Once upon a time, it seemed like every golf equipment entity was jumping into the high-toe full-faced wedge segment, making it feel a lot like the style was destined to become a permanent part of the wedge market. While the trend might not draw the same sort of prevalence or emotional reactions that it once did, the design is certainly here to stay, and TaylorMade is at the forefront.
In fact, today’s introduction of the all-new Hi-Toe 5 wedges marks what might be the most evolved version of the concept that we have seen, with things having changed significantly since their debut way back in 2018.
The Hi-Toe 5 takes a page out of their traditionally shaped brethren’s playbook by going fully forged, a move that has made TaylorMade’s MG5 the #1 Forged Wedge in Golf. By creating continuity across their wedges in both finish and feel, the brand believes that the Hi-Toe design might just enter an all new era of relevance.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5: Designed to be Different
If you have been around as long as some of us, then you undoubtedly remember the wild trends on Tour that led to the high toe wedge finding its way into the bags of golfers everywhere. However, for those of you who are more recent into the ever changing golf equipment scene, the Hi-Toe was an answer by TaylorMade to the emergence of the PM Grind as well as a surprising resurgence of the EYE2 wedges.
The shaping itself combined with the unique sole geometry that it allowed compared to traditionally shaped bladed wedges meant an opportunity for a massive amount of greenside and bunker playability. However, at that time, it also meant not winning any beauty pageants.
Fresh off the heels of debuting the MG wedges and finding new levels of success in the segment, TaylorMade looked at the trend and thought that their Milled Grind platform could allow them to do it in a much cleaner way. They were right, as the Hi-Toe set the tone for what the shaping could be, with many manufacturers following suit to create more visually complete high-toe and full-face options that you weren’t ashamed to be seen at the course with.
Forging the Future of TaylorMade Wedges
The decision to take the Hi-Toe 5 into the world of forged construction was done as much for the allure that such construction has over golfers as it was to unify the two wedge lines (MG5 and Hi-Toe 5) together. By forging both wedge shapes from soft carbon steel, you not only get the “feel” aspect, but also continuity and the potential to increase blending comfort for those who desire it.
Naturally, the discussion of just how beneficial, or not, having a wedge be forged varies from company to company. Those who offer it claim it is superior, while at the same time the most played wedge in golf remains cast. Unsurprisingly, TaylorMade is a big believer in the decision to go forged and the potential it brings to the table for them. No matter if it is better or not, forged wedges will wear faster than cast, so that is certainly something to keep in mind.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Face Technology
Saw Grooves and Spin Tread
Even with being a fully forged design, the Hi-Toe 5 is also keeping the marquee wedge technologies that TaylorMade has created over the five generations of Milled Grind. When it comes to the face, raw remains the name of the game, removing the plating between the ball and grooves, which is what maximizes spin, but can allow for faster wear.
Each Hi-Toe 5 face also features TaylorMade’s Saw Grooves from heel to toe across the entirety of the surface. This saw milling of grooves means that the engineers have been able to create steeper sidewalls with a sharper internal radius than conventional methods. Combined with the Spin Tread technology, which laser etches micro channels on the face, the design is intended to improve surface friction as well as debris/moisture removal, creating a recipe for spin maximization as well as consistency.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Grinds
There is a total of five different grinds available across lofts from 50 degrees all the way up to 60. What was once considered by some to be a one trick pony is now a design which can be carried in all of your wedges, if you choose.
The decision to offer so many grinds though is not just to get as many wedges into bags as possible, but to ensure there is something for whatever combination of swing, turf, or playing style golfers throw at the designs.
Naturally, it makes sense to take a closer look at just what each grind brings to the table:
ATS Grind
This is TaylorMade’s core grind, and their most popular. Think of it as the yeoman’s grind, doing work that fits the widest variety of styles and skills. The key is in a four-way cambered sole that allows open and closed face versatility without sacrificing square faced playability.
TaylorMade is offering the ATS in 50.09, 52.09, 54.10, 56.10, 58.10, and 60.10 loft options.
ATV Grind
The ATV grind does indeed get its name from “All Terrain Versatility” and one of the most unique wedge lines the brand ever released. The shaping of the sole is concave with an asymmetric bounce which is mid-to-high on square shots, but lower when opened up. It also has beveled leading edge to minimize turf interaction prior to impact.
As for lofts, the ATV is offered only in lob wedge lofts 58.11 and 60.11.
ATW Grind
If you are a golfer who loves effective bounce and knows how to use it, then the ATW might just be the one to look at when it comes to Hi-Toe 5. This sole is all about forgiveness, especially in softer conditions or as a bunker club for those who want straightforward playability.
The ATW is offered in sand and lob with 56.14 and 60.14 lofts.
ATX Grind
Perhaps the most complex sole design of the five, the ATX is a mid-high bounce but uses three different sole ledges that work in sequence according to TaylorMade. Translation? The leading edge offers forgiveness for steeper swings, the center ledge stabilizes the head through impact, and a more narrow trailing edge ensures the wedge exits the turf as quickly as possible.
Like the ATV, the ATX is offered in a duo of lob wedge lofts, here though that means a touch more bounce at 58.12 and 60.12.
ATC Grind
Finally, the ATC is unique in a couple of ways. First, it is a low bounce shaping that has a reverse-C trailing edge and much narrower overall sole width to improve playability on tighter lies with shallower angles of attack. Second, it is a custom order only grind that will not be stocked in stores.
The ATC can be ordered in 58.08 and 60.08.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 Pricing and Availability
Each Hi-Toe wedge is paired with the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g Black or UST Mamiya Recoil DART 80g as standard shaft options. The iconic Aged Copper finish will be the retail option, while custom orders will be able to request Satin Chrome.
As has become standard for the brand, there will be a MyHi-Toe 5 program that will bring virtually limitless aesthetic customization to your fingertips, as well as some unique finish options like raw and charcoal black.
For both the Hi-Toe 5 and MyHi-Toe 5, pre-orders begin on 8/6/2026 with product at retail beginning 9/3/2026. The standard versions will be priced at $199.99 while the MyHi-Toe 5 wedges will start at $249.99.
For more information be sure to visit TaylorMadeGolf.com.
- James Miles
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