Callaway La Jolla SL Golf Shoes Review - Performance Driven Comfort that Lasts All Round

You already know this, but all golf shoes are not created equal.  I'm of the opinion that you're rarely going to find a golf shoe that's catastrophically bad unless it's defective.   But it's even more rare to find golf shoes that actually give you reason to pause about how great they are.  The Callaway La Jolla SL shoes fall into that latter category. 

 

Tour pros like Marc Leishman, Adam Hadwin, and Emiliano Grillo all wear Callaway shoes.  Hadwin (Mr. 59) wears the La Jolla.  These guys aren't going to slip on golf shoes that aren't 100-percent comfortable and performance driven.  And La Jolla gives you comfort and performance in spades. 

Playing in Northeast Ohio in late March and early April means conditions are still soggy from the melting snow.  But with the La Jolla, you don't have to worry about wet socks unless you're just hopscotching in every puddle of water you see on the course.  

 

The leather and microfiber uppers are protected by a water-repellent coating and definitely keep your feet dry and comfortable.  One round it started to downpour and and my feet were the only thing dry.

La Jolla uses mesh liners to regulate breathability and heat management.  I've only worn mine in temps ranging from 45 to 70, and in that temperature range my feet were comfortably happy.  And this was even walking 18 mind you.  

 

 

The overall feel is a combination of light and sturdy.  You're not getting the structure of a classic saddle oxford (which is usually the trade-off for a lighter shoe), but the the fit and traction definitely give you a sensation of controlled power.  And the padding around the tongue and heel contribute to a comfortable fit.  Fit is true to size, maybe just a tad on the large size (but not enough that I'd recommend sizing up - more about extra toe wiggle room) 

An EVA midsole delivers a sensation of obvious ground feel along with great comfort.  And combined with the multi-directional lugs, La Jolla are extremely stable during the swing with fantastic traction.  I didn't experience any slipping. 

 

 

The lugs are different shapes and sizes on different parts of the outsole to deliver lateral stability, and also allow you to rotate more easily through your swing.   If you're looking for a comfortable, waterproof, and spikeless golf shoe, La Jolla should definitely be on your short-list of golf shoes to consider this year.

PROS: 
Entire round comfort and support 
Superb traction for a spikeless shoe 
Fantastic value

CONS: 
Slots in the outsole can get clogged if you play in very muddy conditions 
Sturdy feel might be interpreted as stiff feel to some (and you'll want to break them a few rounds before they soften up)