The first generation of golf flats were more or less repurposed technology. Now that it’s apparent the fad is becoming a movement, all the shoe gurus have started throwing serious R&D behind next-gen offerings. Case in point, the new Nike Lunar Ascend ($100).
Built with Lunarlon cushioning and the Nike Power Platform the Lunar Ascend has similar tech as its spike toting brethren, but with a lighter upper called Hyperfuse. Basically Nike cut away sections of the shoe that aren’t critical for stability and covered the entire upper with a mesh lattice. The effect is a super breathable, incredibly lightweight and very flexible shoe. Not the best choice for product testing in February, but in the heat of summer, they should really perform. Traction for the Lunar Ascend comes from a variety of smaller and larger treads with a couple of strategically placed, molded spikes at the balls of your feet and outside the heel. Two places that twist the most during the swing.
While this isn’t a shoe you are going to wear off the course, its performance on it has been incredible. We’ve had no issue with traction on dry, semi-wet or even early spring marshy ground and after 18 holes our dogs were feeling like they had another round in them. This golfer actually found the flats to be more in touch with the ground and therefore more natural and balanced feeling, something that I noticed carried over to the rest of my game.
Buy Now: $100
