The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone is one of the most interesting golf shoes tested in recent years. Available in both spiked and spikeless versions, this model brings something genuinely different to the premium golf shoe space.
With 35 patents and a brand-new auxetic upper design, Under Armour is making bold claims about fit, comfort, and performance. After testing both versions on the course, in warm conditions, and in a full waterproof test, here’s everything you need to know before deciding if it deserves a spot in your bag for 2026.
At a glance
- Available in spiked and spikeless versions
- Features a patented auxetic upper designed to adapt to different foot shapes
- Dual-density midsole with softer foam inside and firmer foam outside
- Swing support system with structural bands and elasticated lockdown strap
- Water-resistant upper passed a 300ml pour test (minor moisture at tongue base)
- Spikeless fits true to size; spiked runs slightly larger
What this is (and what it isn’t)
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone is a premium, tech-forward golf shoe built around innovation. The standout feature is its auxetic upper — a material that stretches and actually gets wider in the middle under tension, rather than thinning out like most fabrics.
This is not a traditional leather golf shoe. The upper is a multi-layer microfiber material, and while some golfers may prefer premium leather, leather cannot deliver the auxetic structure Under Armour is using here.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, roomy, classic-feeling golf shoe, this probably isn’t it. The Clone is built to lock you in and hold you securely through the swing.
What’s new / what stands out
The auxetic upper is the biggest shift. It adapts to different foot shapes in a way that’s rare in golf footwear. In testing, two players with narrow size 9 feet — but noticeably different widths — both felt snug and comfortable in the same pair. That’s unusual.
The material keeps its structure and support without creating pinch points. It looks almost like it’s defying physics, stretching while maintaining integrity.
Under Armour also integrates a swing support system. Structural bands run through the lacing points and connect deeper into the shoe, helping create a locked-in feel when tightening the laces. An elasticated band over the tongue further reinforces that security.
Performance and real-world testing
On the course, both versions performed impressively.
The spikeless model was particularly surprising. The outsole combines a softer rubber compound with firmer rubber or TPU elements, and it gripped extremely well — even on damp fairways. Traction never felt compromised.
The spiked version uses a nine-spike setup that feels aggressive and secure. Under Armour continues to use rotational resistance spikes positioned around the perimeter. While no specific advantage was clearly noticeable, there was no downside either, and traction was strong throughout testing.
In terms of stability, full swings felt planted. There was no sliding inside the shoe, and the overall lockdown effect was noticeable. The outsole provides a good amount of flex — enough to move naturally while still resisting excessive twisting.
Weight-wise, it’s not the lightest shoe ever tested, but it never felt heavy or distracting during a round.
For waterproofing, 300ml of water was poured over the upper and tongue of both versions. The uppers held up well with no water penetrating through the main material. Some moisture did creep in around the bottom of the tongue, which is fairly standard in this type of test. Unless you’re standing in puddles, your feet should remain protected in typical wet conditions.
Comfort, fit, build quality
Underfoot comfort comes from a Hover foam setup paired with a dual-density midsole. The foam is soft — not the softest available — but comfortably cushioned. A softer section runs along the inside of the foot near the big toe and ball area, while firmer foam sits on the outside for added support.
The difference between the two foams isn’t distinctly noticeable mid-round, but that may be intentional. The design aims to blend comfort and support seamlessly.
There’s generous padding around the tongue, ankle, and heel. The microfiber upper feels soft and proved surprisingly breathable. Straight out of the box, there was no rubbing experienced during testing.
In terms of sizing, the spikeless version fits true to size. The spiked version runs slightly larger, and going down half a size may be worth considering.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Innovative auxetic upper adapts to different foot shapes
- Strong traction in both spiked and spikeless models
- Secure, locked-in feel during the swing
- Comfortable cushioning with supportive structure
- Solid waterproof performance in testing
Cons
- Weave pattern and aesthetic may be divisive
- Lockdown fit may not suit golfers who prefer a relaxed feel
- Faces significant competition in the premium category
Who should buy it (and who shouldn’t)
If you value comfort, a secure fit, and a tech-forward design, the Under Armour Drive Pro Clone should absolutely be on your shortlist for 2026.
Golfers who like to feel completely locked into their shoes — especially across the front and midfoot — will appreciate what this model delivers.
However, if you prefer a wide, relaxed fit or a traditional leather upper, this may not be the right choice. The auxetic structure is designed to hold and support, not provide a loose feel.
Bottom line
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone isn’t just another solid performer — it’s genuinely innovative. From the adaptive auxetic upper to the locked-in swing support system, it brings something different to a crowded premium market.
After extensive testing in both spiked and spikeless forms, it stands toe-to-toe with other top-tier golf shoes and ranks among the best tested in years. If you’re shopping for premium golf shoes in 2026, this is one you’ll want to try for yourself.
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