No pro sport is more behind the times when it comes to signature shoes than golf. Outside of Tiger Woods, there are few golfers with their own branded shoe.
It’s this rarity that makes receiving a PE (player edition) such an honor and a privilege. And, it’s even more rare that the special shoe ever makes its way to store shelves.
Introducing the PUMA RF Slipstream G, Rickie Fowler’s signature golf shoe. While the Slipstream G isn’t quite the performance-centric model we’ve come to expect from, say, the TW line, this limited orange-clad golf shoe is Rickie through and through.
Let’s take a closer look at what PUMA Golf and Fowler have cooking.
The Deets
- Available now at PUMA
- Priced at $150
- Sizes 7-15 (men’s)
- PROFOAM midsole
- Spikeless carbon-rubber outsole
- Will not help you grow a Fowler mustache
Signature Sauce
Rickie Fowler is unapologetically flamboyant. If his signature Sunday apparel is any indication of his fashion taste (or his numerous collabs with Palm Tree Crew), we’re in for a treat with the new RF edition of the PUMA Slipstream G. This thing is saucy!
I will admit that the shoe is a little more subdued than I would have thought. That said, the premium suede upper, though clean in color, gives the shoe a more fashionable appearance overall. As one would expect, signature orange accents exist throughout the shoe.
“They look clean and, in true fashion, have an orange pop.” Fowler said of his signature shoe. “Being comfortable yet stylish on the golf course is what we were going for and I think this shoe captures that vibe perfectly.”
If you look closely through the semi-translucent outsole, you’ll see even more of that audacious orange. A bold design choice that I think plays beautifully to the lifestyle-inspired silhouette that is the Slipstream G.
Fashionable and (Semi) Functional
Just as some may not find the RF Slipstream G as stylish as I do, there will be a select crowd for whom the Slipstream G misses its mark. If your sole (see what I did there?) concern when it comes to golf shoes is performance, you may want to stick with PUMA’s other offerings. May I suggest the Alphacat Nitro? Let’s just say you more than likely won’t see Fowler wearing this for tournament play.
While I don’t yet have the Slipstream G in hand, I can tell you this much: it’s built to be a fun golf shoe, not a Tour-level performance shoe. Even still, the PROFOAM midsole (found in a lot of PUMA’s basketball shoes) should provide ample cushion and comfort. This, coupled with the 60-lug spikeless traction, makes it more than suitable for a casual round of golf.
A Breath of “Fresh” Air
I’m all for performance golf shoes. Testing and reviewing the best of the best is my job, after all. That said, I think it’s commendable for brands like PUMA Golf to release shoes like the RF Slipstream G. It’s cool (well, at least I think so), casual and capable. In this regard, it ever-so slightly widens the target audience and, by extension, should bring more eyeballs to what PUMA Golf is doing.
No, the PUMA Slipstream G Rickie Fowler edition can’t promise better golf or Fowler-esque fist pumps. What it might do, though, is help you find a little more fun in a game full of stress.
This shoe is limited and is tracking to move quickly. If you’re a Fowler fan or a fashion aficionado, you can pick up the RF Slipstream G now at PUMA.
Jim Nalepa
1 year ago
Not for me ! Cheap looking. Another glorified gym shoe in my mind.