50 Words or Less
Super comfortable, surprising traction, another superior shoe from Nike.
Introduction
Nike is one of the most innovative companies in the universe when it comes to footwear. Over the past few years, Nike has been bringing more and more of that innovation to their golf shoes. With the new Nike FI Impact, Nike brings their Free concept to golf and the result is nothing short of footwear bliss.
Comfort
Over the past year I have worn the Nike Free Run 3 almost exclusively as my day-to-day shoe. The reasons: they are super comfortable, lightweight, and breathable.
The FI in the name FI Impact stands for “Free Inspired,” and that inspiration is obvious in the comfort that the Impacts deliver. I wore the FI Impact to the course three times (with no socks!) and they were easily the most comfortable pair of golf shoes I have ever worn. They were lightweight, breathable, and very supportive. I wasn’t expecting much in terms of support based on my regular Nike Frees, but was pleasantly surprised when I brought the Impacts out.
Looks
The Nike FI Impact is a good looking shoe and has an offering for all crowds. I went with the Military Blue/White-Venom Green-Black option, but there are also plain grey, black, and white offerings that are a little less “bold.” The Impact doesn’t look as bulky as the TW line of shoes and maintain more of a gym shoe look. If one didn’t know any better, they would suspect that I’m just wearing a regular pair of Nike Frees out on the golf course.
Performance
Here’s where the rubber really meets the road (get it?!). The Nike FI Impact has to be one of the best, if not the best, spikeless shoes out right now. Here’s what Nike had to say about the shoe:
“Golfers need freedom to move and maximum ground feel to play their best, and the new Nike Free FI Impact Golf Shoe offers both.
Designed with insights from golf pro Suzann Pettersen, the Free FI Impact features a Nike-Free inspired outsole designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot while providing the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe—without removable spikes.”
All I can say is that if this was Nike’s goal with the Impact, then they hit the mark. The conditions at my home driving range are akin to standing in a swamp. This was a concern for me in trying out the new kicks, but I was quickly put at ease. I had complete control of my footing and was totally shocked at how well the Impact’s soles were holding the soaking wet ground. I had the confidence to take full swings freely without having to think about keeping my footing.
Even though I was able to maintain my balance and control in the wetlands…I mean driving range…I was concerned at how much water and mud would make its way through the mesh upper. After about five minutes, my shoes were caked in mud, but my feet were completely dry. Again, I was very pleasantly surprised at how good the waterproofing is with the Nike FI Impact.
All in all, the Nike FI Impact’s performance is comparable to a regular spiked shoe. The traction and ground control were absolutely shocking and a wonderful surprise.
Conclusion
I haven’t worn Nike golf shoes for the better part of a decade now, but the Nike FI Impact may have officially changed that. This is the first time I’ve truly felt a brand has successfully merged “comfortable sneaker” with “functional golf shoe.” I’m not surprised that Nike was the first one to get it right. I can’t say enough good things about this shoe, and I look forward to see how Nike will build on the product line going forward. I’m hoping for a few differently styles and colors utilizing the same concepts, but in the meantime I’ll be more than satisfied with my blue Nike FI Impacts.
Price & Manufacturer Notes
The Nike FI Impact retails at $130.
From Nike:
The Nike FI Impact Men’s Golf Shoe features Dynamic Fit technology and a reinforced mesh upper for a lightweight, adaptive fit and stability through every swing. With a Nike Free-inspired midsole and integrated traction pattern underfoot, this premium shoe grips the grass securely while offering natural range of motion.
Benefits
• Waterproof ripstop mesh upper with TPU overlays for breathable comfort and durability
• Dynamic Fit technology uses Flywire bundles that integrate with the laces for lockdown and an adaptive fit
• Nike Free-inspired Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning and flexibility
• Rubber outsole with integrated traction pattern for stability and surface grip
Bill Bush
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Great review. I agree on ALL POINTS, this shoe is one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market.
Hula,
That’s NOT what I wanted to hear. :)
Now I’m going to have to go get a pair for myself. Bill is lucky he has small feet or I would have just stolen his.
-Matt
11.5 isn’t small!
They are a great shoe though. Nike nailed it with these, 100%.
i went and bought a pair of the blue style. While I completely agree the shoes are very comfortable, the traction is not good on them. I’ve slipped several times and not even in wet conditions, there’s just not a lot of traction with this design. Probably pick up some lunar controls
That’s interesting because just after about a year, I’ve started to hear this from other people as well. It seems to be very mixed bag. Some people have zero problems, others have nightmares. Interesting perspective.