I’ve said it many times before, but in my opinion, the G/FORE Gallivanters are the best looking shoe in golf.
The blend of traditional styling and modern flair is second to none.
But one of the only major complaints that I’ve heard about this shoe is that they don’t have removable spikes.
Well, if you’re one of the people concerned about this, worry no more: the Gallivanter G/LOCK is here.
But how do the new G/LOCK models compare to the original?
Or what about the also brand new G/FORE Gallivan2r?
Which ones should you buy?
In this G/FORE Gallivanter G/LOCK review I’ll answer all that and more.
Ready to see if this is the golf shoe of your dreams?
Awesome, let’s go.
First Impressions of the G/FORE Gallivater G/LOCK Shoes
Before we go any further, we should establish what exactly is the Gallivanter G/LOCK?
It’s simple really, it’s a new for 2024 model that’s basically the original Gallivanter shoes with removable spikes and some new bold colorways.
My first impression of the Gallivanter G/LOCK shoes were “Yes!”
More of the same, in the best way possible.
The new G/LOCK versions of the Gallivanter are basically the exact same as the originals. They just trade out the built in spikes for removable Tour FlexPro spikes on the soles.
Out of the box, they look and feel just as high-end and well-built as the originals do.
I got mine in navy and the camo soles add a modern pop that fans of the G/FORE brand will likely dig.
It’s touches like this that set the Gallivanters apart from more traditional shoes like the Footjoy Dryjoys or Ecco Classic Hybrids.
The Pebbled leather elevates it over other G/FORE shoes, but the pops of color on the soles again, add a modern touch.
Overall, my first impressions are that these are wonderful.
G/FORE Gallivanter G/LOCK Performance
The thing that surprised me most about the original Gallivanters were how comfortable they are – because they don’t look comfortable. They look like pretty stiff classic tour shoes.
But fortunately, the fit is entirely modern.
While it will take a couple rounds to fully break in (unlike the new Gallivan2r shoes which are solid right out of the box), with each round they get more and more comfy.
While the original Gallivanters don’t have removable spikes, the spikes that are built in are surprisingly sharp and provide great traction.
The major downside is that those can wear down after a few dozen rounds leading to less traction and stability as time goes on.
With the G/LOCK shoes you get the best of both worlds. Traction on the same level as any tour shoes I’ve tested (the Tour FlexPro spikes are really good).
But then once they start to wear down, swap em out for a fresh set, and you’ve got a beautiful shoe that’s going to last year for years to come.
Another modern feature of these shoes is the massaging nubs on the insoles which are a G/FORE staple. This might seem weird if you’ve never worn them before, but once you do, you’ll appreciate how good they feel on your feet by the middle of the back nine.
Waterproofness is fantastic, and these shoes will keep you dry and stable in all but the worst of conditions.
These may very well be the best G/FORE shoes ever. And considering how good all of their models are? That's very high praise indeed. Use code "G4BREAKING8010" to save 10%.
Final Thoughts on the G/FORE Gallivanter G/LOCK
If you’re trying to decide which G/FORE shoes are for you, let me try and help.
The new G/LOCK shoes are wonderful, but they don’t necessarily feel that different to the original Gallivanters. So if it were me, I’d purchase whichever colorway I like best, and if it’s a toss-up, then go with the G/LOCK model for slightly better traction and longevity.
The new Gallivan2r shoes are great. But they’re more of a spikeless shoe, so traction isn’t quite on the same level, and the real pebbled leather of the G/LOCK shoes definitely feel more high end.
That said, the Gallivan2r shoes are arguably more comfortable out of the box, are eye-catching, and are significantly less money ($245 for G/LOCK, $225 for Original Gallivanter, $175 for Gallivan2r).
Even better, if you use the G/FORE Coupon code “G4BREAKING8010” you’ll save 10% off any of these, which makes them all feel a bit more palatable on the wallet.
And if you don’t like that traditional silhouette, then go for the G/FORE MG4+ which is one of my all time favorite shoes.
While the new G/FORE Gallivanter G/LOCK shoes aren’t as revolutionary feeling as the originals were, these still represent the best iteration of that shoe yet, and is a pair I’d highly recommend. Across the board, looks, comfort, and performance – this shoe has it all.
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The Ultimate G/FORE Golf Shoe?
The new G/FORE Gallivanter G/LOCK shoes will be the ultimate G/FORE shoe for some people. They look good, feel good, and perform great. If you're not put off by the $245 price tag, this is one of the very best golf shoes of 2024 and beyond.
The Good
- New Tour Flex spikes make an already great shoe even better
- One of, if not the very best looking shoe in golf
- More comfortable than you'd expect from a stiff looking shoe
The Bad
- Some will prefer colorways of the original Gallivanters
- Among the more expensive shoes on the market
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Presentation
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Performance
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Price
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Personal Affinity