Alright, Daily Duffer faithful, Tyler Reed here, and today we’re diving into the latest offering from Sun Day Red – the Presidio golf shoe. Sun Day Red, as a new player backed by a certain GOAT, has certainly stirred the pot in the golf apparel and footwear market. I’ve seen their other releases and, generally, the performance lives up to the hype, which isn’t always a given in this industry.
The Presidio enters a crowded, yet ever-growing, segment: the sneaker-style, casual, spikeless golf shoe. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a legitimate shift in what golfers demand – comfort for walking, performance for swinging, and style for everything in between. The initial impression of these shoes, especially in the white/gray colorway, is strong. They look modern, understated, and frankly, pretty sharp. No overt branding or excessive “technology” callouts splashed across the upper, which I appreciate. As the source article mentions:
“It looks modern without being over the top, and clearly the designers have decided to subtly reference key technology in the shoe, without overly shouting about it.”
This subtle approach is a breath of fresh air. Too often, brands feel the need to plaster every minor innovation on the side of a shoe, which rarely translates to actual on-course performance benefits that justify the visual clutter.
(Image credit: Future)
Comfort and Support: More Than Just Softness
When it comes to golf shoes, comfort is paramount, especially for those of us who walk 18 holes. The article highlights the “full length proprietary EVA midsole and foam primarily located towards the heel,” which allowed the reviewer to wear them all day right out of the box. From a biomechanical perspective, EVA foam throughout the midsole provides consistent cushioning and energy return. The added focus on the heel is smart; this is where most impact absorption occurs during walking and the initial stages of the swing. In my fitting experience, inadequate heel cushioning is a major complaint, leading to fatigue and Achilles issues. The Presidio seems to address this proactively.
Beyond basic cushioning, the crucial elements for golf shoe comfort are breathability and heel stability. The Presidio features a mesh tongue and a mostly mesh upper, which is great for airflow – a common deficit in many spiked, waterproof models. The article specifically calls out:
“Touching on the comfort at the heel again, it is worth acknowledging I often struggle in this area with new shoes but the padding and heel cup design really is outstanding from a comfort perspective.”
This resonates with me. A poorly designed heel cup can cause blistering and distraction. A well-padded, secure heel is essential for a comfortable and stable swing. On the launch monitor, foot stability directly impacts ground force production and transfer. If your heel is lifting or sliding, you’re losing power and potentially introducing inconsistencies into your swing path. An “External Heel Counter” as described in the Presidio is a common and effective way to reinforce this area, preventing lateral movement and maintaining that critical connection to the ground.
(Image credit: Future)
Outsole Design and Grip Performance
Spikeless shoes are constantly battling the perception that they can’t deliver the same grip as spiked alternatives. While that’s generally true in extreme conditions, modern spikeless outsoles have come a long way. The source article notes “multi-direction lug placement and the different edges and styles of lug” on the Presidio, describing the grip as “good.” This is the technical approach I like to see. Simply having “lugs” isn’t enough; their geometry, depth, and material composition are critical for effective grip across various turf conditions.
The mention of “full-length ground contact” on the outsole is particularly insightful. Many spikeless designs often have recessed areas in the midfoot, ostensibly for flexibility or weight reduction. However, in my testing, this can compromise stability during the transition and downswing, leading to a feeling of “floating” or reduced energy transfer. When I put golfers on a force plate indoors, we see a clear dip in peak ground reaction forces when a shoe lacks consistent contact or sufficient torsional rigidity through the midfoot. The Presidio’s full-length contact strategy aims to maintain a solid, connected feel throughout the entire swing, which is crucial for generating club head speed without sacrificing control. It ensures that the foot’s interaction with the ground is optimized for energy transfer, rather than allowing any ‘dead spots’ that could compromise power or stability. This subtle design choice can have a much larger impact on performance than many realize.
(Image credit: Future)
The Waterproof Factor: Mesh and Membrane
The biggest lingering question mark with mesh-heavy spikeless shoes is always waterproofing. It’s hard to achieve both maximum breathability and full waterproofing. The article states, unequivocally, that despite the mesh construction, these are “100% waterproof.” This implies the use of a robust internal waterproof membrane, which is standard practice. However, it’s worth noting that even with a membrane, the perception of breathability can sometimes be at odds with reality. I’ve tested shoes that claim high breathability with membranes, only to find my feet still sweating on hot days. It’s a delicate balance. If Sun Day Red has truly nailed it – excellent breathability *and* 100% waterproofing – that’s a significant engineering achievement.
(Image credit: Future)
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth The Price Tag?
The Presidio shoes are positioning themselves “at the top end of the spectrum” price-wise, which is to be expected from a premium new brand and one associated with a legend. So, who are these for? Based on the review, the Presidio is clearly aimed at the golfer who prioritizes comfort and wants a versatile shoe that looks good both on and off the course. The emphasis on sustained comfort, robust heel stability, and effective spikeless grip suggests it’s designed for golfers who walk their rounds and demand consistent performance on different lies.
For mid-to-high handicappers who might not generate massive ground forces, the stability benefits will translate into a more consistent setup and finish. For low handicappers and high-swing-speed players, maintaining that full, stable ground contact is critical for maximizing power transfer and avoiding unwanted lateral movement that could lead to mishits. While no specific launch monitor data on ball speed or clubhead speed increases are linked directly to these shoes (that would be an absurd claim for footwear), the *consistency* of these metrics can absolutely be influenced by foot stability. A shoe that helps you maintain your posture and balance better translates to more centered strikes and less wasted energy.
I’ve fitted hundreds of golfers, and I can tell you that comfort and stability are often overlooked, yet they are foundational to a repeatable swing. If you’re constantly adjusting your stance or feeling your feet slip, you’re not focusing on the clubface or path. The Presidio, if it delivers on these core promises, is a solid contender. It cuts through some of the marketing fluff by focusing on fundamental attributes that genuinely impact a golf round. While the price is high, the performance, as indicated, appears to warrant the investment for those seeking premium comfort and reliable stability in a spikeless package.
(Image credit: Future)
