TRUE linkswear Review 2026: Zero-Drop Golf Shoes With a Cult Following and Real Flaws

TRUE linkswear is not a brand for everyone. The company was founded in 2009 by brothers Ryan and Jason Moore, who were tired of golf shoes that felt like bricks. Their pitch was simple: golf shoes should be as comfortable as your favorite sneakers, with a zero-drop or minimal-drop sole that mimics barefoot walking. The brand built a cult following among golfers who wanted a more natural feel on the course.

But "natural feel" is a polarizing concept. Some golfers love the ground connection. Others find it uncomfortable on hard fairways. And the brand's knit shoes, in particular, have drawn mixed reviews for waterproofing and fit. This review exists because TRUE linkswear is genuinely interesting—it's not just another golf shoe company—but it's also not a universal recommendation.

Highlights

• Best for: Golfers who want a lightweight, zero-drop shoe for walking the course in dry conditions.

• The All Day Knit II is the most popular model, with a breathable knit upper and a spikeless sole.

• Zero-drop design promotes a more natural walking gait, which some golfers love.

• Big con: The knit models are not waterproof. They dry quickly, but they will get wet.

• Another con: The fit is narrow, and the heel can cause blisters for some wearers.

• Customer service has been criticized for charging return fees on defective shoes.

• Not for you if: You play in wet conditions, need wide sizing, or want a traditional golf shoe feel.

Why You Should Trust This Review

We don't accept free shoes. We read the independent reviews, the MyGolfSpy testing, and the customer complaints. A golf shoe is a tool. It needs to perform, not just look good in photos.

About TRUE linkswear

TRUE linkswear was founded in 2009 in Tacoma, Washington, by brothers Ryan and Jason Moore. The brand's name is a nod to "true links" golf—the traditional seaside courses of Scotland and Ireland—and the idea that golf shoes should connect you to the ground, not isolate you from it.

The company specializes in zero-drop and minimal-drop golf shoes, which means the heel and toe are at the same height. This design is supposed to encourage a more natural walking gait and better balance. The brand also emphasizes lightweight construction and spikeless soles for versatility.

TRUE has a devoted following, particularly among golfers who walk the course and prioritize comfort. But the brand is not without its critics.

TRUE linkswear Review

Quality & Materials

The All Day Knit II is the flagship. The upper is a one-piece TRUEknit material (90% polyester, 10% spandex) that's breathable and flexible. It's extremely lightweight—about 9.1 ounces for a size 9—and it has a sock-fit feel that some golfers love.

The sole is spikeless, with a "Cross-Life Tread" pattern designed for grip on and off the course. The midsole is a new "Wanderlux" foam that's supposed to provide better rebound and comfort.

But the knit upper is not waterproof. This is a critical point. TRUE markets the knit shoes as breathable and quick-drying, not waterproof. If you play in morning dew or rain, your feet will get wet. The brand's leather and hybrid models are more water-resistant, but the knit models are explicitly for dry conditions.

Key Features

The zero-drop sole is the defining feature. It's a 4-6mm drop, depending on the model, which is much lower than traditional golf shoes. This promotes a more natural foot strike and can help strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles. For golfers who have transitioned to barefoot or minimal shoes in other parts of their lives, the TRUE feel is familiar and comfortable.

The spikeless sole is another key feature. It's designed to be versatile—you can wear these shoes from the car to the course to the clubhouse without changing. The grip is decent on dry grass, but it's not as aggressive as a traditional soft-spike shoe.

Real-World Performance

MyGolfSpy reviewed the TRUE Original 1.2 and noted that while the comfort is average on the tee box and fairway, it's "severely diminished when walking on harder terrain," which they attributed to the "firm, zero-drop construction."

The knit models are best for dry, warm conditions. They're breathable and lightweight, which is great for summer golf. But the lack of waterproofing is a dealbreaker for anyone who plays in the UK, the Pacific Northwest, or anywhere with morning dew.

Fit & Sizing

The fit is narrow. Multiple reviewers on Google Shopping and TRUE's own site report that the knit models run narrow and can cause blisters on the heel. One reviewer said the "Achilles portion of the shoe" was "super abrasive" and caused blisters within 20 minutes of walking around the house.

TRUE does offer wide sizes in some models, but the knit models are not available in wide. If you have wide feet, you should look at the leather or hybrid models instead.

What I Like

The lightweight feel is genuinely nice. If you're used to clunky golf shoes, the TRUE knit feels like wearing a sock. The zero-drop design is a real differentiator, and for golfers who have made the switch, it's hard to go back. The spikeless sole is versatile and convenient.

What I Don't Like

The waterproofing issue is the biggest problem. A golf shoe that can't handle morning dew is a limited shoe. The narrow fit is another issue—it excludes a significant portion of golfers. And the customer service complaints about return fees on defective shoes are concerning. One reviewer on Google Shopping said they were charged a $25 fee to return shoes that were stained after one use at the driving range.

Price & Value

TRUE shoes are priced in the mid-to-high range for golf shoes. The All Day Knit II is around $160-$180, depending on the colorway. The FS-01 is around $189. The Original 1.2 is around $199. For a zero-drop, lightweight shoe, that's a fair price, but it's not cheap.

Best-Selling Products from TRUE linkswear

All Day Knit II

The most popular model. One-piece TRUEknit upper, 9.1 ounces, zero-drop sole, spikeless. It's designed for warm-weather golf and casual wear. The knit upper is breathable and flexible, with a sock-fit feel that some golfers love and others find too snug.

The lack of waterproofing is the main drawback. If you play in dry conditions, it's a great shoe. If you play in wet conditions, look elsewhere. The narrow fit is another issue—if you have wide feet, size up or choose a different model.

FS-01

The FS-01 is TRUE's "classic sneaker" golf shoe. It has a more structured upper than the knit models, with a leather-like material that's more water-resistant. The sole is still spikeless and zero-drop, but the overall feel is more traditional.

The FS-01 is a good compromise if you want the TRUE zero-drop feel but need more protection from the elements. It's still lightweight, but it's not as breathable as the knit models. The fit is also slightly more forgiving.

Original 1.2

The Original 1.2 is TRUE's flagship leather golf shoe. It's a full-grain leather upper with a zero-drop sole and a spikeless tread. It's the most water-resistant model in the lineup, and it's designed for golfers who want a more traditional look with the TRUE feel.

MyGolfSpy noted that the comfort is average on the course and diminished on hard terrain. The leather upper is durable, but it requires more maintenance than the knit models. It's a good choice for golfers who play in mixed conditions and want a shoe that can handle a bit of rain.

What Customers Are Saying

The positive reviews focus on the lightweight feel and the zero-drop design. Golfers who have made the switch to minimal shoes love the ground connection. The breathability of the knit models is a recurring favorite for summer golf.

The negative reviews are about waterproofing, fit, and customer service. "Not waterproof but they dry quickly." "The knits are narrow... I had hot spots and blisters." "They take them back with a $25 fee. That's ridiculous".

Is TRUE linkswear Legit?

Yes. It's a real company with a genuine design philosophy. The zero-drop approach is not a gimmick—it's a legitimate biomechanical choice. The brand has a cult following for a reason.

Is TRUE Worth It?

If you're a zero-drop convert and you play in dry conditions, yes. The All Day Knit II is a genuinely comfortable, lightweight golf shoe. If you play in wet conditions or have wide feet, no. Look at Ecco or Skechers instead.

TRUE linkswear vs Ecco

Discounts and Promotions

TRUE runs occasional sales, particularly on older models and clearance colors. Sign up for the newsletter for a discount code. The brand also has a "Dead Golfer" collection that's often discounted.

FAQs

Are TRUE golf shoes waterproof?
The knit models are not waterproof. The leather and hybrid models are water-resistant but not fully waterproof.

Do TRUE golf shoes run narrow?
Yes, the knit models run narrow. The leather models are slightly more forgiving.

Are TRUE golf shoes good for walking?
Yes, if you like zero-drop shoes. The lightweight construction is designed for walking.

What is the return policy?
TRUE accepts returns within 30 days, but charges a $25 fee for some returns.

Do TRUE golf shoes have spikes?
No, they are spikeless.

Similar Brands

• Ecco: Traditional golf shoes with Gore-Tex options. Wider fit.

• Skechers GO GOLF: Budget-friendly, comfortable, spikeless options.

• Vivobarefoot: Extreme zero-drop, minimal shoes. Not golf-specific.

Final Verdict + Rating

Overall: 6.5/10

• Comfort: 8/10 — The lightweight feel is genuinely nice.

• Waterproofing: 3/10 — The knit models are not waterproof.

• Fit: 5/10 — Narrow, with blister complaints.

• Value: 6/10 — Fair for the design, but not a bargain.

Buy TRUE if you're a zero-drop believer and you play in dry conditions. Avoid if you need waterproofing or have wide feet. It's a niche brand for a niche audience, and it serves that audience well.