New Balance’s golf presence is going from strength to strength and the Fresh Foam Contend V3 is adding to the strong line up of shoes already in its range.
Unlike some of the brand's earlier golf shoes, like the popular women's 327 golf shoe, which often felt like their popular trainers slightly adapted for the course, the Contend V3 has a much more dedicated golf shoe feel, offering the stability and support for golfers who like a sturdier feeling shoe.
The first thing I noticed was how comfortable they felt straight out of the box. There was no need for a breaking in period and I was happy to wear them for a full round from day one. While they do boast New Balance’s well loved Fresh Foam technology I didn’t feel they were as soft as their trainer counterparts, and that’s because they’ve clearly opted to create a shoe for swinging hard and walking the ups and downs of the fairways.
The best women's spikeless golf shoes have improved dramatically over the years, but some can still feel a little lacking when it comes to grip and stability. If I’d put this shoe on blindfolded, I would have absolutely thought it was a soft spike shoe. The heel and ankle area offer particularly good support, like the FootJoy Pro/SL, helping the foot feel locked in without being over restrictive.
The lightweight construction is another plus point, it felt good to walk in and at no point felt bulky or cumbersome. Combined with the waterproof upper, it becomes a very practical option for golfers who play regularly throughout the year. Whether you’re heading out on a dry summer evening or tackling a damp autumn morning, the Contend V3 feels up to the task.
The only real drawback I found l, which is likely more of a me problem rather than a New Balance problem, was the level of arch support. Golfers who prefer a more supportive insole or who suffer from foot fatigue may find themselves wanting a little more structure under the midfoot. It’s not a deal breaker, and some players may choose to swap in their own insoles, but it’s worth bearing in mind before you buy.
This shoe is a great example of how far New Balance’s golf footwear has come. So if you're looking for a spikeless shoe that feels secure from the first tee to the final green, the Contend V3 is well worth a place on your shortlist.
