Cole Haan GrandPro AM Golf Shoe Review

Elliott Heath puts the sneaker-style GrandPro AM shoes from Cole Haan to the test

A shoe with stunning looks that performs very well on the course. Perhaps better suited to dry weathers, the GrandPro AM is a comfortable wear that delivers good grip and has plenty of off-course versatility

Great looks

Versatility for off-course wear

Good grip in dry conditions

Sizing comes up big - go down at least half a size

Low profile not the best for wet courses

The Cole Haan GrandPro AM is a very classy looking sneaker-like golf shoe that has been designed to withstand a round of golf and also be just as good away from it.

It's a fully waterproof, spikeless shoe that is lightweight and has good comfort. Is it up there with the most comfortable golf shoes? Perhaps. Cole Haan says it has been designed with 'systematic layers of proprietary cushioning compounds' that "softly pad each step." I did find it to be very nice and lightweight to wear and experienced no pain - although a similar shoe that I own - the adidas adicross Retro - definitely beats the GrandPro AM for comfort.

It's certainly up there with some of the best golf sneakers you can buy as it's truly gorgeous once you see it in the flesh. The detailing looks exceptional and even the laces have extra detailing that takes it up a level. It's a stunning shoe that really has the versatility to be worn basically anywhere. I've worn them so many times away from the course, doing the food shop or at the pub, that it's easy to forget that they are a golf shoe. Buy these and you'll get a lot of wear out of them.

Also with Cole Haan being perhaps a lesser-known brand I've had playing partners ask what they are and where they can buy them. If you're someone who likes to have something a little different then these will be right up your street. The GrandPro AM comes in three color options and I had it in the white, with the lovely yellow detailing and sole. The all-black also looks superb.

I recently tested them on a rainy day, as you can see in the image below, and I got decent traction from the many small rubber lugs on the bottom, but in the harshest of weathers I'd say you'd benefit from wearing a more stable or spiked pair.

By no means was I slipping about but on the wettest of courses you might find this. They were very comfortable to wear and did the job, but the real use for these shoes will be on the course during the drier summer months and out in the park, in town or for dinner and drinks. For the premium price tag, you get good value for money as the GrandPro AM feels very well made and its minimalist styling will work with plenty of different outfits.

I was told to go down a size prior to ordering the GrandPro AM and I'm glad I did, as they certainly do come up big. I'd recommend going down at least half a size. The back is also quite low on the ankle so if you do have a shoe that's slightly too big for you, it could start slipping up and down whilst you're walking.

I've also noticed the leather is starting to show the early signs of cracking and folding from a few rounds of golf so I'd definitely recommend cleaning them - which is very easy due to the make-up of the shoe - and perhaps even adding a touch of whitener. I've gone over them with a wet cloth and they're back to looking fresh. Shoe trees wouldn't go amiss either to keep the premium leather in good shape.

Overall, the GrandPro AM is a fantastic golf shoe-come-sneaker that has been expertly designed and well thought out. It has clean styling and looks great with the added detailing, is nice and lightweight, offers decent grip and can be worn in many different walks of life.

Is it one the best golf shoes on the market? There are certainly more stable and better performing models out there around this price point but if you love the style and looks of the GrandPro AM and want a good all-rounder to wear off the course too then you'll be very happy.

The spikeless golf sneaker market is a crowded one but the Cole Haan GrandPro AM definitely has a place in it if you're looking for a classy, minimalist look or just like to have something a little different. I for one am a big fan, good job Cole Haan.

Elliott Heath is our Senior Staff Writer and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news, features, courses and travel sections as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as four Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey, where his handicap index floats anywhere between 2-5. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!

Elliott is currently playing:

Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max

Hybrid: TaylorMade SIM Max

Irons: Mizuno MP5 4-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

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