Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS Review: Tour-Proven Performance

When Justin Rose won the FedEx St. Jude Championship wearing a pair of golf shoes from a brand he’s not even sponsored by, people noticed.

Those shoes? The Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS.

And if a major champion who can literally wear any shoe he wants chooses to put these into play for one of the biggest events of the year, that should tell you something about their quality.

Payntr has always approached footwear differently than most golf brands. They don’t just make shoes, they make performance tools. Every element, from carbon fiber foot plates to nitrogen-infused soles, is engineered to give golfers a tangible edge on the course.

The X Tour Proto RS represents their most refined tour-level shoe yet. But does it live up to the hype that comes with a PGA Tour win? Let’s find out.

First Impressions of the Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS

Out of the box, these shoes have a familiar aesthetic if you’ve followed Payntr’s evolution. The design language is similar to their original X 001, 002, 003, and 004 models, more understated and performance-focused compared to the sleeker, fashion-forward look of their newer Eighty Seven SC, Match Day, and All Day lines.

Personally? I prefer the styling of those newer models. But that’s nitpicking, because these still look great. And let’s be honest, performance is what counts.

The first thing that struck me when I pulled them out of the box was the leather. It’s incredibly soft and supple, the kind of quality you’d expect from premium Italian dress shoes, not golf footwear. It almost feels pre-broken-in, which is rare for performance golf shoes that typically need some time to soften up.

In terms of pure leather quality and feel, these are second only to some of the Ecco models I’ve tested. That’s high praise.

Payntr's Best Tour Shoe

Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS

$220 Before Discount

Tour-proven performance that won on the PGA Tour. Premium full-grain leather, cutting-edge traction tech, and surprisingly comfortable straight out of the box. Save 10% with code BREAKINGEIGHTY.

Check Current Price at Payntr

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Performance & Comfort: Zero Break-In Required

Here’s where these shoes really shine.

The X Tour Proto RS is hands down the most comfortable Payntr shoe I’ve worn straight out of the box. I could tell immediately that I’d have zero issues walking 18 holes in them.

And I was right.

After my first full round, my feet felt fresh enough that I could have easily gone another 18. The fact that there was essentially no break-in period is a massive win, most performance golf shoes need at least a round or two before they truly feel comfortable.

Traction & Stability: Planted in Any Condition

My first round in these was on a fairly wet day, and I had zero issues with slipping or traction. These shoes stay planted to the turf as well as anything I’ve tested.

The ventilated TPU outsole combined with Tour Flex Pro replacement spikes creates a grip pattern that inspires confidence, whether you’re pushing off in your backswing or driving through impact on soft ground.

Are they the absolute most stable shoes I’ve ever worn? Maybe not quite. But they’re easily in the top quartile, and the combination of stability and comfort is really hard to beat.

Breathability & Waterproofing

One of the standout features is just how breathable these shoes are. Look at the tongue and you’ll see mesh panels and ventilation that give you real confidence your feet won’t overheat, despite the full-grain leather construction.

The WATERPROOF+ breathable membrane combined with NEVERWET™ superhydrophobic treatment (they like to use fancy words for their tech) kept my feet bone dry on that wet course. I do have slight concerns about how they’d perform in absolute monsoon conditions given the vented design, but for normal wet-weather golf, these should be more than adequate.

How They Compare to Other Payntr Models

The performance feels similar to what I experienced with the X 004 RS, which was already excellent. I liked the heel design on that model because it made the shoes super easy to slip on, though it was prone to collecting sand if you found yourself in a bunker.

The X Tour Proto RS feels like a more refined version of that shoe. If I had to choose between the two, I’d lean toward the Proto RS. It’s just a more polished, premium experience all around.

The Tech That Actually Matters

Let’s talk about what Payntr packed into these shoes, because like I said, they’re know for their performance features:

Graphite Propulsion Plate – This helps golfers harness vertical ground reaction forces more effectively. In plain English? It helps you transfer power from the ground through your swing more efficiently.

Dual Density PMX Foam™ Midsole – Provides maximum energy return and underfoot support. This is the tech that makes these shoes comfortable enough to walk 36 holes without your feet screaming at you.

PMXNitro+ Footbed – Lightweight, responsive cushioning that lasts the life of the shoe. This nitrogen-infused footbed is a hallmark of Payntr’s design philosophy and genuinely makes a difference over 18 holes.

ARIAPRENE® Tongue – Offers supreme lockdown while staying lightweight and breathable. Your foot stays secure without feeling constricted.

All of this tech isn’t just marketing speak. You actually feel the benefit of these innovations on the course.

Final Thoughts on the X Tour Proto RS

Let’s bring this back to where we started: Justin Rose.

A player who can wear literally any shoe he wants, who has access to every major brand and custom options, chose to wear the Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS. And not just wear them, but win a PGA Tour event in them.

That should give you all the confidence you need in the quality and performance of these shoes.

At $220, they’re toward the more expensive end of golf footwear. But you absolutely get what you pay for. The technology is second to none, the leather is premium, and the comfort-to-performance ratio is outstanding.

Do I like the look of them quite as much as say the G/FORE MG4+ 02 or even Payntr’s own Eighty Seven SC? Not quite. But the performance speaks for itself.

If you want one of the best performing shoes on the market and you’re a fan of the classic, understated look? Don’t hesitate. These are tour-proven winners. Not for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got a running list of the best golf shoes out there, regardless of your needs and budget.

And if you use code BREAKINGEIGHTY at checkout, you’ll save 10% in the process.

Payntr's Best Tour Shoe

Payntr Golf X Tour Proto RS

$220 Before Discount

Tour-proven performance that won on the PGA Tour. Premium full-grain leather, cutting-edge traction tech, and surprisingly comfortable straight out of the box. Save 10% with code BREAKINGEIGHTY.

Check Current Price at Payntr

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

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