Summary
Editor's rating
Value: good comfort and features for the money, if you like leather and spikes
Design: old-school look with one modern trick
Comfort: where these shoes actually shine
Materials: proper leather and decent cushioning
Durability: feels built to last, with a few caveats
On-course performance: grip and stability are solid
What you actually get when you unbox them
Pros
- Very comfortable with noticeable arch support for walking 18 holes
- Slip-Ins heel makes them easy to put on without crushing the back
- Good grip and stability thanks to replaceable SoftSpikes and solid outsole
- Waterproof leather upper with a 1-year waterproof warranty
Cons
- Heavier and warmer than modern knit spikeless shoes
- Fit can feel a bit snug in the midfoot; wide feet may struggle
- No spike wrench or spare cleats included despite being a spiked leather shoe
Specifications
View full product page →| Brand | Skechers |
Slip-in golf shoes for lazy golfers (like me)
I’ve been wearing the Skechers Men's Prestige Slip-in Arch Fit Golf Shoes in Natural Gray, size 9 UK, for a handful of rounds now, plus a few sessions on the range and some walking around the house to break them in. I bought them mainly because I’m tired of fighting with laces and stiff heels at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. The whole "Slip-Ins" thing sounded a bit gimmicky, but I wanted to see if it actually made a difference in real life, not just in adverts.
Right away, the first thing that stands out is how easy they are to put on. You literally slide your foot in without using your hands, and the heel doesn’t collapse. For someone who usually ends up jamming their thumb into the back of the shoe, that’s already a small win. I still use the laces to snug them up, but the daily on/off part is way quicker and less annoying than my older FootJoy pair.
On the course, I wore them in everything from dry fairways to slightly wet rough after light rain. I didn’t get a full-on downpour, but enough moisture to see if the waterproof claim is just a sticker or actually useful. So far, my socks stayed dry, and the leather upper wiped clean pretty easily afterwards. No weird squeaking, no slipping in the swing, and no hot spots on my feet after 18 holes.
They’re not perfect though. They’re on the heavier side compared to some modern knit spikeless shoes, and if you’re used to super light sneakers, you’ll feel the difference. Also, while Skechers says they fit true to size, I’m right on the edge: length is fine in 9 UK, but they’re a touch snug in the midfoot. Overall, first impression: solid, comfy golf shoes with a handy slip-in heel, but not some miracle product that fixes everything.
Value: good comfort and features for the money, if you like leather and spikes
In terms of price, these sit in that mid-range golf shoe zone: not budget, not top-end tour pricing either. For what you get – full-grain leather, waterproof guarantee, Arch Fit insole, Slip-Ins heel, and replaceable SoftSpikes – I’d say the package is pretty decent. You’re not just paying for a brand name; there are actual features that make day-to-day use easier and more comfortable. Compared to some similarly priced shoes that are synthetic and spikeless, you’re getting more structure and durability here.
Where the value really shows is if you walk most of your rounds and care about comfort. The arch support and cushioning make a noticeable difference over 18 holes, and the slip-in heel is one of those small things you end up appreciating every time you put them on. If you’ve ever tried to jam your foot into a normal shoe without untying it and crushed the heel, you’ll get why this is handy. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement, but it adds up over time.
On the flip side, if you prefer super light, breathable, knit-style spikeless shoes, you might feel like you’re paying for features you don’t really care about. These are heavier, warmer, and more traditional. Also, no extras in the box (no spike wrench, no spare cleats) makes the whole package feel a bit barebones for a leather, waterproof shoe. Not a deal breaker, but worth mentioning. There are also cheaper Skechers golf models if you don’t need leather or spikes.
Overall, I’d call the value pretty solid: you’re getting a comfortable, supportive, waterproof leather golf shoe with handy slip-in convenience and replaceable spikes. There’s better and there’s worse at this price, but if this mix of features matches what you’re looking for, it’s money reasonably well spent. If you’re just after the lowest price possible or only play a couple of times a year, it might be more shoe than you actually need.
Design: old-school look with one modern trick
The design is basically a mash-up of a traditional saddle golf shoe and a modern comfort sneaker. The leather upper with the saddle oxford details gives it that "clubhouse safe" look, so you can walk into the bar after your round and not feel like you’re wearing running shoes. The Natural Gray colour is pretty neutral. It hides light dirt better than white but still looks clean. After a couple of rounds, the creasing on the leather is visible but normal, nothing that makes the shoe look beat up.
The main design twist is the integrated Slip-Ins heel. The back of the shoe is built to hold its shape even when you slide your foot in without bending down. In practice, this works surprisingly well. I can leave the laces loosely tied, step into them, and then just give the laces a quick tug if I want them tighter. There’s also a small internal heel cup feel that locks your heel in, so you don’t end up sliding around once you’re in.
Under the shoe, you’ve got a full rubber outsole with replaceable SoftSpikes. The spike layout is spread around the forefoot and heel, giving you good coverage in the key pressure areas during the swing. It’s not as aggressive-looking as some hardcore tour shoes, but on grass it grips fine. On hard surfaces like the car park, you’ll hear the spikes clicking, so don’t expect a stealthy walk to the clubhouse. That’s just the trade-off with spiked shoes.
One thing I noticed is the shoe volume: it’s not super wide, not super narrow, kind of middle of the road. If you have very wide feet, you might feel a bit squeezed in the saddle area. I’m average width and it fits, but I could feel the leather hugging the sides a bit on the first round. In short, the design is practical, slightly conservative, with one neat modern feature. It’s not going to win style awards, but it looks like a proper golf shoe and does the job.
Comfort: where these shoes actually shine
This is the main reason I went for these, and to be fair, comfort is the strongest point. Straight out of the box, there was almost no break-in pain. On the first 18 holes, I had a tiny bit of pressure on the outside of my right foot around hole 10–12, but nothing that turned into a blister. By the second round, that had pretty much disappeared as the leather and insole settled to my foot shape. Compared to my old FootJoy leather shoes that needed three rounds to stop chewing up my heels, this was a big improvement.
The Slip-Ins heel is not just a gimmick. Being able to step into the shoes without bending down every time is genuinely convenient, especially when you’re changing shoes in the car park or at home. The heel padding holds your foot in place without rubbing, and I never felt any slipping inside the shoe during the swing. The Arch Fit insole gives a noticeable arch support. If you’re used to flat insoles, you’ll definitely feel the difference. My feet usually get tired around the 15th hole in flatter shoes; with these, the midfoot felt more supported and less achy at the end of the round.
Cushioning is moderate but well balanced. There’s enough under the heel and forefoot to make walking on firm fairways comfortable, but it doesn’t feel like you’re sinking into foam. I walked 18 holes carrying my bag once and using a trolley twice, and in all cases, my feet felt fine afterwards. No burning sensation under the ball of the foot, no heel bruising. If you want that ultra-soft, pillowy feel like some running shoes, you might find these a bit firm, but for golf I think it’s the right level.
Ventilation is okay, not great. It’s a leather, waterproof shoe, so your feet won’t feel as airy as in a mesh spikeless model. On a warm spring day they were fine, but I can see them feeling a bit warm in peak summer. Still, no crazy sweat or bad smell after a few uses. Overall, very comfortable for walking 18, with good arch support and a convenient slip-on routine. Not the lightest or coolest (temperature-wise), but they do the job well for most conditions.
Materials: proper leather and decent cushioning
The upper is full-grain genuine leather, and you can feel that right away. It’s not plasticky or overly stiff out of the box. It has a bit of give when you press it, and after a round or two it softens up nicely over the forefoot. Compared to cheaper synthetic golf shoes I’ve had, this feels more solid and less like it’s going to crack after one muddy winter. That said, leather always needs a bit more care: a quick wipe and occasional conditioner if you want it to last more than a season or two.
Inside the shoe, you’ve got the Arch Fit insole, which Skechers pushes as podiatrist-designed. It’s removable, so if you use custom orthotics, you can swap it out. The material feels like a dense, molded foam with a noticeable arch bump under the midfoot. It’s not rock-hard, but it’s not marshmallow soft either. For me, with average arches, it felt supportive without being intrusive. If you have very flat feet, you might need a few rounds to get used to that raised feeling under the arch.
The midsole uses their ECO Flight cushioning. In practice, this translates to a moderate cushioning level: there’s enough padding to take the edge off walking 18 holes, but it’s not super bouncy like a running shoe. I actually prefer it this way for golf; too much squish and you lose stability in the swing. The rubber outsole is thick and feels durable, with the SoftSpikes screwed in securely. After a few rounds, none of the spikes loosened, and the rubber shows only light wear.
Inside lining is also leather, which helps with comfort and probably adds a bit to the premium feel. It doesn’t feel sweaty or plasticky against your socks. Combined with the waterproof membrane (they offer a 1-year waterproof warranty), the materials give you a shoe that feels solid and built for regular play, not just occasional use. Overall, materials feel good for the price bracket: proper leather, decent foam, and a robust outsole. Not ultra-light, but clearly built more for stability and durability than for shaving off every gram.
Durability: feels built to last, with a few caveats
It’s still early days, but from what I’ve seen so far, these shoes look like they’ll handle regular use quite well. After several rounds and range sessions, the leather upper has normal creasing across the toe box and saddle area, but no cracking or peeling. The stitching is still intact, and there are no loose threads. I’ve wiped them down with a damp cloth after each round, and the Natural Gray colour has held up; no major scuffs that stand out from a distance.
The outsole and spikes also look promising. The rubber sole shows only light wear at the heel and under the ball of the foot, which is what you’d expect. The SoftSpikes themselves are still sharp and grippy. Since they’re replaceable, that’s already a big plus for long-term use. When they eventually wear down, you’re not forced to bin the shoes; you just swap out the cleats. I do wish Skechers included a spike tool and a spare set in the box, but that’s more of a value gripe than a durability issue.
Inside the shoe, the Arch Fit insole hasn’t flattened out yet. It still has a clear arch shape and cushioning. Cheaper insoles often go flat quickly, especially under the heel, but this one still feels the same as day one. The heel padding and lining also show no signs of peeling or tearing, which is usually the first area to go for me when I’m lazy about using a shoehorn. Thanks to the Slip-Ins design, you’re not crushing the heel every time you put them on, which should naturally help with longevity.
One thing to watch: because it’s a leather, waterproof shoe, if you regularly soak them and then dry them badly (like on a radiator or left wet in a bag), they will age faster. That’s just how leather works. But with basic care, I see these lasting at least a couple of seasons for someone playing once a week, probably more. Overall, durability looks good for the price: solid leather, replaceable spikes, and no early signs of weak points.
On-course performance: grip and stability are solid
On the course, what matters to me is pretty simple: do my feet stay dry, do I slip during the swing, and do my feet feel wrecked after 18 holes. These shoes tick those boxes quite well. The SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro give solid traction. I tested them on slightly damp fairways, wet rough, and some sloped lies. No slipping on full swings, even when I went after the driver a bit harder. Around the greens, when you’re opening the stance and doing half swings, the spikes still grip without feeling like you’re stuck in the ground.
Stability-wise, the combination of moderate cushioning and a fairly wide base under the midfoot works well. When you load into your trail foot, the shoe doesn’t roll or feel wobbly. I noticed this most on sidehill lies, where some softer shoes tend to let your foot lean. Here, the leather upper and the outsole keep you quite locked in. If you’re someone who values a stable base over a super soft feel, you’ll probably like how these behave during the swing.
Waterproofing held up fine in light wet conditions: morning dew, a few wet patches, and one round where it had rained earlier. My socks stayed dry, and the leather upper didn’t soak through. I haven’t had them in a full-on storm yet, but given the 1-year waterproof warranty, I’d expect them to hold up reasonably well. Just remember to clean and dry them properly afterwards; leather will give up on you if you leave it muddy and wet in the boot of your car.
Off the course (car park, clubhouse, practice areas), they’re less comfortable on hard surfaces than a spikeless shoe, just because of the spikes and the slightly stiffer outsole. You’ll hear the click-clack of the spikes on tiles and tarmac. Not a deal breaker, just something to keep in mind. Overall, performance is pretty solid: good grip, good stability, and reliable waterproofing for normal conditions. Nothing fancy, but everything you realistically need from a golf shoe.
What you actually get when you unbox them
Out of the box, the Skechers Prestige Slip-in looks like a fairly classic leather golf shoe, not some flashy sneaker. In Natural Gray, it’s basically a light gray upper with slightly darker saddle-style detailing and a clean white midsole. If you’re used to bright neon golf shoes, these will feel pretty tame. Personally, I like that they don’t scream for attention. You can wear them with navy, black, or beige trousers and they just blend in nicely.
The shoe has a full-grain leather upper, traditional laces, and a round toe. The heel area is where the "Slip-ins" system lives: it’s slightly reinforced and shaped so you can step in without crushing it. Inside, you’ve got the Arch Fit insole, which is removable, and an ECO Flight midsole that’s meant to keep things cushioned but not too bulky. Underneath, there are replaceable SoftSpikes (Tour Flex Pro), so it’s a proper spiked shoe, not spikeless. That’s important if you play on wetter courses or like a bit more bite in your swing.
In terms of packaging, nothing fancy: standard Skechers box, some paper stuffing, and the shoes. No spare spikes or tool in my box, which is a bit of a shame considering this is a spiked model. At this price level, tossing in a spike wrench and a few replacement cleats would have been a nice touch. Still, everything arrived in good shape, no glue marks, no uneven stitching, and no weird smell from the materials.
Overall, presentation is pretty straightforward: classic leather golf shoe look, practical design, no nonsense. If you want something loud and super sporty, this isn’t it. If you’re okay with a more traditional style that doesn’t make you look like you’re auditioning for a tour contract, it fits the bill. It feels like a tool for playing golf rather than a fashion piece, which I actually prefer.
Pros
- Very comfortable with noticeable arch support for walking 18 holes
- Slip-Ins heel makes them easy to put on without crushing the back
- Good grip and stability thanks to replaceable SoftSpikes and solid outsole
- Waterproof leather upper with a 1-year waterproof warranty
Cons
- Heavier and warmer than modern knit spikeless shoes
- Fit can feel a bit snug in the midfoot; wide feet may struggle
- No spike wrench or spare cleats included despite being a spiked leather shoe
Conclusion
Editor's rating
After using the Skechers Men's Prestige Slip-in Arch Fit Golf Shoes for multiple rounds, my overall take is that they’re very comfortable, practical, and fairly priced, with a few trade-offs you should know about. The big positives are the comfort level (especially the arch support), the easy Slip-Ins heel for hands-free entry, and the solid on-course performance from the leather upper and SoftSpikes. If you walk 18 holes regularly and your feet usually feel tired or sore, these can make your rounds a bit easier on the body.
They’re best suited for golfers who like a more traditional leather look, want proper waterproofing, and don’t mind a slightly heavier shoe in exchange for stability and support. If you play in wetter conditions or on softer courses, the spiked outsole is a plus. On the other hand, if you mainly play in hot weather, prefer ultra-light knit shoes, or hate hearing spikes on hard floors, you might be happier with a lighter spikeless model instead. Also, if you have very wide feet, I’d be cautious and maybe try half a size up or look for a wide-fit version.
So, no, they’re not perfect, but they get the job done very well in the areas that matter: comfort, grip, and waterproofing. For a regular golfer who wants a reliable, comfy pair of leather shoes with a bit of modern convenience built in, they’re a solid option. If you’re super price-sensitive or only play a couple of times a year, you can probably get away with something cheaper and simpler.