The whole "natural movement" thing seemed like another fitness fad that would disappear faster than my ProV1s in the rough. So when TRUE Linkswear sent over their OG Crush golf shoes with their zero-drop design, I was skeptical. Could a shoe that promises to keep your feet flat on the ground really improve my golf performance? After three months of testing on courses from morning dew to afternoon heat, I've got some thoughts that might surprise you (they definitely surprised me).
The initial thing that struck me when I pulled these out of the box wasn't the minimalist design or the spikeless sole; it was how light they felt. At 10.4 ounces per shoe, they're literally half the weight of my FootJoy Pro SLs. But this is where it gets interesting: despite looking like a cross between a golf shoe and something you'd wear to brunch, these things are built for serious golf. The mixed media upper has a water-resistant coating, there's lightweight mesh on the toe box for breathability, and that wide toe box (we're talking up to EEE width) means my feet aren't crammed into a narrow prison for four hours. The included Lock Laces eliminate the need for constant adjustments and add to the customized fit that TRUE engineered into these shoes. TRUE's design evolution over 15 years shows in these details, as they've refined what matters most for both performance and comfort.
The TRUE Linkswear OG Crush golf shoes bring zero-drop innovation combined with superior cushioning and traction for golfers seeking natural balance and comfort. With a wide toe box and flexible sole, these shoes offer enhanced ground connection and stability, making every step on the course feel effortless.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room, or should I say, the heel that's not in the room. The zero-drop construction means there's absolutely no elevation difference between your heel and forefoot. Zero. Nada. Nothing. When I initially heard this, my immediate thought was, "Great, so I'm basically golfing in slippers?" But this is what actually happens: your entire foot sits evenly on the ground, creating a connection to the turf that I haven't felt since I played barefoot as a kid (don't judge, we've all done it).
The science behind it makes sense once you experience it. Traditional golf shoes have that raised heel, usually 10-12mm, which actually tilts your body forward slightly. You don't notice it because you're used to it, but it affects your balance and weight distribution throughout your swing. With the OG Crush, I found myself naturally maintaining better posture at address. My weight was more centered, and I wasn't fighting against the shoe to stay balanced through impact.
What really sold me was what happened during my practice sessions. I typically struggle with early extension (standing up through impact), and my teaching pro has been on me about it for years. After about two weeks in these shoes, he noticed I was staying down through the ball better. Was it entirely the shoes? Probably not. But that natural foot position definitely made it easier to maintain my spine angle. The zero-drop design encourages what TRUE calls a "natural walking and swinging motion," and while that sounds like marketing fluff, I actually felt it. My transition felt smoother, my turn felt more connected to the ground, and I wasn't fighting my equipment to make a good swing.
The weirdest part? Walking 18 holes felt less tiring. Without that heel elevation, my calves weren't working overtime to compensate for an unnatural position. By the back nine, when I'm usually feeling it in my legs, I still had energy. (Though that could also be because these things are so damn light.)
I've got what my wife lovingly calls "Fred Flintstone feet", wide, flat, and generally incompatible with anything stylish. Most golf shoes leave me choosing between cramped toes or going up a size and dealing with heel slip. The OG Crush's wide toe box (and I mean actually wide, not "wide by golf shoe standards") changed the entire experience.
The toe box goes up to EEE width, which in the golf shoe world is like finding a unicorn that also happens to be your caddie. But this is the catch: it's not anatomically shaped like some of those weird toe shoes. It's just a rounded, spacious toe box that gives your feet room to spread naturally. During your swing, your toes can actually grip the ground through the shoe, which sounds minor but makes a massive difference in stability.
I tested these during a particularly humid round in August when my feet typically swell like balloons by hole 14. Usually, I'm loosening laces and contemplating whether anyone would notice if I finished barefoot. With the OG Crush, my feet had room to expand without feeling constricted. The pressure points that usually develop around my pinky toe and the ball of my foot? Gone. It's like TRUE actually considered that human feet aren't shaped like pointy dress shoes, groundbreaking concept, I know.
The wider platform also provides better stability during the swing. Think about it, you're creating a wider base of support, which is particularly noticeable when you're hitting from uneven lies. On the sidehill lies where I'm usually fighting to maintain balance, the extra width gave me confidence to make a full swing. One word of caution, though: if you have narrow feet, you might find these too roomy even with proper sizing. TRUE does offer different widths, but this shoe is definitely designed with wider feet in mind.
This is where TRUE had to thread the needle: how do you provide enough cushioning for comfort without losing that ground connection that makes the zero-drop design worthwhile? Their answer is 6mm of Wanderlux foam in the midsole, and honestly, it's the Goldilocks solution – not too much, not too little, just right.
Let me put this in perspective. Most traditional golf shoes have 20-30mm of cushioning and heel stack. The OG Crush's 6mm might sound like walking on concrete, but it's not. The Wanderlux foam is dense enough to protect your feet from rocks and cart path trauma, but thin enough that you can still feel the contours of the ground. It's like the difference between wearing thick ski gloves versus thin leather gloves; you lose some protection but gain tremendous feel.
During my initial round, I was hyper-aware of every undulation in the fairway. Not in a bad way, but in a "oh, this is what the ground actually feels like" way. After about three rounds, I stopped noticing it consciously, but my balance had noticeably improved. Those subtle slopes and grain patterns you don't normally feel through thick-soled shoes? You're aware of them with the OG Crush, and your body naturally adjusts.
The real test came during a 36-hole member-guest tournament. That's roughly 12 miles of walking over two days, plus range time and practice rounds. With traditional shoes, I'd be popping ibuprofen by dinner. With the OG Crush, my feet were tired but not sore. There's a difference; tired means you used your muscles, sore means something was wrong. The cushioning was enough to prevent hot spots and bruising, but not so much that my feet were working against spongy foam all day. And the kicker, no break-in period. I wore these straight out of the box for 18 holes with zero blisters or discomfort.
Spikeless golf shoes have come a long way from the "athletic shoes with rubber nubs" of ten years ago, and the OG Crush's traction system is proof. The aggressive rubber tread pattern (about 16mm total thickness including the outsole) looks more like a hiking shoe than a golf shoe, and that's intentional. TRUE designed these for versatility, golf, walking, hiking, whatever outdoor experience you're into.
On dry, firm conditions, the traction is bulletproof. I'm talking dig-in-and-rip-it confidence on every swing. The rubber compound grips without being sticky, so you're not fighting to lift your feet during your follow-through. Even on dewy morning rounds, I felt secure through most shots. The tread pattern has these chevron-shaped lugs that bite into turf effectively, and because they're rubber instead of plastic, they don't click on cart paths or damage greens.
But let's be honest about the limitations. During one particularly wet round (we're talking standing water in the fairway), I did experience some slippage on a driver swing from a soaked tee box. It wasn't dramatic, I didn't end up on my ass or anything, but there was definitely some give that wouldn't happen with traditional spikes. If you regularly play in Pacific Northwest conditions or early morning rounds with heavy dew, you might want to keep your spiked shoes handy.
What impressed me most was the versatility. I wore these on a hike with my family the day after a round, and they performed great on dirt trails and rocky paths. Try doing that with your Tour 360s. The tread is aggressive enough for light trail use but not so aggressive that it feels awkward on pavement. I've actually found myself wearing these as my regular weekend shoes because they're comfortable enough for all-day wear and don't scream "golf shoe" if you stop for lunch after your round.
TRUE calls these "weather resistant," not waterproof, and that's a significant distinction. The mixed media upper has a water-resistant coating that handles morning dew and light rain surprisingly well, but if you're standing in a puddle, your socks are getting wet. Think of it like a good rain jacket versus a full rubber suit; one keeps you dry in normal conditions, the other is for hurricanes.
The upper combines synthetic materials with lightweight mesh strategically placed on the toe box. This mesh provides excellent breathability (crucial when it's 95 degrees in July), but it's also the weak point for water resistance. During my testing, I played through a brief afternoon shower, and my feet stayed dry for about 20 minutes before moisture started creeping in through the mesh areas. Not ideal, but honestly, if it's raining that hard, I'm probably heading to the clubhouse anyway.
What the weather-resistant coating excels at is handling morning dew and wet grass. I play a lot of early rounds (fewer crowds, faster pace), and wet conditions are just part of the deal. The OG Crush kept my feet dry through those conditions without issue. The coating also makes cleaning easier; a damp towel wipes away most dirt and grass stains, and they look fresh even after dozens of rounds.
The Comfort Tongue Access system deserves a mention here. It's basically an elasticized tongue that stays in place while making it easier to slip the shoes on and off. Combined with the weather-resistant materials, it creates a pretty good seal around your ankle to keep debris out. I played a round in particularly sandy conditions (thanks, freshly filled bunkers), and minimal sand made it into the shoes despite walking through waste areas. This attention to detail reminds me of the engineering in devices like laser rangefinders that focus on precision and user experience without unnecessary complexity.
The TRUE Linkswear OG Crush golf shoes bring zero-drop innovation combined with superior cushioning and traction for golfers seeking natural balance and comfort. With a wide toe box and flexible sole, these shoes offer enhanced ground connection and stability, making every step on the course feel effortless.
Yes, you can wear these shoes without socks. The breathable mesh toe box and lightweight materials keep your feet ventilated, while the cushioned midsole provides comfort against bare skin. You won't experience chafing thanks to the shoe's smooth interior and flexible construction. The wide toe box accommodates natural foot expansion, and the moisture-resistant materials help manage sweat. Just note they're water-resistant, not waterproof, so barefoot wear in wet conditions requires caution.
You'll get two different warranty periods with your TRUE Linkswear OG Cush shoes. The manufacturer's warranty for defects lasts 90 days from your purchase date, covering any manufacturing flaws or workmanship issues. Moreover, you're protected by a 2-year waterproof warranty that covers the upper and bootie construction. Both warranties start from your initial purchase date, and you'll need to keep your receipt as proof of purchase for any claims.
Yes, you can purchase replacement insoles separately through TRUE Linkswear's official website. They offer the TRUE Comfort 5mm Insole, specifically designed for their shoes, available in both men's and women's versions. Made from ultra-plush, breathable microsuede, these insoles provide extra cushioning and help rejuvenate older shoes. You'll find them in the Accessories section, and they're eligible for returns or exchanges within 30 days if they're new and unworn.
The OG Cush's sizing is inconsistent - while some find them true to size, many report they run narrow and tight despite the EEE-width toe box. You'll likely need to go up half a size for proper comfort, especially if you have wider feet or want to avoid heel slippage and blisters. The snug midfoot and toe box slope require extra room, so consider ordering multiple sizes to find your best fit.
Yes, you can return them if they don't fit properly. You'll have 30 days from delivery to initiate a return, as long as the shoes are unworn and in new condition. You've got two options: exchange them once for free to get a different size, or return them for a full refund minus shipping fees. Just make sure you haven't worn them outside and keep the original packaging.
The TRUE Linkswear OG Crush isn't just another golf shoe; it's a different philosophy about how golf shoes should work. If you're a traditionalist who needs maximum cushioning, serious waterproofing, and replaceable spikes, these aren't for you. Stick with your FootJoys or Adidas and sleep soundly.
But if you're curious about whether all that technology in modern golf shoes is actually helping or hindering your performance, the OG Crush offers a fascinating alternative. These are perfect for the golfer who walks regularly, values feel and connection over maximum cushioning, plays in generally dry conditions, and isn't afraid to try something different. They're also ideal if you want one shoe that shifts from the course to the trail to the brewhouse without looking out of place. At $99, they're priced competitively with entry-level golf shoes from major brands, but they offer a completely different experience that might just change how you think about golf footwear.
