My first look at the Pluto P1 almost sent me straight to the garage to grab my skateboard. I felt like an early 2000s Tony Hawk Pro Skater character with the Pluto P1 on my feet. Comfy, stylish, clean… What more can you ask for?
The vibe of the P1 aligns perfectly with the direction golf fashion is heading. Jason Day recently wore a sweatsuit at Pebble Beach, and I’m here for it (I just ask that you don’t show up to the course in basketball shorts and a tank top).
Point being, the P1 leans into the style that the under 35 golf crowd is looking for in today’s game. If you’re a 22-year-old golfer, you’re probably searching for something that looks good both on and off the course, and the P1 fits the bill. But does the Pluto P1 actually perform well on the course? Let’s find out.
Pluto P1
Price: $159
Sizing: True to size
Fit
In the product listing, Pluto Golf suggests sizing up a half size for a roomier fit; but I found the Pluto P1 fit well with my normal size 11.5.
I even felt additional room within the shoe in some spots. While extremely minimal, I experienced slight slipping and some looseness at the heel – which leads me to believe that the P1 may be slightly wider than the average golf shoe. So if you have wide feet and are drooling over the Pluto P1’s aesthetic, it might be worth the risk of testing it out. But if you’re on the fence in the first place and have wide feet, you can always shop another brand with truly wide foot friendly options.
Traction
The rubberized traction on the bottom of the shoe is minimal. The Pluto P1 features varying shapes on the bottom of the shoe from heel to toe. In my professional opinion, this traction is too simplistic to handle every shot and condition on the golf course.
In a completely dry climate, the Pluto P1 is an acceptable choice. There are better options, but the P1 can at least hold its own in those dry conditions.
The minute moisture touches the ground, however, all bets are off. I noticed a lot of slippage while swinging my clubs in wet conditions. Simply walking in wet conditions with the Pluto P1 on foot caused potential for slippage.
So, if you’re looking for a golf shoe with amazing traction and/or something that can handle changeable weather, look elsewhere.
Cushion
I wore the Pluto P1 on the course, at work, and out and about for my testing. After 30+ hours on my feet, I can confidently say that the Pluto P1 is an admirable option with regard to comfort.
The cushion is more firm than I’m used to which led to slight arch soreness.
It’s comparable to most other streetwear-type golf shoes. The insole is small and thin but provides a little additional cushioning. Like I said though, it’s firm cushioning (Pluto doesn’t state what type of foam is used within the rubber cupsole).
You won’t get the same experience you get with something like Lightstrike Pro from Adidas, but you won’t be disappointed by the Pluto P1 either. So while the setup provided doesn’t deserve an A grade, it’s better than a C. I guess I’d feel comfortable giving it a B… I wish I could say the Pluto P1 is “better than most”, but I’d place it pretty much in the middle of the pack when it comes to its midsole.
Support
Similar to the cushioning, there isn’t anything too crazy about the support offered by the Pluto P1, other than the fact that it feels slightly uneven…
I felt there was more support toward the back of the shoe than at the front. The insole is the main culprit for the unbalanced footing. I took the insole out and tried the Pluto P1 on and realized clearly that my foot felt more natural.
The insole added comfort but compromised arch support and cushion.
This led to minimal soreness in the arches of my feet. It wasn’t anything major, but I definitely felt some minor wear and tear after testing the Pluto P1.
If you have sensitive arches, be aware that you might experience similar soreness.
Price
At $159, I have two major thoughts regarding the price point of the Pluto P1.
On one hand, if you’re only using the P1 for on-course play, $159 is a bit steep.
On the other, if you’re planning on using the P1 both on and off the course, $159 isn’t terrible.
For reference though, the Jordan 1 Low G is currently retailing for just over $125. The Jordan 1 Low G is trusted and similar when it comes to style but features slightly better traction and overall performance at a lower price point.
I’m not saying $159 is categorically too much for the P1; I’m simply suggesting that you should make an informed decision based on whether you’re hoping to compete or play golf casually – or perhaps with more of an eye toward aesthetics than performance.
Pluto P1 Summary
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed testing the Pluto P1. In fact, it might be added to my regular rotation. Although the traction wasn’t the best in the world, the Pluto P1 is a great shoe for a casual round on a dry day.
I’m part of the generation that focuses a lot more on style, so I’m confident that the sleek look of the P1 has added to my love for this shoe. I felt clean and stylish everywhere I went.
If you’re a casual golfer looking for a hybrid golf shoe that looks and feels good on and off the course, the P1 will be a good option for you.
If you’re a competitive golfer who swings hard and is focused on footwear that performs, you should look elsewhere. Because there are spikeless options that are much better (and less expensive).
But, all in all, I enjoyed the Pluto P1.
How the Author Golfs
Tyler Allred (19 handicap): Golfs 2-3 times a week spending the bulk of his time playing actual rounds. Mostly pushes himself to improve every part of his game, but also enjoys a casual round of golf every now and then.
Disclosure
While Pluto did send a pair of the Pluto P1 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
