Today’s shoes can match any type of style or personality, and these new models boast all the technology you want for power and comfort.
Here are eight you should slip on this summer:
ECCO BIOM COOL PRO
The new Ecco Biom Cool Pro features the company’s innovative Fluidform Direct Comfort Technology – a ‘state change’ process that uses specialised fluid materials to form around an anatomical last, ensuring a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, while also creating a flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched or glued assemblies.
A Biom Natural Motion last, based on scans of more than 1,000 athletes’ feet, mirrors the contours of the human foot, enabling it to move more naturally, closer to the ground, and forms like a second-skin around the foot.
Ecco’s Tri-Fi-Grip outsole ensures multi-purpose zonal performance for excellent grip, stability, durability and flexibility, while the upper of the shoe is manufactured using extra strong, durable and thin Ecco Rich Two-Tone Yak leather from Ecco’s own tanneries that is perforated on the forefoot, with a natural touch, sporty surface that has equal amounts of matte and shine. Gore-Tex Surround offers 100 percent waterproof construction and 360-degree breathability, to keep your feet dry and comfortable. RRP: $329.95
See americangolf.com.au for more.
ADIDAS TOUR360 XT
Adidas Golf has unveiled the Tour360 XT Primeknit, which features a waterproof knit upper, giving players a new level of comfort without sacrificing any performance on the course.
Golfers want a shoe that is comfortable above anything else. When they walk off the 18th green, they want their feet to feel as fresh as they did when they stepped onto the first tee. The premium knit upper in the Tour360 XT Primeknit gives players a soft feel every time they play. Beyond the comfort, the special yarns that make up the upper of the shoe are designed to repel water, keeping feet dry while still giving players breathability and stability where they need it most. The shoe also is highlighted by the eight-cleat X-Traxion outsole, the best traction system Adidas has made to date. Players will also appreciate the full-length Boost midsole, providing an added level of comfort and energy return so that every hole feels like your first.
The Tour360 XT Primeknit comes in three colourways: grey, black and active teal. RRP: $259
See adidas.com/us/golf for more.
TRUE LINKSWEAR MAJOR
Recently launched to rave reviews in the United States, True linkswear’s new Major shoe is now available in Australia and New Zealand via local distributor Jack Oliver Golf Co. True’s premium offering, the Major is built to stand up to any weather, last longer than any shoe in their history, yet feel like your favourite sneaker straight out of the box. In a nod to the environment, True has ditched cardboard packaging in favour of a quality reusable shoe/gear bag. RRP: $279
Learn more at jackolivergolf.com.au
UNDER ARMOUR HOVR DRIVE
The challenge when trying to make a golf shoe that feels soft is making sure that it’s not too soft, and it still responds to the natural movement of your feet in the golf swing in an effective way. Under Armour, while designing the HOVR Drive, looked to accomplish this by making their own cushioning material called HOVR to perform how golfers expect a golf shoe to. The HOVR material runs the length of the shoe to help do just that.
The new technology allows the shoe to be soft and flexible, while still being supportive. Also adding to comfort is a new toe box design that is wider at the forefoot. The upper is made of microfibre, which helps lower the overall weight of the shoe.
For traction, there are two different types of spikes on the outsole that address movements of a variety of directions. The RST 2.0 spike is designed to keep your foot in contact with the ground during rotational movements throughout the swing. For horizontal movement, Under Armour chose to use Softspike Silver Tornado spikes. Together with traction elements, these spikes will keep you locked in – no matter how hard you swing. RRP: $249
See wsports.com.au/underarmour for more.
SKECHERS GO GOLF ELITE V.3
Skechers Go Golf Elite V.3 can be described in three words: comfort, comfort, comfort. This waterproof shoe features an all-new spikeless-designed traction outsole for stability on the green, keeping you stable and comfortable so you can focus on your game. The full grain leather, deco-stitched upper has H2GO Shield waterproof protection and the low drop is designed to keep your foot low to the ground in a neutral position. The lightweight, responsive 5Gen cushioning and high-performance Resamax cushioned insole gives you maximum comfort, while the TPU bottom plate ensures added durability. RRP: $199
Check out your local on-course stockists for more information.
FOOTJOY CONTOUR & CONTOUR CASUAL
FootJoy’s new Contour and Contour Casual shoes provide maximum comfort and cushioning via an outsole that has been constructed using an on-trend cup sole design. Street shoes that feature ‘Cup Soles’ are typically heavier due to the dense rubber material in the outsole. However, in designing this shoe for golf, FootJoy was able to reduce weight by replacing rubber with an EVA wedge. This also offers the benefit of greater underfoot cushioning. Contour Series shoes are the go-to comfort shoe in golf and this new edition is wrapped in a buttery soft NappaLuxe leather, which is 100 percent waterproof for year-round play. RRP: $229.95 (Contour); $199.95 (BOA lacing); $189.95 (Contour Casual)
Available now. See footjoy.com.au for more.
CALLAWAY DEL MAR
While walking the links, let your feet relax in comfort in Callaway Del Mar golf shoes. Clean meets comfort with the company’s soft-colour scheme, sleekly styled shoes that draw some looks, but won’t bring enough attention to interrupt your swing. But don’t be fooled, each pair comes packed with performance technologies, including a microfibre leather upper with Opti-Dri waterproof protection, a Dura-rubber spikeless outsole with multi-directional traction lugs, and an extra-thick PU insole for superior comfort. The Opti-vent mesh liner for breathability and heat management is backed up with one-year limited waterproof warranty. RRP: $139.99
See callawaygolf.com.au for more.
PUMA IGNITE NXT
Puma’s iconic Ignite spikeless franchise has gone to the “NXT” level with the release of this striking family that includes three unique lacing options.
According to Puma, the NXT line is “built from the ground up” using the company’s Pro-Form TPU outsole with an organically altered traction pattern.
“An Ignite Foam midsole, wrapped in SoleShield for added durability, provides unparalleled comfort and energy return to help you feel and play your best all day long,” says Cobra Puma Golf’s Matthew Farley.
I was intrigued, and as someone who is prone to getting sore feet after 18 holes, I put the new army-coloured Solelace model to the test. I was immediately impressed with how the laces completely enveloped my big hoof (size 14), offering 360-degree support and some pretty sleek looks that even got the nod of approval from the wife, the biggest critic of my golf wardrobe.
While the process of putting these on was a learning experience – don’t be put off by the initial tight squeeze of the Solelace model – the upper features a flat-knit waterproof mesh vamp with PWRFrame reinforcement and, combined with Puma’s PWRCage pieces, really provides a feeling of a secure fit. So comfortable, in fact, I now find I wear these puppies as casual street shoes when I’m not on the fairways.
Being a bigger build myself, I need added support underneath my feet to avoid aches and pains – it’s my No.1 priority in any new golf shoe purchase, regardless of how it looks or promises to perform. The NXT’s Ignite Foam gives me that required cushioning and more.
Another striking feature of the NXT line is unquestionably the sole. The 100-or-so strategically placed directional hexagon lugs for increased traction throughout the swing are no gimmick. They deliver superb grip and power for my aggressive swing speed, and the bright red sole certainly turns heads.
“These are the fastest growing shoe under $200 in the country,” adds Farley, who found it impossible to hide his excitement.
“What’s not to like? They’re cool, comfy and deliver unparalleled performance at a fantastic price point for Aussies.”
The Puma Ignite NXT line certainly ticks a lot of boxes… from the ground up, as it happens.
RRP: $169.95 (solelace/laced); $179.95 (disc)
Check out cobragolf.com/pumagolf for more.
