Final Reviews: Inesis Waterproof Grip Golf Shoes

Inesis Waterproof Grip Golf shoe review.

Intro: I won't go into a long winded intro of myself as most of you know me. Long story short, I'm from Australia originally, now living in NE Ohio. I've been playing for close to 16 years after taking up golf to have something in common with my FIL. I'm a member at Windmill Lakes Golf Club and walk all but 1 or 2 rounds a year there. My normal golf shoes are Puma spikeless, which are very comfortable.

Looks (8 out of 10):

Out of the box, and they did actually come in a box, unlike a couple of the other guys, they looked quite good. Not weird like the Sketchers I used to have, just a good looking golf shoe. Test fitting, they were comfortable, almost as comfortable as my Pumas. I ordered the Midnight Blue and received my second choice of the Snowy White. I was actually not too upset because they really do look good in the white with black accents. Decathlon even went so far as to have the laces branded, not a big deal to me because I always change out the laces for no tie type, but a nice touch. The only failure is the colourways...there aren't enough. I'd like to see them have a pair of black and a pair of grey.



Fit and comfort (6 out of 10):

This is the downer of my review. We were told that the shoes run small so order the next size up. OK, that's reasonable and I've had to do that with other shoes before. However, I wear a 10.5 and the following is Decathlons sizes: 6.5, 7.5, 8, 9, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12, 13, 13.5 anyone see a problem? Just a really weird range of sizes. I need an 11 but they don't make an 11 so I had to get an 11.5 which leaves a good 1/2" more room than I need in the toes. So walking the shoes make a gooping noise because of the extra length.

They're absolutely comfortable but would be more so if they actually fit properly. Note to Decathlon, please make more sizes or make the shoes to the actual size they say.

Basic Features (20 out of 20):

Traction and waterproofing are the name of the game here.

I'll start with traction first. They grip very very well. I have not had once instance of slipping during a shot or walking whatsoever. The sole design is a lot more aggressive than most spikeless shoes and that's the secret. They will leave marks on the green , which I was surprised about but they don't do any damage. I wish more golf shoe manufacturers used this design for their soles. They're that good.

Waterproofing...it's legit. When we first got the shoes I was struggling to find any moisture to test the waterproofing claims short of hosing myself down in the backyard because we hadn't had a lot of rain. Then this last week in NE Ohio has had some torrential rain and I got to test in real world conditions. Now, the shoes will not stop the water coming in around your ankles, but after playing in pretty atrocious conditions, my toes and tops and bottoms of my feet were dry.







On Course Performance (20 out of 30):

Traction and waterproofing again are the stand-outs on the course. Absolutely the best shoes I have had in those categories. Stable in the sand, rough and fairway...and puddles. Dry feet after slogging around a very wet course. The reason for lower score goes back to sizing. Yes they were comfortable but there was always that thought in the back of my mind when I was hitting a shot that they just felt a bit off because they were too big. That and the gooping noise when walking is annoying to say the least.

Miscellaneous (8 out of 10):

I like the tongue design with the shoe being that it's connected all the way to the top, it feels more secure. (Maybe that's to help with the sizing issue) The branding on the laces is also a nice touch along with the fact that when you get them you can put them on and play 18 with no break-in required. The minimal amount of packaging is a good decision, not that I'm a greenie, but you really don't need more than the box to put them in. The price is certainly not a deal breaker for $80, which is quite a bit less than a lot of other shoes on the market. After  a half a dozen rounds there's no sign of any wear on the soles, just discolouration.



Play it or Trade it (10 out of 20):

I'll play them, but only if there's a good chance of rain. The waterproofing and traction trumps the size issues in that regard but can't overcome it in good weather.

Conclusion

The right price with traction and waterproofing galore, but for the love of all that's holy, get the sizes either right or more of them.

Final Score: (72 out of 100)

Beyond the Official MGS Testing for the Decathlon Inesis Waterproof spikeless golf shoes, I kept wearing them for the rest of the 2021 season and all of the 2022 season, total of 202 9 hole equivalent rounds (18 holes counted as 2) or 101 18 hole rounds.  I like the 9 hole equivalent for this test because 90% of my rounds were 9 holes and that includes a lot more walking on paved surfaces that increased the amount of abrasive conditions the shoes walked on than just the distance from hole 9 to the 10th tee box.

End of 2021.  This was what the tops and bottoms looked like after the 80 rounds from testing to end of season
  

The next 124 rounds of 2022 saw no discernable or excessive wear on the sole grips.  The shoes stayed completely waterproof.

What ultimately did these shoes in was the exceptional waterproofing.  How?  If a shoe is not properly aired and dried after each wearing, the bacteria on feet and natural sweating from feet leaves wetness behind that the bacteria thrive in and that creates its own unique smell that lingers.  The shoes got to the point where SWMBO insisted I not keep them in house and there was no way I was putting them in my vehicle but it was after the last day of play on November 12, 2022 and the shoes were still waterproof with good tread that worked well that autumn day.  I stashed them underneath the tarp covering the patio furniture and that's where they spent an epic Buffalo NY winter.

The last round for the shoes was Friday April 28, 2023 was forecast for rain to start at tee time and then increase through the rest of the evening into the following day.  With a golf glove to continue testing and prospect for a full 18 holes, I pulled the shoes out of where I had secreted them away when the patio furniture was uncovered in March, laced them up and put them on at the course.  The thorough cleaning end of 2022 was about how they smelled which while not repulsive had hints of the worst they had been.  But dry warm feet and socks was my primary concern.

Course conditions were wet.  The rain began as drizzle and went off until walking up the 7th fairway when the real rain arrived.  Wet grass, low spots filled to toe covering puddles, everything I had enjoyed dry feet while testing and again my first pair or Decathlon Inesis shoes were dry and warm.  They contributed to an exceptional round with only a little fatigue soreness leaving the 18th green for the vehicle.

How the decision was made to part ways.  In the vehicle I had not changed them as it was always easy to drive with these Decathlon Inesis shoes with their grip designed "tread" so to be out of the driving rain quicker once umbrellas were put away, I did not change my shoes.  Yet.  A mile into the drive I was looking for a parking lot and as soon as I could stop those venerable shoes came off and sneakers on.  I tied the laces together and hung them on my vehicle's hitch mounted bike rack and they traveled the rest of the way home outside.  In somewhat ceremoneous form, the trash bin lid was lifted, shoes were dropped in, and instantly the odor was cut off from ability to offend my senses.

Take away - the trick to keeping any shoe or boot odor free is to ensure it dries thoroughly once worn and I had not been doing that with my first pair of Decathlon Inesis Waterproof shoes.  I have been doing it with my FootJoy cleated golf shoes and every one of wife's and daughter's shoes that go through the laundry, usually left in my workroom.

Would I buy them again?  I already have and it took searching "Decathlon+Inesis" and then navigating into the site to find the golf shoes.  The color is Asphalt Blue this time and delivery is expected this week. 

Hey guys, appreciate the reviews.  I've worn Inesis for the last couple years and completely love mine.  I'm with you on wishing there were some more colors - like a black or grey (and not just the saddle).  Mine have stayed nice and dry - but one one pair (I have white, brown and blue) the trim along the edge is peeling away.  Has NOT impacted the waterproofing - just odd. 

Question for you - why did you buy a different size?  I'm a 9.5 in every shoe I own, including these.  I really like the fit.  And yes, I'm a walker... I don't find that they are small.  

Best thing - can't beat the price.

 

1 hour ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

Question for you - why did you buy a different size?

We were told that they run small and their website states that they run small. I'm a 10.5, so an 11 would be perfect but they don't make an 11.

15 hours ago, MattF said:

We were told that they run small and their website states that they run small. I'm a 10.5, so an 11 would be perfect but they don't make an 11.

Inesis should have replaced the shoes with the right size.

3 hours ago, fozcycle said:

Inesis should have replaced the shoes with the right size.

I agree, but they simply don't see a size 11. They go from 10.5 to 11.5 and I noted that in my review. Plus, their stock was very very limited. When we went on their website, most of the sizes and colours were out of stock.

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes,,,make mine 8.5M...I only walk 18, no carts...THX

These shoes looks nice!  I love to have different pairs of shoes depending on how the course conditions are for the day.

A good golf shoe should be both a good walking shoe and a good platform for swinging a golf club. If the shoe looks good it's a bonus. I'm a walker and very picky about my shoes. If you are  looking for someone to sugarcoat this product, don't pick me. Otherwise, I'm a 10.5 medium.

I currently play approximately 10-12 times a month both walking and riding. This is perfect timing as my footjoy pro/sl shoes have developed a squeak when I move. It makes me to have to remain still all the time as not to bother others. They’re only 2 years old. I wear a size 10 medium.

Always interested in looking for more comfort on the feet out there

Love to try a pair of 10 1/2 wide, I wear Skechers and Footjoy

Size 10 1/2 wide - the clubs ride I mostly walk - play 4 days a week

 

Im still using older Foot joy classics, im sure newer tech would be helpful. On a side note, i bought an AOFAR GX-2s Range finder for $87 on ebay and its working out well for that price. Would like to hear what MGS thinks about it in future tests.

Personally, I've had a little problem with cancer.  Peripheral neuropathy is one of the side effects of the chemo, so comfortable shoes are a must.  It would be interesting to see if these are truly as comfortable as advertised.  

Interested in testing them out. 

I just received the new Puma Evo’s and they R pretty comfortable, but I’m all about trying something new, so I’ll try and see if they beat these shoes, but I’ll need wides since I got foot caught in a paving machine my left foot is kinda messed up ? 

Walk 2-3 times per week. Play early mornings and in evenings. In the market for new shoes and will put them to an honest solid test. Left handed golfer if you need some feedback from the other side of the ball  ha

I walk over 50-60 rounds a year on hilly courses.  Currently using Adidas.  Wear size 11

Never had a pair of spikeless shoes but have been curious about them as I play most of my rounds in nice weather where traction isn't really an issue.  Also, based on some of the latest most wanted testing it sounds like the move to spikeless may come without any stability trade-offs regardless so it would be an interesting comparison.

I've got flat feet.  It's always a struggle to find a comfortable shoe.  I would love to give these a try.  Believe me, if they're as comfortable as they say, they got a life-long commitment for me!  Please send a pair my way!!

Those look really nice!

I have 9 pair of golf shoes. I know  probably dont have enough?

FJ, Ecco, Adidas and one pair of Nike Mudders round out my golf shoe collection

I would be a excellent tester for you

So pick me Mister Kotter!!!!

 

Need some new spikeless shoes soon.  Would love to compare them to my Sketchers.  Size 12 M

I walk 36 holes every weekend and I take the first tee time at my club so  I deal with dew on the grass and wet feet.  Also, I live in Minnesota so I have a short playing season which means I cannot afford to wait for optimum weather conditions.  Let's see if they were truly able to make waterproof shoes that actually comfortable to wear in all weather.  I will see frost delays and 90+ degrees in the next two months.  Send 'em my way.  I will let you know how they perform.  Size 13

I play early and always damp/wet on my course.  Although I have shoes that are supposed to be waterproof, my feet are usually wet when I'm finished.  It would be great to test a shoe that would keep my feet dry.  I'd love to test these.

Want to compare with my Sketchers.

I've tried Croc's, New Balance & Ecco spikeless shoes. I'd like to see how these are in comfort, waterproofness & durability. I walk at least 4 rounds of golf a week on different terrains.  My size is 8.5 US 42 UK

Walk every round, be happy to test them out!

Would love to give these a try.

I walk 3 - 4 rounds a week. So comfort, performance and durability are key to me.

9.5 please.

Another shoe company that does not have my size, 14, perhaps that why I continue to wear Footjoy