For the first several hundred years the game was played there were no “golf shoes.” Players teed it up wearing what they wore any time they went outdoors such as hob nail soled shoes or boots. The idea of golf specific shoes became accepted early in the 20th century and finally shoes came to be thought of as much a part of golfers’ equipment as clubs and balls. But golf shoes still pretty much looked alike and were not designed necessarily to help the wearer score lower.
Over time metal spikes gave way to plastic cleats but that was about it with only occasional individualizations for style or performance. Famously, pro golfer Doug Saunders was said to have a pair of shoes matching every pair of slacks in his closet…and he had a big closet, while Ben Hogan had a 12th spike in the sole of his right shoe for added stability. So, performance enhancing, stylish and comfortable describes today’s golf shoes and to help you be an informer buyer New England Golf Monthly takes a peak at some of the models currently on the market.
Oakley doesn’t just make sunglasses but also golf shoes such as the Full-Auto Tour ($170). Designed with the serious amateur or professional in mind they have a full grain leather upper and liner and are truly waterproof. Oakley Poromeric construction provides breathability and the insole wicks moisture away while the shock absorbing qualities make the Full-Auto Tour comfortable the entire round.
Nike Golf has Tiger Woods under contract and over the years the former world’s number one has made lots of news but in the hotly contested shoe business arena the news was him switching from a traditional golf shoe to one based on the Nike Free running shoe. Recently he is wearing a modified but similar sneaker-looking shoe called the TW ‘13. The change of course, was not for the sake of starting a new fashion trend but to help Woods’ surgically repaired knee. Should you like to get in the swing with Tiger, the TW ’13 is $220.00.
FootJoy, owned by Acushnet Golf, has popular models in every shoe category and the youthful looking style orientated FJ Sports are no exception. Though modestly priced (online for $69.99) the Sport has full grain leather uppers, an external heel stabilizer and 2-year waterproof warranty. They have a breathable liner and an EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) comfort bed that remains the same for the life of the shoe.
Dawgs Golf Ultralite Golf Shoes ($49.95) for men and women combine a forward-looking style with extremely light weight. Made from a highly quality plastic resin, they are shock absor bing and protect both heel and foot. Non-replaceable cleats provide lots of traction and the Velcro closure is quick to adjust.
Adidas’ Samba line gained fame in the 1950s as an indoor soccer shoe and now days it has evolved into a classically styled leather golf shoe. Samba’s feature a suede toe-guard, a tan gum sole and are equipped with six cleats plus adidas’ low profile ThinTech technology to improve traction and stability. Street price is $100 a pair.
When you hear “Puma Golf,” Ricky Fowler pops to mind decked out in an orange ensemble and Ricky’s shoes are Puma’s Super Cell Fusion Ice model. They have waterproof leather uppers, a decoupled heel/toe for a smooth transition from swing to follow-through plus a lightweight outsole. SRP is $220 a pair and yes, they come in orange.
Kikkor Golf, of Abbotsford, British Columbia, makes shoes targeting fashion-minded younger golfers who want style, looks and performance. The Tour Class shoe for example has a leather upper, a waterproof warranty, a mid-sole designed for stability and a foam lining under the tongue and around the collar. Traction is provided by what Kikkor calls the VEKTRboard Traction System comprised of several dozen undercut angled cleats placed across the sole. Tour Class shoes offer a cutting edge golf look plus comfortableperformance and two pairs of laces for $109.99.
Etonic Golf shoes have a reputation for quality and the new Difference line enhances that reputation. This athletic-inspired design features a microfiber upper lining for comfort and a special material to reduce heat and moisture more than 40 percent to help the foot stay cool and dry even in the hottest weather. The out sole makes use of Etonic’s best-in-class PowerUp Technology Outsole System for traction, flexibility and stability. Reasonably priced at $100.
Ryan Moore is one of the hottest golfers on the PGA Tour and wears True Linkswear shoes. The True Tour model uses the company’s very comfortable “Barefoot Platform” introduced a few years ago along with waterproof leather uppers, memory foam heel and cleat-less sole. Interestingly, all True’s come in only one width with the TRUE Tour designed to accommodate men’s widths B-EEEE. This is made possible because the wearer’s heel is kept snugly in place while the sock-fit liner holds the mid-foot secure and the wide-toe box allows toes to spread out. Look for the True Tour at $149 a pair.
Oregon Mudders Winters are not your average golf shoe…in fact they don’t even look like golf shoes. Winters are made for cold weather, wet weather golf. There are two models the Six Inch ($99.99), which is really a boot and the Oxford ($89.99) and neither is anything but stylish but they do keep your feet warm and dry when playing in bad conditions. They have a microfiber upper, a breathable waterproof membrane and a light weight five-piece, dual-density golf traction foot bed plus durable small metal spikes.
Lady golfers have the chance to choose the fashion and performance of Tip Tee Toe wedge heel shoes golf shoes. Spike-less with magnetic strap closures, they have leather uppers plus “all-day wearing” comfort. The wedge shape promotes proper balance during the swing and conforms to the Rules of Golf. Contemporary, innovative and stylish are only some of the descriptive words from women who play in Tip Tee Toe shoes. $95 at several online stores.
Sandbaggers Golf Shoes make a variety of ladies shoes and one of their newest models is the Jenny ($114.50), just the thing for summer golf. This comfortable golf sandal features a Lycra and leather upper with a molded foot bed providing support for the entire foot. In addition there’s an adjustable heel strap and TR grip soles.
Callaway Golf is heavily promoting the new RAZR club line and have branded their new line of shoes with the same name. RAZR shoes have waterproof leather uppers, foam microbial insoles and a moisture wicking lining making them a good choice in the mid-price range category at $184.99.
Danish shoe maker Ecco’s line of shoes includes a unique model with uppers made from yak leather, the Biom Golf Hybrid ($190). Yak leather is not a gimmick in this sporty light weight shoe but used for its breathability and performance in even difficult weather. Ecco designed the Biom to be cleat-less, and to ensure a good grip uses instead 150 traction bars across the sole.
Ashworth Golf’s Cardiff line ($99.95) introduced last year has become extremely popular for good reason. Cardiff has the performance features of high quality traditional golf shoes, the comfort of a casual shoe and a trendy stylish look. Suede accents the tumbled, full-grain leather upper while the soft molded-rubber outsole provides a lowprofile fit without the sensation of traditional spikes. With a 2-year waterproof warranty, Cardiff combines performance, style and comfort at a great price.
About Ed Travis
Ed Travis is a well known golf journalist and writes the monthly Player's Perspective column appearing in New England Golf Monthly. He carries a 1-handicap and with his wife lives on a water hazard in suburban Orlando.
