An advance thanks to anyone who can tell us what shoes Cristie Kerr wore in her stunning LPGA win...
PGA Tour – Travelers Championship
Winner – Bubba Watson
Shoes – FootJoy
European PGA Tour – BMW International Open
Winner – David Horsey
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Icon
Champions Tour – Dick's Sporting Goods Open
Winner – Loren Roberts
Shoes – FootJoy DryJoys
Nationwide Tour – Mexico Open
Winner – Jamie Lovemark
Shoes – Nike Air Zoom Elite
Monday 28 June 2010
Monday 21 June 2010
McDowell's win huge for Stuburt
A lesser-known golf shoes brand got a huge boost with Graeme McDowell's U.S. Open win. McDowell strode to victory in shoes made by England-based Stuburt, a company founded in 1860 but now truly on the golf map.Stuburt's stable of pros includes McDowell's fellow Northern Irishmen Darren Clarke and Gareth Maybin, England's David Howell and prominent female pro Trish Johnson. Over the years, Stuburt has also made shoes for soccer, yachting and ice skating.
Note: We incorrectly reported on June 7 that McDowell wore FootJoys in his win at the Wales Open; Stuburt was his choice.
Friday 18 June 2010
Golf shoes: Unique models turning heads
The best way to stand out on the golf course is with a sound, smooth swing. This will immediately set you apart from the masses making their lurching, unsightly efforts to get the ball airborne.
If you're not blessed with the grace of an Ernie Els or Sam Snead, you can always resort to an eye-catching ensemble. For those who really want to turn heads and start conversations, there are several golf shoe brands and styles that will do the trick quite nicely.
In addition to traditional styles, today's player can select golf shoes disguised as athletic shoes, skateboard kicks, even sandals and flip-flops. But if it seems the golf shoe has reached its stylistic limits, a few renegade companies beg to differ.
Here's a look at three unique golf shoe models introduced in recent years:
Crocs Ace Golf – Thanks to super chef Mario Batali and his ubiquitous orange clogs, the Crocs brand is known the world over. Not many folks are aware, though, that the company makes a golf shoe in the same style.
The Crocs Ace is a clog featuring the proprietary Croslite material Crocs are famous for. They're light, comfortable and, Crocs claims, extremely stable thanks to an adjustable, heel-hugging Turbo Strap. Circulation nubs are designed to stimulate blood flow while the footbed creates a cushioning, custom fit.
And yes, Crocs Ace golf shoes are equipped with plastic spikes, so don't wear them in the kitchen.
Not only are Crocs a sure conversation starter on the course, they retail for about $40 – half the cost of value-priced traditional golf shoes.
Kikkor Golf -- James Lepp was once a promising golfer. Extremely promising. The British Columbia native claimed the NCAA individual championship in 20
05 as a Washington Husky, besting such stars as J.B. Holmes, Ryan Moore and Spencer Levin.
On the way to fortune and fame at the professional level, however, Lepp lost his spark. For playing competitively, that is. So Lepp launched Kikkor, an “alternative golf footwear brand targeting the younger players at heart,” according to its website.
To fill the hipness void left by old-line manufacturers, Kikkor offers its Eppik and Circle shoes. While the patterns and colors are aimed at a youthful audience, Kikkor shoes feature accepted technology like memory foam and flexible, waterproof leather.
The Kikkor website includes comments from fans, one of whom called his new pair of Eppiks “sick.” That means good. We think.
V-Groove Tool Golf Shoe – Now here's one that came out of left field. Actually, it came from Augusta, Ga., home of the Masters and birthplace of the golf cart.
V-Groove Tool footwear is the brainchild of Anthony L. Griffin, a former military man and devout Christian who calls his patented invention “the world's first multifunctional golf shoe.” It has three support pockets specially designed to hold ball markers, divot repair tools and tees – right on the shoe, within easy grabbing range.
Griffin's product actually takes its name from its unusual sole, which features three separate V-shaped patterns: horizontal, vertical, and on the back of the shoe.
If you're not blessed with the grace of an Ernie Els or Sam Snead, you can always resort to an eye-catching ensemble. For those who really want to turn heads and start conversations, there are several golf shoe brands and styles that will do the trick quite nicely.
In addition to traditional styles, today's player can select golf shoes disguised as athletic shoes, skateboard kicks, even sandals and flip-flops. But if it seems the golf shoe has reached its stylistic limits, a few renegade companies beg to differ.
Here's a look at three unique golf shoe models introduced in recent years:
Crocs Ace Golf – Thanks to super chef Mario Batali and his ubiquitous orange clogs, the Crocs brand is known the world over. Not many folks are aware, though, that the company makes a golf shoe in the same style.
The Crocs Ace is a clog featuring the proprietary Croslite material Crocs are famous for. They're light, comfortable and, Crocs claims, extremely stable thanks to an adjustable, heel-hugging Turbo Strap. Circulation nubs are designed to stimulate blood flow while the footbed creates a cushioning, custom fit.
And yes, Crocs Ace golf shoes are equipped with plastic spikes, so don't wear them in the kitchen.
Not only are Crocs a sure conversation starter on the course, they retail for about $40 – half the cost of value-priced traditional golf shoes.
Kikkor Golf -- James Lepp was once a promising golfer. Extremely promising. The British Columbia native claimed the NCAA individual championship in 20
05 as a Washington Husky, besting such stars as J.B. Holmes, Ryan Moore and Spencer Levin.On the way to fortune and fame at the professional level, however, Lepp lost his spark. For playing competitively, that is. So Lepp launched Kikkor, an “alternative golf footwear brand targeting the younger players at heart,” according to its website.
To fill the hipness void left by old-line manufacturers, Kikkor offers its Eppik and Circle shoes. While the patterns and colors are aimed at a youthful audience, Kikkor shoes feature accepted technology like memory foam and flexible, waterproof leather.
The Kikkor website includes comments from fans, one of whom called his new pair of Eppiks “sick.” That means good. We think.
V-Groove Tool Golf Shoe – Now here's one that came out of left field. Actually, it came from Augusta, Ga., home of the Masters and birthplace of the golf cart.
V-Groove Tool footwear is the brainchild of Anthony L. Griffin, a former military man and devout Christian who calls his patented invention “the world's first multifunctional golf shoe.” It has three support pockets specially designed to hold ball markers, divot repair tools and tees – right on the shoe, within easy grabbing range.
Griffin's product actually takes its name from its unusual sole, which features three separate V-shaped patterns: horizontal, vertical, and on the back of the shoe.
Monday 14 June 2010
Winners' shoes this week
PGA Tour – St. Jude Classic
Winner – Lee Westwood
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Icon
European PGA Tour – Estoril Open de Portugal
Winner – Thomas Bjorn
Shoes – ECCO
LPGA Tour – State Farm Classic (final round postponed)
Note: The Champions and Nationwide Tours took the week off.
Winner – Lee Westwood
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Icon
European PGA Tour – Estoril Open de Portugal
Winner – Thomas Bjorn
Shoes – ECCO
LPGA Tour – State Farm Classic (final round postponed)
Note: The Champions and Nationwide Tours took the week off.
Thursday 10 June 2010
Adidas drapes golf shoes in U.S. flag
You may have noticed that adidas has been on a roll lately. A bevy of pros have worn the company's golf shoes while marching to victory in recent months, including Tim Clarke (The Players), Justin Rose (The Memorial), Tom Lehman (Senior PGA Championship), Jason Day (HP Byron Nelson) and Se Ri Pak (Bell Micro Classic).
The venerable brand isn't resting on its laurels, though. This week, adidas made two announcements it hopes will boost its profile and profits.
First off, the company unveiled a limited edition of its TOUR360 4.0 shoe in a “USA Flag” design, which will be worn by its stable of American pro golfers at the 110th U.S. Open – June 17-20 at Pebble Beach Golf Links – and the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales.
The shoe features a red, white and blue color scheme and an American flag on the rear quarter. Only 3,500 pairs will be available for retail purchase at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $180.
Players scheduled to debut the TOUR360 4.0 USA Flag shoe at the U.S. Open include Sean O'Hair, Kenny Perry, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Fred Funk and Matt Bettencourt. All Yanks, of course.
"Our team of designers and engineers wanted to make a bold statement and showcase to the world the style and innovation that exists behind every adidas golf shoe," said Dave Ortley, Senior Director of Global Footwear.
"Thanks to tremendous tour validation, the adidas golf TOUR360 4.0 is already revered as one of the most successful golf shoes in the industry and we believe this limited edition version will help to build the legendary franchise even more."
Adidas calls the TOUR360 4.0 “the lowest shoe in golf” thanks to its THiNTech cleat and attachment system. The company says this technology is 32% lower than conventional systems, improving stability, balance, power, footwork and feedback.
In addition, adidas has expanded its adiPURE line of apparel and footwear to include women's items. For now, the offerings are limited to shirts, pants, skorts and sweaters. No word yet if and when adiPURE golf shoes for women will be added to the mix.
Friday 4 June 2010
Golf shoes FAQ, Part II
Turns out our last installment left a few unanswered questions. This Q&A covers a bit more ground...
Q: What are golf shoes made of?
A: Sugar and spice and everything nice. Sorry, that's little girls.
A whole host of natural and synthetic materials make up an ordinary golf shoe. Aside from leather – real or faux – the short list includes thermoplastic urethane (TPU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and silicone. These space-age products are used to form soles, heels, liners, tongues, collars and other parts and pieces.
Q: I'm a casual kind of guy. Are there golf shoes made to match my personality?
A: Are sandals casual enough for you? How about flip-flops?
Some golf sandals don't include spikes, but most do. And yes, they strap on tight enough to provide ample stability. Golf flip-flops could prove a little trickier, but hey, if you're that laid-back then surely you have an easy-going swing.
Gals who'd rather not dress to the nines for a quick nine can opt for golf sandals, too. A simple web search will turn up dozens of styles.
Q: Is it a hassle to break in new golf shoes?
A: Generally, not at all. Depending on how well they fit, many are comfortable right out of the box. For those that feel a little stiff, the best way to break them in is simply to wear them. Unfortunately, spikes make golf shoes less than ideal indoors, but if you're not embarrassed wearing them in the yard, that's one easy trick.
Q: Are golf shoes high-maintenance?
A: If you want to keep any nice pair of shoes looking sharp, a little extra care is always a good idea.
For starters, put them on using a shoe horn to protect the heel counter and avoid blistering. After the round, wipe down leather or synthetic uppers with a shoe cleaner or mild soap and water. If your shoes are white, use an appropriately colored cleaner to remove blemishes like scuff marks. Polish white or dark shoes after cleaning.
Treat nubuck leather – the kind with a soft, fibrous texture – with a specially made cleaner and brush. By all means, follow the instructions.
For soaked shoes, stuff some newspaper inside to absorb the moisture. Using a hair dryer or sticking your shoes next to a heat source are strongly discouraged. Shoe trees are highly recommended.
Q: How often should I change my spikes?
A: Every three months, or 3,000 miles.
Make that every 10-15 rounds of golf, according to the spike manufacturers. Depending on your gait, spikes on different areas of your soles may wear out faster. Check them every so often and swap out any spikes that have lost more than a quarter or so of length.
Q: Is replacing spikes a difficult process?
A: It's a lot easier than changing your oil. In fact, replacing plastic cleats is a snap compared with the old metal ones. All it takes is a ratchet-like tool made specifically for the job, a couple of twists to pop out the old, a couple more to screw in the new, and voila – your traction is back.
Q: What are golf shoes made of?
A: Sugar and spice and everything nice. Sorry, that's little girls.
A whole host of natural and synthetic materials make up an ordinary golf shoe. Aside from leather – real or faux – the short list includes thermoplastic urethane (TPU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and silicone. These space-age products are used to form soles, heels, liners, tongues, collars and other parts and pieces.
Q: I'm a casual kind of guy. Are there golf shoes made to match my personality?
A: Are sandals casual enough for you? How about flip-flops?
Some golf sandals don't include spikes, but most do. And yes, they strap on tight enough to provide ample stability. Golf flip-flops could prove a little trickier, but hey, if you're that laid-back then surely you have an easy-going swing.
Gals who'd rather not dress to the nines for a quick nine can opt for golf sandals, too. A simple web search will turn up dozens of styles.
Q: Is it a hassle to break in new golf shoes?
A: Generally, not at all. Depending on how well they fit, many are comfortable right out of the box. For those that feel a little stiff, the best way to break them in is simply to wear them. Unfortunately, spikes make golf shoes less than ideal indoors, but if you're not embarrassed wearing them in the yard, that's one easy trick.
Q: Are golf shoes high-maintenance?
A: If you want to keep any nice pair of shoes looking sharp, a little extra care is always a good idea.
For starters, put them on using a shoe horn to protect the heel counter and avoid blistering. After the round, wipe down leather or synthetic uppers with a shoe cleaner or mild soap and water. If your shoes are white, use an appropriately colored cleaner to remove blemishes like scuff marks. Polish white or dark shoes after cleaning.
Treat nubuck leather – the kind with a soft, fibrous texture – with a specially made cleaner and brush. By all means, follow the instructions.
For soaked shoes, stuff some newspaper inside to absorb the moisture. Using a hair dryer or sticking your shoes next to a heat source are strongly discouraged. Shoe trees are highly recommended.
Q: How often should I change my spikes?
A: Every three months, or 3,000 miles.
Make that every 10-15 rounds of golf, according to the spike manufacturers. Depending on your gait, spikes on different areas of your soles may wear out faster. Check them every so often and swap out any spikes that have lost more than a quarter or so of length.
Q: Is replacing spikes a difficult process?
A: It's a lot easier than changing your oil. In fact, replacing plastic cleats is a snap compared with the old metal ones. All it takes is a ratchet-like tool made specifically for the job, a couple of twists to pop out the old, a couple more to screw in the new, and voila – your traction is back.
Monday 31 May 2010
Near sweep for FootJoy this weekend
Shoes worn by winners of major pro tour events, weekend of May 30:
PGA Tour – Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
Winner – Zach Johnson
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Sport (1st tour win for this model)
European PGA Tour – Madrid Masters
Winner – Luke Donald
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Icon
Champions Tour – Senior PGA Championship
Winner – Tom Lehman
Shoes – adidas TOUR360 4.0
LPGA Tour – HSBC LPGA Brazil Cup
Winner – Meaghan Francella
Shoes – FootJoy
Friday 28 May 2010
FAQs about today's golf shoes
Everything you always wanted to know about golf footwear, but were afraid to ask...
Q: Aren't golf shoes for old fuddy-duddies?
A: If you consider guys likes Jason Day, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler old fuddy-duddies, then yes. True, for them golf shoes are technically work shoes, but there's a dazzling array of fashionable – yes, fashionable – styles to choose from.
You don't have to wear traditional or even semi-conventional golf shoes, either. Popular templates include the athletic shoe, skater-inspired street models, even sandals – spikes and all.
Q: I'm getting back into golf after several years away from the game. My old shoes have metal spikes, which I know are banned by most courses. Can I replace them with plastic cleats, or do I need to buy a whole new pair of shoes?
A: Plastic cleats come in a variety of different thread sizes, so odds are there's one that will fit your outdated soles. You can remove one of your metal spikes and check the size, then find its plastic match. Or, take your shoes to a local golf course or retailer and ask them to help.
Of course, given the advanced age of your steel-studded shoes, investing in a new pair might be a better idea – especially if your old-school kicks have tassels.
Q: Do professionals still prefer metal spikes over plastic?
A: Some do, but most have switched to soft spikes. If there's one thing pros hate more than an early tee time, it's bumpy greens, and metal spikes are notorious for damaging tender surfaces.
A few years back, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson had a minor dust-up at the Masters over the issue of metal-inflicted spike marks, which by rule can't be repaired when they're in one's own putting line. Fortunately, no one was kicked.
Q: I'm a lousy golfer and usually play in sneakers – will golf shoes help my game?
A: You betcha.
For all the advice about keeping your head down and your left arm straight, balance and stability are every bit as important. Golf shoes' primary advantage over standard athletic shoes is those spikes, which anchor you to the turf. No more sneaker spinouts for you, mate.
Q: Can I get a decent pair of golf shoes for less than $100?
A: Does Tiger Woods like beautiful... trophies?
Nearly every major manufacturer offers a “value” brand in the $50-80 range. These models have most of the lightweight, foot-cradling, performance-enhancing features of their costlier siblings, without expensive extras like calfskin uppers. Even better, you can often find pairs that retail for $150-plus offered at huge discounts in clearance sales.
Q: Aren't golf shoes for old fuddy-duddies?
A: If you consider guys likes Jason Day, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler old fuddy-duddies, then yes. True, for them golf shoes are technically work shoes, but there's a dazzling array of fashionable – yes, fashionable – styles to choose from.
You don't have to wear traditional or even semi-conventional golf shoes, either. Popular templates include the athletic shoe, skater-inspired street models, even sandals – spikes and all.
Q: I'm getting back into golf after several years away from the game. My old shoes have metal spikes, which I know are banned by most courses. Can I replace them with plastic cleats, or do I need to buy a whole new pair of shoes?
A: Plastic cleats come in a variety of different thread sizes, so odds are there's one that will fit your outdated soles. You can remove one of your metal spikes and check the size, then find its plastic match. Or, take your shoes to a local golf course or retailer and ask them to help.
Of course, given the advanced age of your steel-studded shoes, investing in a new pair might be a better idea – especially if your old-school kicks have tassels.
Q: Do professionals still prefer metal spikes over plastic?
A: Some do, but most have switched to soft spikes. If there's one thing pros hate more than an early tee time, it's bumpy greens, and metal spikes are notorious for damaging tender surfaces.
A few years back, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson had a minor dust-up at the Masters over the issue of metal-inflicted spike marks, which by rule can't be repaired when they're in one's own putting line. Fortunately, no one was kicked.
Q: I'm a lousy golfer and usually play in sneakers – will golf shoes help my game?
A: You betcha.
For all the advice about keeping your head down and your left arm straight, balance and stability are every bit as important. Golf shoes' primary advantage over standard athletic shoes is those spikes, which anchor you to the turf. No more sneaker spinouts for you, mate.
Q: Can I get a decent pair of golf shoes for less than $100?
A: Does Tiger Woods like beautiful... trophies?
Nearly every major manufacturer offers a “value” brand in the $50-80 range. These models have most of the lightweight, foot-cradling, performance-enhancing features of their costlier siblings, without expensive extras like calfskin uppers. Even better, you can often find pairs that retail for $150-plus offered at huge discounts in clearance sales.
Thursday 27 May 2010
Ladies first in golf shoe fashion
Where perception is concerned, men's golf apparel just can't outrun the sins of its past. Plaid pants and hideous, ill-fitting shirts leave an indelible impression. Fact is, men can actually play golf without looking ridiculous these days, right down to their shoes.
But when it comes to sporty, stylish clothing for the course, women are miles ahead. Go figure.
Uber-hip players like Natalie Gulbis wouldn't be caught dead in drab, outdated footwear, and that sense of style filters down to amateurs via c
ompanies like adidas, Nike and FootJoy. Ladies golf shoe makers don't do dowdy, stodgy or plain. At least, not if they want to move product.
Bright colors, sleek shapes and daring designs are all the rage among female golfers. It's not all about looks, though. Women's golf shoes are engineered with newfangled performance and comfort features to match the fashion-forward sensibility.
Here are a few of our personal favorites:
Adidas Signature Natalie and Signature Paula
Pinup girl Gulbis and Paula “Pink Panther” Creamer may have fallen short of expectations for their on-course results, but fashion-wise they've made quite an impression. Adidas has smartly capitalized on this star power by giving each golfer her own shoe line.
Gulbis' Signature Natalie (pictured) is a low-profile number with detailed stitching and eye-catching colors. Her logo and rhinestone design accent the heel and tongue. Creamer's Signature Paula shoes incorporate a ribbon graphic, and one model is striped in hot pink. Both Signature lines feature waterproof protection and a form-fitting footbed.
Nike Air Zoom Vapor II
This ultra-lightweight shoe is the sibling of the men's version. Of course, you won't find many guys trodding the fairways in pink or cool mint kicks. (Well, maybe Ian Poulter.) The Air Zoom Vapor II is notable for its one-piece microfiber upper, which is not only waterproof, light and breathable, but stretch resistant. The contoured, removable sockliner is a bonus.
FootJoy Lo Pro Collection
This shoe made our list by virtue of its zebra print model alone. (Wouldn't surprise us if Poulter slipped on a pair of these, either.) The Lo Pro is available in more conservative styles, like white with a cool cloud stroke and black snake print. Full-grain leather uppers and a waterproof warranty aren't too shabby.
But when it comes to sporty, stylish clothing for the course, women are miles ahead. Go figure.
Uber-hip players like Natalie Gulbis wouldn't be caught dead in drab, outdated footwear, and that sense of style filters down to amateurs via c
ompanies like adidas, Nike and FootJoy. Ladies golf shoe makers don't do dowdy, stodgy or plain. At least, not if they want to move product.Bright colors, sleek shapes and daring designs are all the rage among female golfers. It's not all about looks, though. Women's golf shoes are engineered with newfangled performance and comfort features to match the fashion-forward sensibility.
Here are a few of our personal favorites:
Adidas Signature Natalie and Signature Paula
Pinup girl Gulbis and Paula “Pink Panther” Creamer may have fallen short of expectations for their on-course results, but fashion-wise they've made quite an impression. Adidas has smartly capitalized on this star power by giving each golfer her own shoe line.
Gulbis' Signature Natalie (pictured) is a low-profile number with detailed stitching and eye-catching colors. Her logo and rhinestone design accent the heel and tongue. Creamer's Signature Paula shoes incorporate a ribbon graphic, and one model is striped in hot pink. Both Signature lines feature waterproof protection and a form-fitting footbed.
- Also for ladies from adidas: Traxionlite Sport AT, Driver Isabelle 3.0, CC Slingback 2.0, Tech Response 2.0
Nike Air Zoom Vapor II
This ultra-lightweight shoe is the sibling of the men's version. Of course, you won't find many guys trodding the fairways in pink or cool mint kicks. (Well, maybe Ian Poulter.) The Air Zoom Vapor II is notable for its one-piece microfiber upper, which is not only waterproof, light and breathable, but stretch resistant. The contoured, removable sockliner is a bonus.
- Also for ladies from Nike: Air Summer Lite III, Air Brassie II, Nike Ace, Apres 18 Slide (an after-golf flip-flop)
FootJoy Lo Pro Collection
This shoe made our list by virtue of its zebra print model alone. (Wouldn't surprise us if Poulter slipped on a pair of these, either.) The Lo Pro is available in more conservative styles, like white with a cool cloud stroke and black snake print. Full-grain leather uppers and a waterproof warranty aren't too shabby.
- Also for ladies from FootJoy: FJ Summer Series, Dry Joys, Green Joys (including golf sandals)
Monday 24 May 2010
Big week for adidas on Tour
Golf shoes worn by this week's winners on the major pro circuits:
PGA Tour – HP Byron Nelson Championship
Winner – Jason Day
Shoes – adidas adiPURE
Note: Runner-up Blake Adams also wore adiPURE
European PGA Tour – BMW PGA Championship
Winner – Simon Khan
Shoes – adidas adiPURE
LPGA Tour – Sybase Match Play Championship
Winner – Sun Young Yoo
Shoes – FootJoy DryJoys
Nationwide Tour – Rex Hospital Open
Winner – John Riegger
Shoes – FootJoy
PGA Tour – HP Byron Nelson Championship
Winner – Jason Day
Shoes – adidas adiPURE
Note: Runner-up Blake Adams also wore adiPURE
European PGA Tour – BMW PGA Championship
Winner – Simon Khan
Shoes – adidas adiPURE
LPGA Tour – Sybase Match Play Championship
Winner – Sun Young Yoo
Shoes – FootJoy DryJoys
Nationwide Tour – Rex Hospital Open
Winner – John Riegger
Shoes – FootJoy
Saturday 22 May 2010
Golf shoes: Necessity or not?
Skeptics say golf shoes are a pointless extra designed not to help you play better, but to make you spend more in the pro shop. A pair of everyday athletic shoes, they argue, can do the job just as well.
There's no question golfers will drop a pretty penny on a pair of high-end golf shoes. Most major brands offer at least one model fetching $200 or more; a super swanky pair, decked out in calfskin and full-grain leather, can cost upward of $450.
What is this, Sex and the City?
Not really. Decent golf shoes can run as low as $60-75, and $150 will net you a sweet pair, indeed.
The pricetag begs a legitimate question, however: Are the advantages touted by golf shoe companies really worth the cash outlay? Or can a golfer get by wearing his favorite pair of sneakers?
Let's settle the argument by pitting golf shoes against standard-issue running, tennis or other athletic shoes, point by point. May the best fit win:
Comfort
Golf shoes have come a long, long way in this department, primarily by integrating athletic-shoe features into their designs. Still, some golf shoes can take a few rounds to break in. Athletic shoes generally have softer uppers and more flexible soles, making them practically invincible in the comfort category.
Style & variety
Another area in which golf shoes have made major, um, strides. Time was, golf shoes uniformly followed saddle-oxford convention, complete with hideous tassels. Fortunately, those days are but a bad memory.
Again, many of today's golf shoes mimic athletic-shoe styling, to the point that they're nearly indistinguishable. But golfers can choose from a wide variety of designs, from classic oxfords (sans tassels) to kicks that would make a skateboarder envious. Colors, designs and fabric combinations are equally vast.
Athletic shoes, on the other hand, pretty much look like athletic shoes.
Traction & stability
Well, this is a no-brainer. Running shoes grip well enough on dry turf, but they're no match for spike-bottomed golf shoes when the grass is wet. Regardless of conditions, golf shoes provide a level of confidence that is paramount in making a good swing.
Course friendliness
The invention and popularity of so-called “soft spikes” was a blessing to golf course superintendents everywhere. Plastic cleats, now required at most every course, cause far less damage to greens and clubhouse floors than their metal forerunners.
Nonetheless, athletic shoes' spike-free soles are utterly ouchless to precious turf.
Expense
Prices for good golf and athletic shoes are similar. But... Since athletic shoes can be worn off the course, a golfer can in theory skip footwear expenditures altogether by pulling double-duty with his tennis togs.
Intangibles
If you want to play like a real golfer, you need to look like a real golfer. And sporting a pair of shoes that belong on the track or court won't help matters.
Winner by a spike length: Golf shoes
There's no question golfers will drop a pretty penny on a pair of high-end golf shoes. Most major brands offer at least one model fetching $200 or more; a super swanky pair, decked out in calfskin and full-grain leather, can cost upward of $450.
What is this, Sex and the City?
Not really. Decent golf shoes can run as low as $60-75, and $150 will net you a sweet pair, indeed.
The pricetag begs a legitimate question, however: Are the advantages touted by golf shoe companies really worth the cash outlay? Or can a golfer get by wearing his favorite pair of sneakers?
Let's settle the argument by pitting golf shoes against standard-issue running, tennis or other athletic shoes, point by point. May the best fit win:
Comfort
Golf shoes have come a long, long way in this department, primarily by integrating athletic-shoe features into their designs. Still, some golf shoes can take a few rounds to break in. Athletic shoes generally have softer uppers and more flexible soles, making them practically invincible in the comfort category.
- Advantage: Athletic shoes
Style & variety
Another area in which golf shoes have made major, um, strides. Time was, golf shoes uniformly followed saddle-oxford convention, complete with hideous tassels. Fortunately, those days are but a bad memory.
Again, many of today's golf shoes mimic athletic-shoe styling, to the point that they're nearly indistinguishable. But golfers can choose from a wide variety of designs, from classic oxfords (sans tassels) to kicks that would make a skateboarder envious. Colors, designs and fabric combinations are equally vast.
Athletic shoes, on the other hand, pretty much look like athletic shoes.
- Advantage: Golf shoes
Traction & stability
Well, this is a no-brainer. Running shoes grip well enough on dry turf, but they're no match for spike-bottomed golf shoes when the grass is wet. Regardless of conditions, golf shoes provide a level of confidence that is paramount in making a good swing.
- Big advantage: Golf shoes
Course friendliness
The invention and popularity of so-called “soft spikes” was a blessing to golf course superintendents everywhere. Plastic cleats, now required at most every course, cause far less damage to greens and clubhouse floors than their metal forerunners.
Nonetheless, athletic shoes' spike-free soles are utterly ouchless to precious turf.
- Advantage: Athletic shoes
Expense
Prices for good golf and athletic shoes are similar. But... Since athletic shoes can be worn off the course, a golfer can in theory skip footwear expenditures altogether by pulling double-duty with his tennis togs.
- Advantage: Athletic shoes (assuming you don't buy a special pair just for golf)
Intangibles
If you want to play like a real golfer, you need to look like a real golfer. And sporting a pair of shoes that belong on the track or court won't help matters.
- Advantage: Golf shoes
Winner by a spike length: Golf shoes
Monday 17 May 2010
FJ, adidas ruled the week
Here's a quick rundown of the golf shoes worn by winners of major pro events over the weekend:
PGA Tour – Valero Texas Open
Winner – Adam Scott
Shoes – FootJoy FJ Icon (top right)
European PGA Tour – Iberdrola Open
Winner – Peter Hanson
Shoes – adidas TOUR360 4.0 (bottom right)
LPGA Tour – Bell Micro Classic
Winner – Se Ri Pak
Shoes -- adidas
Nationwide Tour -- BMW Charity Pro-Am
Winner – Justin Hicks
Shoes – FootJoy SYNR-G
Friday 14 May 2010
World's best stroll fairways in comfort
Golf equipment geeks can recite the top players' clubs right down to the wedge lofts, driver length, and shaft torque. But how many are familiar with the golf shoes worn by the world's greatest players?
Here's a look at the golf shoe choices of the world's top 5.
1. Tiger Woods – Nike Air Zoom TW 2010
Nike's TW line stretches from head to toe, culminating in these lightweight leather kicks. The Air Zoom TW earns raves in the comfort category, and the styling is sharp too (although some complain that the shoe is on the narrow side).
2. Phil Mickelson – Callaway HX Tour
The HX Tour incorporates Comfortemp material, a non-woven textile originally developed by NASA in the 1960s. (And you wondered what, exactly, we learn from space travel.) Comfortemp's temperature-regulating properties adjust as necessary to prevailing conditions, hot or cold.
3. Steve Stricker – FootJoy SYNR-G
FootJoy's pride and joy, the SYNR-G is lauded for its superb fit and finish. The shoe's most enticing feature may be its Memory Foam collar and tongue; as anyone who has slept on a Memory Foam bed can attest, it's comfortable stuff.
4. Lee Westwood – FootJoy Icon
FootJoy considers the Icon its flagship shoe, for good reason. It's built from a combo of full-grain and calfskin leathers, with a distinctive asymmetrical pattern that's anything but stodgy. Like the SYNR-G, Icons cradle the feet with Memory Foam and are warranted waterproof for two years.
5. Jim Furyk – adidas Tour360 4.0
The company's iconic stripes aren't for every taste, but the ever-consistent Furyk makes it work. The Tour360 4.0 – meaning it's the fourth version of this line – emphasize balance and footwork. Adidas credits the shoe's “360Wrap” unibody construction for making the 4.0 its most stable product to date.
Here's a look at the golf shoe choices of the world's top 5.
1. Tiger Woods – Nike Air Zoom TW 2010
Nike's TW line stretches from head to toe, culminating in these lightweight leather kicks. The Air Zoom TW earns raves in the comfort category, and the styling is sharp too (although some complain that the shoe is on the narrow side).
2. Phil Mickelson – Callaway HX Tour
The HX Tour incorporates Comfortemp material, a non-woven textile originally developed by NASA in the 1960s. (And you wondered what, exactly, we learn from space travel.) Comfortemp's temperature-regulating properties adjust as necessary to prevailing conditions, hot or cold.
3. Steve Stricker – FootJoy SYNR-G
FootJoy's pride and joy, the SYNR-G is lauded for its superb fit and finish. The shoe's most enticing feature may be its Memory Foam collar and tongue; as anyone who has slept on a Memory Foam bed can attest, it's comfortable stuff.
4. Lee Westwood – FootJoy Icon
FootJoy considers the Icon its flagship shoe, for good reason. It's built from a combo of full-grain and calfskin leathers, with a distinctive asymmetrical pattern that's anything but stodgy. Like the SYNR-G, Icons cradle the feet with Memory Foam and are warranted waterproof for two years.
5. Jim Furyk – adidas Tour360 4.0
The company's iconic stripes aren't for every taste, but the ever-consistent Furyk makes it work. The Tour360 4.0 – meaning it's the fourth version of this line – emphasize balance and footwork. Adidas credits the shoe's “360Wrap” unibody construction for making the 4.0 its most stable product to date.
Saturday 8 May 2010
Puma Cell Fusion Golf Shoe
We think these shoes are ultra-hip, but don't take our word for it. Puma's marketing department ups the cool quotient by stating, “If James Bond played golf, he'd wear this shoe.”
Guess the lads at Puma never saw Goldfinger. But we'll give them a pass on this one, because the Cell Fusion is quite cool indeed.
Puma trumpets its shoes' state-of-the-art SmartQuill spikes and the optimum traction provided by “directional locking technology.” The Cell Fusion golf shoe is available in black-white and white-snorkel blue.
Who wears 'em: PGA Tour rookie/heartthrob Rickie Fowler
Guess the lads at Puma never saw Goldfinger. But we'll give them a pass on this one, because the Cell Fusion is quite cool indeed.
Puma trumpets its shoes' state-of-the-art SmartQuill spikes and the optimum traction provided by “directional locking technology.” The Cell Fusion golf shoe is available in black-white and white-snorkel blue.
Who wears 'em: PGA Tour rookie/heartthrob Rickie Fowler
Saturday 1 May 2010
New Golf Shoes Provide Slipper-Like Comfort
Golf shoes have come a long way over the years. Some leather golf shoes would be so stiff they could almost rip the flesh from your heel.
Thankfully today's golf shoes are designed to give slipper-like comfort right out of the box. No more blisters and so much more relaxing when walking round the golf course.
The slogan for Callaway, one of the leading manufacturers says "It says "out-of-box comfort" right on their shoe boxes. These days, everything’s about being breathable and as light as possible. With golf shoes, comfort is the buzzword."
Thankfully today's golf shoes are designed to give slipper-like comfort right out of the box. No more blisters and so much more relaxing when walking round the golf course.
The slogan for Callaway, one of the leading manufacturers says "It says "out-of-box comfort" right on their shoe boxes. These days, everything’s about being breathable and as light as possible. With golf shoes, comfort is the buzzword."
Monday 26 April 2010
Asics to Release new golf shoes in November!
It's official. After months of wait and many interested golfers, Asics has announced the official release of their new golf shoe that was worn by Shingo Katayama back at the Masters.
Asics have been patient and have taken some time to create a golf shoe that reduces fatigue and also enhance the stability during the golf swing.
Asics have been patient and have taken some time to create a golf shoe that reduces fatigue and also enhance the stability during the golf swing.
Monday 19 April 2010
Golf Shoes help with accuracy.
Some people don't realise that a good pair of golf shoes helps your game when taking shots. The traction on the golf shoes stops your feet from moving when you take a shot which makes for better accuracy. There are so many other benefits as well. All the top players have the best equipment in all areas and that will only help there performance's on the golf course.
Sunday 18 April 2010
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods competing at the Quail Hollow
It's been great to see Tiger Woods back in action at the masters and tying fourth has been a great accomplishment. Now we get to see Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in action at the Quail Hollow which should be very exciting for many golfing fans around the world. The Quail Hollow Championship starts on April 29 and finishes May 2.
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