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SQAIRZ have partnered with Sir Nick Faldo and offering golfers a chance to own 1 of 1000 pairs of a limited edition shoe + a signed photo
SQAIRZ is a footwear brand that was founded by Robert Winskowicz, a golf industry veteran. He had the idea for a square-toed shoe that would improve stability and accuracy. This all occurred following a visit to a driving range wearing a pair of square-toed dress shoes. That, I believe, could be called ‘serendipitous’.
Winskowicz first observed that the square toe design actually improved his aim. But that wasn’t all. Further research has shown that improved ground connection provided by a wider toe box allows stronger balance and stability, with improvements in clubhead speed & distance.
A quick look at the website shows that SQAIRZ makes footwear not only for golfers, but also for baseball, softball and pickleball – all sports where traction and stability is paramount. The brand offers a range of different golf shoes for men and women – all with patented technology to help improve your performance.
This was my first exposure to the SQAIRZ brand, and in fact it seems that the company has only been making golf shoes since 2020. Sir Nick Faldo has been so impressed with SQAIRZ that he has invested in the company.
The squared-off toe is what makes this shoe immediately stand out from competitor brands, and it did initially look a little strange. However, as is usually the situation, I quickly got used to it. I wasn’t sure about the idea of a more spacious toe box because I like to feel that my feet are cocooned inside a golf shoe but I have to say it worked well. There was plenty of space for my toes but no sense of looseness.
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This model is available in half sizes right the way from 7 to 12., and also in size 13 & 14. There is a very helpful guide on the website which will assist you in getting the size that’s right for you, based on your size in other popular shoe brands.
This particular shoe, the NF 1990 Limited Edition is different from the rest of the Sqairz lineup in that it is crafted from full-grain premium leather. It comes in just one colour, classic white, with dark blue detailing around the sole, laces and collar of the shoe.
It certainly presents a smart and classic look. Now you can read on the website about the TPU outsole and NRG-Foam midsole etc. For me, there are a few notable features.
Firstly, in these days of synthetic leather or microfibres uppers, it is nice to have a proper leather shoe. I also liked the innovative Sta-Put lacing system with silicone printing on one side, helping to achieve a secure fit.
The TPU heel stabilizer and traction system, comprising over 290 nubbins, along with 6 Pivix soft spikes promises to give stability when swinging hard.
On Course Testing
Testing was carried out over two rounds in showery conditions on my home heathland course. The shoes felt a little stiff initially but that feeling soon settled and I found them to be comfortable to wear, with good support around the ankle in particular.
The comfort is provided by some excellent lightweight padding offered by the whole of the shoe. The heel counter ensured strong stability such that my foot felt securely contained in position.
The shoe gripped particularly well when testing on uneven lies and hitting out of fairway bunkers. Rather intriguingly the website suggests distance advantages can be gained by wearing this shoe, due to better use of the ground. Now I cannot verify this from my limited testing, but I certainly felt a strong sense of balance with these shoes.
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There was no water ingress and my feet stayed cool and dry throughout testing. A 2 year waterproof warranty is supplied with most Sqairz footwear which is reassuring
The 19th hole
Due to the overall design, I think this is a shoe for the golf course rather than the clubhouse, although the sole configuration means that the spike bar can be navigated with no problems.
In summary, this is an innovative shoe, offering performance gains, and it will be interesting to see if it gains prominence in years to come.
I suspect it will and with it being a limited edition shoe, that comes with a signed photo of Sir Nick Faldo, you can own a piece of history!
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual Out of Box Comfort:9/10 Stability: 10/10 Value for Money: 9/10
