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This New Balance 997 review covers both versions of a shoe built on one of the most recognizable silhouettes in New Balance’s sneaker catalogue. The spiked 997 runs FastTwist cleats for soft, wet turf, while the 997 SL drops the cleats for golfers who want one shoe from the car park to the clubhouse and beyond.
Both versions share the same waterproof microfiber leather upper, Abzorb midsole, CUSH+ insole and two-year waterproof warranty. So the decision isn’t about quality. It’s about traction, how much off-course wear you want, and which of the three widths you need.
The short version: the spiked 997 is the better golf shoe, and right now it’s also the cheaper one. The 997 SL is the better shoe to own if you’ll wear it anywhere other than the course.
New Balance 997 Golf Shoes Review
| ✅ What we liked: | ❎ What we didn’t: |
|---|---|
| Heritage sneaker styling that doesn’t look like a typical golf shoe | Width availability varies by colorway |
| Two-year waterproof warranty on both versions | Trainer style won’t suit all tastes |
| Standard, wide and extra wide fits | |
| Abzorb midsole and CUSH+ insole on both |
New Balance 997 Golf Shoes
$134.95
Two versions, one platform: waterproof microfiber leather, Abzorb cushioning and a two-year waterproof warranty, in standard, wide and extra wide fits.
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What Makes the New Balance 997 Stand Out
The 997 Sneaker Look Is the Whole Point
New Balance based both shoes on its 997H, a modern take on the 997 runner, and it shows. The layered panels, the chunky midsole and the big “N” on the side all come straight from the sneaker side of the brand. As someone who’s been buying New Balance sneakers for years, this is the first thing I’d notice, and it’s the main reason to pick the 997 over a more conventional golf shoe at the same price.
It’s a look that works best with modern golf outfits: tapered pants, shorts and a clean polo. If your style leans towards traditional saddles and wingtips, these will look out of place, and something like the FootJoy Traditions makes more sense.
Same Upper, Same Warranty, Either Way
The upper on both versions is waterproof microfiber leather. It’s a synthetic, so it won’t develop the patina of full-grain leather, but it’s lighter, easier to wipe clean and doesn’t need conditioning. Microfiber also holds its shape well, which matters on a shoe whose main selling point is how it looks.
New Balance backs both with a two-year waterproof warranty. That’s double the one-year cover you get on plenty of shoes at this price, including the FootJoy Quantum and Traditions.
Abzorb and CUSH+: Running Shoe Comfort, Golf Shoe Stability
The midsole uses Abzorb, the cushioning foam New Balance has used in its running and lifestyle shoes for years, with a 10mm drop. That means your heel sits 10mm higher than your forefoot, which is a similar setup to a lot of everyday sneakers and puts a little less load on your calves over a long walk.
On top of that sits a CUSH+ insole, New Balance’s softer foam layer. The combination is aimed squarely at golfers who walk: plenty of cushioning without the overly soft feel that can make a shoe less stable on a sloping lie.
Spiked 997: FastTwist 3.0 Cleats
The spiked 997 uses FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats. They’re removable, so you can replace them as they wear rather than retiring the shoe, and they sit lower than older cleat designs for a more comfortable walk on paths and in the clubhouse. Rubber traction elements between the cleats add grip across the rest of the outsole.
This is the version for golfers who play through fall and winter, walk early tee times through heavy dew, or play courses that don’t drain well. Cleats still beat spikeless outsoles on wet, soft ground.
New Balance 997 SL Review: The Spikeless Option
The 997 SL swaps the cleats for an NDurance rubber spikeless outsole, designed to flex with the natural movement of your foot. It’s a more comfortable shoe on hard surfaces, and it’s the version that passes as an everyday sneaker away from the course.
The trade-off is the usual one for spikeless shoes: less bite on wet grass and steep, soft slopes. For summer golf, firm courses and range sessions, that won’t matter. For a wet November round, it might.
Colorways
Spiked 997 (four colorways): Beige, Grey/Blue, Navy/White, White/Black. Our pick is White/Black: clean, versatile, and it works with almost any outfit.
997 SL (three colorways): Cement, Charcoal/Grey, Light Grey. Our pick is Light Grey. Grey is the color New Balance built its sneaker reputation on, and on the 997 silhouette it looks the most like the lifestyle shoe that inspired it.
The SL range is a little one-note, with all three options in grey tones. If you want something brighter, the spiked version has more variety.
How New Balance 997 Golf Shoes Compare
New Balance 997 vs 997 SL
| New Balance 997 (Spiked) | New Balance 997 SL (Spikeless) | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction | FastTwist 3.0 removable cleats | NDurance rubber outsole |
| Best for | Wet, soft and winter conditions | Firm courses and off-course wear |
| Weight | 11.9 oz | 11.4 oz |
| Widths | Medium / Wide / Extra Wide | Medium / Wide / Extra Wide |
| Colorways | 4 | 3 |
| Price | $119.95 | $124.95 |
997 vs FootJoy Traditions Blucher
The Traditions ($159.95) is the classic choice: full Prohide leather, a traditional silhouette and a one-year waterproof warranty. The 997 costs less, doubles the warranty and offers more width options, but it can’t match the Traditions’ leather quality or heritage look. Pick on style: modern sneaker or classic golf shoe.
997 SL vs Callaway La Jolla SL
Both are waterproof spikeless shoes with two-year warranties and casual styling. The La Jolla SL is cheaper at $109.95, while the 997 SL has the stronger sneaker identity and the wide and extra wide options the Callaway doesn’t offer.
Fit & Sizing
- Runs true to standard New Balance sizing for most golfers
- Three widths on both versions: standard (D), wide (2E) and extra wide (4E)
- Spiked version runs from size 8 to 16; the SL from 8 to 15
- Width availability varies by colorway, so check your width is offered in your preferred color before ordering
That width range is the 997’s biggest advantage. Very few golf shoes at this price come in a true extra wide, and the size 16 option on the spiked version is rare too. If you’ve been hunting for New Balance wide golf shoes, or wide golf shoes from any brand, this is the one to start with.
Who the New Balance 997 Is For
- Golfers with wide feet who want more than one or two options
- Players who walk and want running-shoe style cushioning
- Golfers who like sneaker styling on the course
- The SL suits anyone who wants one pair for golf and everyday wear
It’s less suited to golfers who prefer full-grain leather and a traditional look, or anyone wanting the most aggressive traction for waterlogged courses.
Price & Value
The spiked 997 has a regular price of $134.95 and is currently $119.95 at Global Golf. The 997 SL is $124.95, so right now the spiked version is the cheaper of the two, which is unusual.
At either price, you’re getting a waterproof upper, a two-year warranty, proven cushioning and three width options for well under the $150 mark. The main concession is microfiber rather than leather. Considering the warranty alone, it’s one of the stronger value picks among New Balance golf shoes and the wider mid-price market.
Final Verdict
The verdict from this New Balance 997 review is simple: it’s a high-spec, good-looking golf shoe with a fit range most rivals can’t match.
The spiked 997 is the better choice for golfers who play year round and walk wet courses, and it’s the version we picked as the value standout in our Best Spiked Golf Shoes for Fall guide. The 997 SL makes more sense if you want one shoe for the course and everything else, and it features in our Best Spikeless Golf Shoes for Fall roundup.
Whichever you go for, check your width is available in your colorway before you order.
New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoes
$124.95
Sneaker styling, two-year waterproofing and a width for almost every foot. Pick spiked for wet conditions or the SL for on and off the course.
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| Quick Specs | 997 (Spiked) | 997 SL (Spikeless) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $134.95 (regular) | $124.95 |
| Upper | Waterproof microfiber leather | Waterproof microfiber leather |
| Midsole | Abzorb, 10mm drop | Abzorb, 10mm drop |
| Insole | CUSH+ | CUSH+ |
| Outsole | NDurance with FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats | NDurance spikeless rubber |
| Waterproof Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide |
| Sizes | 8 to 16 | 8 to 15 |
| Weight | 11.9 oz | 11.4 oz |
| Colorways | 4 | 3 |
Are New Balance 997 golf shoes waterproof?
Yes. Both the spiked 997 and the 997 SL have a waterproof microfiber leather upper with a two-year waterproof warranty.
Does the New Balance 997 come in wide fit?
Yes, in standard, wide (2E) and extra wide (4E), though not every width is available in every colorway.
What’s the difference between the New Balance 997 and 997 SL?
The outsole. The 997 has removable FastTwist 3.0 cleats for wet and soft conditions, while the 997 SL has a spikeless rubber outsole that’s more comfortable on hard surfaces and works as an everyday shoe.
Is the New Balance 997 good for walking?
Yes. The Abzorb midsole and CUSH+ insole are built around walking comfort, and both versions weigh under 12 oz.
