I know what you are thinking: golf Crocs? When I was first introduced to the concept of a Croc golf shoe I had more than a few reservations. I have never been a big fan of Crocs. Sure, I saw more than a few people wearing them around town, and my daughter is a die-hard fan who refuses to wear anything else, but I was not sold. And, I certainly did not see them as a type of shoe that could be used for sports – especially not golf.
As it is with skeptics, I was given a pair and told to try them out. Skeptical as I was I took them out on the course and ran them through the drills to see if they really could hold up to what a regular golf shoe has to endure. The results may surprise you. They certainly surprised me.
Design and Look
Croc golf shoes, or Ace Golf Shoes as the company calls them, look like… well Crocs. I am pretty traditional in my thoughts of how a golfer should look when they go to the course. While these shoes may never fit into the “traditional” mold, there was certainly nothing aesthetically displeasing about looking down at them.
As I said there is little difference in appearance between the Ace and a regular pair of Crocs aside from a few minor modifications. They currently come in three colors: black, cotton candy, and khaki. Though that’s not a huge selection, it certainly covers the basics.
The sole of the shoe is slightly more heavy duty than the one on regular crocs and has eight molded soft spikes, five on the ball of the foot and three on the heel. The spikes are neither removable, nor replaceable unfortunately but as they are surrounded by additional smaller cleats in a target pattern they wear slowly as mine have lasted several months with very little apparent wear.
The inside of the shoe features circulation nubs to stimulate blood flow and decrease fatigue. The top of the shoe has ventilation ports to increase breathability and help keep feet cool and comfortable. The designers did well to eliminate the holes on the side of the shoe like those on traditional Crocs and this helps make the shoe much more water proof on those early morning rounds.
One of the obvious differences between traditional Crocs and the golf shoe is the strap on the back. Like other Crocs the Ace is open heeled and therefore the Croc people had to find a way to keep a golfer’s foot secure during the swing. The Turbo Strap does just that. It is made from Velcro, is adjustable to make for a snug fit, and is quite comfortable on the foot when put in place.
Feel and Performance
This is the area where I felt the Ace really showed off. I first took my Crocs to the driving range to give them time to break in. I found this to be completely unnecessary as anyone who owns Crocs knows; they are extremely comfortable right out of the box. I discovered that wearing Crocs is almost like getting a foot massage while hitting golf balls. The circulation nubs do a fantastic job of making the shoe very comfortable. As I continued to hit balls from half wedges all the way up to full driver swings, I was also very pleased on not only how well the spikes gripped the ground, but on how well they stayed on my feet. One of my very first worries with the Ace was whether or not I would be able to keep my foot inside the shoe throughout the swing. The Turbo Strap does its job very well and not once was I forced to let off for fear of having a blow out.
After the successful practice session, I felt they were ready to take onto the course. The first thing that struck me about them after walking several holes was just how light they were. These shoes were made for walking and for someone like myself who is used to lugging around fairly hefty saddles these were a dream. They again stayed on my feet well even when having to walk up and down hills.
The Crocs also did a fairly good job of being water resistant. The grass was very wet when I teed off and amazingly my feet stayed dry for the most part except for one of my heels. As I mentioned above the holes are only on the top of the shoe making them much more impervious to water than one might think. I will mention though that the only drawback I found was on bunker shots. If you are like me and like to dig in you will find yourself with a shoe full of sand. This problem was of course easily remedied by simple removing them and dumping them out.
Another nice feature is they are made from Croslite™, a PCCR (Proprietary Closed Cell Resin) which although feels like rubber or plastic is neither. Croslite™ has extraordinary impact absorbing qualities and is also anti-microbial, which virtually eliminates odor. So if you’re like me and own more than a few stinky pairs of golf shoes then these are definitely nice to have.
Conclusion
I started as a skeptic and now I am a believer. Croc Ace golf shoes are actually very nice. They are comfortable, light, and grip the ground adequately, and with a price tag of just under $40.00 you will be hard pressed to find golf shoes any cheaper. While these won’t replace my nice FootJoys when I visit the local country club or high end course I will certainly wear them on the occasional practice round or practice session at my local muni.
Great review! I kind of like the look of them.
Three questions:
Do you wear socks or are they strictly for bare footing?
Did you have any slipping issues on steep, wet hills?
Can you/did you wear them elsewhere…like at home, driving etc.?
Thanks!
Those things are an abomination! I have a pair of Crocs that I wear around the yard. They’re great for that purpose, being that they’re easy to slip off, and you can rinse them with the hose. Mine have the same type of adjustable strap. No way could I play golf in them, not a chance. And I’m sorry, while they’re fine for mucking around the flower beds they look ridiculous on a golf course.
I wore them with socks on the course and without socks around the house.
I wear them more around the house than I do at the golf course to tell you the truth. They are really comfortable.
Like I said they grip as well as my regular golf shoes, I saw very little difference in gripping power from them to me regular shoes.
Interesting and where do you obtain these ugly looking foot stops??
Seeing as how you don’t own a pair of these, I dare say you’re not terribly qualified to comment.
I do own a pair, and while I’ll leave the style to the individual to determine for himself, I back Danny’s assertion that the shoes provide a surprisingly stable platform. You won’t want to get them two sizes “oversized” like many people buy their regular Crocs, but if properly sized, they fit great.
How is the stability? I don’t think I have ever turned an ankle on the golf course, but sometimes it feels like I could. Do they do a good job of keeping you feet and ankles stable when you swing? I realize that they will provide good footing, but are they supportive enough for all the lower body movement? I have worn the regular Crocs in the past and I wouldn’t think of using them for anything too active.
If you’re really, really cute…by all means wear Crocs. If not, proceed with caution. After all comfort and stability can only go so far. 🙄
True, I don’t own them. I do own another pair of Crocs though, the “Off Roads.” They have the same back strap and I don’t think the footbed looks any different. I just can’t see them as golf shoes. Of course, they’re shoes – what feels terrible on my foot may feel perfect on yours.
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Please take me back to the days when REAL golfers wore metal spikes; No sandals and certainly NO Crocks. I wouldn’t ware these if I had to play with women!!!!
Wow, never thought a shoe review would cause so much debate. I stand behind what I said. I do not own any other Crocs and like I said I am really not a huge fan of them. But….the Ace golf shoes are pretty darn good. I have since this review handed them over to my father to try and he liked them as well. No one that I know who have tried these have ever had any problem what-so-ever with instability caused by the shoe.
am going to get a pair after this insightful and informative review. love the whole comfort and anti-microbial concept.
thank you
In england, crocs are like Marmite (i am guessing you have that in the U.S) – You either Hate em or love em.
Personally, i hate em! wouldnt wear them at home….at the beach….and definately not at a golf course. Truth be told, i doubt any of the half reputable clubs in this country would let you play wearing them.
Of course, my view is biased as its mostly girls that wear them here….and the men that do are ALL ponces (as far as i have seen).
I await the response of a marine or navy seal to tell me they wear them now…. 😛
With so many new clubs and real golf shoes on the market we are met up with a review on these? If you want to be taken seriously, which I assume you do, then stay with what has worked. Let’s keep golf as golf and not insignificant things like Crocs for Golf.
Simply put, what an absolutely terrible way to close out an otherwise great year for a pretty decent golf web site.
Here’s hoping that The Sand Trap continues to provide great reviews on great golf products for 2009.
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I cannot agree with you more…i would feel like a total idiot wearing these. I cannot count how many people show up the the golf course looking like they could be going o hang out with their friends. WHEN YOU GO TO A GOLF COURSE, WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHES!!!
long pants preferably, but bermuda shorts are fine…please tuck your shirt in, and wear a belt. These croc shoes make golf look like a joke, and not a sport which it actually is.
There’s a fine line between what you seem to believe is “taken seriously” and simply “being a snob.”
We review products seriously, regardless of how “non-serious” they might be. A golf towel is given the same scrutiny (despite not necessarily being as easy to write quite as much) as a new driver or set of irons.
I think it reflects poorly on those who feel the need to comment negatively on the publication of this review. You can decide for yourself whether you’d ever wear these, but when you start to judge others (including those who review them) for having something good to say about the performance, it crosses a line. If you don’t want to wear Crocs on the golf course, don’t. Diminishing this review or those who might choose to wear these shoes on the golf course isn’t “serious” – it’s snobby.
This is an interesting review. The last thing I would have honestly expected would be to see Crocs come out with a golf shoe. One quick question to Danny Ottman if I may? Have you experienced any problems with the shoes in terms of static electrical charges? I have a pair of Crocs that I wear indoors, with material inserts (slippers) and have experienced some absolutely wicked shocks. Just curious if you have experienced any such things, say when you return to your vehicle or touch any metal object directly?
Thank you for your consideration of my question. I know it may seem odd, but I’m curious as it has happened with me with my slippers and garden shoes.
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What a joke! If I ever see someone wear these things on the green, I will laugh soooo hard! Maybe they’re comfortable, maybe they grip well, but come on! This is going to far! Heck! Why don’t we all just don toga’s and tutu’s while we’re at it huh??? Hey! They would certainly be cool in the summer right??? And I bet they have great wicking action too! There’s a point when we go from what is practical to what is ridiculous and I’d say this is past the point of no return!
Geesh… What’s this world coming too… Silly. 🙄
I removed my earlier comment because everyone has a right to their opinion. I will say this as my parting comment on this review.
It is a serious review. The Crocs people gave us their product, and we in turn agreed to write an unbiased review. There’s nothing about these shoes that should elicit such responses from people. Do I wear them? Well no I don’t – I have since given them to a friend who wanted them.
But who would we be as a site if we dismissed some golf products and only reviewed the one we deemed “worthy?” I won’t make that call. If a manufacturer wants to take the time to give us their product, we will write a review regardless of how “cool” we believe it to be.
As a reader, please exercise your right to skip any review you think might be silly. We will have plenty of reviews this year of good old fashioned golf equipment.
Thank you.
Its amazing how caught up on appearances people get… Crocs are awesome.
I took a 6 week architecture class one summer which required me to stand for 12-14 hours a day. I spent the first week trying every pair of shoes I owned to find the most comfortable. Honestly, my crocs were a lifesaver, and by far the easiest on my feet. I found I could even jog comfortably in them with no foot or knee pain. I now wear them when I go to play hockey because they don’t get smelly from my post-skating feet (which is another miracle trust me.)
I understand purists not liking these shoes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in golf. Most Local munis and public courses have jeans and t-shirts on display, so understated black closed toe sandals are well within “acceptable”. I understand not wanting to see them at ritzy country clubs, but if you read the article you would see that the author agrees with this position in the conclusion.
And for the record, while they are useful I can only read so many club reviews… this was a great choice for a product review, I will be buying a pair, thanks!
Thank you Danny Ottmann for your kind words! I personally do appreciate them as they have renewed my faith that as you said, “everyone has a right to their opinion”. In future I too will be more thoughtful about what I write regarding any review.
I really want to get a pair but they do not come in half sizes. For everyday Crocs, this isn’t as big an issue but for an athletic shoe it needs to fit just right and for me these do not. 😥
Putting style or looks aside, Crocs in general are unhealthy shoes.
As someone who is dealing in feet and footwear on a daily basis I have recommended my patients to avoid wearing Crocs.
Crocs lack proper support, they tend to exaggerate supination, and because the golf course is an uneven surface, walking with Crocs can result in sprains.
The golf swing is a complicated movement that requires proper stability, so please choose your shoes carefully!
Was the sizing fairly true or was it spot on?
🙂 Can someone please tell me where I can purchase the Ace golf croc’s in England, Have tried many outlets and other avenue’s only to come up with a blank. As an everyday ‘Croc’ wearer I can only see the Ace as being a bonus…….Please Help!
Army Ranger, and I love my crocs,bought a pair in Spain last year because no shoe,sandal or flip flop were comfortable. They are the most comfortable footwear I have ever worn,I have just bought a pair of Yukons and because every golf shoe I have ever worn have always felt uncomfortable on the back nine I am definetly getting aces.
Funny that I have sprained my ankle in the most supported boot the A.R.W. supplied and have yet to sprain it in my crocs.
And as someone who deals with feet and footwear on a daily basis myself, I try to convert people to just try them for one day and do any type of complicated movement. I have sailed in 23 mile an hour winds as a bowman with them,they are brilliant exaggerated supination and all.
I’m 6’3″, 240lbs and lead an active athletic life style. I used to play hockey but gave that up when I turned 40 as it is a young man’s game (Chris Chelios notwithstanding!). I still use a treadmill, swim, do Nordic Track and walk while playing golf. I had surgery on my right knee in February – six weeks later I was finally hitting balls again. I’ve got a pair of Crocs Yukons that absolutely have saved my feet and legs! They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn and though my two sons hate them (they’re 23 and 21) I wear them as often as possible. I suffer from plantar fascitis and metatarsalgia in my right foot. The only shoe that doesn’t bother me is the Yukon. If I can get my feet in a pair of the Crocs Ace’s, I’m going to do it. I don’t care what they look like, what people think of them, or if they should be banned from The Old Course! If they let me play without pain, then naysayers be damned. I play the game because I love it not because I want to be seen wearing Brooks Brothers golf wear and Armani golf shoes! Thank you for the reviews!
They are quite possibly the most comfortable casual shoes I have ever owned. I always wear them to the golf course, and am anxious to slip them back on after walking 18 holes.
I am on my way to buy a pair!! I love my crocs i currently wear, and would love to be able to walk 18 in those babies! To all you “purists”, shut up. Yes, i said shut up. If you want to spend 1000’s of dollars on fashion, go to new york. If you want to go golfing, then go golf. I’m sick of people turning a fun, leisurely sport into a freaking fashion show. Keep your country club attitudes, you know, the same ones that wouldnt allow minorities and women to play. If I go to a nice club, i wear pants and a collared shirt, I am respectful of others and try to play the game with dignity. But if some douche decided to tell me “tuck in my shirt and get some real shoes” that dignity would disappear in a heart beat. It is the everyday Joe golfer that has made this sport blow up, not the stuffy rich a$$ who complains about “the days of metal spikes” By the way, metal spikes? Are you 100, did you play with Bobby Jones and his funny Negroe caddie, you narrow minded SOB! I love golf and when all the people like you finally stop playing, my days on the course will be even better!
bought em, played in em, love em!
Bought them direct from Crocs.com and got them in about a week. Wore them first at the range and then took them with me to play 36 holes. The first 18 holes I wore my Adidas golf shoes and my feet were tired and sore after about 12 holes. The minute I put on the Crocs for the second 18 my feet relaxed and the soreness went away. I walked the second 18 in sheer comfort and played better too! While I can’t credit the Crocs for a better score than the first 18, they certainly made a difference as far as fatigue was concerned. I heartily recommend them! They’re easily the most comfortable golf shoe I’ve ever worn. When you take them off and put on a regular pair of Crocs (which I did), you realize again just how comfortable regular Crocs are. It’s like putting your feet in Silly Putty but with more support than you’d think!
can’t wait to try these, i have a bone condition in both feet which make it difficult for me to find shoes that i can walk in, never mind get to the end of the first green in and have tried numerous pairs of golf shoe to no avail. i have always hated crocs but i will wear them if it means i can play a full round of golf and actually enjoy it, yippee. just need to check that my local golf clubs will allow them. keep your fingers crossed for me. p.s great review and don’t let the rude people get to you.
Joni-belinda…
Good luck with the Crocs. I bought another pair over the weekend and walked an unfamiliar course in Sacramento, CA playing with a friend’s clubs. I had absolutely no problems and was able to go out with my wife and our friends afterward. Without Crocs, I would never have been able to do that!
I can’t see why your course wouldn’t let you wear them. They’re better on the greens than metal spikes and provide more traction than mere tennis or running shoes. The only issue may be the look of them – but again, they’re still better looking than some dirty, worn-out golf shoes I’ve seen people wearing.
I’d suggest wearing good athletic socks and bringing an extra pair just in case you want to play 36!
I have plantar fasciitis and wearing crocs as slippers around the house and around my hard have helped a great deal. Do the golf shoes run true to size or do your feet swim in them like regular crocs?
I wear Crocs around the yard and in the house too.
The golf clogs fit like other “regular” crocs. I wear short athletic socks when I wear them to play golf. There is some movement but honestly, after wearing regular golf shoes for years having some breathability and room is awesome. My feet don’t get tired. I’ve also worn orthotics with them (SofSole Adapt Men’s performance footbed) and while the fit is tighter it’s not uncomfortable. I found another review at http://www.averagejoegolf.net
It was hard going trying to gets some in England, but am i glad i did. they are AMAZING. There so comfy and great to play in, i don’t end up in bare feet anymore 😆 so glad i read your review, if i hadn’t i would not have found out about them. Many thanks for taking the time to try them out and tell us all about them.
big hugs Joni-Belinda
Glad they worked out for you. I’ve found that my metatarsalgia has subsided greatly since wearing them while playing. I also wear the Yukon version while at work. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to wear normal shoes again! HA!
I have been playing almost exclusivley in crocs for about a year now and I absolutely love them. They are by far the most comfortable golf shoes that I’ver owned.
As far as where and when would be proper to wear them; I am a member of what passes for a ritzy CC in Louisiana and have never heard a negative statement about them (to my face anyway), and frankly could not care less if I did.
Golf at my level (and most likely for everyone reading this) is an enjoyable pass time and hobby and nothing else. People take themselves much too serious these days anyway. If I wish to wear something comfortlable on my feet and the “purists” have a problem with that then too bad.
Lots of snobs and bigots on this post but then again, this is golf. Personally, I’m disappointed my club doesn’t allow them. I would understand if they were potentially damaging to the greens or something like that but when it’s banned for the sole reason that it offends the taste of some people who happen to be on the Board? That really ticks me off, especially since golf is no longer just a game for the rich but has already spread to the middle class.
While I’ve never used this pair, I have used the Bite golf sandal in the past, at least until I was told not to use them. I am also a big fan of Crocs as I use my Off-roads practically everywhere. Maybe having a back condition (which I had even before Crocs were invented) has something to do with that (since they make it so easy to stay on one’s feet, and I believe I would still be using them even if I didn’t have this condition.
There have been some comments about Crocs being a love em or hate em shoe and I am proud to be on the LOVE EM side of the fence. While I’m not in a position to change policy, if our club changes it’s position on sandals, I’d get a pair immediately.
Eeps… snobs and bigot abound on this post. I get a kick out of the posters who say (like Old School Golfer and Joe Watson) they’d never wear ’em and ask to be taken back to the old days of metal cleats. I remember the days of metal cleats and recall that when the plastic cleats were introduced there were golfers who swore they’d never change from metal! Now some of those same golfers are so set in their ways that they can’t fathom trying Crocs! Sad but true, Crocs no longer offers the Ace Golf shoe. At least I can’t find it on their site. Keep walkin!
They are ugly as f***, period. You don’t care what you look like, good for you. Go and wear a clown suit to a date and a hawaiian shirt to a corporate meeting. The rest of us will look and get laid.
Clark… I doubt you’ve ever been involved in a corporate meeting and the only real clown you’ve ever seen stares back at you from mirrors. Your total lack of class undoubtedly inhibits you in your sophomoric pursuit of getting “laid.” Thank you for sharing your opinion of a great and unfortunately no longer produced golf shoe. See you at the course…
Mike, The best golf shoe I have ever owned! Mine just ripped last weekend after 5 years of use. If I had known that they were being discontinued I would have bought back ups. If you know of any available please let me know.
I personally miss the simple days of croc golf shoes. One could slip into bliss by putting a pair on! Shame.