50 Words or Less
The PAYNTR Sport Classic LE looks like an upscale trainer but has excellent traction. All day comfort right out of the box. True to size.
Introduction
Golf shoes that look like gym shoes are nothing new. The golf course is increasingly becoming a venue for sneaker fans to show off their latest acquisition. But oftentimes these trainer-style shoes don’t have the performance of a “real” golf shoe. The PAYNTR Sport Classic LE is an exception, fusing a stylish look with high performance elements like their PMX Speed Plate and high traction sole.
Looks
After several days of wear, what stands out most about the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE are the premium materials. The full grain leather upper gives this shoe a premium look that other similar shoes lack. Additionally, PAYNTR went above and beyond the typical sneaker silhouette. There are three different contrast colors which create more visual interest, but each is used tastefully. There’s also very little branding – two small “X” logos and a patch on the tongue – which adds to the upscale look.
The PAYNTR Sport Classic LE is available in three colorways: white/black/metallic silver (predominantly white), black/white/silver (all black with a white sole), and grey/black/drab (shown here). Additionally, there is a PAYNTR Sport Mid LE RS which has a high-top silhouette and replaceable spikes.
Comfort
I gave the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE a very stout test for comfort. The first time I put them on was as I headed to the airport for three days at PXG. They were the only shoes I brought, so I wore them for ten hours or more per day, on and off the course. My confidence in PAYNTR was rewarded: my feet were very happy throughout the trip, and I never had any desire to take the shoes off.
Getting into the details, the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE have a roomy fit, especially in the toe box. I wouldn’t say they’re oversized or sloppy, but they have a true-to-size feel that won’t pressure your foot. The laces are impactful, allowing you to lock your foot in place, and the tongue is very well cushioned so it’s not uncomfortable to do so.
Underfoot, there is moderate cushioning. It’s soft but not overly thick, which is my preferred feel. You’re not separated from the ground by a huge pillow of fluff, but the ORTHOLITE footbed absorbs much of the shock of walking.
Performance
Since their inception, PAYNTR has been creating some of the best-performing golf shoes on the market, and that has not changed with the Sport Classic LE. As we’ve seen with the recent All Day SC [review HERE] and Match Day SC [review HERE], PAYNTR gets more traction from a spikeless shoe than anyone else. There are loads of tall traction elements that bite into the turf and keep you grounded almost as well as a replaceable spike. I’ll add that, unlike some more aggressive spikeless shoes, the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE feels very stable on everyday surfaces like streets and sidewalks.
The other key performance element that’s common to many PAYNTR shoes is the PMX Speed Plate. This is a carbon fiber plate in the sole that improves energy return when you’re walking and swinging. As I’ve noted before, the effect is not huge – you won’t start driving the ball 10 yards farther by switching shoes – but I have seen a small, measurable boost in club head speed with carbon fiber soled shoes. What I like about the application in the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE is that the sole does not feel overly stiff when walking.
In terms of heel drop and stack height, the Sport Classic LE is similar to most other PAYNTR shoes I’ve tested. The heel drop is modest – far less than a traditional FootJoy – as is the stack height. While not quite a natural motion shoe, the Sport Classic LE will keep you in touch with the turf.
Finally, when it comes to the handling the elements, the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE has a “WATERPROOF+ breathable membrane,” but PAYNTR does not specify a waterproof warranty. In my testing, the Sport Classic LE had no issue handling light rain or dew, but if you’re a mudder you will probably want shoes with a waterproof guarantee.
Conclusion
The PAYNTR Sport Classic LE has a premium, sporty look but doesn’t compromise on performance. They have as much traction as anyone could ask for from a spikeless shoe alongside all day comfort. If you’re looking for a shoe that can offer the best of all worlds, this could be it.
Save 10% on the PAYNTR Sport Classic LE HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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2 Comments
How do they compare to the Squairz golf shoes? Do you have a preference of the two?
Anthony,
Here’s my latest SQAIRZ review: https://pluggedingolf.com/sqairz-speed2-lt-golf-shoe-review/
I think SQAIRZ has its place, but, for me, I think PAYNTR is better in every possible way. PAYNTR is one of my two favorite golf shoe brands right now, alongside TRUE.
Best,
Matt