TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit Golf Shoe Review

TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit

The TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit is more than just a shoe. It’s a commitment toward a future that protects the environment and, hopefully, a step toward a more efficient golf gear industry. In their newest shoe, TRUE Linkswear utilized 100% post-consumer plastics to create a polyester yarn for the Eco Knit’s upper and ditched the cardboard box for a reusable bag. By using these materials, TRUE Linkswear is preventing more waste from hitting our garbage dumps and oceans in an age of massive human pollution that needs to be reeled in.

Not only is the ECO Knit a great step toward taking care of the environment, but it’s also a great all-purpose shoe. While sold by a golf company, the light and airy ECO Knit will serve you just as well off the course as on it.

The Looks

TRUE Linkswear is so good at designing shoes that are perfectly understated, yet still full of character. The new ECO Knit is a perfect representation of this. Coming in three different colors, (Tropic Blue as pictured, grey, and black), the ECO Knit looks just as good with a pair of jeans as it does with shorts or golf pants. I also think these shoes scream “Pacific Northwest” and just have an overall clean vibe. Rest assured, the ECO Knit will be a go-to on a regular basis off the course to the point I’ll likely have to remind myself they’re also a golf shoe.

Comfort Level

There are a lot of similarities between the leather TRUE Linkswear TL-01 and the polyester-based ECO Knit. Like the TL-01, the ECO Knit has the same sense of “snug on your foot, but not tight and uncomfortable to wear.” The polyester knit fits nicely to your foot as it’s a light and flexible material that will adapt to any foot shape. Each shoe only weighs 7.4 OUNCES!!! There is literally no break in required. That lightweight knit is also extremely breathable and drys quickly making for a comfortable all-day wear.

Also similar to the TL-01 is the ECO Knit’s footbed. There is ample padding which makes for a quite pleasant wear. TRUE Linkswear fans will be pleased to know that there’s the familiar “comfort width toe box” and zero drop heel to better fit a wider range of feet.

In short, the ECO Knit is extremely impressive with its lightweight comfort and supple footbed. They felt perfect on my feet right out of the bag and were love at first wear. Was I surprised? Absolutely not as I had the same experience with the TL-01.

On-Course Performance

At this point I’m comfortable saying that TRUE Linkswear makes the best on-to-off-the-course transition shoes in the business. Walking around in my everyday life, it’s easy to forget I’m wearing a golf shoe with the ECO Knit. The “aggressive” rubber tread doesn’t slip around in slick conditions like most spikeless shoes do off the course. While I don’t love the ECO Knit in Chicago winters (they’re a lightweight shoe that I guarantee you TRUE Linkswear isn’t expecting you to trek through snow in freezing temperatures with), the rubber tread actually gives you a nice grip in the snow!

On the course, the ECO Knit has a strong combination of stability, flexibility, and ground response. Though the upper is soft and flexible, the low cut and snug fit keep your foot stable during the swing with no internal slip. The materials still allow for the movement you may require in your feet and ankles. You’ll also be in tune with the ground on any lie for good balance. Overall, the walk will be easy and comfortable over 18 holes.

Final Thoughts – TRUE Linkswear ECO Knit

I’m only going to share a couple of thoughts to wrap this up, and then I’ll let TRUE Linkswear do the rest.

Frankly, while I’ve been aware of TRUE Linkswear since their start, I’ve only recently converted to the massive fan that I am. They’re doing tremendous work both in their shoes and their contributions to the golf culture. I love their vibe and I love how they approach their brand. The ECO Knit is no exception. It’s a great shoe and TRUE’s effort to jump start a more sustainable product “fore the planet” is equally as impressive.

Below are a few quotes from their site that I feel really capture the ECO Knit perfectly:

“…each pair is built repurposing waste that otherwise ends up polluting our oceans and courses.”

“The modern saddle design delivers everything you need it to be and nothing more. Built versatile by design to look great from everyday life to the links.”

“A step towards sustainability, the ECO Knit is simply a more responsible way to make golf footwear that you’re going to love.”

For more information, take some time to read when TRUE announced the ECO Knit and their thoughts behind it here. These guys are trying to be good role models for the industry while they make sweet shoes, and it’s quite admirable.