I reviewed World No.1 Nelly Korda’s Nike golf shoes – here’s what I really think

The Nike Free isn’t just stylish and comfortable, it’s the performance-ready spikeless golf shoe trusted by Nelly Korda, and it might just be Nike’s best golf footwear in years.

When the world’s No.1 women’s golfer puts her trust in one of the best golf shoes on the market, you take notice. Nelly Korda, current World No.1 and Olympic gold medalist, wears the Nike Free on tour, and it’s not just for the looks. This shoe represents a true fusion of Nike’s iconic trainer DNA with real, on-course performance, and it’s exactly what the brand has been missing in recent years.

For a while, it seemed Nike were losing their way with spikeless golf shoes, certainly for me anyway. Although I love them, too many lifestyle remakes, not enough practical function. But the Nike Free turns that around. It’s sleek, stylish, and instantly recognisable, but crucially, it performs whether you’re competing for majors or grinding out 18 holes with your mates.

If you’re hunting for the best spikeless golf shoes or just want one of the best Nike golf shoes ever made, the Free deserves your attention. It looks like a sneaker, moves like a running shoe, and performs like a serious golf shoe. It actually brought a smile to my face while wearing them. Solid performance, great looks, a joy to wear. And of course, if it’s good enough for Nelly, it’s good enough for me.

Comfort: 5/5

Comfort is where the Nike Free really shines. From the moment you slip it on, the fit feels natural, secure, and incredibly cushioned. A thick, spongy ankle collar provides plush support without ever feeling bulky, while the internal structure of the heel cup gives a reassuringly firm grip that locks you in place during the swing.

The real star of the comfort story is the way the shoe moves with your foot. Drawing inspiration from Nike’s Free Run heritage, the sole is designed to flex and bend naturally. That makes it ideal for walking golfers, whether you’re doing nine holes or a full-day 72-hole charity event like I did.

If you’re racking up the steps, you want a shoe that keeps your feet happy from the first tee to the final putt, and the Nike Free delivers in every area.

Nike has also nailed the insole setup here. It has a raised midfoot area that adds a little arch support without feeling intrusive, and the overall softness of the footbed gives you that running shoe feel. This is a shoe that doesn’t just pass the comfort test, it aces it.

Performance: 4/5

Spikeless shoes sometimes get a bad rap when it comes to traction, but the Nike Free sets a high standard. Whether you’re playing off firm fairways, hitting range balls, or navigating sloping greens, the grip is impressively reliable. The rubber outsole delivers excellent surface contact, giving you the confidence to swing hard without worrying about slipping.

Nike has engineered the outsole to match the natural motion of your stride. That’s a big deal, because it means the shoe doesn’t just grip during your swing, it performs while walking too. The Nike Free supports rotational movement through the swing, helping you stay grounded, balanced, and stable when it matters most.

Importantly, the Nike Free doesn’t sacrifice performance for style. Unlike some trainer-inspired golf shoes that fall short on course functionality, this one is designed from the ground up with golfers in mind. It gives you the sporty feel you love but doesn’t skimp on technical performance, which is exactly why Nelly Korda has put it in play on the biggest stages.

Durability: 4/5

First impressions count, and the Nike Free certainly feels premium right out of the box. But what’s more important is how well it holds up after multiple rounds, and that’s where this shoe impresses even more. The materials used in the upper are robust yet easy to clean, meaning your shoes won’t look tired after a few muddy rounds.

The outsole is built for longevity. The rubber compound Nike has used is designed for wear resistance, and the lug pattern retains its sharpness even after extended use. Whether you’re walking courses regularly or using them for range sessions, they’ve been made to handle the wear and tear that comes with being a frequent golfer.

Even small details, like the internal lacing structure and stitch quality, suggest a shoe built with longevity in mind. It’s rare to find a shoe that feels this comfortable and still gives off a vibe of long-term reliability, but the Nike Free manages both. You’re not just buying a shoe for one season; this one will go the distance.

Style & design: 5/5

Let’s be honest, Nike rarely struggles in the style department. The Nike Free is no exception, offering a sharp, modern design that manages to look like a proper sneaker while still clearly being a golf shoe. The shape, the lines, the iconic swoosh, everything is considered, balanced, and undeniably Nike.

This is a shoe that looks as good with shorts as it does with trousers, and it transitions effortlessly from course to clubhouse to coffee shop. Unlike some clunky traditional golf shoes, the Nike Free is one you’ll actually want to wear before and after your round. That lifestyle crossover appeal is huge for golfers who don’t want to swap footwear throughout the day.

What’s most refreshing is that this shoe doesn’t try too hard. It’s not a remake of a retro model or an awkward blend of performance and fashion. It’s a confident, purpose-built silhouette that finds its own lane and absolutely nails it.

Technology & features: 4/5

At the heart of the Nike Free’s success is a clever integration of Nike’s running shoe technology into a golf-specific chassis. The sole unit is designed to flex at the forefoot and roll naturally with your stride, a direct influence from Nike’s Free Run platform. This means the shoe supports natural walking motion, reduces foot fatigue, and gives a springier step during long rounds.

Inside the shoe, Nike has implemented a smart internal lacing system. It’s more than just a slick visual; it tightens the midfoot without adding bulk or pressure points. That snug, locked-in feel keeps your foot stable throughout your swing, enhancing control and reducing the risk of slipping. It’s a performance-driven detail that adds function without sacrificing comfort.

The insole and heel construction also play a big role in this shoe’s overall feel. A raised insole adds comfortable midfoot support, while the padded ankle collar and firm heel cup provide structure without stiffness. It’s the kind of thoughtful engineering you don’t always get with trainer-style golf shoes, but it’s exactly what elevates the Nike Free to elite status.

Final verdict: 22/25

The Nike Free is a triumph for modern golf footwear. It blends performance and style better than almost anything else in Nike’s lineup and shows that spikeless doesn’t have to mean second-best. It’s lightweight, supportive, grippy, and crucially built with golfers in mind. This isn’t just a shoe that looks good. It feels great, plays great, and holds up round after round. Whether you’re playing casually or competing, the Nike Free gives you the tools to perform and the comfort to enjoy every step of the way.

The bit that struck me was how versatile this footwear is on and off the course, great for wearing from home to the course and back again. It does have one slight let down, which is that I would only be wearing this in the summer in the UK and having a spiked pair for winter. But if you’re a golfer who doesn’t mind that sacrifice and is someone who wants a stylish, all-day wearable spikeless shoe, the Nike Free is a no-brainer.

Nike Free Golf Shoes

RRP: £129.99 / $139.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: No

Waterproof: Yes

Fit: True to size