When you watch the world's number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, you see a swing that’s all fluid power and unbelievable consistency. But if you look closely at his feet, you'll spot something interesting - he isn't wearing the latest, flashiest golf shoe. Instead, he trusts his game to a specific, now vintage, model of Nike shoes. This article will break down exactly what golf shoes Scottie Scheffler uses, why they are the perfect match for his elite swing dynamics, and most importantly, how you can use his footwear philosophy to choose the right pair of shoes to improve your own game.
Unlike many other top pros who switch to the newest models season after season, Scottie Scheffler has remained incredibly loyal to one particular shoe: the Nike Tiger Woods '13. Yes, a shoe released back in 2013 is the preferred choice for the best player on the planet. This isn't just a quirky habit, it's a calculated decision rooted in performance, comfort, and a design that perfectly complements his unique swing.
Because of Scheffler's dominance and unwavering preference, the TW '13 has become a collector's item among golfers. You won't find it on the shelves of your local pro shop. Instead, golfers hunt for them on resale sites like eBay, often paying a premium for a new or lightly used pair. So what makes this decade-old shoe so special?
The TW '13 was a game-changer when it was released, largely because it was built on Nike's "Free" running shoe technology. This was a departure from the heavy, rigid golf shoes of the past. It was designed to mimic the feeling of playing barefoot, allowing the foot to move more naturally and dynamically through the swing, while still providing the stability needed for a powerful strike.
Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
For Scheffler, these features aren’t just nice to have, they are fundamental to how he plays the game.
A golf swing is built from the ground up. The way a player uses their feet and interacts with the ground dictates everything about their power, balance, and consistency. As a coach, when I see Scottie Scheffler, I see one of the best examples of using "ground reaction forces" in the sport. His shoe choice is not an accident - it's an essential piece of equipment that enables his action.
Watch Scottie’s backswing. He creates an immense amount of potential energy by loading into his right side. To unleash that power on the downswing, he has to aggressively push off the ground. This requires a shoe with rock-solid stability and zero slippage. The replaceable spikes on the TW '13 dig into the turf, giving him a solid platform to drive from. If his foot were to slip even a fraction of an inch at this moment, he would lose a significant amount of power and control.
The stability allows him to use the ground as leverage, an action every amateur golfer should strive for. Your shoes are your connection to that power source. If they're unstable, you're leaking power on every shot.
Of course, you can't talk about Scottie's swing without mentioning his iconic footwork. On his most powerful swings, especially with the driver, his feet appear to slide and move through impact and into the follow-through. To the untrained eye, it might look like he’s losing his balance or slipping.
This is not a flaw. The "Scheffler Shuffle" is a visual representation of an incredible release of rotational energy. He rotates his hips and torso so fast and so completely that his feet have to release to keep up and prevent injury. He’s putting so much force into the ground that something has to give. Instead of fighting it, his body naturally lets the feet slide as the energy dissipates.
This is where the genius of the TW '13 comes into play for him.
A more rigid, G-force-resisting modern shoe might actually hinder this athletic motion, potentially putting undue strain on his ankles or knees. The TW '13 provides the perfect harmony of stabilityon the way down and flexible release on the way through. It's stable when it needs to be and freeing when it is required.
Let's not forget the basics. Professional golfers are on their feet for 8-10 hours during tournament aounda. They walk miles over varied terrain. Uncomfortable shoes aren't just an annoyance, they can cause physical fatigue that directly impacts performance on the back nine.
The runner-inspired DNA of the TW '13 makes it one of the most comfortable high-performance shoes ever made. For Scheffler, who has worn them for years, they feel like an extension of his body. He doesn’t have to think about them, which is the ultimate goal of any piece of golf equipment.
While the TW '13 is his undisputed favorite, sharp-eyed fans have occasionally spotted him in other models. He has been seen wearing the Nike TW '20 and, more recently, what appear to be custom-made prototypes of the Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods NEXT model. These prototypes are often blacked out or unbranded, a sign that Nike is actively working with him, likely trying to develop a new shoe that replicates the feel and performance of his beloved TW '13.
The fact that he continues to return to the 2013 model speaks volumes. It shows that he has a clear understanding of what works for his game, and he isn’t willing to compromise on that feel for a newer, more marketable product. That's a lesson in itself.
You probably can’t - or shouldn’t necessarily - go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a vintage pair of TW '13s. However, you absolutely can and should apply Scottie’s principles to your own shoe-buying process. Don't just pick a shoe based on looks or what your favorite pro wears. Find a shoe that fits your swing.
Go to the driving range with a purpose. Pay attention to your feet. Do you feel like you are pushing off the ground for power? Does your trail foot roll over, or does it stay flat? After a powerful drive, do you feel like all your weight is on your lead foot? Understanding your personal movement pattern is the first step.
No matter your swing type, a stable base is essential for consistency. When trying on shoes, perform a few practice swings in the store. Feel how the shoe supports the outside of your back foot on your fake backswing and the outside of your lead foot on your fake follow-through. Look for features like external heel counters and a mid-foot construction that "hugs" your foot, preventing it from sliding around inside the shoe.
Remember that you'll be walking around five miles in these shoes. Fit is not negotiable. Here are some pro tips:
While the TW '13 is a ghost on retail shelves, several modern shoes share its DNA of blending stability with flexibility and comfort. When you're shopping, look for these types of shoes:
Scottie Scheffler sticks with the Nike TW '13 because it's the perfect tool for his job, offering a masterclass blend of ground-gripping stability for his power turn and athletic flexibility for his famous follow-through. His choice is a powerful reminder to all golfers: your equipment should match your swing, and when you find something that works perfectly, you stick with it.
Gaining that deeper understanding of your own swing dynamics is the first step to making smarter choices, whether it's for gear or your next shot on the course. If you want help developing your on-course strategy or getting personalized advice when you're in a tough spot, we designed a tool to act as your expert guide. With an on-demand coach like Caddie AI, you can get instant swing analysis and smart strategic advice right from your phone, giving you the confidence to navigate any challenge the course throws at you.
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