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.
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