We sometimes use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them.
Puma have released a sneaker golf shoe that you will either love or hate! But how does the Puma Helsinki golf shoe perform? Paul Millet put them to the test….
The Puma Helsinki golf shoe is a design that will likely evoke strong opinions—either loving it or hating it. It’s part of the growing trend of golf sneakers, joining styles like the Adidas Retrocross 25, New Balance 574 Greens V2, and Nike Air Pegasus ’89 G. These sneaker-inspired shoes aren’t just for casual golfers; they’ve even made appearances on professional tours, with players like Tony Finau, Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose opting for their more relaxed, stylish look.
While they may not be for everyone, I was excited to get my hands on the latest Puma sneaker golf shoe and put it to the test. These shoes don’t sacrifice style for performance. In fact, I believe they’re the perfect choice for summer rounds or holiday golf trips.
Not only that, they also passed a very stern test that made me look at these sneaker style golf shoes in a totally different way. Check out my full Puma Helsinki golf shoe review to see what I thought.
The Puma Helsinki Golf Shoe offers a stylish, trainer-inspired look that appeals to those seeking versatility and modernity. Designed mainly for summer, they feature lightweight, breathable materials, and a comfortable fit – even for my wider feet.
The grip and stability are suitable on various terrains, making them ideal on and off course everyday wear.
While they might not be a go to pair for muddy wet winters, they excel in warm weather – also passing the most stern of waterproof tests and so if you got caught in a down pour your feet would remain dry. The casual design may not suit traditionalists, but for those wanting a relaxed, sporty look, these shoes provide comfort, style, and practicality.
PROS
Very comfortable
Versatile – can easily be worn on and off the golf course
Great summer option – no issues with grip and support
Waterproof – this surprised me, but they definitely are!
CONS
Not an all the year round golf shoe if you play golf on muddy courses in the winter
Right out the box I absolutely loved the look of these. The colour was to my liking, though I appreciate might not be for some.
I am a big fan of versatile golf shoes that are not just confined to the golf course. Yes, these would not be ideal for playing winter golf in muddy conditions, but they are not supposed to be.
Having said that, if you just want one pair of (casual looking) golf shoes that you can wear throughout the season then these are not going to be for you – the Payntr X-003 F Golf Shoe is probably where you need to look as they are probably better suited to the winter mud.
But, and most importantly, how did they perform out on the course?
NCG Verdict
Let me first concede that I received these in the summer when it has hardly rained. Summer weather just makes me want to wear a trainer style golf shoe. Nevertheless when I teed the ball up I felt comfortable and read to rip it. My feet are on the wider size and these fit perfectly and were true to size.
Advertisement
I really liked their lightweight design, which made walking the course feel effortless, and the breathable material kept my feet cool and comfortable even in warmer conditions. The trainer-inspired look might not appeal to everyone’s traditional taste, but for those who enjoy a more relaxed, sporty look, these shoes fit the bill perfectly. They strike a nice balance between casual trainers and golf shoes, making them versatile enough for both on and off the course.
One of the surprising features for me was the grip. While these shoes aren’t designed for heavy winter conditions, I found the traction to be sufficient for summer rounds. The sole provides good stability and grip during swings and when walking on different terrains, giving confidence without feeling overly rigid or stiff. They’re also incredibly easy to slip on and off, which adds to their convenience.
These shoes are also ideal for golf trips abroad or those who prefer a more relaxed look on the course. Their casual trainer style means you can easily wear them as everyday trainers, saving space in your luggage and eliminating the need to pack separate footwear.
While they’re not intended for wet winter play, they excel in summer conditions and are a practical, stylish option for any golfer looking for comfort, versatility, and a modern look. Dare I say, you could even play Padel tennis in them!
They do come with a 1 year waterproof guarantee but I have not put them to the water test and to be honest would not be the shoes I would be choosing for wet weather golf.
Advertisement
NCG Verdict
The Puma Helsinki G Golf Shoe is a true Marmite choice—you will just either love it or hate it.
Its casual, trainer-inspired design forgoes traditional golf shoe aesthetics, making it perfect for those seeking something different.
Not everyone will appreciate the laid-back look, and that’s exactly the point; it’s not meant to be a classic or conservative option. What it lacks in traditional style, it compensates with lightweight comfort, breathability, and decent grip—ideal for summer play and travel.
I have listed 2 cons in the summary box at the beginning but for me this does not take anything away from what these shoes are designed to do.
If you’re after a unique, versatile summer golf shoe that stands out from the crowd, this could be, as it is for me, your new favorite.
The Surprise!
This section is an update to when I conducted my original review – as I had no opportunity to test them in heavy rain. This opportunity presented itself when in Blackpool on a wet September weekend! I was not actually on the golf course but at the Pleasure Beach with the family. My original pair of shoes got absolutely soaked whilst in the theme park and not fit for purpose for venturing out in the evening.
The only other shoes I had was a pair of Puma Helsinki’s that were in the boot of my car! There was no sign of the rain relenting but had no choice but to don the Helsinki’s and venture in the rain. I was not expecting much in terms of wet weather performance and protection – resigned to the fact that my feet would be soaked after walking to the Tram and walking up and down the golden mile.
Advertisement
How wrong was I!?! I could not believe that my feet remained completely dry – they passed, in fact surpassed, the waterproof test. So much so, that if I was to play golf in the wet during the summer months, or even abroad, I would have no hesitation on wearing these shoes. They are a wet weather triumph!
