The Most Surprising Golf Shoe of 2024

Back in February when Sun Day Red made its initial appearance, there was one thing in particular I gravitated towards: footwear.

For months, I’ve seen prototypes and have been left wondering what Sun Day Red’s foray into golf footwear would look like.

I’m happy to report that it’s no longer left to my imagination. Sun Day Red’s first golf shoe, the Pioneer Cypress, makes its retail debut tomorrow, Dec 4. It’s here and, to my surprise, it’s glorious.

I won’t sit here and say I love everything about the Pioneer Cypress. But, just based on initial impressions and a first wear test, I’m pleasantly surprised with what Sun Day Red has accomplished in such little time.

If the brand’s mission was to make the traditional golf shoe better, they’re well on their way. Here’s what I mean.

No shortcuts

If there was one thing I could say to sum up the Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress, it’s the idea of taking no shortcuts. Ironic, isn’t it, considering the brand is not even a year old and they’re already launching a polished golf shoe? But, nonetheless, Sun Day Red pulled out all of the stops for the Pioneer Cypress.

It is, definitely, the most premium golf shoe I’ve ever seen. And, trust me, I’ve tried a lot of shoes. The full-grain leather upper, buttery soft leather sock liner and awesome perf detailing give the shoe a feel (and smell) worthy of its jaw-dropping $250 price. Yes, I wish they were cheaper. But, also yes, I’m willing to pay extra for materials that feel this dang good.

This shoe literally passes my sniff test. Nothing beats the smell of real leather and fresh glue.

Speaking of sniffing shoes, the Pioneer Cypress comes with two pairs of insoles for when one inevitably becomes stinky. Oh, and the extra pair has massaging nubs (similar to what you’d find on a G/FORE shoe, which is interesting considering TaylorMade’s partnership with the brand).

Another small detail adds to the experience. It’s not often you receive an extra pair of insoles with your golf shoe. I’m here for it!

A concerted effort

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, traditional golf shoes are hardly comfortable and rarely functional. Most brogue, saddle and derby-style golf shoes are better suited for a church pew than a pot bunker.

While I don’t think they were 100-percent successful at making a super-comfortable, functional traditional golf shoe (more on that in a minute) there are a few things that Sun Day Red did to drastically improve on your typical traditional golf shoe.

The first thing was to beef up the traction. The use of SoftSpikes and lugs of varying heights made from a solid TPU is sure to provide ample grip. I love the use of TPU rather than a softer rubber that can wear out more quickly. These soles, along with their replaceable spikes, should provide great performance over and over again.

Another important thing that Sun Day Red did with the Pioneer Cypress was making a balanced midsole. Most traditional shoes I’ve worn feel like bricks. The Pioneer Cypress has a little more give without sacrificing stability. It’s definitely not the most comfortable shoe I’ve worn but when compared to other similar “styles”, the midsole is softer (albeit, it’s still very, very firm).

Room to improve

Has Sun Day Red created the perfect golf shoe? Not quite. But for a first effort, it’s commendable. If I were the shoe designer (there’s probably a good reason I’m not), I would have loved to see a wider last and more flex grooves cut into the outsole to make for a better walking experience.

I would have also liked a gusseted tongue to help keep out water and perhaps even an extra eyelet or two to really help lock the foot back into the heel.

Nonetheless, the Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress golf shoe is, without a doubt, the most well-crafted golf shoe I’ve seen this year. And, objectively, one of the better-looking ones.

If you’re looking for an ultra-premium golf shoe that still has the ability to perform on the golf course, the Pioneer Cypress is worth a test drive.

The Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress golf shoe will retail for $250 and will launch in five colorways.