Puma Royale golf shoe review: Stunning looks, great price… but one major problem 

If you love classic golf shoe style without the premium price, the Puma Royale is a tempting option. Stylish and durable, it delivers great performance, but comfort might be an issue. 

If, like me, you prefer one of the best golf shoes to have that traditional, timeless look rather than a busy, sporty design, you’ll probably love the style of the Puma Royale.

In my opinion, the Puma Royale are right up there with the FootJoy Premiere and G/FORE Gallivanter when it comes to style – shoes I deem the gold standard. And the Puma Royale are about 30% cheaper than those, meaning you could pick up a pair and still have enough left for a box of premium golf balls if you opt for them over one of the other models.

It’s certainly one of the best Puma golf shoes I’ve tested in recent years, but should you actually buy it? My Puma Royale golf shoe review will give you the answer…

Comfort: 2.5/5 

This is where the Puma Royale really fell down for me. Out of the box, they felt fine, if a little firm, with minimal cushioning around the ankle. But after walking just a few holes, I was developing blisters on my heel and little toe. Most of the golf shoes I’ve tested in recent years have been fine for 18 holes on the first wear, but these definitely needed a good amount of breaking in.  

That might come down to the fit. I found they run slightly smaller than other shoes and are a little on the narrow side, so sizing up could help. The tricky part is that when I tried them on, they seemed fine, but the problems only showed up once I’d walked a mile or so in them. That could make it hard to find your perfect size.  

I’ve also heard from others who have experienced the same problems despite trying two different sizes of the Royale out on the golf course.  

Once worn in, the comfort improved, but they still wouldn’t be my first choice, particularly if I was walking a long course or playing multiple days in a row.  

In my mind, the heel area doesn’t lock your foot in enough to stop it moving, and the cushioning is quite thin, which combine to create the potential for rubbing and consequent discomfort. 

Performance: 4/5 

On the course, the Puma Royale are stable and dependable. They grip well, even in damp conditions, and you always feel well-planted over the ball.  

They don’t have the sporty bounce of some more built-up golf shoes, but that’s not really what they’re about. The midsole isn’t overly padded, which is good if you like to feel closer to the ground, but may not be for you if you like the extra cushioning of trainer-style golf shoes. 

If you’re after a traditional shoe that delivers solid traction and confidence through the swing, these get the job done nicely. 

Durability: 3.5/5 

The Puma Royale have stood up well, and the simple, clean design makes them easy to keep clean. The leather upper and overall build quality feels excellent. Like any leather shoe, they are prone to creasing, particularly if you don’t care for them when not in use. 

The only downside is that, unlike many of the best spiked golf shoes, the spikes on the Puma Royale aren’t replaceable, so if the grip wears out before the upper, you’re left replacing the shoes prematurely.  

Style & Design: 5/5 

For me, this is the Royale’s biggest selling point. They’re sleek, understated, and classy, the kind of shoe that makes you look and feel like a serious golfer before you’ve even teed it up.  

If you’re into traditional, timeless looks rather than sporty, trainer-style designs, these are just about perfect. Honestly, I think they look every bit as good as the FootJoy Premiere line, a shoe with a significantly higher price point. Nothing about the Royale gives it away as something of a budget option. 

The slim profile makes them extremely versatile and easy to pair with shorts, joggers, or trousers of any style.  

I’m not sure about the little ‘shelf’ on the heel, but it’s certainly not offensive; I’m happy with it.

Technology & Features: 4/5 

While not packed with flashy tech, the Royale includes everything you’d want from a premium, traditional shoe. The leather upper feels good quality, the insole adds a bit of cushioning, and the outsole design provides stability and grip.  

There’s no BOA or lightweight knit here – but that’s not really the point. For a shoe focused on classic styling, they’ve still built in enough modern touches to make them practical and functional. 

Final Verdict: 3.8/5 

The Puma Royale are one of the sharpest-looking golf shoes of the year, and, at around 30% less than its rivals, it’s a great value option for this style of footwear.  

Performance and durability stack up brilliantly, and if looks are your priority, you’ll struggle to find a better-looking golf shoe for the money. 

The problem is comfort. At least in my experience, they’re not forgiving straight out of the box, and the narrow fit caused blisters before they softened up.  

If you’re prepared for a break-in period (or size up slightly), then they’re an excellent option for golfers who want classic style without paying top-tier prices.     

Puma Royale Golf Shoes

RRP: £120.00 / $160.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: No

Waterproof: Yes

Fit: Fits to size