New Balance might have just created the top release for college football fans.

I’m not talking about the cringey licensed gear at your local sporting goods store. I’m talking about an already good golf shoe with an emphasis on some of the most iconic college football programs of all time.

Picture this: It’s a Saturday in early September. You’ve got a tee time at 1:30 and your team takes the field at 6. This Saturday is different. Instead of lacing up your old golf shoes, you step into something that embodies that Saturday excitement.

Introducing the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush.

To sweeten the pot, the Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush isn’t just for looks. We put them to the test in this year’s spikeless shoe testing and they scored a solid 9.2/10.

I walked nine holes a while back with the Fresh Foam Contend v3 and I was impressed at the minimal foot fatigue after four miles. The removable insole is a step up from most competitors in the space, with a solid quarter inch helping increase comfort.

I did notice some rubbing at the heels but this went away after the first round. I would recommend wearing thicker socks and lacing up tighter than usual while you break them in.

Featured schools

At the time of writing, New Balance offers nine colors on their site and additional colors can be found in other stores. I’ve decided seven of those colors reflect a collegiate program.

To the best of my ability, I’ve determined that the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v3 Color Rush is suited for fans of these top programs:

• LSU Tigers
• North Carolina Tarheels
• Michigan Wolverines
• Texas Longhorns
• Oregon Ducks
• (THE) Ohio State Buckeyes
• Louisville Cardinals

I lived just outside of Louisville for a while so it felt fitting to rock the pair that reflects the Cardinals colors. I loved pairing my Louisville Cardinals football hat with the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush (even if it looked a little over the top).

Final thoughts

I’m all-in on the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush.

For $109.99, you’re not just getting a golf shoe that matches your favorite team, you’re getting a shoe with above-average comfort that scored 9.2 out of 10 in our testing. The Fresh Foam Contend v3 is one of the best spikeless golf shoes that I’ve tested in 2026 and is an easy addition to my list of recommended budget-friendly golf shoes.

If you’re a fan of one of these schools, you’d be silly to pass on buying a pair of the New Balance Contend v3 Color Rush.