A Three-Year Journey with My Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes: A REVIEW
Introduction: Setting the Stage
With golf courses shuttered and the future of the sport hanging in the balance, I found myself seeking solace in the familiar comfort of golf, and thinking about when next I would get the opportunity to pace my favorite courses while complaining about some improvement aspect of my game.
The early days of the pandemic were a time of uncertainty and upheaval, and the world of golf was no exception - how this period seems both like a fairy tale and a while ago).
However, my trusty pair of shoes were starting to show signs of wear, and the temptation to upgrade was undeniable - you see the days of my Oakleys Men’s Blast Golf Shoes (purchased in October 2013) were coming to an end.
2013 was when I realized that golf was not merely a leisurely pursuit for retirees but a sport that demanded exceptional physical and mental prowess. Embracing this challenge, I embarked on a quest for mastery. BTW That quest is still very much ongoing and is probably another article altogether.
Pandemic Impatience Sets In: The Purchase Journey
As I browsed online golf retailers, my eyes fell upon a pair of sleek, all-black leather Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes at a remarkably affordable price.
The pandemic-induced discounts were too good to resist, and I impulsively snapped up not one but two pairs of these shoes. My excitement was palpable as I eagerly awaited the arrival of my new golf companions - shoes, golf clubs, and golf bags.
For the purpose of this article, let's focus on the golf shoes.
See Receipts: A Glimpse into My Shopping Spree
The Shopping Spree: A Bargain Hunter's Dream
The lockdown had brought about a wave of retail discounts, and golf equipment was no exception. Retailers were eager (and probably desperate) to clear their shelves, and I was more than happy to take advantage of their generosity.
The prices I found for these Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes were simply too good to pass up, and I knew I had stumbled upon a genuine bargain - nothing wrong with your eyes! $29.96 + Shipping + Tax.... and yes under $75 for two pairs of size 14 golf shoes.
If you have ever been shopping for golf shoes, you quickly realize it doesn't take much to see top-brand golf shoes easily going for north of $150 so for those of us with large feet, bargain alarms triggered nonstop.
Unveiling the Pair: First Use
With bated breath, I unboxed my newly acquired Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes. The all-black leather gleamed under the light, exuding an aura of sophistication and timeless elegance in contemporary golf styling - the leather felt like real leather and looked the part on those white soles.
The shoes felt lightweight and comfortable in my hands, promising agility and support on the course. I knew that I had to test drive my new acquisition pronto!
Initial Impressions: A Promising Start
My first round of golf with my new Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes was nothing short of exhilarating. The lightweight design allowed for freedom of movement, while the snug fit provided ample support almost immediately but took a few holes to break in - nothing out of the ordinary.
The leather remained supple and comfortable throughout the round, and the water resistance proved to be a valuable asset when seasonal rains meant wet course conditions, in which it performed well giving decent traction and support.
Durability Check: After One Year
After a year of regular use, I was delighted to find that my Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes had held up. Although the leather retained most of its suppleness, mostly free from blemishes, a few cracks were coming up.
The soles maintained their grip even on damp surfaces, ensuring stability and control on every swing. It was around this time that I noticed the bottom panel with the dimpled started to break - without the outer sole that contained the dimples, there would be some loss in traction, and it would be a tall order playing in wet conditions.
Quickly came superglue and to be honest this may be delayed the inevitable by a few months. See the picture of the sole below
Revisiting Initial Thoughts: A Three-year Perspective
Three years have passed since I first purchased the Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes, and I can confidently say that my initial impressions have only changed slightly. These shoes have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, comfort, and performance as entry-level golf shoes and that is still the case.
Some mid-level golfers will also find it adequate. While they may not offer the same level of performance, precision, and support as high-end models, they proved to be a reliable and versatile option for my golfing needs at that time.
Back In The Box After 3 years:
Recommendations Revisited: A Balanced Approach
Without hesitation, I would recommend the Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes to golfers seeking an affordable and well-rounded option. They provide a comfortable fit, excellent water resistance, and a durable construction that can withstand regular use. However, it's important to note that these shoes may not be suitable for mid-level to experienced golfers who demand the highest levels of performance and precision.
Balancing the Pros and Cons: The Final Verdict
Looking back on my three-year journey with these Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes, I can confidently say that it was a worthwhile purchase. The shoes have provided me with countless hours of enjoyment on the course, and their value for money is undeniable. While there may be better options available for those seeking high-end golf shoes, I believe these Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes offer a fantastic value proposition for entry-level to mid-level golfers.
Reflecting on the Journey: A Rewarding Experience
My three-year experience with these Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes has been very rewarding. They have proven to be reliable, comfortable, and stylish companions on the course. I would not hesitate to recommend them to fellow golfers seeking an affordable and versatile option.
Since the pandemic, I have spent more time on the golf course. Dare I say it is beginning to show on and off the course.
See After 3 years: Still good for a few more golf rounds
Elsewhere On The Golf Course, Guess what?....
I have also come across a few Skechers Go Elite series golf shoes on the course as I find I'm increasingly more attentive to spotting them - mostly neutral colours especially the black featured in the article.
P.S.: I have given out one pair but still have the 2nd pair as a backup or practice option. Each pair has easily racked around one hundred rounds of golf… For under $40, that is less than 50 cents a round for decent budget-friendly footwear - very good value for money that would easily support a repeat purchase if the opportunity came again.
Newer Releases and Future Updates.
We will be revisiting this update in the future since I still have the 2nd pair - who knows what more stories it has to tell. We also checked the price at a few retailers, and it might be a bit of a job finding the Go Elite 3 as it is now at least two (maybe even three) releases old - the good news is you can get the Go Elite 4 and Go Elite 5 which are both readily available. Feel free to click the link below to check the same source we got ours from - as shown in the receipt.
The plan is to document more journeys like my present Adidas CodeChaos and Adidas CodeChaos 21. We could even go as far back as the Oakleys Men’s Blast Golf Shoes (responsible for my pandemic golf shopping spree) and all the golf shoes in between. If there is any shoe in that list that you would like us to document my journey, please let us know in your comments and we will get right to it.
Engagement Points: Share Your Experiences
We invite all readers to share their own experiences with golf shoes in the comments section below. Let's discuss our favorite brands, models, and the unique qualities that make our golfing footwear so special. If like me you have particular sizing challenges even better, the more the merrier - there is strength in numbers with our shared experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes suitable for all weather conditions? A: The shoes offer good water resistance, making them suitable for various weather conditions. However, prolonged exposure to wet conditions might affect traction.
Q: How is the sizing for Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes? A: Skechers generally follow standard sizing (US/UK/EU), but it's recommended to check the sizing chart provided by the brand. Some users suggest going half a size up for a more comfortable fit but we didn't have any sizing issues.
Q: Can Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes be used by both beginners and experienced golfers? A: Yes, these shoes are designed to be versatile and can cater to the needs of both beginners and mid-level golfers who are looking for a comfortable, affordable, and durable option. However, seasoned golfers seeking high-end performance may explore other options.
Q: How durable are Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes? A: The durability of these shoes is generally good, with the leather maintaining suppleness. Some users reported cracks after a year, but these could be addressed with minor repairs.
Q: Are Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes suitable for walking the golf course? A: Yes, these shoes are lightweight and designed for golfers who prefer walking the course. The comfort and support they provide make them a suitable choice for those who enjoy walking while golfing. In fact, they can easily be used for other sports like cricket and even a casual walk.
Q: Can Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes be used on both soft and firm terrains? A: The shoes are versatile and can be used on various terrains. The sole provides good grip on both soft and firm surfaces, ensuring stability during your swing.
Q: How do Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes perform in terms of breathability? A: The shoes generally offer good breathability, keeping your feet comfortable during extended rounds. However, individual preferences for breathability may vary.
Q: Are there any specific care instructions for Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes? A: While Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes are relatively easy to maintain, it's recommended to clean them regularly with a damp cloth and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme conditions to preserve their quality. You can also use a mild soap and water to clean them if they get excessively dirty.
Q: Can I replace the insoles of Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes? A: Yes, the insoles of these shoes can usually be replaced with aftermarket insoles if you prefer a different level of arch support or cushioning.
Q: Do Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes provide good arch support? A: We found that these shoes offer decent arch support, but personal preferences may vary. If you have specific arch support needs, you might consider custom insoles.
Q: What are the pros and cons of these shoes?
A: The pros of these shoes include their affordability, comfort, durability, and water resistance. The cons of these shoes include the fact that they may not offer the same level of precision and support as high-end models.
Q: What are the key features of these shoes?
A: The key features of these shoes include a comfortable fit, excellent water resistance, and a durable construction.
Q: How long do these shoes typically last?
A: With regular use, these shoes can last for two to three years. Depends on the frequency of use. Say 50 to 100 rounds of golf
Q: Are these shoes waterproof?
A: Yes, these shoes are water-resistant.
Q: Do these shoes come in wide widths?
A: Yes, these shoes come in a variety of widths, including regular, wide, and extra wide.
Q: Can I use these shoes on spikeless courses?
A: Yes, these shoes are spikeless and can be used on all types of golf courses.
Q: Where can I buy these shoes?
A: These shoes can be purchased online and at most golf retailers.
Skechers Go Elite 3 Golf Shoes: SPECIFICATIONS
Right out of the box, one thing was clear… Skechers are continuing their remarkable progress into golf footwear with the Go Golf Elite 3 Golf Shoe, a spikeless golf shoe designed using the latest innovative materials and technologies to provide Tour-level comfort on the course.
The Go Golf Elite3 sports the contemporary casual look coupled with leatherwork accents including a subtle embossed signature Skechers ‘S’ on the outside of the heel.
This waterproof golf shoe features an all-new spikeless designed traction outsole for stability on the green and provides sufficient grip on the tee box and great protection from damp and dewy grass, puddles, and standing water.
KEY FEATURES
· Leather deco-stitched upper
· Synthetic sole
· Skechers H2GO Shield waterproof protection.
· High-performance Resamax cushioned insole offers all-day comfort and support
· Lightweight and responsive 5Gen midsole offers performance comfort and cushioning
· Translucent spikeless TPU traction outsole
· Durable grip TPU bottom plate
· Heel lock design for a secure and stable fit
· Go impulse Sensors for multi-directional control
CONCLUSION
The Skechers Go Golf Elite V3 Golf Shoe could very well be a hidden gem and evoke pleasant surprise as to how comfortable and well-planted the shoe feels during all phases of the golf swing.
An added bonus is the plus fit by Skechers that caters for extended sizes – 14, 15 and 16, so if you are looking for a decent pair of Golf shoes on a moderate budget, you might want to consider the Skechers Go Golf Elite V3 Golf Shoe.
For the keen-eyed golfers, the Skechers Go Golf Elite V3 Golf Shoe was the official shoe for A European golfing great of British extraction (hint: Collin).
Available in a variety of colors including:
Black / White
White / Navy
Gray / Lime
White / Navy / Black
OUR VERDICT – 4.4 out of 5
Traction: 4.4 out of 5
Style: 4.4 out of 5
Stability: 4.5 out of 5
Comfort: 4.5 out of 5
Quality: 4.4 out of 5
Durability: 4.4 out of 5
Weight: 4.3 out of 5
Spikes: No
Laces: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Disclaimer:
This content is not a paid promotion or advertorial.
We want to emphasize that we do not receive affiliate commissions for any recommendations made in this article.
Our opinions are unsolicited, and any links to third-party sites are included with the intention of enhancing the reader's experience. In such cases, we ensure that the links lead to reputable sources that align with our commitment to providing unbiased, valuable, and reliable information.
Additionally, we disclose any potential relationships with any companies or brands mentioned.
Our primary goal is to maintain transparency and offer trustworthy insights.