Product Review: Sqairz Golf Shoes

If you’ve watched the PGA Tour on TV the past two years, no doubt you’ve seen Sir Nick Faldo touting Sqairz Golf Shoes. He claims thousands of golfers have switched to Sqairz and are enjoying increased distance with their new shoes. Faldo calls them “the best golf shoes he’s ever worn” and says since he switched to Sqairz, he’s never worn anything else.

Seeing famous golfers, even a six-time major winner, pushing products on TV is nothing new but the Sqairz ads are a little different. Most ads for golf shoes are focused on fashion and comfort and leave you to draw the conclusion that by using the same brand as [insert name of brand ambassador here], you too can look good and feel good. But when was the last time you heard anyone making distance claims about a golf shoe?

I was skeptical and wondered what it was about Sqairz that could help golfers hit the ball farther. A call with Sqairz Founder Robert Winskowicz more than answered that question. Bob walked me through the technology behind the golf shoe and how it helps the foot perform better than a traditional shoe. There’s a lot of science involved and I’m not going to go into all the details. You can view it all HERE along with results from independent testing. The bottom line is that “the unique design provides better balance and stability, resulting in increased swing speed and more consistent accuracy.”

OK, so far so good. But the most important test is the one you do yourself. Bob had said he would send me a pair of their new Speed model to try and true to his word, a package arrived by courier a few days later.

My first impression is that the white and silver Speeds look like a premium shoe with quality craftmanship and aesthetics. There is obvious support built into the heel and middle section of the shoe and the square toe gives it a very solid look. Nice lines and the colourway has an interesting geometric pattern. If you want something funkier, Sqairz has a limited-edition model called The Sir Nick Faldo 11.

On my feet, the shoes feel comfortable and sturdy. The square toe looks a little different but not in a bad way. Overall, I feel very grounded as I twist and turn and make a few pretend swings in my office.

Test #1

The shoes got their first real test early in April. Courses weren’t open yet and the weather had been pretty dreadful but at the first glimpse of sunshine, I was off to a local public course for the walking test. It was a bit squishy but nothing the Sqairz couldn’t handle. After all, they’re guaranteed waterproof. After 18 holes, my feet didn’t have any sore spots or chafing, which is a testament to the excellent construction and also to the company’s sizing chart. I had ordered my usual size and they fit and performed perfectly right out of the box.

Perhaps most importantly, Sqairz are super comfortable. Sometimes a sturdier construction will feel stiff or unyielding when walking but the Sqairz felt like they were designed for my feet. Obviously, a bit heavier than a running shoe style of golf shoe but not so much that you noticed the added weight.

Test #2

The final test occurred a few days later when I snagged some time on a simulator. It had been almost six months since I last hit a golf ball, thanks to Covid curtailing my usual plans to attend the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and any other warm weather golf trips. My plan was to hit warm-up shots with my driver until I was seeing something approaching normal, then it would be reps of six shots with my former golf shoes, followed by six shots with the Sqairz. Then six more of each.

Eureka! It’s hard to describe my reaction to what I was seeing on screen. With the Sqairz my ball speed had increased an average of 8 mph and carry distance by 15 yards. It wasn’t exactly the Fountain of Youth but genuinely nice to know that age hadn’t won yet.

When I was hitting shots with Sqairz, I felt like I could swing harder. I tried to do the same with my other shoes but never got the same ball speed and my contact was off a bit, resulting in a wider dispersion pattern. Sqairz were definitely longer and straighter and not just a wee bit. The difference was significant.

Sqairz has models for both men and women and can only be purchased online. Retail price for the shoes tested is $199 USD.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for improved performance, increased stability and exceptional comfort, look no further. The Sqairz have it all. I’m extremely comfortable jumping on the Faldo bandwagon and recommending Sqairz. For more information on Sqairz or to order your own pair, click HERE.

Note to Fairways readers: Use the promo code “distance” to get $20 off your purchase.