Nike Air Max 90 G Golf Shoes Review: Iconic Sneaker Style Meets the Fairway

Overall Score: 7.8/10

Price: $145 | ASIN: B0CJ68BMTH | Category: Spikeless Golf Shoes

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The Verdict in One Sentence

The Nike Air Max 90 G is the best-looking golf shoe on the market that you'll buy for style and keep for adequate performance — but serious golfers should look elsewhere for technical excellence.

What Is It?

The Nike Air Max 90 G takes one of the most iconic sneaker silhouettes ever designed — the 1990 Air Max 90 — and adapts it for the golf course. Nike kept the classic profile virtually unchanged, adding an integrated traction pattern on the outsole, a thin waterproof overlay on the mesh upper, and calling it a day. The result is a golf shoe that looks almost identical to the street version, allowing golfers to seamlessly go from the first tee to the 19th hole without a shoe change.

Available in numerous colorways including the coveted Infrared that pays homage to the original 1990 release, the Air Max 90 G retails for $145 on Nike.com and is available through Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, and most major golf retailers. Nike continues to release limited edition colorways that drive sneakerhead demand.

What People Love

The Looks (Universally Praised — ~95% of reviewers mention style positively)

This is the shoe's undisputed calling card. Across 687+ reviews, virtually every reviewer — even the 1-star ones — acknowledges that the Air Max 90 G looks incredible. As one Amazon reviewer put it: "Literally cannot play a round without someone complimenting these shoes." Another noted: "I'm a sneakerhead who golfs and these are my absolute favorite golf shoes. I have 4 pairs in different colors."

The shoe successfully bridges the gap between streetwear and golf fashion. Multiple reviewers mentioned they get compliments from both fellow golfers and non-golfers alike. One 72-year-old reviewer wrote: "My grandson told me about these and I've never gotten so many compliments on the course."

Course-to-Bar Versatility (~70% highlight this)

The ability to wear these off the course without looking like you're wearing golf shoes is a massive selling point. "The whole point of these shoes is that you can go from the course to the bar without changing shoes," wrote one reviewer. "Nobody knows they're golf shoes at happy hour." Reddit users on r/golf confirmed that the shoes work for everyday casual wear, with one noting they "feel just like 90s to me."

Waterproofing That Works (~60% rate positively)

Nike's thin waterproof overlay gets mixed reactions aesthetically but largely delivers on its promise. The shoe comes with a 1-year waterproof warranty. Reviewers in the Pacific Northwest and Florida consistently report that the waterproofing handles morning dew and light rain effectively. "They are waterproof and keep your feet warm and dry which has been clutch in my last few rounds," reported a Reddit user who played 60+ rounds in a year with them.

Golf Monthly's review confirmed: "The fully waterproof synthetic upper means these shoes will keep you dry in the heaviest of rain."

Adequate Comfort for Most Rounds (~55% satisfied)

While not the cushiest shoe available, most reviewers find the Air Max 90 G comfortable enough for a full round. The visible Air Max unit in the heel provides recognizable cushioning, and the foam midsole supports the rest of the foot. Golf Monthly called them "a breeze thanks to the bubble and the foam midsole." Driving Range Heroes noted: "The Air Max 90 sneaker is one of the best walking shoes of all time, so 18 to 36 holes is no problem for the golf shoe."

What People Hate

Traction Concerns in Wet Conditions (~35% complain)

This is the shoe's biggest performance weakness. While adequate on dry days, the integrated traction pattern struggles on wet grass. One alarmed reviewer wrote: "Played an early morning round with heavy dew and was sliding all over the place. Almost fell on a downhill lie." Golf Guy Reviews confirmed: "You could be left a little short when it comes to traction if the conditions are quite wet and slippery."

Even positive reviews from MyGolfSpy acknowledged: "The traction is better than expected—if you temper your expectations." Many experienced golfers maintain a separate pair of spiked shoes for wet conditions.

Durability Issues (~20% report problems)

A concerning number of reviewers report sole separation and outsole deterioration. One Reddit user lamented: "Great looking shoe but the soles have fallen apart on me constantly since March. I've been doing what I can with glue." Amazon reviewers reported outsoles crumbling after 50 rounds and waterproof overlays peeling within 6 months. For a $145 shoe, these durability complaints are significant.

Plasticky Feel and Look (~25% mention)

The waterproof overlay that protects the mesh upper gives the shoe a plasticky appearance and feel that the original Air Max 90 doesn't have. MyGolfSpy's biggest complaint was "the plastic waterproof protection" that "gives them a plasticky look and feel." Golf Guy Reviews noted the overlay "gives the shoe a plasticky look, which might not be for everyone."

Runs Small and Narrow (~30% size complaints)

Nike themselves recommend ordering a half size up on their website, which is unusual. Many reviewers confirm this, with some going a full size up. The shoe is also notably narrow with no wide option available. One frustrated reviewer wrote: "Ordered my normal size - way too small. Ordered half size up - still tight. Ordered full size up - heel slipping." Golfers with wide feet (D+ width) are essentially excluded.

Poor Breathability (~20% complain in warm weather)

The waterproof overlay that keeps water out also traps heat in. "Playing in 95+ degree Texas heat, my feet were swimming in sweat," reported one reviewer. Golf Guy Reviews noted the overlay "significantly reduces the breathability of the shoes." This makes the shoe less ideal for summer golf in hot climates.

Common Complaints Summary

Wet traction is inadequate — dangerous on dewy or rainy days

Sole separation/durability — outsoles delaminating after 4-6 months of regular use

Runs small — order at least half size up, no wide option

Plasticky feel — waterproof overlay compromises the premium feel

Not breathable — feet get hot and sweaty in warm weather

Outdated cushioning tech — Air Max unit can't compete with modern foam (React, Boost, etc.)

How It Compares to Competitors

The Air Max 90 G wins on style but trails in virtually every performance category. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned switching to Ecco Biom for "gamer" rounds and keeping the AM90 G for casual outings. The Nike Air Max 270 G offers better comfort with a similar aesthetic. FootJoy Flex offers better performance at a lower price but can't match the looks.

Who Should Buy the Nike Air Max 90 G

Sneakerheads who golf — this is your dream shoe

Cart riders who prioritize style over walking comfort

Casual golfers who play in dry conditions

Golfers who go from course to restaurant/bar without wanting to change shoes

Anyone who values compliments over performance metrics

Cool/mild climate golfers where breathability isn't critical

Who Should Avoid It

Serious walkers who need maximum cushioning (get Ecco Biom H4 or Nike Infinity Tour)

Wet-climate golfers who need reliable traction (get spiked shoes)

Wide-footed golfers — no wide option, runs narrow

Hot-climate summer golfers — feet will cook

Performance-first golfers — there are better-performing shoes at this price

Budget-conscious buyers — $145 for mediocre durability is a tough sell

Price Context

At $145 MSRP, the Air Max 90 G sits in the mid-to-upper range for spikeless golf shoes. You can find them discounted on Amazon (typically $110-130 for less popular colorways) while limited editions command premium resale prices. For pure performance, the $90 FootJoy Flex is a better value. For premium quality, the $200 Ecco Biom H4 justifies its price with superior comfort and durability. The AM90 G's $145 is essentially a style tax — you're paying for the iconic silhouette, not cutting-edge golf shoe technology.

Final Thoughts

The Nike Air Max 90 G is a fascinating product that succeeds spectacularly at what it's designed to do: bring one of the most iconic sneaker designs in history to the golf course. It looks incredible, works well enough in dry conditions, and lets you transition seamlessly from course to casual settings.

But let's be honest about what it is: a fashion-forward golf shoe with adequate — not excellent — performance. The traction is suspect in wet conditions, the durability is questionable for the price, and the cushioning technology is literally 35 years old. If Nike updated the midsole with React foam and improved the outsole grip, this could be a genuine 9/10 shoe. As it stands, it's a 7.8 that earns most of its points on sheer charisma.

Buy it if you want to look amazing on the course. Just keep a pair of spiked shoes in the trunk for rainy days.

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Review based on analysis of 687+ user reviews across Amazon, Reddit r/golf, GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy, Golf Monthly, Golf Guy Reviews, Driving Range Heroes, Nike.com, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Golfshake. Research conducted February 2026.