I'll admit it, when TRUE Linkswear sent over their Ascent PNWPROOF shoes, I wasn't sure what to expect. I've tested dozens of waterproof golf shoes over the years, and most of them fall into one of two camps: either they're bulky, stiff boots that feel like you're walking through wet concrete, or they're sleek and comfortable but leak like a screen door on a submarine the moment you hit a dewy fairway.
The PNWPROOF arrived in the Storm Black colorway, and right out of the box, I was impressed. These don't look like golf shoes. They look like something you'd wear on a Saturday morning hike through the Cascades, which, as it turns out, is exactly the point. At $199, they're positioned in that premium-but-not-ridiculous price range, and the construction immediately suggests you're getting what you pay for. The laminated waterproof upper has a subtle texture to it, and the general silhouette is athletic without being aggressive. My initial thought? These might actually be the do-everything shoes I've been searching for.
Conquer rain-soaked fairways and rugged trails with TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWPROOF golf shoes, engineered for Pacific Northwest toughness. Featuring a laminated waterproof upper with a 1-year guarantee, ultra-flexible Wanderlux midsole for all-day cushioning, and trail-inspired traction that grips wet turf or pavement effortlessly. Feel sneaker-like comfort from the first swing, backed by a TRUE Comfort Collar for locked-in support.
Let's get right to the heart of why you're probably reading this review: does the waterproof technology actually hold up? After putting these through their paces in some genuinely miserable conditions, I can confidently say yes, with a few caveats.
TRUE uses a laminated waterproof upper on the PNWPROOF, and it's clear they've learned from some of the mistakes other brands have made. The material doesn't feel plasticky or cheap, which is often the trade-off when manufacturers prioritize water resistance. Instead, there's a supple quality to the upper that moves naturally with your foot. I wore these during a particularly soggy early morning round where the dew was so heavy it looked like it had rained overnight. My feet stayed completely dry through all 18 holes.
But here's where it gets interesting. I also took these on a couple of trail hikes, because if TRUE is going to market these as Pacific Northwest-inspired outdoor shoes, I'm going to test that claim. During a 6-mile hike that included two creek crossings and a light drizzle for the last hour, the PNWPROOF held up remarkably well. Water beaded off the upper, and even when I stepped in some deeper puddles, I didn't get that dreaded sock-squish feeling.
The hydro-textured heel guard is a nice touch that I didn't fully appreciate until I was trudging through some muddy terrain. It adds an extra layer of protection right where splashes tend to hit, and it's integrated into the design rather than looking like an afterthought. TRUE backs all of this up with a 1-year waterproof guarantee, which tells me they're confident in their construction. That said, I always remind golfers that "waterproof" doesn't mean "submersible." These will handle wet grass, rain, and the occasional puddle, but if you're regularly playing courses that double as swamps, no shoe is going to save you.
The breathability is surprisingly solid for a waterproof shoe, too. I've worn plenty of "waterproof" options that turn into personal foot saunas by the back nine. The PNWPROOF manages to keep moisture out while still allowing enough airflow to prevent that clammy, overheated feeling. It's not as breathable as a mesh running shoe (obviously), but for a waterproof golf shoe, TRUE has struck a decent balance.
If I had to pick one feature that sets the PNWPROOF apart from the competition, it's the Wanderlux supercritical midsole foam. This is the kind of cushioning technology that makes you wonder why every golf shoe doesn't feel this good.
For those unfamiliar with supercritical foam (I wasn't until I did some digging), it's a manufacturing process that creates a lighter, more responsive cushioning material than traditional EVA foams. The result is a midsole that provides excellent energy return without feeling mushy or unstable. When I'm walking 18 holes, or better yet, 36 holes in a day, the difference between a mediocre midsole and a great one is the difference between finishing strong and hobbling to my car.
I tested the PNWPROOF during a marathon golf day where I played 27 holes and then walked another three miles around town afterward. By the end, my legs were tired, but my feet felt surprisingly fresh. That's the Wanderlux foam doing its job. The cushioning absorbs impact without collapsing, which means you're not fighting against dead foam by the end of a long round. Quality cushioned midsoles like this one are essential for reducing foot strain during extended play.
The responsiveness also translates to your swing. I've worn golf shoes with overly soft midsoles that felt great for walking but made me feel disconnected from the ground during my swing. The PNWPROOF avoids this problem. There's enough cushioning for comfort but enough ground feel for stability. You can feel the turf beneath you without every pebble announcing its presence.
TRUE has clearly engineered this foam specifically for the demands of golf, long periods of walking punctuated by explosive rotational movements. It's a delicate balance that most brands get wrong in one direction or the other, but the Wanderlux foam nails it. After testing these for several weeks, I've started leaving my other walking shoes at home because the PNWPROOF is just that comfortable for all-day wear.
Here's a confession: I've never fully trusted golf shoes with "versatile" traction. In my experience, trying to make a shoe that works everywhere usually means it works nowhere particularly well. So when TRUE promised trail-inspired traction that performs on wet turf, slick cobblestone, and off-course terrain, I was skeptical.
I was wrong.
The outsole pattern on the PNWPROOF is clearly borrowed from hiking shoe design, with multi-directional lugs that bite into soft ground while still providing stability on harder surfaces. During wet rounds, I had zero slippage issues, even on that one par-3 at my home course where the tee box turns into a skating rink after rain. The lugs grip without being so aggressive that they damage greens or get clogged with grass.
What really impressed me was the performance on shifts. You know those moments when you're walking from the cart path onto wet grass, or stepping from a bunker onto a sloped lie? Those are the spots where lesser shoes fail you. The PNWPROOF maintained consistent grip through all of it. I even tested them on some actual trail terrain (as mentioned earlier), and they handled loose gravel, wet rocks, and muddy paths without issue.
The traction pattern is also surprisingly quiet on hard surfaces. Some golf shoes with aggressive outsoles make you sound like you're tap-dancing across the clubhouse floor. The PNWPROOF has a more polished approach—grippy when you need it, civilized when you don't. TRUE mentions that these were tested by caddies across the country, and that real-world validation shows. Caddies walk more than almost anyone in golf, across every possible surface, and if they're signing off on the traction, that carries weight with me.
The collar of a golf shoe is one of those features that most golfers never think about until it's causing problems. A poorly designed collar creates blisters, allows debris inside, or just feels uncomfortable after a few hours. TRUE's Comfort Collar on the PNWPROOF is designed to address all of those issues, and it does so impressively.
The collar wraps around your heel and ankle with a plush, padded construction that feels supportive without being restrictive. It's not overly soft to the point of feeling sloppy, but it's not so rigid that it cuts into your Achilles. I have a somewhat narrow heel (which causes issues with some shoes that don't lock my foot in properly), and the Comfort Collar kept me secure without any heel slip. The design delivers a glove-like fit that conforms to your foot shape naturally over time. The comfort collar also enhances durability, ensuring the shoe maintains its structure through extended use.
During longer rounds, this feature becomes increasingly appreciated. By hole 15 of a walking round, your feet have been through a lot: thousands of steps, countless weight shifts, and hours of lateral movement. The Comfort Collar maintains its cushioning and support throughout, which means you're not finishing your round with that raw, rubbed feeling around your ankles.
The collar also does a good job of keeping out debris. I walked through some light rough and a few bunkers during my testing, and I didn't end up with sand or grass working its way into my shoes. It's a small thing, but anyone who's had to stop mid-round to shake out their shoes knows how annoying that can be. The ultra-flexible build of the entire shoe (including the collar) also means you can really move naturally through your swing without feeling like the shoe is fighting you.
One of TRUE Linkswear's core philosophies has always been creating golf shoes that don't look like golf shoes, and the PNWPROOF might be their best execution of that vision yet. These genuinely look like premium athletic shoes that happen to perform incredibly well on a golf course.
The three available colorways, Rain Cloud, Rainier, and Storm Black, all lean into muted, versatile tones that work with pretty much any outfit. I wore the Storm Black version straight from the course to dinner without anyone giving my footwear a second glance. Compare that to traditional golf shoes with cleats or obvious golf styling, and you can see why the PNWPROOF appeals to golfers who want one shoe that does everything.
The athletic silhouette is modern without being trendy, which means these won't look dated in two years. TRUE has resisted the urge to add unnecessary design flourishes or garish branding; the logo is subtle, the lines are clean, and the general aesthetic is polished. This is a shoe that looks at home on a golf course, a hiking trail, or a casual dinner. That versatility has real value for golfers who travel or who simply don't want to pack multiple pairs of shoes for a golf trip.
The construction feels durable enough to handle the abuse of regular multi-purpose use, too. After several weeks of testing both on and off the course, the PNWPROOF shows minimal wear. The materials have held up well, the stitching remains tight, and the general structure hasn't degraded. For $199, you're getting a shoe that should last through several seasons of regular use.
Conquer rain-soaked fairways and rugged trails with TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWPROOF golf shoes, engineered for Pacific Northwest toughness. Featuring a laminated waterproof upper with a 1-year guarantee, ultra-flexible Wanderlux midsole for all-day cushioning, and trail-inspired traction that grips wet turf or pavement effortlessly. Feel sneaker-like comfort from the first swing, backed by a TRUE Comfort Collar for locked-in support.
Based on available information, you won't find wide sizes listed for the TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWProof golf shoes. The product listings across retailers, including TRUE's official store, only show standard sizing without any wide, extra-wide, or narrow options mentioned. If you need a wider fit, you should contact TRUE Linkswear directly to ask about potential accommodations, as their ultra-flexible comfort construction might offer some natural give for your feet.
You get a 90-day warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, plus a separate 1-year waterproof guarantee for the Ascent PNWProof shoes. If you need a replacement pair, you may qualify for an extended 2-year waterproof warranty in certain markets, though this period starts from your original purchase date. You'll want to verify specific warranty details at your point of purchase since regional variations may apply.
Standard ground shipping takes 2–5 business days after dispatch, with typical delivery across the US ranging 3–7 business days. You'll get free shipping on orders over $99. If you need your shoes faster, you can choose 2-day expedited shipping for $25 per pair or overnight shipping for $55 per pair. Both expedited options ship within 1–3 business days once selected. You'll receive tracking numbers once your order ships.
You can absolutely wear the TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWProof shoes off-course. They're specifically designed with a rugged aesthetic and ultra-flexible construction that works for outdoor escapades beyond the golf course. The trail-inspired traction system handles different terrain types, and they function as athletic trainers and sport-style footwear for athleisure wear. You'll get versatile performance whether you're hiking trails, running errands, or tackling everyday activities.
You can choose from three color options for the TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWPROOF: Rain Cloud, Rainier, and Storm Black. These colors draw inspiration from Pacific Northwest scenery—Rain Cloud captures overcast skies, Rainier pays homage to Mount Rainier, and Storm Black reflects the region's rugged terrain. All three colors are regularly in stock and available across standard sizes through both online and in-store retailers.
After weeks of testing the TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWPROOF in every condition I could find, I've come away genuinely impressed. This is a shoe that delivers on its promises. The waterproof upper keeps your feet dry, the Wanderlux midsole provides all-day comfort, and the trail-inspired traction works across multiple surfaces. The design is clean enough to wear anywhere, and the construction feels built to last.
Is it for everyone? No. Golfers who prioritize maximum traction and don't care about off-course style might be better served by traditional cleated options. But if you're the kind of golfer who plays in all conditions, walks most of your rounds, and wants a shoe that shifts from the opening tee to the 19th hole without looking out of place, the PNWPROOF is one of the best options available right now. TRUE Linkswear has created something genuinely useful here, and at $199, I think most golfers will find it's money well spent.
