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The golf shoe market has changed a lot in recent years. Although a plethora of traditional spiked shoes are always available to buy, it is the move towards the less traditional and non-spiked version that has really taken off.
I would argue that the choice and range of golf shoes available to golfers is better than ever. With a style and price point to satisfy every golfer.
Within that less traditional styling are the golf shoes that may be deemed more trainer-like in appearance and with that comes the ability to utilise said shoes both on and off the golf course. Brands push this messaging and have got some golfers thinking that rather than buying trainers, they buy golf shoes for the fairway and the high street.
One of those brands is Duca del Cosma. Last March, I was sent a pair of the new Olivera golf shoes to test. Eleven months later, I’m here to give my verdict on whether you really can have it all.
Duca del Cosma Olivera – First Look
Before I got the testing underway, I shared a First Look, which explains more about the technology that has gone into the Olivera shoe to help you perform your best on the golf course.
Essentially, the Airplay 15 outsole features an advanced dual-component build comprised of a high shock absorption CMEVA midsole for added comfort and flexibility, plus an offset medial toe bumper and traction nubs on the durable outsole unit to deliver optimal performance and uncompromising grip during the golf swing. A strategically positioned heel-strike to the rear of the outsole improves the walking gait and promotes a solid stride.
To the test
It’s safe to say that I have put the miles in with the Duca del Cosma Olivera shoes. They were my go-to trainer and golf shoe across 2024. From the school run to the weekly food shop, from driving range practice to rounds of golf, plus photoshoots and even meeting Mel Reid at the Solheim Cup (see top picture)!
Firstly, I want to speak about the style and look of the Olivera. My initial concerns about the chunky sole were soon alleviated because once actually on your feet, they didn’t look that chunky at all. I love the colour and metallic inserts – it really sets them apart from other golf shoes.
Also, not that I should base a positive review on compliments, but I must say that even a year later I regularly get complimented on how great these shoes look.
Remember, if pink and purple just isn’t you, there are two other colours to choose from.
Secondly, let’s talk about comfort. I’ve always been impressed with how comfortable the Duca del Cosma shoes are (especially their boots) but these really are the most comfortable pair of golf shoes I have worn (Skechers were my go-to). It’s mainly due to the comfort that I have wanted to use them so much.
Putting in the miles
These golf shoes have definitely done the majority of their walking on hard surfaces because, unlike all the golf I played in 2023 (remember 40 by 40), my rounds were significantly reduced in 2024.
I thought it best to show a before and after image, to show how well the soles have held up considering this fact:
The wearing down at the toe and the heel is actually not as bad as I expected, the soles are really strong and I would still expect to be able to play golf in them this Spring. It’s also worth noting that although the ‘traction nubs’ are quite prominent, you cannot feel these whilst you’re walking on any surface.
The shoes themselves are still in great condition and apart from the odd scrub with a little warm water, they haven’t been anywhere near a washing machine (I am never keen to find out what my washing machine could do to any of my shoes). As you can see, I did change the laces from the original white to the spare purple set – mainly due to dust and dirt causing the white ones to not look so fresh anymore.
Any dark discolouration is due to a low level layer of dirt plus also due to the lighting of the photo as we just haven’t had a bright day in the last week for me to get a brighter photo.
Investing in golf fashion
It’s not just golf shoes where we can start to think about investing our money in something that can be used both on and off the golf course. In our series, Golf Fashion Insights with GolfGarb, we discussed in the first episode about investing in a good pair of golf trousers that can be used at work and for golf.
Duca del Cosma Olivera – The Verdict
The price point for the Olivera shoe may be off-putting, at £199.00, it’s not a small investment. However, having used these as both a golf shoe and a trainer for the last year, rather than having two separate pairs of shoes, I believe that the initial investment is worth it.
Duca del Cosma pride themselves on their handcrafted designs, Italian heritage and innovative technologies. I can now safely say that this is not all marketing speak. The quality and workmanship in these Olivera shoes is seriously impressive.
To have been able to withstand the hundreds of miles I have walked in them and still be ready to tackle more is highly commendable. Not only that, by making sure that I looked after them well, they’re not only able to continue to perform on the golf course, they’re still making a statement off the course too.
My advice, next time you’re looking to buy a new pair of golf shoes (which aren’t the traditional spiked type), then why not consider one of the many options available, not just from Duca del Cosma. We’re quick to criticise golf fashion brands for not moving with the times, but in the golf shoe market your hard earned money can be well invested and your shoes don’t have to be confined to the fairways.
Find out more about the Olivera golf shoe via the Duca del Cosma website here.
