Pitchmarks Verdict
The J.Lindeberg Range Finder is a sleek and lightweight golf shoe with a comfy mesh upper, seam-sealed for waterproofing. While it lacks a bit of cushioning in the midsole, the stability gives you a solid platform for your swing. The minimalist look makes it ideal for both on and off the course.
Reasons to buy
Lightweight and very comfortable
Sleek, versatile appearance
Excellent waterproofing
Reasons to avoid
Midsole lacks a bit of cushioning
When golfers think of J.Lindeberg, they’re probably picturing Viktor Hovland’s bold (and sometimes garish) outfits. However, the Swedish brand’s Range Finder Golf Shoe offers a more stripped-back and minimalist look — it might be the perfect shoe for summer.
Looks
Billed as a “golf sneaker”, the Range Finder features a microfiber and mesh upper with overlapping laminated elements. This includes J.Linderberg’s iconic Bridge logo.
I’m a big fan of the look of this golf shoe. The combination of mesh and laminated elements works both aesthetically and functionally, and the mesh is coated for waterproofing.
I went for the sleek-looking white pair. As a spring/summer shoe, I think this will be the most popular color option and is versatile enough to be worn off the course. There are two other colorways to choose from: black, and a bold nautical blue.
Comfort
The Range Finder strikes a winning balance between comfort and stability.
Cushioning lines the interior of the shoe, which effectively hugged my feet as I walked 18 holes when testing the model. These shoes had zero break-in period, with no sign of blisters. Equally, my feet felt secure and locked in during my golf swing.
Mesh uppers offer lightweight breathability and are coated with “Seam Seal Technology” to keep the shoe waterproof. This coating also allows the shoe to be wiped clean after a round, extending its lifespan and keeping the shoe looking fresh for longer.
While the relatively firm midsole doesn’t offer the same cushioning and bounce as the ECCO LT1 or PUMA PHANTOMCAT Nitro, Ortholite insoles go a long way to help. Over time, I’m sure the midsole will develop a bit more spring which will be a bonus.
Traction
Underneath, the Range Finder has a semi-transparent outsole with raised rubber nubs.
The outsole of a golf shoe presents a challenge when creating a golf shoe for both on and off the course. Ideally, you want maximum grip on the golf course, but you don’t want the grips to interfere when you’re wearing the shoe indoors or on firm surfaces.
I think J.Lindeberg hits the right balance with the Range Finder. Though it won’t offer the same traction as a spiked shoe, the rubber grip pattern offers a good amount of grip while remaining low-profile enough to make it comfortable to wear away from the golf course.
Stability
The wide and firm base of the shoe brings stability, both in the swing and when walking.
I found the Range Finder to feel very stable in my golf swing, even when taking shots on sloping lies. What the relatively firm midsole lacks in cushioning, it certainly makes up for by providing a solid and stable platform for your swing.
The base of the shoe is also wide enough to prevent any rocking. It gave me the confidence to focus on the swing, without worrying about whether my feet would be moving around.
Final Thoughts
The J.Lindeberg Range Finder is a solid and highly versatile golf shoe — one which I will keep in my rotation for the upcoming spring and summer months.
With a minimalist look and comfy mesh uppers, it’s an easy shoe to wear straight to the course without worrying about spikes. The neutral colorway also makes it easy to pair with both pants and shorts, adding another layer of versatility.
If you’re looking for a new golf shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Range Finder. Though priced at a premium, it will look equally good in a casual setting as on the course.
