PAYNTR Golf’s Mike Forsey on Disrupting Golf Footwear Through Performance Innovation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When most golfers think about equipment that can improve their game, they focus on clubs, balls, or perhaps their glove. But Mike Forsey, co-founder and president of PAYNTR Golf, believes they’re missing a crucial piece: what’s on their feet.
PAYNTR Golf approaches golf footwear like an equipment company rather than a fashion brand, engineering shoes around the biomechanics of the golf swing. With their tagline “Performance Multiplied,” the company has built a reputation for creating footwear that doesn’t just look good — it actively helps golfers generate more power and maintain better stability.
Founded by Forsey alongside co-founder Michael Glancy Jr. and co-founder David Paynter, PAYNTR Golf has quickly established itself as a serious player in the golf footwear market. The company recently announced a major retail partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, marking a significant milestone in their growth.
I sat down with Forsey, who brings more than 30 years of golf industry experience and holds numerous golf footwear patents, to discuss how PAYNTR Golf is changing the conversation around golf shoes.
Recognizing the Market Opportunity
For Forsey, the pivotal moment came in 2020 during strategic planning. “We saw the golf footwear industry shifting,” he said. “Shoes had become more of a fashion accessory or an extension of a brand’s apparel line.
Meanwhile, the best players in the world and leading teaching professionals were emphasizing how critical it is for golfers to leverage the ground for power and performance.”
This disconnect between industry trends and performance needs became the foundation for PAYNTR Golf’s approach. “We set out to give golfers a true performance advantage by helping them harness ground reaction forces more efficiently,” Forsey said. “We approach golf footwear like an equipment company, engineering performance traction to elevate the golfer’s experience.”
After 30 years in the industry, Forsey recognized the market was ready for change. “Backed by feedback from elite players and biomechanists, it became obvious the market was hungry for a performance-first approach to golf footwear.”
The Science Behind “Performance Multiplied”
PAYNTR Golf’s philosophy centers on three key elements of traction: rotational resistance, horizontal support and vertical propulsion. “Every one of our styles is engineered to provide horizontal support for weight transfer during the golf swing and rotational resistance to keep the foot stable,” Forsey said.
But what truly sets PAYNTR apart is their focus on the vertical plane. “What really sets us apart is how we help golfers harness ground reaction forces in the vertical plane. That’s where the real power comes from. With responsive energy return, our footwear allows golfers to push into the ground and get speed and power back.”
The technical innovation comes through their propulsion plate system. “Because we build a propulsion plate into every shoe, it allows us to use Strobel lasting, the same process used in high-performance running and training shoes. Strobel lasting makes our shoes lighter, more flexible and more comfortable underfoot.”
This construction method gives PAYNTR a significant advantage. “Thanks to the stability of our propulsion plate, we don’t have to rely on a board last like many competitors. Board lasting often results in stiffer, less cushioned shoes.”
Innovation Through Golf-First Design
What distinguishes PAYNTR from larger athletic brands is their singular focus. “What really separates Payntr Golf from other golf footwear brands is that golf shoes are our sole focus,” Forsey said. “Many larger brands prioritize running or basketball, then adapt those technologies to make them somewhat suitable for golf. We take the opposite approach. We start with the biomechanics of the golf swing and the on-course needs of the golfer.”
This approach recognizes the unique demands golf places on footwear. “Golf footwear presents a unique challenge. It not only needs to perform during the golf swing and provide stability over the ball, but also keep golfers comfortable as they walk the course in all weather conditions and across varied terrain.”
Forsey points out a crucial distinction in performance priorities: “If a golfer slips while walking between shots, it’s a concern, but unlikely to cost them strokes. A slip during the swing can make all the difference in their round.”
Connecting with the Core Golfer
The PAYNTR brand philosophy extends beyond technical innovation. “Just like the Payntr brand and our tagline, Performance Multiplied, we believe this isn’t just something we say, it’s something we live and express through every product we create,” Forsey said.
The company’s success stems from understanding their target customer. “We’ve connected so well with the core golfer because we share their mindset. These are players who treat golf as both a lifestyle and a competitive outlet. They study the golf swing, stay up to date on the latest equipment and are always searching for ways to gain a performance edge.”
This shared passion creates an authentic connection. “We’re golfers ourselves. It’s how we think, how we approach the game and how we design our products. That shared passion allows us to build footwear that speaks directly to their needs because they’re the same needs we have when we step onto the course.”
Tour-Level Insights for Every Golfer
PAYNTR’s work with tour professionals provides valuable insights that benefit all golfers. “What really sets Tour players apart is how much time they spend in their shoes. They’re in them 8, 10, even 12 hours a day, so comfort isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.”
The company’s collaboration with Jason Day exemplifies this approach. “When we worked with Jason Day on the new classic silo in our collection, he gave us feedback every step of the way. Jason has been playing golf since he was 6 years old, so in 30 years of playing, he’s experienced virtually every brand and every type of golf shoe construction.”
As an equity owner in PAYNTR Golf, Day ensures innovations translate across skill levels. “It’s just as important to him as it is to us as founders that the innovations we’re building at the elite level translate seamlessly for the recreational golfer. That means lightweight support, energy return, waterproofing and most importantly, all-day comfort.”
Major Retail Milestone
The recent partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy represents a significant achievement for the young company. “This is a big milestone for us, one that marks our evolution from a performance-driven challenger brand to a recognized name in the golf retail landscape,” Forsey said.
The growth has exceeded expectations. “Since launching, we’ve seen double-digit year-over-year growth, earned industry awards and had our products trusted on every major tour worldwide. We’ve surpassed every revenue projection we set back in 2020 when we drafted our first strategic plan.”
Today, PAYNTR Golf has established strong distribution globally, with partners across North America, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
Looking Ahead
As for the future of golf footwear innovation, Forsey remains optimistic about continued advancement. “We’re still just scratching the surface, but we’ve built a solid foundation by focusing on giving golfers a real performance advantage through traction and by making an incredibly comfortable shoe.”
The company’s commitment to performance-first design will guide their future development. “Staying focused on performance and innovation is what will keep leading us forward. That doesn’t mean we don’t care how the shoe looks. We do. Very much so. But for us, it will always be function first, then form.”
For golfers seeking every possible advantage in their game, PAYNTR Golf’s approach offers a compelling proposition: footwear that doesn’t just complete your outfit, but actively contributes to better performance on the course.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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