Payntr X 001 F Golf Shoe Review

Our verdict on the X 001 F golf shoe from Payntr

Payntr X 001 F Golf Shoe Review
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf Monthly Verdict

The X 001 F represents an impressive debut for Payntr Golf, providing all the grip and support a golfer needs to swing with confidence in a shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The athletic styling will appeal to the majority, while the waterproof protection further enhances the appeal.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Soft and comfortable while offering excellent grip and stability on different lies

  • +

    Modern, sporty styling looks the part

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Sizing comes up small

  • -

    Could be more breathable

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Payntr X 001 F Golf Shoe Review

It’s not often we get a new brand entering a significant golf product category carrying the credentials that Payntr do. While successful in cricket, Payntr was lacking golf know-how so recruited some of the best people in the business (Mike Forsey and Mike Glancy, both of whom have had significant stints with Under Armour’s footwear division most recently) to ensure it launched with a product that resonated immediately with golfers.

Payntr-side-web

While the name of the shoe makes little sense, hats have to go off to the design team because the Payntr X 001 F manages to not look like anything we’ve seen before, nor could you say it bears close resemblance to another brand’s products although the sporty design certainly has subtle hallmarks of an Under Armour or a Nike.

Visually, this shoe will turn heads because there are lots of elements to catch your eye - like the lacing system and various details and colour blocks across the midsole - but it is neutral enough to match different outfits for versatility. It has the shape of a basketball sneaker, fitting and feeling more like a trainer than a traditional golf shoe, which was something we really enjoyed. The performance features of note are plentiful, too long to revisit here, but rest assured as good as this shoe looks, it has the substance to back it up.

Payntr-sole-web

A golf shoe has to be comfortable, and the Payntr X 001 F ‘comfortably’ ticks this box. Soft underfoot and around the ankle, you’d have no issues walking for five hours on a hilly course, carrying a heavy bag while being held up by the slowest of fourballs up ahead. It’s a spikeless shoe, yet provides cleated-level traction such is the configuration of the outsole. The size, shape, and configuration of the knubs varies across the length of the shoe to not only create a stable footing, but also prevent unwanted lateral movement.

These knubs do become more densely packed under the heel, which provides extra grip where you need it but did cause dirt to gather when playing in soft conditions. While comfortable and fitting well, our socks were a little moist after our round, suggesting the breathability could be better, but it didn't affect the levels of comfort we experienced. One thing to remember - we found these shoes to come out on the small side, so you might want to opt for a half a size bigger than you normally would.

Joel Tadman
Deputy Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for. 

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.

Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°

Putter: LAB Golf DF3 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x