TRUE Linkswear TL-01 Shoe
I’ll just say it, even if it gets said every time TRUE Linkswear releases a new shoe… The TRUE Linkswear TL-01 is truly the best they’ve made when it comes to seamlessly transitioning from the street to the course. A minimalist look with some robust tread on the bottom of the shoe gets the job done perfectly. Add in premium full grain Nappa leather and you have a durable and versatile shoe with a classic vibe. Consider me sold, TRUE Linkswear has done it again.
The Looks
Out of the entire TRUE Linkswear lineup, the TL-01 looks the most “street first.” The design is a casual leather sneaker that wouldn’t look out of place at the office or walking down a boardwalk on a beach somewhere. It’s a casual and refreshing look that goes with almost anything. In my case, maybe I just finished a mimosa at the golf course and want to play a quick 18. Without having to swap my shoes, I can just as easily walk on the course and not look out of place striping the ball down fairways. Well, I won’t look out of my place in my shoes. The striped shots in fairways are a different story.
So far the TL-01 is available in black and white colorways with grey coming soon. Black comes with a clean white midsole and the white colorway has a more cream base to create some contrast. Worrying about keeping the white upper clean? Don’t, the full grain leather will wash nicely!
Comfort Level
TRUE Linkswear is the king of snug fits that don’t feel tight on your feet. Uh, what? Let me explain. Every model I’ve had from TRUE Linkswear has a snug fit, but your foot doesn’t feel squeezed or uncomfortable. The feeling is more supportive and stable. Over time, the TL-01’s Nappa leather will stretch and move to mold to the shape of your foot. TRUE Linkswear says that though the TL-01 is a standard width, the leather will stretch up to 1E over time if need be. While full grain leather can often trap heat, the TL-01 is very breathable while keeping the elements outside of the shoe.
The TL-01 is very lightweight, soft on your foot, and extremely comfortable to walk in. EVA foam provides ample cushioning in the midsole and the shoe has a neutral heel drop. This creates a neutral foundation which I find better for everyday walkin’ around. So TRUE Linkswear fans looking for that big heel drop, it’s not in this shoe. From an overall comfort perspective, the TL-01 is an easy everyday wearer.
On-Course Performance
The TRUE Linkswear TL-01 has functioned great for me off the course. It’s comfortable over long periods of time with good traction and strong durability. Without even considering golf, I’d give the TL-01 a big thumbs up. Heck, I’ll even give them two thumbs up. I literally wear them everywhere.
Given how much I loved the TL-01 off the course, I was almost scared to step on the links and risk the heartbreak. Fortunately, everything went great. I expected ok traction but I was fairly impressed with how well the soles gripped the turf. To be fair, I haven’t put the TL-01 through its paces in wet conditions yet, but they have handled everything I’ve thrown at them on the course and driving range. We’ve walked multiple 18-hole rounds together now and I have nothing but good things to say. The walk is extremely comfortable and pleasant. The only thing I can’t fairly comment is how well they repel water but I’ll update that down the road when conditions allow.
Final Thoughts
Looks can be deceiving and in the case of TL-01, that is a very good thing. It weighs in at a mere 8.7 oz., allowing for your lightest and most comfortable walk yet. Packed in our reusable TRUE MFG Co. canvas bag, TL-01 is versatile by design and built with your lifestyle in mind. The standard width design, coupled with premium leather will mold to your foot like a well oiled baseball glove over time – ensuring you a comfortable walk.
That just about sums up the TRUE Linkswear TL-01 perfectly to me. My pair of TL-01s has literally become my go-to shoe this summer – even kicking out my TRUE Knits next to the door. The TL-01 is by far the most comfortable TRUE Linkswear shoe I’ve worn and its looks are perfectly clean and casual. Oh, and I can easily golf in them! Golf shoe, street shoe…I don’t care, the TL-01 does both and these are a real classic from TRUE Linkswear.
TRUE Linkswear TL-01 Technical Specs
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 8.7 oz in a full grain Nappa leather upper is unheard of
- ZERO DROP CUSHION: EVA cushioned midsole in a neutral platform for natural balance and stability
- WEATHEREADY: Just enough protection to keep you dry on damp days yet breathable on those warmer days
- VERSATILE TRACTION: Don’t be fooled by its off-course appearance, the TL-01 boasts just as much tread as any shoe in our history, resulting in great on course traction
- NEUTRAL WIDTH: Still designed around the shape of the natural foot, this classic silhouette fits a standard to 1E width (molds to your foot over time)
