I tested the previous generation of G/Fore’s G.112 shoe back in 2023 and there was plenty about them that I liked. They were very comfortable straight away. However, given the price tag, I was left a little disappointed by the build quality on the inside of the heel, and I found the outsole hard to keep clean over time.
I liked the overall look, but for a premium spikeless shoe, I couldn’t help but feel slightly let down after using them a number of times.
So going into testing the new G.112, I was hoping this new generation would iron out some of those problems.
Who Are They Aimed At?
Let’s be honest, you’re not going to see many of these on a Saturday morning fourball at your local club.
The G.112 feels aimed at:
- The more fashion-conscious golfer who wants to look the part
- Golfers with a bit of spare cash who don’t mind spending it on their gear
- Anyone who quite likes people knowing they’re wearing G/Fore
- The kind of golfer you’re more likely to spot at a high-end club, or an American tourist on a bucket-list trip, than your average local member
G/Fore are doing well in the footwear market, no doubt about it. But there’s still a gap between how popular the brand is and how many of these you’ll actually see at your local club on a weekend. This is a bit of a statement shoe, aimed more at golfers with money to spend than the average weekend player.
The Tech
G/Fore are calling this the biggest refresh the G.112 has had, and most of the changes are concentrated in the outsole and cushioning, which, if you’ve had issues with the old outsole like I did, is exactly what you want to hear.
The outsole gets an updated dual traction pattern, combining a sawtooth design with more traditional lugs for extra stability and grip on the green.
It’s built using a comfort-driven compound more commonly found in basketball trainers, and G/Fore say they’re the first golf brand to use this particular technology in a shoe.
That sits above an updated, molded EVA midsole, designed to offer lightweight cushioning without sacrificing flexibility, alongside the low-drop silhouette that keeps you closer to the ground.
Underfoot, G/Fore’s signature FORE/18 insoles return. There’s also a performance mesh lining designed to boost breathability and help control odour, plus a lightweight, water-repellent upper aimed at protection and durability.
G/Fore say the aim with this update was to make the G.112 what they call “the ideal everyday golf shoe.” We’ll see about that.
Looks
Not much has changed here compared to the previous version I tested, but G/Fore have refined things nicely.
Most noticeably, the lugs that used to run up the side of the heel – quite a loud design feature on the old version – have been removed. What you’re left with is a much cleaner aesthetic, more of a modern take on a classic Adidas Stan Smith silhouette which blends golf and trainer styling.
I like it. It’s quite a narrow fit, which suited me fine, and G/Fore have cleaned up some of the detailing around the laces too, with some neat sculpting that wasn’t there on the previous version.
I tested them in a white and light brown colourway, which G/Fore call Snow/Dune, and thought they looked smart. Snow/Twilight and a bolder Nimbus/Shocking Orange are also there if you fancy something louder. The upper itself is a synthetic construction (a mix of polyurethane and polyester) rather than genuine leather, but it’s still water-repellent.
Around the heel, there’s a plastic lip carrying the G/Fore branding and the G.112 name, which wasn’t there before. As well as adding a bit of sleekness, it may add a touch of extra stability too.
One bugbear though: the laces, while good quality and smart-looking, are genuinely hard to keep clean.
Comfort
These are very comfortable shoes. They keep G/Fore’s signature FORE/18 insoles, but the texture feels a little softer and less harsh underfoot this time round, which is a nice improvement.
The tongue feels well designed too. It’s thin towards the top near the laces, so it doesn’t restrict the foot, but padded further down where you actually want it. The heel has plenty of cushioning and sits quite high, which is a prominent feature of the design.
I tested a UK 10.5, which is my usual size in G/Fore, although I sometimes get fitted for a 10 in FootJoy, since their shoes tend to run a little larger. Sizing here was true to size, and the comfort held up right through the round, I had no issues playing or walking in them. There’s a mesh lining built in for breathability too, and I genuinely didn’t notice any problems on that front.
Performance
The G.112 gets an updated anti-slip grip outsole with heel-to-toe turf traction, and it looks like a far more thought-out piece of engineering than what came before. I didn’t lose my footing once, even playing on a day when the turf was properly slippery, and never had a lack of confidence in them underfoot.
They don’t feel quite as locked in as the old ones, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The previous version arguably went a bit too far, to the point you’d be worried about upsetting the greenkeeper with the marks left behind. A low-drop design and a TPU shank underfoot also help with ground feel and lightweight arch support.
I’d call them water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, but that held up well in testing, including through a proper downpour, where my feet stayed dry throughout. They’re lightweight too, and the outsole itself is sturdy and quite stiff, which pairs nicely with a softer, EVA-cushioned midsole. You get a solid, stable base on the turf without sacrificing comfort on the foot.
Verdict
The bottom line here is that the G.112 is a genuinely good shoe for wearing both on and off the course. Office to golf course, or clubhouse to golf course, is a real option, and they wouldn’t look out of place in the pub afterwards either. That kind of versatility does go some way to justifying the price tag.
That said, they’re still hard to keep clean, and because of that, I’d consider these more of a summer shoe despite the performance being good enough to see you through worse conditions. It’s also a lot of money for a spikeless shoe, especially given they’re likely to show obvious wear after just three or four rounds. A FootJoy Pro/SL, for comparison, is quite a bit cheaper, but really this shoe isn’t aimed at Pro/SL users.
If you’ve got the spare cash and you want something that’s a bit more of a statement out on the course, the new G.112 could be a great option for you.
Would I Use Them?
Yes, they’re a great option especially for the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the G/Fore G.112 golf shoe cost?
The G/Fore G.112 has an RRP of £190.
Is the G/Fore G.112 waterproof?
It’s water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, using a seamless synthetic upper treated to resist moisture. In testing it held up well even in heavy rain, keeping feet dry throughout.
Is the G/Fore G.112 spiked or spikeless?
The G.112 is a spikeless golf shoe.
Does the G/Fore G.112 run true to size?
Yes, our reviewer found it true to size in a UK 10.5, which is his usual G/Fore size, though he noted FootJoy shoes tend to run slightly larger by comparison.
How does the G.112 compare to the previous generation?
The G.112 removes the more prominent lugs that ran up the side of the heel on the previous version in favour of a cleaner, more streamlined look, along with a slightly softer cushion feel and refined lace detailing.
