If you’ve read my reviews, you know that I love G/FORE. I think they’re one of the highest-quality and most interesting brands right now. I’ve been a big fan of their clothing and shoes, and I was definitely excited to try out their newest spikeless shoe, the MG4+ O2.
But I wasn’t always all-in on this company.
For years, I kind of kept G/FORE at a distance. I respected what they were doing, but I always thought their style might be a little too fashion-forward for me. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.
Then I started wearing some of their stuff. And I came to really appreciate how good these products were. The materials, the fit, and all the little details just consistently reminded me that G/FORE made really high-quality gear.
And that eventually started to win out for me. I stopped worrying about the more stylish look and just started to love the feel and performance to the point where G/FORE started to lock down a good portion of my regular golf shoe rotation.
Earlier this year, G/FORE released the MG4+ O2 G/Lock, which is the spiked version of the shoe we’re talking about today. And, no surprise, I’ve loved those shoes.
I’ve also been a huge fan of the original MG4+ spikeless. It was my most-worn shoe of 2023.
So when G/FORE announced the updated MG4+ O2 spikeless, I was definitely paying attention.
Considering all of the other great shoes they’ve released already, could they still have enough ideas to make a truly better MG4+ O2?
Let’s find out.
First Impressions of the G/FORE MG4+ O2 Spikeless
The look of these shoes is familiar. This spikeless model is pretty much the same design as their spiked G/Lock version, which I really like. I’m glad they didn’t mess with it.
As I said, I also really liked the previous spikeless MG4+. But design-wise, it was starting to feel a little dated. This new model looks and feels fresh. The lines are cleaner and the overall look is more premium.
One very slight annoyance that’s probably just me, but on this shoe, G/FORE layers materials on the upper as part of the waterproofing construction. It looks good, except for that on the white-on-white design that I have, those layers create this thin line that looks like a hair is stuck to the shoe.
You probably wouldn’t even notice it if I hadn’t brought it up. And I’m not trying to make it a bigger deal than it should be. But it definitely caught my attention, so there you go.
Other than that, these MG4+ O2s look and feel every bit like a premium G/FORE shoe. And if you know this brand, you know that’s a good thing.
G/FORE does it again with another killer shoe. This time they've created what might be the best-performing spikeless golf shoe. If you want near-spike-level performance but like the comfort and convenience of spikeless, check these out.
G/FORE MG4+ O2 Comfort: Massaging Insoles and Heel Padding That Deliver
I’ve said this in other G/FORE shoe reviews, but you’ve just got to experience these little massaging nubs that G/FORE puts in the insole. They’re incredible. Like little massages around different points on your feet as you walk.
They’re also removable and washable, and they pair with a triple-density foam footbed that includes odor-inhibiting properties.
I’m telling you, these little nubbed insoles is a feature worth calling out because it’s that good. And it kind of speaks to the overall comfort of the brand, including this MG4+ O2 spikeless shoe.
I had the chance to see just how much I missed the G/FORE comfort the first time I went to test the MG4+ O2s. I was on a trip to Nova Scotia, and United lost my golf bag. So I got to the course with no clubs and no shoes.
I ended up buying a pair of Adidas MC80s in the pro shop for the round. And they were fine. Great looking shoes, actually. And nice materials. But the heel backing is basically a straight leather strip that’s pretty stiff. I could definitely feel it rubbing a bit against the back of my foot.
I’ve noticed a similar issue with a couple of Payntr’s newer models too.
All that to say that with the MG4+ O2, I’ve had zero issues. And when I got them back on my feet, I definitely noticed the difference.
These shoes have a ton of padding around the heel collar. And going directly from a less comfortable shoe to this G/FORE option made me appreciate that point more than I likely would have otherwise.
So, let’s talk about performance out on the course.
Better Traction Than I Expected in a Spikeless Golf Shoe
It doesn’t look like these shoes should grip as well as they do. But they do.
The spikeless sole has a sawtooth pattern that’s definitely very effective. Again, it’s not like you get the type of traction and grab that you do with a spiked option. But for a spikeless shoe, the grip here is right there with the best I’ve tested.
My first round with the MG4+ O2 was a wet morning, and we were the first group out. There was heavy dew everywhere, the exact kind of conditions that can be a little slick.
And I’ve gotta say, I didn’t slip at all. I’m not saying the spiked G/Lock option wouldn’t have been even better in those conditions, but I didn’t feel like the spikeless shoes held me back at all. Traction was never an issue.
What To Know About Sizing Before You Buy
I’m a size 12, and these shoes fit me true to size.
That said, they felt a touch snug on first wear. Not uncomfortable. Just more fitted than some recent pairs.
After 18 holes, they relaxed a bit and felt perfect.
So, all that to say, if you’ve got wider feet or you like a roomier fit, consider half a size up. The MG4+ models can run a bit narrow.
If width is a concern for you, I’d say to try before you buy or to order from somewhere with easy returns. And if you want a naturally wider G/FORE option, the Gallivanter typically runs roomier than the MG4+ line.
For me, once the shoe was broken in, the fit was spot on.
How the MG4+ O2 Spikeless Compares to Other G/FORE Models
G/FORE’s lineup is getting pretty built-out and includes a lot of really strong options. Here’s my quick take on how you might find the best fit for you:
- MG4+ O2 (this shoe): High-performance spikeless. Tour-level stability without cleats. Best option if you want near-spiked performance but a little more flexibility in the parking lot or around the clubhouse.
- MG4+ O2 G/Lock (spiked): Same shoe, just with replaceable Tour Flex Pro spikes. If you want max traction and the highest performance, this is the shoe.
- G.112: Casual, sneaker-inspired. Great everyday look. Fewer performance features than the MG4+.
- MG4x2: True all-day shoe. Wear it on a plane, around town, on the course, then out to dinner. Most versatile.
- Gallivanter: Classic golf shoe aesthetic with modern comfort. Typically a wider fit than the MG4+.
For me, the MG4+ O2 hit a nice middle spot between real performance and the enhanced comfort that you get with a spikeless shoe. They’re a nice option if you want a serious golf shoe but don’t want spikes.
Are the G/FORE MG4+ O2s Worth $225?
The short answer is, yes. If you want premium spikeless golf shoes, I think these MG4+ O2s are well worth the money.
The materials are top tier. The construction is excellent. Comfort is outstanding. And I think the traction is as good as you’re going to get in a spikeless golf shoe.
So for all of those reasons, I think this shoe absolutely justifies the price. Also, with code G4BREAKING8010 you can knock 10% off of that, which drops the price down to just over $200.
That price still might keep them in the premium category for you, but that’s exactly what they are. I think if you want a premium spikeless shoe, the value is there.
Is this G/FORE’s best spikeless golf shoe?
That depends on what you want. I wear the G.112s a lot, and I like them just as much but for different reasons. That’s a more casual shoe, which is what I prefer for a lot of rounds.
So I can’t say the MG4+ O2 is the best G/FORE spikeless because I happen to also really like those G.112s.
But I will say that these MG4+ O2s are definitely the best spikeless shoe that G/FORE makes from a performance standpoint. The traction and stability really isn’t that far off from the G/Lock spiked version.
So, if it’s performance over style, I think the MG4+ O2s are G/FORE’s best spikeless shoe yet.
Related: These not for you? Here’s my picks for the best golf shoes on the market.
G/FORE does it again with another killer shoe. This time they've created what might be the best-performing spikeless golf shoe. If you want near-spike-level performance but like the comfort and convenience of spikeless, check these out.
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If you want spike performance but hate wearing spikes, take a close look at this shoe.
The MG4+ O2 looks sharp, feels incredible, and performs almost to the level of a spiked golf shoe. If you're after one of the best-performing spikeless shoes on the market, this is it. I think this is as close as you're going to come to off-course comfort and practicality and on-course traction and stability.
The Good
- Exceptional comfort thanks to the massaging insole and plush heel padding
- Premium build quality
- Surprisingly strong traction even in wet conditions
- Stylish design
The Bad
- Some people may find the $225 price point high
- Slightly snug fit for wider feet until full break-in
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Presentation
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Performance
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Personal Affinity
