The Sun Day Red “Osprey” golf shoe, crafted in collaboration with Tiger Woods to meet his personal needs, is a standout in both performance and style, redefining what a golf shoe can be.
After testing these spikeless wonders on the course and in everyday settings, like at the Orioles game last Friday, it’s clear they deliver several things, including exceptional quality, comfort, and versatility that make them a must-have for golfers with dynamic lifestyles.
@jklendsholla 🚨 Tiger Woods’ @SunDayRed now has a street shoe, The Osprey Enjoy the unboxing! #golf #fyp #sundayred #golfstyle #tigerwoods #golffashion #unboxing ♬ UNBOXING – Majorzin dos beats
Exceptional Quality
From the moment you unbox the Osprey, the premium craftsmanship is evident. I noted in my review of the Pioneer Cypress that you truly smell the shoes as you open the box, and it’s a pleasant smell like that of a new car with leather seats. You know these are made with quality, high-end materials that are made to last.
The synthetic upper feels supple, yet durable, offering a luxurious touch while providing flexibility and some water resistance for those early morning rounds on a dry course. I walk my local 9-hole muni four times a week, and these keep my feet dry as the dew stays on the high grass.
The attention to detail in the design is also a great touch. There are three rows of micro perforations on the toe box, potentially a nod to Tiger’s “rule of thirds” philosophy. The tiny details that pay homage to Tiger and his mindset across the SDR lineup are truly unique.
There is also a variable omnidirectional outsole, which uses 3.5mm recessed lugs, ensuring reliable traction without sacrificing the wanted aesthetic, which is sleek and more like a lifestyle shoe than a golf shoe. Every stitch and material feels meticulously chosen, reflecting the brand’s commitment to high-end performance gear. SDR’s quality matches its price tag.
True-to-Size fit
There is no guessing when it comes to the sizing of the SDR Osprey. I wear a 10.5, and these shoes fit like a glove.
SDR truly nailed the fit with these shoes. If you plan to use them for the course or just as an everyday shoe, they’re ideal for either use case.
The 3/4 bootie construction keeps the tongue securely in place, preventing slippage during swings or long walks. The shoe hugs comfortably without feeling restrictive. Even still, the padding throughout the shoe maintains comfort, but gives a feeling of being too tight. It’s just right.
I didn’t feel like sizing up or down half a size would do me any favors. I’ve worn them for a range session on turf and I’ve also worn them to a baseball game. Walking thousands of steps in them is as good as any other shoe. Wearing them to take some swings is ideal as well. The versatility is outstanding.
Great Padding for Added Comfort
I briefly mentioned the padding before, but it does deserve its own detailed nod. While I love that I can wear these both socially and for golf, the comfort is truly the best part.
Comfort is where the Osprey shines. Its plush heel padding is what I found to be the biggest highlight of this shoe. It’s paired with a drop-in EVA midsole, which delivers a responsive and cushioned ride. I am prone to heel blisters with many new shoes; everything from FootJoys on the course to Jordans as a street shoe, I usually end up with some skin tears. It’s something I expect.
I also expected that from these, especially with how soft the heel padding is. I didn’t get anything. It is a secure fit that just has more give and more comfort than other shoes. There was no discomfort in my feet, even as I wore them for about eight straight hours just a day after trying them on for the first time.
Tiger has called the Osprey his “everyday shoe.” It’s easy to see why. Charley Hudak, Sun Day Red’s Head of Footwear, even emphasized the brand’s want for a “no hot spot” design.
They came through.
Versatility for Golf and Street
The Osprey’s defining feature is the seamless transition it has from the golf course to everyday life. On a dry course, the spikeless outsole provides sufficient traction for confident swings.
There is a slight heel-to-toe drop that enhances ground force connection for a stable, powerful stance. Although it may not offer the same capabilities as the Pioneer line, it is more suitable for casual rounds.
Off the course, the Osprey’s minimalist, streetwear-inspired design–available in four colorways (white/white, grey/grey, black/white, white/blue) pairs effortlessly with a variety of looks. You could wear them with chinos, joggers, denim, or even athletic shorts. They’re truly versatile.
It’s like getting two shoes in one.
Fashionable Appeal
The Osprey’s look does not scream “golf shoe,” and that’s by design. Its streamlined look, reminiscent of a luxury tennis sneaker from brands like Veja, blends both sophistication and practicality. The premium materials and understated logo give it a polished, high-end aesthetic that stands out but is not flashy.
It has turned into what I call my “daily driver,” a clean, simple, white shoe that I can throw on for a quick errand or even for dinner with friends. It goes with a casual, comfortable look in the store, and it also blends well with a button-down shirt and a nicer pair of shorts.
I received a handful of questions about them from friends at a birthday party on Saturday, asking it I would recommend them. I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Final Thoughts
Priced at $160, the Sun Day Red Osprey is a premium investment that delivers on every front–exceptional quality, true-to-size fit, outstanding heel padding for comfort, and unmatched versatility. Like I said, it’s like getting two shoes in one.
It’s not the grippiest option for wet or hilly courses, so I would recommend keeping these for drier days if you choose to wear them on the course. For flat and dry Summer days, it’s a hard shoe to beat.
I would recommend this shoe to someone who wants to bring just one pair to the course and wants a few uses out of the same pair. A damp rag will take care of any grass or dirt marks, so don’t be too afraid to get these out on the course.
It’s just the latest masterpiece in the SDR lineup.
