Nike Golf Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Review | This Shoe is Underwhelming

The Nike Golf Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% debuted in early 2022, and the second iteration of this shoe features several meaningful improvements. Complaints about the original version of the shoe were its limited space in the toe box, a lack of cushioning in the forefoot, and the need for additional traction from the spike system. Both shoes were designed in partnership with Brooks Koepka, his preference to practice golf in a running shoe, and desire to take that experience to the course. Now that Koepka has departed for LIV Golf, it is to-be-determined on whether Brooks and Nike will continue their partnership into the future.

As it relates to the improved toe box, and overall comfort of the shoe it is a winner. The best golf shoes blend into the background and you aren't cognizant of the shoe's presence. The Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% absolutely performs when it comes to comfort. The two integrated air pockets in the forefoot add to the overall comfort level, while also allowing for the golfer to be athletic in the swing. These air bubble's integration does however create an undercut and dirt trap that we will discuss later. Nike has overall done a much better job in the last year of upgrading the insoles that it is providing for its footwear.

While the spike system is improved, there are certain course conditions that are not optimized for this type of spike. If you are playing on a well-conditioned course, there will absolutely be no problems with a proper grip. However, in my first attempt at wearing these shoes at a baked-out Texas driving range, within the first few swings I slipped. This was the first shoe that I had purchased with this type of spike system, so I was already apprehensive about the potential pitfalls of it. I play on decent golf courses week-to-week, so this has not come into play afterward, but something to be aware of for the golfer who might play in subpar conditions.

Earlier I alluded to the dirt trap that was the undercut of the shoe near the air pockets, and it is an area of the shoe that I consistently find myself cleaning after I have played in these shoes. The sock liner is also made from a light grey mesh material that is also a dirt magnet from your ankles. If you sweat and like low cut socks this is likely not the shoe for you. These fundamental design flaws contribute to this being a shoe that I cannot fully endorse, particularly at its full retail price of $160 at nike.com. Amongst other recent golf shoe purchases, this shoe has been the that requires the most maintenance post-round.

I would recommend a trip to a Nike outlet near you to check their inventory of golf shoes, specifically the open-box section of the store where you can take an additional 20% off your purchase. Lately, I have been stumbling across the latest and greatest golf shoe releases from Nike at their factory stores...Why pay full price to look nice (poet & didn't know it)?!?!