Over the last 3 years, Payntr has been (not so) quietly making a name for themselves.
What happens when one of the best golf shoe designers in the world starts a brand with an emphasis on performance over fashion?
You get Payntr.
All of Payntr’s shoes are built with the goal to give the golfer as much of an advantage as they possibly can through the performance of their shoes.
I’ve always liked the styling of their models, but it doesn’t take long to notice that many of them do have a similar look to them – which is kind of smart when you think about it. As a new company, you have limited resources. By streamlining the design elements of their shoes, and then focusing on iterations that will appeal to different golfing needs (spikeless, spiked, training etc.) – you’re able to maximize your results.
And it’s worked. Payntr has quickly developed a loyal following – myself included.
But at the end of 2024, they blew up their playbook with the release of the Eighty Seven SC.
This collaboration with Jason Day still has all of the hallmark technology and performance that Payntr is known for. The difference? An all-new design, that I think is one of the most beautiful golf shoes on the market.
Does it live up to expectations? Let’s find out.
First Impressions of the Payntr Eighty Seven SC
You might be wondering, where does the name come from? Jason was born in 1987 – hence the name Eighty Seven SC (or Signature Collection).
Out of the box, these shoes look even better than they do in the pictures.
They have a sleek, athletic silhouette with just enough edge to stand out without screaming “Look at me.” It’s modern, yet timeless.
Many G/FORE shoes for instance will be too fashion-forward for some. Ecco might be a little too, say, European for some. Footjoy, a little too traditional.
The Eighty Seven SC hits the perfect balance of fashion, function, and uniqueness that make it one of my favorite shoe releases of the last few years.
But for as good-looking as it is, it doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t perform.
So does it?
Payntr takes all of the tech and performance they're known for, and applies it to their best looking shoe yet. Highly recommended.
How Do They Perform? And Does All This Tech Actually Work?
When it comes to performance golf shoes, there’s a fine line between gimmicky tech and real, game-changing innovation. The Payntr Eighty Seven SC? It’s all substance. This shoe is absolutely loaded with features that actually do something, and after wearing them for multiple rounds, I can confidently say that all the tech Payntr crammed in here serves a purpose.
But honestly, I’ve worn enough Payntr shoes to know this would be the case.
Stability & Lockdown: Your Feet Aren’t Going Anywhere
One of the biggest compliments I can give the Eighty Seven SC is how locked-in your foot feels without sacrificing comfort. A lot of golf shoes either squeeze too tight or feel too loose, but Payntr nailed the balance here.
I will say that they felt a little bit stiffer during my first round than other Payntr shoes. Still comfortable, but they needed to be broken in a bit more than say the 004 RS – their original spikeless model.
I did notice that pretty quickly I developed a toebox crease with these shoes. So if you’re a sneakerhead who likes everything pristine – this may bother you.
Just keep in mind, that you don’t want golf shoes too stiff or you’ll sacrifice comfort and wearability. Personally I have no issues here, but figured it was worth mentioning.
The ARIAPRENE® tongue & bootie isn’t just fancy marketing speak. The bootie construction genuinely hugs your foot in a way that keeps it secure during the swing without feeling restrictive. No sliding around, no annoying pressure points—just a snug, dialed-in fit that gives you confidence when getting after it.
Traction & Grip: Built for Any Condition
Traction is everything when it comes to performance golf shoes, and Payntr’s tech here is next level. Whether you’re playing in dry, fast conditions or dealing with dewy fairways in the early morning, the Eighty Seven SC has you covered.
Which is pretty obvious to see, just by looking at the sole:
What sets this apart from your standard shoe is how Payntr engineered the traction to work in three dimensions. Both when pushing off in your backswing or planting hard through impact, you can feel the grip and the shoes wanting to stay connected to the ground.
Payntr also included a Carbitex carbon fiber propulsion plate in the midsole which they say helps you harness ground reaction forces—basically, the energy your feet create when you press into the turf. Does this translate to tangible power gains? That’s hard to measure, but it definitely contributes to the solid feeling you get while swinging.
Cushioning & Energy Return: Comfort That Lasts All 18
Golf shoes that are too soft can make you feel unstable, while shoes that are too firm can leave your feet aching after a few holes. The Eighty Seven SC hits a really nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness.
One of the hallmarks of their shoes is the Nitrogen footbed & midsole. This dual-layer foam system continues ot impress me just as it has in their other models.
Basically the “PMXNitro+” Midsole helps you harness energy return in the shoes. So over the course of your round every step takes just a little less work on your part.
It sounds like a bullet point on their sales page (and it is), but you really do feel the benefit of this after walking a full 18.
The shoes are also fully waterproof, and while I haven’t used them in inclement weather, I have no doubt they’ll perform well.
Final Thoughts on the Payntr Eighty Seven SC
I think this is the shoe that’s going to take Payntr from being more of a niche brand, to one that is a major player in the world of golf footwear.
When I posted about these shoes on Instagram, 91% of over 200 who responded to a survey, said they loved the way they looked.
A number of people messaged me to say they wish it came in a spikeless version.
Good news them, at the PGA Show this year that’s exactly what they debuted.
So it’s clear they’re investing in this style, and for good reason.
The Eighty Seven SC is comfortable, performs like a tour shoe should, and looks fantastic.
I’m not sure how much more you can ask for.
Highly recommended.
Payntr takes all of the tech and performance they're known for, and applies it to their best looking shoe yet. Highly recommended.
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Payntr shows why they're a force to be reckoned with, as this is their best shoe yet.
Payntr has been making some great shoes over the last few years, but this is their best yet. It has all the performance you expect from them, but now it's got a little more style too.
The Good
- Their best looking shoe yet
- Solid support and comfortable to walk in
- Two different colorways to choose from
The Bad
- Toebox has a tendency to crease
- Takes a couple rounds to fully break in
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Presentation
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Performance
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Price
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Personal Affinity
