Golf shoes are steadily becoming less traditional looking. The Nike Infinity Pro 2 is Nike’s response to consumer demand for a golf shoe that looks and performs like a running shoe. On the surface, the Nike Infinity Pro 2 does share some characteristics to Nike’s lineup of running shoes, but that’s only half the battle.
A golf shoe is effectively worthless if it can’t pull its weight in the on-course performance test. Can a golf shoe that looks and performs like a running shoe possibly be the shoe you’ve been looking for? Or is the idea of blending both running and golf into one shoe just a marketing gimmick? Let’s find out.
Fit and sizing
Sizing: Runs small; go up 1/2 size. This budget-friendly shoe is jam-packed with cushion, but it’s the traction that really shines. Be wary of the narrow and short fit.
Construction and feel
Nike designed the Infinity Pro 2 with the idea that it should look and perform like a modern running shoe. This really shows up in the traction department. Nike packed the Infinity Pro 2 with a beefy React Foam midsole that’s both bouncy and responsive.
Both on and off the course, React is one of my favorite foams, but I did find this particular setup to be more firm than I’m used to. If you’re a fan of firm and supportive cushioning, the Nike Infinity Pro 2 is absolutely a champion in this regard. You should have no problem walking 18 holes in this shoe!
Traction and outsole
I don’t really know how to describe the traction on the Nike Infinity Pro 2, but it flat-out works. It’s a very low-profile pattern made of flexible rubber and some funky-looking grooves. Even still, I found it to be perfectly grippy on both dry and wet surfaces. Nike made it a point to keep the spikeless traction on the Infinity Pro 2 versatile so that you can wear these “casually” after your round. I found this to be true. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to change shoes after your round before you head to the restaurant or bar, the Infinity Pro 2 makes the transition from the course to the concrete pretty seamless.
Durability and design notes
Price is often overlooked, especially in the game of golf. It’s expensive to start the game, and I’m all for any shoe that lowers that barrier to entry. The retail price of the Nike Infinity Pro 2 is $110, which by golf shoe industry standards is pretty darn low. Most “budget” shoes I’ve tested hover around the $130 price range. At the time of writing this, you can find a few colorways of the Infinity Pro 2 for less than $100.
The Infinity Pro 2 fits at least 1/2 size small, and is pretty narrow, too. If you can try this on, I’d highly recommend it. I will also mention that most modern golf shoes have gone to a one-piece construction, whereas the Infinity Pro 2 features a detached, more traditional tongue. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, but I did find the tongue caused some irritation to my ankles.
Performance verdict
Can a shoe that looks and feels like a running shoe hold its own on the golf course? Absolutely. The Nike Infinity Pro 2 is proof that golf doesn’t have to look or feel traditional. Don’t let the marketing lingo scare you; the Nike Infinity Pro 2 is a very solid golf shoe at an amazing price point. You’re going to want to grab a pair of these, especially if you can catch them on sale!
