Rife Golf RF-01 Pro Approach Shoe

Our verdict on this value spikeless golf shoe from Rife

Rife Golf RF-01 Pro Approach Shoe Review
(Image credit: Rife)
Golf Monthly Verdict

This shoe isn’t going to blow your socks off but the performance is perfectly adequate for the weekend golfer looking for something that provides ample grip and golf-specific support without breaking the bank. The contemporary, neutral styling will appeal to a wide range of tastes too so there’s decent value for money to be had here.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Offers surprisingly good grip and support, modern neutral styling will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Quite heavy and wide fitting. Lacks underfoot cushioning.

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We test the spikeless Rife Golf RF-01 Pro Approach shoe out on the course to see if the performance exceeds the modest price tag

Rife Golf RF-01 Pro Approach Shoe Review

The Rife Golf RF-01 shoe is on sale in American Golf for just £59.99 so on the face of it, offers excellent value. But does it perform and what user experience can golfers expect out on the course?

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First impressions on the styling suggest this is a modern, versatile spikeless offering with its neutral design able to match multiple outfits. It only comes in two block colours of black or white and in sizes 7-11, so options are fairly limited, but overall it’s a good-looking shoe visually.

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Lace them up and you’ll notice it’s quite a weighty shoe and is generous in terms of width. Even though we had the correct size in length, excess leather towards the front of the shoe tended to crease and slightly dig in to the base of our toes as we walked, which was a little off-putting initially, but we soon forgot about it and you may well not have the same problem.

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The grip from the clever and plentiful traction angles on the Ultra Track outsole was surprisingly good. It combatted the morning dew very well and on sloping lies, the tacky rubber ensured we didn’t lose our footing during the swing.

Rife Golf RF-01 Pro Approach Shoe Review

There isn’t a great deal of underfoot cushioning, but this does provide that low-profile feel that golfers like and it’s a perfectly comfortable shoe to wear overall.

It’s waterproof too, so you have that piece of mind should you get caught in an unexpected deluge. The durability remains to be seen but it looks to be a well-made shoe.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x