There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What We Tried:
NIKE Refurbished. The Swoosh’s new refurbishment program that gives imperfect shoes new life (and you a sweet discount)
Who Tried It:
Connor. Director of Soft Goods Testing and resident sneakerhead. I believe golf is better with a pair of cool shoes and comfortable joggers. If there’s one thing I love more than shoes, it’s saving money on shoes. I’ve bought a few pairs of NIKE refurbished shoes at NIKE outlet stores but never a pair of refurbished golf shoes.
Just recently, the brand launched a NIKE Refurbished website, making it easy to scroll their entire refurbished inventory in the hopes of finding a hidden gem. After a few weeks of searching and waiting for the right pair to pop up, I finally pulled the trigger on refurbished NIKE Air Zoom Victory Tour 3.
What the heck is NIKE Refurbished?
Though the program has been around for a bit now, this is the first time NIKE has ever offered refurbished shoes online. Here’s what you need to know about NIKE Refurbished:
- NIKE Refurbished shoes cannot be sold as new. Often they have small blemishes or imperfections. When this is the case, NIKE cleans them and sells them at a massive discount.
- There are three conditions assigned to NIKE Refurbished shoes: Like New, Gently Worn or Slightly Imperfect. All shoes are discounted based on the assessed condition.
- Selection varies based on the availability of products. Not all shoes can be sold as refurbished. The inventory is updated constantly so check back often if you’re on the hunt for a specific pair.
- All refurbished shoes are hand-cleaned and sanitized.
My NIKE Refurbished Golf Shoes
As mentioned, the selection of NIKE Refurbished shoes changes daily. This can be a challenge if you’re hoping for a specific pair of shoes. The reality is that pair may never make its way to the NIKE Refurbished program.
On the other hand, if you’re like me and just want a discounted pair of golf shoes, you’ll have plenty of options. Just as selection varies, size can be an issue, too.
If you don’t see your size, don’t fret. Check back in a day, maybe a week. The available size and style options are constantly updated.
After perusing the NIKE Refurbished site on and off for about a month, I finally found a pair that I wanted: NIKE Air Zoom Victory Tour 3. The shoe retails for $180. I paid half that for the shoes in Gently Worn condition.
Condition Assessment
Saving 50 percent on a pair of NIKE golf shoes sounds great in theory. However, if the condition isn’t up to snuff is it really worth it?
I’ll let you be the judge. My NIKE Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 was graded as Gently Worn. However, I can’t seem to find anything that leads me to believe these have ever been worn, save maybe a try-on.
The only thing I could really point to (if I were NIKE trying to grade these shoes) is that the white spikes show the smallest amount of discoloration. This would lead me to believe, again, that someone tried these on, walked around for a minute or two and then decided to send them back.
While I can’t say for certain how much time these shoes spent on someone else’s foot, I can say this: NIKE under-promised and over-delivered with their condition rating on this shoe.
Are Refurbished Golf Shoes Worth It?
Yes. Take away the sustainability of it all and just focus on the savings. Why not save up to 50 percent off a golf shoe that, to the naked eye, looks brand-new? The minute you step onto the course, your golf shoes are going to get a little dirty, anyhow.
The fact that you’re able to save big money on NIKE shoes (not just golf shoes) through the NIKE Refurbished program is a deal worth sharing.
Keep in mind that in order to shop the NIKE Refurbished website you’ll need to be a NIKE rewards member (although it is free to join). If you aren’t a member, you’re still able to shop NIKE Refurbished shoes at a participating NIKE outlet store.
And, as mentioned, the selection is ever-changing. This is perhaps the only downfall as finding the perfect pair may require patience. Even still, waiting an extra week or month until you find that pair is well worth the discount.
NIKE Refurbished FAQs
What does each NIKE Refurbished condition mean?
Like New: Perfect or near-perfect. Like new with no sign of wear or flaws.
Slightly Imperfect: No signs of wear but slightly imperfect aesthetically (for example, stain, mark, discoloration, fading). Otherwise like new.
Gently Worn: Great condition with visible light wear or slight imperfections.
Can I return NIKE Refurbished shoes if I’m not satisfied?
You have 14 days from the purchase date to return your NIKE Refurbished purchase. You will be charged a $7 restocking fee.
Will NIKE refurbish my personal shoes?
At this time, you cannot bring your shoes to NIKE to have them refurbished. The refurbishment process does not happen in NIKE stores.
