The Evolution Of Under Armour Golf Shoes: The Road To Drive Pro Clone
Under Armour has built its reputation on relentless innovation, performance-first design and athlete-driven technology. While the brand initially disrupted the sportswear world through moisture-wicking apparel, its expansion into golf footwear has followed the same philosophy - constantly pushing boundaries to improve comfort, stability and performance.
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone Golf Shoe represents the next chapter in that journey, combining years of material science development with a bold rethink of how golf shoes should fit, move and perform throughout a full round.
UNDER ARMOUR'S ENTRY INTO GOLF FOOTWEAR
When Under Armour first entered the golf shoe market, it brought a distinctly athletic mindset to a category long dominated by traditional leather constructions. Early designs focused on lightweight build, breathability and flexibility, appealing to golfers who wanted comfort over 18 holes without sacrificing on-course performance.
These early models laid the foundation for what would become a defining Under Armour strength - blending sneaker-like comfort with the stability and traction required for powerful, repeatable golf swings.
FOUNDATIONS OF PERFORMANCE: CUSHIONING AND TRACTION
As the range evolved, Under Armour introduced proprietary cushioning systems such as Micro G and Charged Cushioning into its golf footwear. These technologies improved shock absorption and energy return, helping reduce fatigue while maintaining responsiveness through impact.
Traction also saw steady refinement. From conventional spike layouts to more advanced spikeless designs, Under Armour progressively improved outsole geometry to enhance grip, rotational stability and ground connection - all key elements for consistent ball striking.
THE LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL GOLF SHOE DESIGN
Despite these advancements, a long-standing challenge remained. Traditional golf shoes are built around a fixed shape, which can struggle to accommodate the natural movement and variation of a golfer's foot during walking and the swing.
Fixed constructions can create pressure points, gaps in support and reduced energy transfer, all of which can subtly impact comfort, balance and consistency over time. Solving this problem became the catalyst for Under Armour's biggest footwear breakthrough to date.
THE BREAKTHROUGH: UA CLONE TECHNOLOGY
A defining moment in Under Armour's footwear evolution came with the introduction of UA Clone technology. Unlike traditional foams or fabrics, Clone is designed to adapt to the individual shape and movement of the golfer's foot, delivering a more personalised and consistent fit.
"Traditional golf shoes create gaps, pressure points and lost power because they are built around a single, fixed shape," said Jake Haley, Senior Manager of Golf Footwear and Apparel at Under Armour. "With the Drive Pro Clone, we set out to eliminate those compromises entirely. Every golfer deserves a shoe that adapts to them, not the other way around."
At the heart of this innovation is the proprietary auxetic Clone upper. Rather than behaving like a static textile, the material expands, contracts and shapes itself to the unique geometry of the foot, maintaining a secure, supportive fit throughout the entire round - regardless of fatigue, terrain or conditions.
"Clone adapts to the shape and movement of your foot, helping maintain the same level of support from your first swing to your last," added Kyle Blakely, SVP of Innovation and Design Studio at Under Armour. "The result is better energy transfer and a more stable platform throughout the round."
DRIVE PRO CLONE: PERFORMANCE IN MOTION
When paired with Under Armour's Swing Support System, Drive Pro Clone delivers a more stable base through the swing, helping unlock repeatable power and improved balance. The adaptive fit allows the foot to stay supported without restriction, encouraging more natural movement and confident rotation.
This material-led approach to performance underscores Under Armour's commitment to solving real golfer needs through design precision, testing and innovation.
TOUR-TESTED AND TOUR-TRUSTED
Drive Pro Clone has already proven itself at the highest level of the game. The shoe has been put into play across global Tours, supporting two DP World Tour victories.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen claimed his maiden DP World Tour win at the Australian Open in December wearing Drive Pro Clone, while Patrick Reed trusted the adaptive fit and stability during his recent victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
DRIVE PRO CLONE VS PREVIOUS UNDER ARMOUR GOLF SHOES
- Fit & Comfort: Earlier models focused on cushioning, while Drive Pro Clone delivers adaptive, custom-like support through Clone technology.
- Stability: Improved midfoot structure and Swing Support System enhance balance through rotation and follow-through.
- Traction: Spiked and spikeless options provide reliable grip in wet, dry and uneven conditions.
- Versatility: Built for performance on-course with comfort that holds up off-course.
- Design: Cleaner, more premium aesthetics aligned with modern athletic golf footwear.
DESIGNED FOR THE MODERN GOLFER
Today's golfers demand footwear that performs like elite athletic shoes while delivering tour-level stability. With breathable uppers, durable construction and confidence-inspiring traction, Drive Pro Clone is engineered for performance in all conditions.
AVAILABILITY AND COLOUR OPTIONS
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone will be available at retail from February 6 in both spiked and spikeless models. Pricing is set at £160 / Euros 200 for the spiked version and £140 / Euros 180 for the spikeless option.
The range launches in four colourways: Black / Anthracite / Metallic Gold; Distant Grey / Midnight Navy / Metallic Silver; White / White / Metallic Gun Metal; and Stone / Gridiron Brown / Metallic Gun Metal.
THE FUTURE OF UNDER ARMOUR PERFORMANCE GOLF SHOES
From its early athletic-inspired designs to the advanced Drive Pro Clone, Under Armour's golf footwear evolution has been defined by innovation and adaptability. By embracing breakthrough materials like UA Clone, the brand has created a shoe that delivers personalised comfort, superior stability and modern style.
Drive Pro Clone isn't just the next model - it's the culmination of years of performance evolution, designed to help golfers move more naturally, play with confidence and perform at their best from the first tee to the final green.
