50 Words or Less
The TRUE Linkswear Original golf shoe is a throwback to the look and feel of their first shoe. Fans of the brand will love it, and new converts will be made.
Introduction
When TRUE Linkswear launched in 2009, it created a revolution in golf footwear. Their shoes didn’t look like any others, but, more importantly, they didn’t feel like any others. The unmatched comfort created a cult following.
Unfortunately, in an effort to evolve, TRUE got away from that original recipe. Their shoes were still good, but they became a little more like everyone else’s, and, thus, a little less interesting.
Eight years later, TRUE has dropped the TRUE Original, a shoe that recalls that first model in every way. Is it the shoe they needed to re-ignite the brand’s fire?
Looks
Getting back to the roots of TRUE starts with the look. The more recent models went away from the minimalist approach, but the True Original nails it.
The branding is limited to the tongue and an embossed “TRUE” on the side of the heel. TRUE is offering the Original in three colorways: grey/navy, black, and white. Each version has clean lines with the sock liner creating some visual interest around the ankle. The full grain leather keeps the look premium.
Comfort
I barely got my foot halfway into the TRUE Original before realizing how familiar and wonderful it felt. That initial burst of comfort comes from the sock liner. It’s soft and cushioned but not so thick that you lose your connection to the ground.
Once your foot is all the way in, you can’t help but notice TRUE’s trademark toe box. The extra width feels amazing, even if you don’t have particularly wide feet.
Finally, when you start walking around you realize how light the Originals are. For those that believe 18 holes is never enough, light weight shoes are a big deal.
Performance
The main reason to wear the TRUE Original is the flexibility of the sole and the way it connects you to the ground. No other golf shoe allows you to move as naturally. Because the sole is so flexible, more of your foot stays in contact with the turf. That creates a ton of traction, even with a sole that doesn’t look aggressively spiked.
TRUE makes wearing the Original in all weather possible through excellent waterproofing. The full grain leather outer and the liner are guaranteed waterproof for two years.
The only caveat I would offer about the TRUE Original is that they may take some getting used to. If you typically wear structured, rigid shoes, you’re going to be using muscles in your feet that you haven’t used before. I think that adjustment period is worth it for the sake of performance and the health of your feet.
Conclusion
TRUE Linkswear has gotten back to their roots, and I couldn’t be happier. The TRUE Original is everything that TRUE loyalists loved about the original shoes: incomparable comfort and unparalleled connection to the ground.
[carousel]
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.
- SwingMotion Review - November 25, 2025
- 2025 Plugged In Golf Holiday Gift Guide - November 24, 2025
- Project X Red Iron Shaft Review - November 21, 2025
9 Comments
Thank you for the great article. Will you do a review of the outsider model too?
Mat,
Yes, the Outsider review will be up on November 1.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
How do you find these run size wise with the toe box being wider. Do you wear the same size in these as for your other (golf) shoes?
/tomas
Tomas,
I wear a 14 in TRUE, which is my normal size for most brands like Nike. I do wear a 13 in FootJoy and other brands that run larger. I hope that helps.
Best,
Matt
Sweet! Still have my original pair, that are beat to death. I always felt these shoes actually helped my game; looking forward to a new pair!
I wear an orthotic insert for flat feet. Would they work in a shoe like this?
Frank,
Certainly. I’m not a food doctor, so I can’t speak to how a natural motion shoe would interact with your particular orthotic, but I have fairly flat feet and I wear natural motion shoes almost exclusively.
Best,
Matt
I’ve been a fan of the True Links Original for years. When they reappeared I realized they hadn’t missed a step. My last round I was in a hurry to go play & when I got to the course I still had my running shoes on. (a 200 dollar pair of Mizuno’s) My feet hurt at the end of the round.
Pingback: TRUE Linkswear OG Feel Golf Shoe Review - Plugged In Golf