Nike Golf’s release of the TW’13 gained much attention, as it was based on Nike Free technology, and Tiger Woods worked directly with Nike footwear designer Tobie Hatfield on its development. Nike even released a Limited Edition version of the shoe for the 2013 Masters.
Nike then followed up with the TW’14, which incorporated peformance enhancements, the ability to customize the shoe on NIKEiD, and the followup release of a mesh version of the shoe.
Now Nike has released the new TW’15, which is now available on Nike.com. Nike Golf sent me a pair of the TW’15s to test and review (in a beautiful promotional box), and I’ve had the chance to wear them at the range and on the course a few times, and I’m sharing my thoughts about the shoe with you here.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
Out of the box, the first thing I noticed about the new TW’15 is how light it is. It’s noticeably lighter than both the TW’13 and TW’14. When putting it on for the first time, I immediately could tell it was the most comfortable model in the TW line so far, and perhaps one of the most comfortable shoes Nike Golf has created to date. When you lace the shoe up, the Dynamic Fit Flywire system locks the upper in place — it cradles your foot and gives incredible support and stability. Also important to me is a wide forefoot area (I don’t like golf shoes that are too narrow), and the TW’15 has ample room in the toebox. The sole incorporates Nike’s Free technology, and it flexes easily with every step. The combination of spikes and integrated traction patterns in the sole prevent any kind of slipping. Overall the TW’15 is the most comfortable, stable and technologically advanced TW shoe model to date.
VISUAL DESIGN
Nike sent me the silver model, which is my favorite of the three colorways that are available (at least initially). I really like the silver sheen of the Flyweave, and the pattern on the upper is cool — it’s slightly reminiscent of fish scales, and in fact some of the shoe’s design details are inspired by Tiger’s personal love of diving and spearfishing. This also includes some of the integrated traction patterns on the sole — the traction elements in the toe are shaped like octopus beaks, while the rubber in the tip and the heel are inspired by shark scales. (As an aside, my son just finished a school project on biomimetics/biomimicry, and this shoe design is a great example of this.) Additional design details incorporated into the TW’15 that I like include the asymmetrical heel detail, the different eyelet details (also a function of the Dynamic Fit System), and the asymmetrical placement of the TW logo on the tongue. The TW’15 is an athletic golf shoe design that incorporates carefully-considered visual design details.
TECHNOLOGY
The TW’15 is packed with technology, starting with the Flyweave upper that results in a shoe that’s 10% lighter than the TW’14. The Dynamic Flywire System locks the upper in place, cradling your foot and giving the shoe incredible stability. And the Free-inspired outsole is very flexible, and gives a great feeling of being connected to the ground. The technology incorporated into the TW’15 makes it one of the most advanced golf shoe designs available today.
COMFORT
In my opinion, the TW’15 is the most comfortable golf shoe Nike Golf shoe has ever made (prior to this, for me it was the FI Impact, followed by the Lunar Control 2 — I haven’t tested the Lunar Control 3 yet). The lightness of the upper, the roomy toe box and the flexible outsole all combine to make the TW’15 a super-comfortable golf shoe.
FIT
The fit of the TW’15 was true to size for me, and the Dynamic Flywire Fitting System makes sure the shoe fits snugly, but comfortably. But as always I suggest you try these on to make sure the fit is right for you.
PERFORMANCE
I’ve had these on the course and at the range several times, and I’ve been really impressed with how they perform. They are extremely light and comfortable, as well as being supportive and stable. The combination of spikes and integrated traction patterns on the sole prevent slipping — my feet haven’t slipped once during the swing while wearing these. The flexible Free-inspired sole makes me feel I’m really in contact with the ground during my swing.
SUMMARY
Overall, I think the TW’15 is the most comfortable, technologically advanced golf shoe Nike has created to date. The shoe’s design incorporates Tiger’s personal insights, which results in some stunning visual design details and incredible performance enhancements. The TW’15 is very light and extremely comfortable, and stability and traction are outstanding. If you are looking for an amazing athletic golf shoe to help you take your game to the next level this year, you definitely need to check out the new TW’15.
Have you tried the TW’15? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
READ NIKE GOLF’S PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THE TW’15 >>
Editor’s note: The product reviewed above was supplied by the manufacturer to the reviewer/author free of charge for reviewing purposes only. The reviewer/author was not paid for this review, and the opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.
I love the new Gray look and the feel But I found it very interesting that today’s practice round at the Masters Tiger went back to the TW11’s. Aparently he said he is wearing them because his new swing pattern. this a sign of maybe a new traditional shoe in the future? Just sharing information. Enjoy the masters.
Yes, very interesting, I wonder where that’s going — the TW’15 is an awesome shoe, it’s my current favorite Nike Golf shoe (closely followed by the FI Impact and Lunar Control). But I wonder if Nike Golf will create a more low to the ground model, or as you mention a separate, more traditional shoe design to go along with Tiger’s new swing mechanics.