Nike Air Max 1 '86 OG G Golf Shoe Review
Nike produce a wide variety of golf shoes and, in this piece, Matt Cradock takes the Air Max 1 '86 OG G to the course to find out what the performance is like
We are big fans of Nike golf shoes and, with the Air Max 1 '86 OG G, that continues the trend, as the look and performance is up there with some of the best from the brand. If you are after a sneaker-style that can be worn both on and off the course, it is well worth taking a look
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Modern, premium looks mean they can be worn on and off the course
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Excellent comfort
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Locked-in feel provides confidence
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Heel does feel slightly higher off the ground
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If you were to scan through the Nike site, you would find many, many different golf shoes available. In this review, though, we are interested in the Nike Air Max 1 '86 OG G, a spikeless model that is based on the iconic Air Max 1 sneaker.
First things first; you may wonder how the golf version and original Air Max 1 differ? Well, Nike have added a synthetic upper that is water-resistant, whilst the sole of the shoe has been given an update, with a new traction pattern providing more grip.
Starting with the grip, I felt that there was plenty there in dryer conditions and the shoe performed well in slightly wetter weather. Obviously, these aren't going to rival the best spiked golf shoes and, given their sneaker-design, it's likely that you won't want to wear them in winter, as the '86 OG G is definitely more tailored to summer months.
Another element where I noticed that perhaps this shoe has been adapted and tailored for summer is within the 4-window design in the heel of the shoe. Like the Air Max 1, you can see the large Air unit underneath which I found helped with ground force when swinging the golf club. It worked really well, but I did feel the heel was slightly high, something that should change and compress the more you wear in and embed the shoes.
Moving to the comfort and, initially, when slipping on the shoes, I felt the padding around the heel was slightly tight but, after only a few minutes, it had loosened and the footwear instantly became some of the most comfortable golf shoes I've ever tested. The 4-window design helps with the support, but it's the full-length foam midsole which moulds to the feet quickly and provides ample support.
One slight negative I must say, and it's something which others have stated in the reviews on the official Nike site, the fit is narrow. Although I don't have the widest feet, I could see why many would find them a tad snug so, if you are after golf shoes for wide feet, I'd recommend going up a size or searching elsewhere.
The final point and, arguably, the standout aspect of this shoe, is the overall look. I would easily put these amongst the best sneaker golf shoes on the market, with the subtle details, like the paint splatter around the length of the sole and the iconic swoosh, giving the Air Max 1 '86 OG G a really premium aesthetic. What's more, I found that the synthetic upper that has been added does indeed provide water resistance, something which worked really well on damp days especially.
There is a lot to like about the Nike Air Max 1 '86 OG G, with its looks and comfort putting it amongst the best Nike golf shoes on the market right now. Although the fit is snug, it does have a somewhat locked-in feel, but if you can try the shoes on before buying them I would highly recommend it.
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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