new balance 574 golf shoes

You’ve probably been there. You’re standing at the first tee, gripping your driver, feeling the morning dew soak through your sneakers. Your buddy is already sinking putts, and you’re just hoping your feet don’t slip on the wet grass. Maybe you’ve tried playing in your running shoes, only to realize they offer zero grip and even less support for a full round. Or perhaps you’ve invested in a pair of traditional golf shoes, but they feel like concrete blocks by the 12th hole. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The search for a shoe that blends casual comfort with on-course performance can feel like a lost cause. But what if I told you there’s a sneaker that’s been a streetwear icon for decades, and it just got a serious golf-ready makeover? Enter the New Balance 574 Golf shoe—a familiar friend that’s now ready to walk 18 holes with you.

The 574 Legacy: From Pavement to Fairway

To understand the 574 Golf, you first need to appreciate its roots. The original New Balance 574 was born in the 1980s as a hybrid running shoe. It wasn’t designed for elite marathoners; it was built for the everyday person who wanted a durable, comfortable shoe for walking, errands, and light activity. Over the years, it became a cultural staple—a blank canvas for style that transcended gyms and sidewalks. The magic of the 574 lies in its simplicity: a classic silhouette, a reliable ENCAP midsole for cushioning, and a suede-and-mesh upper that breathes and flexes.

So, how does that translate to golf? The core principles are the same, but with targeted upgrades. The 574 Golf takes that beloved street-shoe feel and adds the technical features you need to stay stable and dry on the course. Think of it as taking your favorite pair of everyday sneakers and giving them a PhD in traction and waterproofing. You’re not sacrificing comfort for performance; you’re getting both in one package.

What Makes the 574 Golf Different from a Regular 574?

At first glance, the 574 Golf looks almost identical to its street-shoe sibling. That’s by design—New Balance wanted to preserve the aesthetic that made the 574 so popular. But look closer, and you’ll spot the differences that matter when you’re swinging a club.

• Outsole Traction: This is the biggest change. The regular 574 has a flat, herringbone-patterned rubber outsole for pavement grip. The 574 Golf features a specialized golf outsole with smaller, multidirectional nubs and a subtle spike pattern. These provide the grip you need during a powerful swing, especially on the back foot during your downswing. You won’t slide, even on dewy morning grass.
• Waterproofing: Nobody wants wet socks halfway through a round. The 574 Golf uses a waterproof membrane (often a version of New Balance’s own technology) that keeps moisture out while still allowing your feet to breathe. The suede and mesh upper is treated to repel water, so you can walk through damp rough without a second thought.
• Stability Elements: Golf involves a lot of lateral movement and torque. The 574 Golf has a slightly firmer heel counter and a reinforced midfoot shank to prevent your foot from rolling during your swing. It’s subtle, but you’ll feel more locked in compared to a standard sneaker.
• Insole and Cushioning: While the 574’s classic ENCAP midsole (a combination of EVA foam and polyurethane) is already comfortable, the golf version often includes a removable, moisture-wicking insole with additional arch support. This is crucial for those 4-5 hour rounds where your feet take a beating.

Who Should Buy the New Balance 574 Golf Shoes?

These shoes aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. They’re designed for a specific type of golfer. If you’re a competitive player who walks 36 holes a day and demands maximum stability from a traditional, spiked golf shoe, you might want something with more rigid support. The 574 Golf is more of a hybrid—a comfortable, lifestyle-inspired option for the casual to mid-handicap golfer.

Think about your own game. Do you walk most of your rounds? Do you play at a public course where you might also stop for a drink or a bite to eat after the round? Do you value a shoe that looks good off the course as much as on it? If you answered yes to any of these, the 574 Golf is a strong contender. It’s especially great for:

• The walking golfer: The lightweight construction and plush cushioning make it a joy to wear for 18 holes. Your legs will feel fresher at the turn.
• The range rat: If you spend hours at the driving range, you’ll appreciate the comfort and the fact that you don’t need to change shoes when you head to the clubhouse.
• The style-conscious player: The 574 Golf comes in a variety of classic colorways—grey, navy, white, and even some limited-edition collabs. It’s one of the few golf shoes that looks genuinely cool with jeans or shorts after the round.

Practical Tips for Buying and Caring for Your 574 Golf Shoes

Before you pull the trigger, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

1. Sizing and Fit: New Balance is known for offering a variety of widths, and the 574 Golf is no exception. If you have wider feet, look for a 2E or 4E width option. The shoe tends to run true to size for most people, but if you’re between sizes, go up a half size, especially if you plan to wear thicker golf socks. The toe box has a slightly rounded shape, which is great for comfort but might feel roomy if you prefer a snug fit. Try them on with the socks you’ll actually wear on the course.

2. Break-In Period: One of the best things about the 574 Golf is that there’s almost no break-in period. The mesh and suede upper is flexible from day one, and the midsole is forgiving. That said, the first round might feel a little stiff in the heel area. Wear them around the house or on a short walk before your first full 18 to soften them up.

3. Care and Maintenance: The suede and mesh upper is treated for water resistance, but it’s not invincible. After a wet round, let them air dry naturally—don’t throw them in the dryer or near a direct heat source. Use a soft brush to remove dried mud from the suede. The outsole nubs can collect grass and dirt, so give them a quick rinse with a hose or a wipe with a damp cloth after each use. This will keep the traction working properly.

4. When to Buy: Like most golf shoes, the 574 Golf goes on sale during seasonal transitions. Late fall and early spring are great times to find discounts. New Balance also releases limited colorways, so if you see a style you love, grab it before it sells out. If you’re not picky about color, the classic grey or navy options are almost always available and less likely to be marked up.

5. Pairing with Your Gear: The 574 Golf is a spikeless shoe, which means it’s compatible with most modern golf carts and push carts. However, if you’re a purist who prefers traditional spikes, you might be disappointed—these are not interchangeable. The spikeless design is great for versatility, but it does mean you’ll have slightly less grip in extremely wet or muddy conditions than a spiked shoe would offer. For 90% of rounds, though, it’s more than enough.

The Verdict: A Solid All-Rounder

The New Balance 574 Golf shoe isn’t trying to revolutionize the game. It’s not a high-tech, carbon-fiber, space-age creation. What it is, is a reliable, comfortable, and stylish option for the golfer who wants to enjoy the walk as much as the score. It bridges the gap between your everyday sneaker and a dedicated golf shoe, and it does so without looking like you’re wearing a costume. If you’re tired of sore feet or slipping on the tee box, give these a shot. They might just become your go-to pair for every round, from the first tee to the 19th hole.