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Callaway aren’t exceptionally well known for their golf shoes. We got out hands on a pair of the Callaway Lux Tour Series golf shoes to see if they should be on your radar
Callaway is well-recognised as a top golf brand, although it may not spring to mind when thinking of your next pair of golf shoes. But they offer an impressive range of footwear; here, we review the Callaway Lux Tour Series golf shoes.
Having tested the Apex Coronado S from Callaway last year and found it to be an excellent all-round shoe, I couldn’t wait to assess the new style for 2023, the Lux Tour Series.
I have to say that out of the box, this shoe looked fabulous. It has a timeless and classic appearance, especially in the colour that I was sent. This is the sort of shoe that would certainly attract my attention on the pro shop wall display. There is a premium full-grain leather upper in white with a contrasting rich navy saddle. Look at the beautiful white stitching at the base of the upper – it all looks very smart.
This model also comes in two other colours; black and white, where the saddle is a ‘camo’ pattern in the same colour. I think they are less striking looking than the version I tested, but of course, that’s a personal choice.
There is some subtle embossing on the tongue of the shoe. I personally didn’t feel the appearance was enhanced by a large Callaway ‘V’ on the outer aspect of the shoe- it rather detracted from the traditional look. The heel piece felt reasonably firm. The interior of the shoe featured what Callaway call a ‘cabretta glove leather lining’ which looks smart and traditional, but I wondered how comfortable it would be.
There is an Ortholite moulded footbed, and the shoe features a Gibson lacing system which is designed to allow generous foot entry (and, I presume, exit). This is is the sort of shoe that I would expect to be traditionally spiked but, no, it has a TPU hybrid spikeless outsole. There are over 100 traction points comprising a mixture of chevrons, diamonds and little lugs.
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The UK size 7.5 (Euro 41) standard width fitted my usually sized 7.5 wide foot slightly on the loose side. I found that surprising as the same-sized Apex Coronado S from Callaway fitted me beautifully. After putting on a thicker pair of socks and tightening up the Gibson lacing system, I managed to obtain a decent fit. So I’d say that if you are between sizes, then go down half a size.
On Course Testing
Testing was carried out over one round in conditions that were damp underfoot on my home heathland course. The shoes were certainly nice and comfortable – my concerns regarding lack of padding in the interior of the shoe were unfounded, and my foot felt nicely supported in the cabretta glove leather lining.
Now a word about so called ‘energy return’. This has been a thing in running shoes for a number of years, and golf footwear has joined the bandwagon, with most major brands offering interestingly named systems that promise to defy the laws of physics and have us bouncing around the course with gay abandon. I think that Callaway deserves first prize for the name of their energy return system – namely the ‘ Supercritical Crush-Foam Energy Return Midsole’. Not only does it sound great, it also feels very comfortable underfoot with a springy cushioned feel.
As far as performance is concerned, this shoe just didn’t quite do it for me. I’m not sure if it was due to the nagging sense that it was a little large for me or that my heel didn’t feel securely gripped in position. Or perhaps I didn’t quite trust the outsole to grip in trickier situations such as playing from a fairway bunker. On the plus side I didn’t actually lose my footing or have any problems with rubbing or soreness – there was just a lack of trust compared with some similar models I have tested recently. I can’t help feel that this would have been a better overall package if it came as a spiked shoe.
The shoe remained waterproof in the damp, but not wet conditions thanks to the waterproof Opti-Dry construction, and I was pleased to see that it came with not only a one-year waterproof warranty’ but also a 30-day comfort guarantee. I haven’t seen this latter offer before, and it really means that you have nothing to lose by trying these out.
The 19th hole
The spikeless nature of the outsole means that you can comfortably wear this shoe off the course, but the classic design doesn’t particularly lend itself to a post-round trip to the shops, although it certainly works at the nineteenth.
In summary, I think this is a really handsome-looking shoe which is extremely comfortable to wear. You need to be careful with sizing, and, for me, it didn’t quite have the performance features to match the looks and comfort.
The leather upper will need looking after to maintain the appearance and behaviour of the shoe but I would expect that to be straightforward enough, and the construction of the shoe suggests that it will be hard-wearing and long-lasting with the appropriate care.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual Out of Box Comfort: 9/10 Stability: 8/10 Value for Money: 8/10
Callaway Lux Tour Series golf shoes
Now: £179
Check out the best deals on the Callaway Lux Tour Series golf shoes
Available: Now RRP: £179 Sizes: UK 6-12 (half sizes to 11). Colours: White/Navy, White or Black. More info:Callaway Apparel website
How do we test golf shoes?
At National Club Golfer, we are passionate about producing accurate and thorough reviews and making sure our testing process is rigorous so we get a good understanding of how each pair of shoes performs.
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Each shoe is worn out on the golf course whilst playing golf, so we can get an idea of overall performance in terms of factors like comfort, grip, stability in the golf swing, waterproof protection and how they actually look on the golf course.
What is important when buying Golf shoes?
When buying new golf footwear its important to know what attributes or features you value the most before deciding on a brand or model to buy. For example, do you want spiked or spikeless shoes?
A lot of golfers think comfort is paramount when choosing a shoe, we are going to be standing in them for 3-5 hours right? Some golf shoes on the market have special insoles and cushioned mid-soles designed to keep your feet feeling fresh.
Grip is vital to good performance on the golf course as any foot slip in dry or wet conditions can not only cause the golf club to swing improperly but may also lead to an injury.
Nearly all golf shoes will either be fully waterproof or offer some kind of water resistance, and this is important as real die-hard golfers play in every weather condition. Having wet feet for 4 hours is not and will never be fun.
How good the shoe looks is of course subjective to personal style, but is important to any player. Do you prefer an athletic-looking shoe, or are you more traditional? Does your shoe offer on-course off-course style or do you want shoes purely for the course? Does the style of shoe you like have the best color options for your golfing wardrobe?
Price is the last factor to consider. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a shoe at a lower cost, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.
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Jonathan also known as JT, is one of the biggest golf nuts on the NCG team.
He has quickly become a go-to for expertise on golf shoes and technical apparel. In fact he may have a different pair of shoes and a new waterproof jacket for every club medal he plays in.
He previously worked as a GP, which means he likes to get into the details of things, such as weighing golf shoes with his kitchen scales.
Jonathan is a member at Alwoodley Golf Club and regularly gets out on the golf course to maintain his handicap of five.
