PUMA Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoe Review
Charming and good-looking. Comfortable and budget-friendly.
The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes seem to have it all. We took them to the course to put them to the test, and while they proved to be one of our favorite golf shoes of 2023, there are a few downfalls you should be aware of. Here’s our complete review of these spikeless golf shoes.
Spoiler Alert: PUMA Ignite Fasten8 Verdict
In my opinion, PUMA makes some of the best-looking golf shoes out there today, but that’s just the beginning. The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoe is as comfortable as any other shoe I’ve tested. It’s lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean, which makes it a great shoe for walking, not to mention the one-year waterproof warranty.
While I’m not sure I’d trust it in heavy rain or in particularly wet conditions, it’s a perfect golf shoe for probably 80 to 90 percent of a typical golf season. On top of that, it transitions easily from the course to the clubhouse. Considering that they’re spikless, the Ignite Fasten8 is comfortable and good-looking enough that you could easily throw them on before you even head to the course, and wear them home.
PUMA Ignite Fasten8 Specs
|
Price |
$79 | SHOP MEN'S | SHOP WOMEN'S |
|
Material |
Fasten8 PWRStrap; IGNITE Foam; PWRCAGE; Performance Mesh + TPU; PWRFRAME; SoleShield |
|
Waterproof Warranty |
1 Year |
|
Spikes |
Spikeless |
|
Colors |
7 colorways available |
The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes are spikeless, and carry just a one-year waterproof warranty. It’s not uncommon for those two features to go hand-in-hand, as spikeless golf shoes tend to be the more lightweight, breathable, mid-summer option, as opposed to the heavier, fully waterproof, spiked shoes that can get you through the heavy rain, mud, snow, and whatever other conditions the course can throw at you.
PUMA Ignite Fasten8 Review
I played two rounds of golf in the PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes to test their turf interaction, waterproof ability, comfort and sizing, and also give my thoughts on the look and style of the line overall.
Look & Style: 5/5
I got these in the Quite Shade (gray) / Gold / PUMA Black color combination, and I must say, the way PUMA pulls off the saddle look with leather accents and gold trim in a shoe packed with modern tech and materials is exquisite.
We're also sending big points PUMA's way for offering this shoe in men's and women's models and sizes. The two are nearly identical, save for some alternate color combos. This is not nearly as common as it should be in golf shoes.
While each of the color options offers a slightly different feel, they’re all the same design. Between primarily black, white, and gray options, and a few more interesting color combinations, there really is a style for everyone. And they all look great.
Traction & Turf Interaction: 4/5
With a spikeless golf shoe, you must understand you’re sacrificing some turf interaction in exchange for a lightweight, more comfortable shoe. In most conditions, that’s all good, and throughout a couple rounds of golf testing these PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes, I never slipped, slid, or lost my balance.
However, even for spikeless shoes, these PUMAs feel like they’ve sacrificed a little stability in exchange for that over-the-top comfort. In a head-to-head, or in this case foot-to-foot, comparison between these and the Elite 5 Slip Ins from Skechers, another spikeless golf shoe with a similar profile, I noticed a little additional support in the Skechers, but a little more comfort from these PUMAs.
In normal golf conditions, I don’t think the difference is enough to cause any harm to your golf game, but it could become a consideration in particularly wet or slippery conditions.
Skechers GO GOLF Elite 5 Slip In Golf Shoe Review
Waterproof: 3/5
While these shoes do have a one-year waterproof warranty, the breathable mesh between the PWRFRAME (the toe) and the laces gives me pause. There are plenty of golf shoes I’d happily trek through any puddle in, but in these, I’d look for a drier route if I saw standing water in my path.
I tested the Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes walking two rounds in mostly dry conditions, because they’re the type of golf shoe you wear when it’s hot and dry, or at worst, moderately raining. With that said, they kept my feet dry and comfortable throughout.
If you have multiple pairs of golf shoes on call to keep you covered in any conditions, these are a great pair to have in the rotation. However, if you rely on just one pair to get you through the entire season, you may need to pack a spare pair of dry socks once or twice a year.
Comfort & Sizing: 5/5
Golf shoe design has been trending more casual in recent years, and the PUMA Fasten8 executes the comfort-meets-performance blend beautifully. They feel incredibly lightweight on your feet, while providing great cushioning under foot.
PUMA warns that its shoes run long, and suggest trying a half-size smaller than you normally wear. However, I ignored this advice and opted for my normal size, and they fit me perfectly.
Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoe Pros & Cons
The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes stick out to me for their striking good looks and superior comfort, but there are always some considerations to take into account before making a purchase.
Here is my complete list of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Plenty of different colorways
- Wide sizes available
- Available in both men's and women's sizes & styles
- One of the most comfortable golf shoes we’ve tested
- At around $79 or less, one of the best value golf shoes of 2023
- Lightweight and breathable, great for summer golf
Cons:
- Some stability was sacrificed for that premium comfort
- The mesh between the toe and laces may not keep water out in all conditions
Who Should Consider Buying PUMA Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoes?
The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 golf shoes are excellent all-around golf shoes. I strongly recommend them for anybody who plays either most or all of their golf in dry conditions (ahem, fair-weather golfers), and players who keep multiple pairs of golf shoes around to ensure they always have the perfect pair for the conditions.
Additionally, at just $79, or even less, for one of the most comfortable and best-looking golf shoes out there today, these are a great value, so bargain hunters and value shoppers should really give these a hard look.
Golfers who rely on just one pair of golf shoes to get through an entire season, rain or shine, will probably find these to be a little too lightweight, and perhaps not waterproof enough to fit the bill. For everyone else, I recommend giving Ignite Fasten8 strong consideration.