50 Words or Less
The TRUE Linkswear Lux Player golf shoe is the spiked shoe for golfers who love the classic TRUE feel. Extremely comfortable and fairly light. Outstanding traction. Clean look and two year waterproof warranty.
Introduction
When TRUE Linkswear decided to get into spiked golf shoes, they went big. They introduced not just one spiked shoe, but two. A few weeks ago, I reviewed the TRUE Linkswear Lux Maven [find it HERE], an ultra-premium offering with a sole that’s not only spiked but also features a carbon fiber plate. The subject of today’s review, the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player, has the same spiked sole without the carbon fiber plate. I tested both shoes head-to-head to see how the more affordable Lux Player compares.
Looks
While the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player and Maven have very similar silhouettes, the material in the upper is completely different. Where the Maven is Napa Leather, the Player is “TRUEdura”. This gives the Player a more modern, athletic look. The changes in texture are very subtle in the white colorways, and even in the black and blue they’re discreet. Paired with minimal branding, this makes the Lux Player a shoe that you can wear with any outfit because it’s not screaming for attention.
The TRUE Linkswear Lux Player is available in five colorways: Storm Blue (seen here) Charge White (lime accents), Pro Black, Glacier White (grey and navy accents), and Patriot (RWB).
Comfort
In my review of the Lux Maven, I noted that they immediately felt different from any other TRUE that I’ve worn (and I’ve worn almost all of them). This left me wondering what the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player would feel like. The moment my heel touched the insole, I knew that it had the classic TRUE comfort.
The TRUEdura upper feels sock-like as it wraps around your foot. The wide toe box and soft material leave no pressure points or rough spots. Though both the Maven and Player have the same Wanderlux Superfoam, the sensation under your foot is entirely different. The cushioning on the Player isn’t overstuffed, but it’s soft and flexible, allowing for easy, natural movement.
One other difference between the Maven and Player is the “TRUE Breezeway Heel Lock System”. This is present on the Maven but not the Player. There is a clear difference – the Maven has additional padding to lock the heel in place – but neither one feels extreme. The Lux Player is not loose or sloppy, and the Lux Maven is not restrictive.
Performance
The most notable thing about the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player is, of course, the spiked sole. The Player shares the FlexBolt spiked outsole with the Maven, and it offers tremendous traction. TRUE went all out here, as this sole is not only spiked, it’s arguably the most aggressive molded sole as well. If you can’t keep your footing in these shoes, you’re either playing in unimaginable conditions or you’re swinging at 300%.
I was not surprised by the Lux Player’s outstanding traction, but I was very eager to find out how much difference the carbon plate makes. Wearing the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player and Maven one after the other and sometimes one on each foot, I can report that the difference is substantial. Where the Maven has some rigidity underfoot, the Player accommodates every move. While I prefer the more classic TRUE feel of the Player, this is not a case of one being objectively better than the other. If you want greater energy return, go with the Maven. Longtime TRUE lovers will prefer the Player.
In addition to the unique feel underfoot, the Player and Maven offer differing levels of stability. In keeping with its role as a more traditional “performance” shoe, the Maven is noticeably more stable. With the Maven, my foot felt more locked in place laterally. The TRUE Linkswear Lux Player allows for more lateral movement. My foot felt rooted to the ground with the spikes, but it had a degree of freedom within the upper. Again, there’s no right or wrong; TRUE is simply providing golfers with options.
Another key difference between the Maven and the Player is the weight. The Player is 3 ounces lighter (almost 17%) because of the different upper material. While this still isn’t light by TRUE standards, it’s certainly lighter than average, which matters a lot to those that walk regularly. Both shoes have a 6mm heel drop which is low but still wearable for those who are used to traditional high heeled golf shoes.
Finally, the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player comes with a two year waterproof warranty. This is another notable difference between the Player and Maven – part of the Maven’s higher price pays for a third year of warranty. In my testing, both shoes stayed dry inside, even under a kitchen sink.
Conclusion
The TRUE Linkswear Lux Player is the spiked golf shoe for players who refuse to give up classic TRUE feel. It provides traction on par with any performance shoe without compromising on comfort. The Lux Maven is a great option for players who want something more traditional, but the Lux Player will be my gamer for the foreseeable future.
Buy the TRUE Linkswear Lux Player HERE
Editor In Chief at Plugged In Golf
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.