I’ve tried just about every shoe that TRUE Linkswear has to offer. It took me testing seven or eight different models before I finally landed on a favorite and the reason might surprise you.
My days move quick. Golf from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., work from 9 to 5, family time until 9, then editing golf videos until midnight. On days where life is moving that fast, I need something easy and multidimensional.
When I found the TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWProof, I thought it would be the lowest-performing TRUE model up to this point in my testing. The traction pattern looked middling (at best), the structure of the shoe itself looked basic, and I was convinced they wouldn’t pass the time test.
Five months later, I think this might be the best shoe TRUE has to offer.
If you’re focused strictly on performance, this one’s not for you. If you’re like me and you’re running around each and every day, you might appreciate a golf shoe that works on the golf course, at work, at home, and wherever else the walk takes you.
Wins
First and foremost, I’m impressed at how well the comfort has held up.
When you pair the Wanderlux midsole with the removable insole, you get a comfortable walk. I’ve played a handful of rounds in the Ascent PNWProof and I’ve never walked off the course with sore feet. On top of that, my wife and I live in a place where we typically walk an extra few miles every week while exploring the area. Not only did it pass the on-course test but I was shocked by how good my feet felt after putting in those extra miles on concrete.
Compared to the rest of the golf shoes I’ve tested in 2026, the traction was below average.
If you live in a dry climate that rarely sees rain, you likely won’t have any issues. However, golfers who regularly play in wet conditions may want to look elsewhere. That being said, the traction was never bad enough to abandon the Ascent PNWProof.
Lastly, these aren’t hands-free like Skechers but the ability to slip in was there.
This little bonus won’t matter for some but it’s been a big win for me (I mentioned I’m always in a hurry). You’ll likely need to adjust the tongue and heel collar slightly but I typically put on/take off the Ascent PNWProof without messing with the laces. If you appreciate ease of use, the Ascent PNWProof is a step up from most golf shoes.
The big loser
I have one qualm about the Ascent PNWProof.
You can’t charge $199 for a hybrid golf shoe like this. If the Ascent PNWProof offered better on-course performance, that would be one thing. But at $199, it struggles to keep up with a myriad of shoes in the same price range, making the price extremely hard to justify.
An easy comparison to the Ascent PNWProof is the Reebok Nano Golf.
The Reebok Nano Golf won “Best Value” in our 2026 spikeless testing, scoring a 9.6/10. If the Reebok Nano Golf is a 9.6, I’d give the Ascent PNWProof a 9.0. When you consider my score comparison, it’s a travesty to note that the Reebok Nano Golf is on sale for $74.99. We’re talking about a $125 price reduction, for a better golf shoe.
The Ascent PNWProof needs a few more adjustments or a major price reduction.
Final thoughts
I’m a big TRUE Linkswear fan. At the same time, to quote the rapper “Future,” I’m not afraid to call it how it is.
The TRUE Linkswear Ascent PNWProof is close to contending with the big boys but it’s not quite there. I’ve determined three things that TRUE Linkswear could adjust that would make the Ascent PNWProof a 9.5/10 immediately.
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Make the traction better.
This is the easiest place to start. If TRUE would add some subtle adjustments to the traction, I’d be over the moon.
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Fortify the shoe’s construction.
If you’ve tested the Ascent PNWProof, you’ll probably notice that the upper is thinner than most of the golf shoes you’re used to. I’d love to see a slight fortification to the upper for more stability during the swing and protection from the elements.
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For the love of everything holy, reduce the price.
The Ascent PNWProof is already a 9.0/10 golf shoe that you won’t be disappointed in. These simple changes would easily push the Ascent PNWProof into the 9.5+ range.
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