I’ve been fortunate to partner with Under Armour for the past two years, during which time I’ve tested virtually every golf shoe in their lineup. Like most manufacturers, Under Armour’s range follows a natural progression from premium performance models down through various price points. For the last two seasons, I’ve spent the majority of my time on course wearing the Drive Pro – a shoe that became synonymous with performance largely thanks to Jordan Spieth’s endorsement and the impressive technology packed into its design.
Now, Under Armour has released the Drive Pro Clone, and it represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete reinvention of what made the original so successful.
Building on a Stable Foundation:
The Drive Pro Clone retains the exceptional stability platform that made the original Drive Pro such a reliable performer. Under Armour’s engineers recognised they had something special in that foundation, so they wisely kept it intact. The stability comes from UA’s proprietary TPU outsole with Rotational Resistance (RST) spikes, providing exceptional grip and power transfer through the swing while maintaining comfort during walking.
Where the innovation truly occurs is in the upper construction – an area where Under Armour identified room for improvement, particularly when considering the global market.
The Width Challenge Solved:
Historically, one consideration when bringing footwear from the United States to European markets involves addressing fit preferences across different regions. The original Drive Pro featured a wider fitting profile, which worked well for many golfers but required multiple width options to accommodate everyone comfortably.
The Drive Pro Clone takes a revolutionary approach to this challenge through its use of Auxetic material technology in the upper. This innovative fabric features a distinctive rippling pattern that runs throughout the shoe – you’ll notice it immediately in what appears almost like decorative stitching across the upper. However, this isn’t merely aesthetic; the Auxetic material expands and contracts in response to foot movement and pressure, effectively eliminating the need for multiple width fittings while providing a customised feel for each individual golfer.
Targeted Support Zones:
The implementation of Auxetic material creates distinct performance zones throughout the shoe that I’ve found particularly effective during testing:
Heel Lock: The heel area provides exceptional lockdown. I’m firmly secured in this region, which has eliminated the slippage issues that can lead to blisters and premature wear. This locked-in feeling at the heel is crucial for stability throughout the swing.
Midfoot Security: Moving toward the laces, the shoe opens slightly before the 3S Swing System engages. This wraparound technology – carried forward from the previous generation – locks down the midfoot section precisely where you need stability for both walking and generating power through the golf swing.
Toe Box Freedom: The forefoot area opens up considerably, providing room to spread naturally without feeling compressed or restricted. This balance between security and freedom is exactly what a performance golf shoe should deliver.
Premium Materials and Protection:
The Drive Pro Clone features UA Storm technology throughout the upper, providing water-repellent protection that keeps feet dry in dewy morning conditions or light rain. Combined with the durable, abrasion-resistant TPU skin that wraps strategic areas of the shoe, you get protection where it matters most.
This TPU skin serves double duty – it not only guards against wear in high-stress areas but also makes maintenance remarkably simple. After five or six rounds in these shoes, I can confirm they wipe clean beautifully, maintaining their fresh appearance far longer than you might expect.
Comfort and Performance:
The Charged Cushioning midsole provides responsive comfort that doesn’t sacrifice ground feel or stability. Under Armour has struck an excellent balance here – enough cushioning for all-day comfort during long rounds, but sufficient feedback to maintain that crucial connection to the ground during the swing.
The combination of the stable base platform and the adaptive Auxetic upper creates a shoe that feels secure without feeling restrictive. There’s a noticeable difference in how the shoe responds to different parts of your foot’s movement, providing support precisely where needed while allowing natural flex and expansion elsewhere.
Aesthetic Appeal:
From a visual standpoint, Under Armour has absolutely nailed the design. I’ve been testing both the all-white version and the black colour way with white detailing around the sole. Typically, I prefer white shoes or options with some colour, as I find black footwear less appealing when looking down at address. However, the black Drive Pro Clone has converted me – that crisp white accent running around the heel and sole creates a striking contrast that really makes the shoe pop.
The Auxetic pattern adds visual interest without being overwhelming, and the overall profile maintains a modern, athletic appearance that looks equally at home in the clubhouse or on the first tee.
Final Verdict:
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone represents intelligent evolution of an already successful design. By maintaining the proven stability platform while innovating with Auxetic material technology in the upper, Under Armour has created a shoe that addresses previous limitations while enhancing what already worked well.
The elimination of multiple width options through adaptive material technology is genuinely innovative, providing a customized fit without the complexity of traditional sizing matrices. Combined with excellent weather protection, easy maintenance, and striking aesthetics, the Drive Pro Clone delivers everything you’d expect from a premium golf shoe.
For golfers seeking a shoe that provides tour-level stability and performance while adapting to individual foot shape and movement patterns, the Drive Pro Clone deserves serious consideration. It’s a worthy successor to the Drive Pro name and a shoe I’m confident recommending based on real-world testing.
Article by Dan Hendriksen | Locker Room Golf