Are these the golf shoes everyone’s been sleeping on? Payntr X-002 LE spikeless golf shoe review

The Payntr X-002 LE Spikeless blends comfort, grip, and stability in a modern design. Could this be one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market?

When golfers think of the best golf shoes, big names like adidas, Nike, and FootJoy often dominate the conversation. But over the last few years, a new player has been making waves: Payntr Golf. Founded by former professional cricketer David Paynter, the brand started with a simple mission to create footwear that blends athletic performance with technical innovation.

The Payntr X-002 LE Spikeless is one of the clearest examples of that vision in action. Unlike some brands that lean heavily into lifestyle-inspired designs, Payntr has positioned itself as a true performance-first company. Their focus is on support, grip, and stability, the essentials that matter when you’re standing over a golf shot.

I tested the X-002 across multiple rounds on both links and parkland courses, in warm summer sunshine and the occasional damp day. Straight out of the box, they looked sharp and modern, and from the first step, they felt snug, supportive, and ready for play.

In a crowded market of the best spikeless golf shoes, Payntr may not yet have the same legacy as the more established names, but with shoes like the X-002 and the Eighty Seven SC, they’re proving they deserve a seat at that table.

Comfort: 4.5/5

The fit is snug without being tight, and the Ortholite insole makes them feel like they mold to your foot straight away. For someone who struggles to find golf shoes that fit properly, these will be a great choice. They certainly impressed me right from the first step.

Around the ankle and heel, padding feels secure but not restrictive, and there’s good space in the toe box to prevent pinching during longer rounds. Walking 18 holes felt easy, with plenty of cushioning underfoot thanks to Payntr’s Dual Density PMX Foam midsole.

The fit of the shoe was excellent, but the only minor gripe was the laces. They’re a little springy, which can make tying them a touch fiddly, and they can come loose during the round. This was also an issue for me on the X-001 F Mesh shoes I tested.

P.S. I know how to do my laces!

Performance: 4/5

Grip is one of the standout strengths of the Payntr X-002. Even in damp conditions, the TPU outsole and 3D traction pattern provided excellent stability during the swing. I never felt like I was slipping, which gave me extra confidence in my ball-striking.

The carbon fiber propulsion plate built into the sole helps harness ground reaction forces, giving a stable, responsive base when you push off during the swing. It’s subtle, but over multiple rounds, you can feel the benefit.

In terms of weather, they’re more water-resistant than waterproof. Thanks to the NeverWet treatment, light rain and damp conditions aren’t a problem, and they’re also very easy to clean after a muddy round. For heavy downpours, though, I’d reach for one of the best waterproof golf shoes.

Durability: 4/5

The X-002 feels robust and well-made. The full-grain leather upper holds its shape, and reinforced stitching across pressure points suggests it’s built to last. After several rounds, the outsole shows minimal wear, and the support remains consistent.

Inside, comfort holds up well, though I’ve started to see slight wear around the heel lining. Nothing major, but worth noting if you’re a high-mileage golfer.

One of the biggest positives is how easy they are to maintain. A quick wipe down and they look almost new, even after a muddy links round.

Style and Design: 4/5

These are definitely performance-first golf shoes, but they still manage to look sharp. The clean silhouette, bold Payntr branding, and standout yellow outsole give them a modern, sporty edge.

Unlike lifestyle-inspired shoes (think Adidas Samba or Nike Jordan), these don’t double easily as casual wear. They’re designed for the course and still look the part in the clubhouse, but I wouldn’t wear them to and from the course. For me, that’s not a negative; it makes them feel more purposeful.

The LE colorway I tested stood out, pairing easily with both trousers and shorts, and the details like the outsole really add to the appeal.

Technology and Features: 5/5

At its core is the Dual Density PMX Foam midsole, which gives you that comfortable, soft feel underfoot when walking 18 holes, but it also feels responsive during the swing, something that’s often overlooked in softer shoes.

Beneath that, the carbon fiber propulsion plate plays a big role in stability. This is paired with a TPU outsole featuring 3D traction, a system designed to provide multi-directional grip, and in testing, it delivered plenty of confidence both on dry fairways and damp lies.

Payntr has never overlooked protection or comfort, and that’s no different in the X-002. The upper is made from full-grain leather treated with NeverWet, a molded Ortholite footbed ensures the fit stays consistent over time, while the ARIAPRENE tongue adds extra lockdown and breathability around the midfoot.

All of these details come together to create a shoe that feels like it was built with golfers in mind, not just adapted from a running or lifestyle sneaker.

Final Verdict: 4.3/5

The Payntr X-002 LE Spikeless is a modern, performance-focused golf shoe that delivers in all the key areas: comfort, grip, stability, and durability. This really is a shoe that delivers on all accounts and feels secure, supportive, and built to last.

Compared to its rivals, the 002 more than holds its own, and in some areas, like traction and stability, it outperforms them. If you’re looking for one of the best spikeless golf shoes that combines serious performance with modern style, this should be at the top of your list.

PAYNTR X-002 LE Golf Shoes

RRP: £159.99 / $200.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: No

Waterproof: Yes

Fit: Fits to size