On the way to becoming one of the most popular golf footwear brands today, TRUE linkswear has dialed in a distinctive naturalist aesthetic in its golf shoes, hoodies, polos, pants and headwear that can appeal as easily to a hiker, surfer or nature-bound wanderer as it does to a growing legion of loyal golfers.
This Pacific Northwest golf footwear and lifestyle brand has remained TRUE to its roots as well as its original vision for giving golfers a uniquely close connection to the beloved fairway turf beneath their feet.
When TRUE launched its first golf shoe, the Original Tour T1, back in 2009, it was the first model to hit fairways with a minimalist, barefoot feel for walking golfers seeking wellness. That became the basic foundation for every shoe TRUE has designed since.
“Simply put, this platform “is the most natural and ergonomic position for your feet,” says Mark Millerd, the brand’s Director of International Sales. “The zero-drop – which means it’s level from heel to toe – does not place additional stress on the forefoot, and higher up the chain. A wide footbed enables the toes to function from a position of strength and stability, rather than restricting their movement. The goal is always to provide a neutral platform that follows the shape of a person's actual foot. This combination of wide toe box, zero drop and flexibility allows the foot to function as intended. Artificial stiffening, excessive heel stack height, and tapered footbeds often contribute to discomfort and footwear-related issues.”
To accomplish the feat, TRUE builds its “TRUE DNA” into every product. That means the space in the shoe is naturally wide with level or low-drop platforms, and they’re flexible. Bottom line: It results in the brand’s signature comfort. The careful selection of materials and construction techniques adds to the overall comfort. Whether that's providing industry-leading waterproofing or adaptive uppers which conform to your foot’s shape, each aspect of TRUE’s construction aims to enhance a golfer’s overall feel and comfort.
Company co-founder and PGA TOUR pro Ryan Moore has been integral to TRUE’s footwear development. His search for a more comfortable and functional golf shoe is what led him to design the Original’s first iterations with his brother Jason, who is the brand’s co-founder and CEO. “Ryan’s influence on the development of our product lines continues to this day,” says Millerd. “Feedback from our roster of Tour players has also helped guide the next generation of TRUE products.” That level of credibility from the world’s best golfers is invaluable in influencing amateurs.
How does TRUE’s approach to shoe construction actually improve a golfer's footwork and connection to the turf? “By reducing the stack height underfoot (thin midsoles), providing a wide, stable platform (improved surface contact) and flexibly conforming to the golfer’s movement, the Original enhances the golfer's ability to interact with the ground,” says Millerd. “The goal is to function from a position of strength and utilize these ground force reactions to harness the feel, power and speed the golfer requires to swing efficiently.”
Those first iterations were undoubtedly pioneering – at the time, there was no golf shoe in the market that provided a zero-drop, wide and flexible platform. As TRUE continued to develop this category, the years of feedback from Tour ambassadors, health professionals and podiatrists led to many variations on what TRUE now calls the OG shoe - which are all rooted in those initial design philosophies.
The addition of a cushioned zero-drop option with last year’s OG Cush and the upcoming OG3 Pro adds versatility and additional comfort for golfers who want an ergonomic ride on a variety of surfaces. And they look better, too.
“Finding our design voice has helped provide all the comfort benefits that our fans love, in a sleek and minimalist aesthetic,” says Millerd, who adds that it encompasses a selfish innovation that the company designs shoes that the team wants to wear themselves. “The new OG3 looks great. We’ve upped the ante with a highly durable, spike-like outsole for superior traction and surface contact. A traditional tongue gusset over the sock-fit collar featured in the Original 1.2 will be a welcome addition for many, too. We’ve also included our cushioned zero-drop midsole (6mm from heel to toe) that provides a level platform with a layer of WanderLux cushioning. It’s an additional layer of comfort for those seeking an element of underfoot cushioning.”
To learn more about the new OG3 Pro, click here.