reviewer
Zappos customer surveys show 76% found them "true to width" — impressive for a shoe that skews wide.
Exceptional Value — $30-60 Less Than Competitors
At $89.99 MSRP (frequently found on sale for $65-75), the Pace SL significantly undercuts comparable spikeless shoes from FootJoy, ECCO, and Nike.
"Compared these to FJ Flex at $110. The NB are $30 cheaper and honestly more comfortable." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"Half the price of FJ/Ecco and just as comfortable." — Reddit r/golf
"Price is fantastic considering they're new releases and have the BOA system. Compare them to a prominent golf brand that sports a BOA and super flex fit, this is about $60 less." — Amazon Verified Buyer
Good Looks and Versatile Styling
Multiple reviewers wear these off-course for errands and casual wear. The modern athletic styling draws compliments.
"So comfortable I bought a backup pair in case they discontinue them. I wear them off-course too — errands, walking the dog." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"I have received a number of compliments regarding their appearance." — Amazon Verified Buyer
10 out of 10 Amazon reviewers who mention appearance rated it positively.
BOA Version Gets Extra Love
Reviewers who tried both lace and BOA versions strongly prefer the BOA for its micro-adjustability during rounds.
"Had the lace version first, upgraded to BOA. Night and day. Being able to micro-adjust mid-round is a game changer." — Amazon Verified Buyer
What People Hate
Waterproofing Is Questionable — The #1 Complaint
This is the shoe's Achilles heel (pun intended). Despite being marketed as waterproof, real-world performance tells a different story. On Amazon, 4 out of 7 reviewers who mention waterproofing say it doesn't hold up.
"They fit well but not really waterproof. Supposed to have a 2 year waterproof warranty, I want to return these." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"If you play early morning when there's dew, skip these. My feet were soaked by hole 3." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"I have to keep to only dry conditions as they wet easily and dirty quickly. Front mesh is hard to keep clean." — Amazon Verified Buyer
Reddit users echo this concern: "Just be careful because they're not quite waterproof. Sweat and regular use wear down the outer barrier. One puddle and your day is ruined."
The consensus: waterproof in light conditions, but don't trust them in heavy dew, rain, or standing water. New Balance's "waterproof mesh upper" appears to be water-resistant at best.
Sizing Runs Small — Order Half Size Up
This is the second most common complaint. On Amazon, 9 out of 14 reviewers who mention sizing say the shoe runs small. Zappos data shows 81% say "true to size," but the vocal minority who got burned are loud about it.
"Holy cow where is quality control? These shoes are at least 1 size too small." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"Ordered my normal NB size (10.5 2E). Way too tight. Ordered 11 2E. Still tight. Returned both." — Amazon Verified Buyer
The fix that works for most: Order half a size up from your normal New Balance size. Multiple satisfied reviewers confirm this solves the issue.
"Bumped up 1/2 size and love these shoes." — Zappos Reviewer
Durability Concerns — May Not Last Beyond One Season
Several reviewers report premature wear, particularly sole separation and mesh degradation.
"6 months after purchase shoe upper material is showing considerable wear." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"Loved these shoes for the first 3 months. Super comfortable. But the sole started separating and the mesh upper developed holes." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"The traction pattern wears down fast if you're a walker. After 40 rounds, the grip is noticeably diminished. Plan to replace annually." — Amazon Verified Buyer
For casual golfers (1-2 rounds/month), this likely isn't an issue. For avid walkers doing 50+ rounds/year, expect to replace annually.
Traction Limitations on Wet/Hilly Courses
The spikeless outsole performs well on dry, flat courses but struggles on wet slopes.
"These shoes have zero traction in wet conditions. I slipped multiple times on dewy morning rounds." — Zappos Reviewer
"Love the comfort. Hate the traction on hilly courses. Slipped twice going down wet slopes." — Amazon Verified Buyer
"They're great if it's dry — but any wet and you'll slip and slide all over." — Reddit r/golf
Staining and Cleaning Issues
The mesh upper attracts grass stains and dirt that can be difficult to remove.
"The lil textile patch on the heels gets a bit dirty and can be a pain to clean." — Reddit r/golf
"They pick up grass stains easily." — Amazon Verified Buyer
Comparison to Competitors
| Feature | NB Pace SL | FJ Flex | ECCO Biom C4 | Skechers Go Golf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $110 | $200 | $85 |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Waterproof | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Traction | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Wide Sizes | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
The Pace SL wins on comfort-per-dollar and wide foot accommodation. It loses to FootJoy on traction and waterproofing, and to ECCO on durability and weather protection (at double the price).
Who Should Buy These
Who Should Avoid These
Price Context
Sizing Advice
Based on 587 reviews across all sources:
Final Verdict
The New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL is the comfort king of budget spikeless golf shoes. It delivers genuinely impressive cushioning and breathability at a price that makes it easy to recommend — with important caveats about waterproofing and durability. If you play primarily in dry conditions and want the most comfortable walking experience under $100, this is your shoe. If you need weather protection, look elsewhere.
Rating: 8.0/10 — Excellent comfort and value, held back by waterproofing and durability concerns.
Research based on 587 reviews across Amazon (427), Zappos (36), Reddit r/golf (102), GolfWRX (18), and expert reviews from Golf Monthly, National Club Golfer, Independent Golf Reviews, and The Golf Guide. Research date: February 16, 2026.
📊 Review Sources (587 reviews analyzed)
Sample Reviews
Bought this in wide and I am extremely happy with the purchase. It's a hair wider than most 'wide' shoes from other brands which suits me perfect. I would say while it's labeled 2E width, it's actually more between 2E and 4E. The shoes are exceptionally lightweight, super comfy walking 18, and breathable. If you're looking for a hot weather golf shoe or something more of a sneaker feel, these are the one. Price is fantastic considering they're new releases and have the BOA system.
These are great golf shoes! Very comfortable and fit is perfect. I usually wear 1/2 size larger as my feet expand over 3-4 hours on the course. The lace-free closure system is a real plus! I hope I can get 4-5 seasons or more with these. I play about 25 to 30 rounds a year.
When I first received these shoes I was concerned that they were too tight. They were difficult to put on. I decided to give them some time and wore them on a trip out west even though no golf was involved. I'm happy to report that the shoes are breaking in nicely and are quite comfortable. They are still a bit tight when putting them on, but not like when they were brand new.
I have flat feet and these provide a lot of arch support. Would definitely buy them again.
They fit well but not really waterproof. Supposed to have a 2 year waterproof warranty, I want to return these.
Holy cow where is quality control? These shoes are at least 1 size too small.
Comfortable shoe, runs small for stated size. Needs better arch support. 6 months after purchase shoe upper material is showing considerable wear.
However I have to keep to only dry conditions as they wet easily and dirty quickly. Front mesh is hard to keep clean.