Tag: Ecco

Softspikes Strike Back

I’m here to report that spiked golf shoes are making a comeback! Well, technically they never left, depending on where you play. You see, on the PGA Tour where every shot matters and one bad drive can cost you millions, spiked golf shoes are still dominant. PrideSports, makers of the Softspikes brand, reported that all four major winners this year wore Softspikes, 100 percent of the World’s Top 10 and 86% of 2022 PGA Tour winners wore replaceable spikes in their golf shoes.

I remember when the spikeless shoe revolution started. In 2010 at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in Hawaii, Fred Couples showed up wearing casual-looking spikeless golf shoes made by Ecco, and even though he shot 21-under in three rounds and lost to Tom Watson in a playoff, all everyone wanted to talk about was his shoes. A few months later he showed up for a Monday practice round with Tiger at the 2010 Masters Tournament wearing the same shoes and lit the world on fire. The spikeless golf sneaker revolution had begun.

I admit, I was a sucker to the casual street/skater look and comfort that these new shoes offered, but the biggest attraction for me was not having to change shoes in the parking lot or locker room before playing golf. I could just wear my shoes out of the house, to the course and to the bar afterwards. In fact, I frequently wear my spikeless Puma Golf shoes to work. For years I’ve worn spikeless shoes knowing I’m sacrificing traction for comfort, but what I didn’t know was I was also giving up distance.

In a study performed by Dr. Bob Christina (Prof. of Kinesiology at the University of NC Greensboro) & Eric Alpenfels (Director of Instruction and Golf Academy at Pinehurst Resorts), they found that wearing spiked golf shoes can result in an average gain of 6 yards of carry with a driver compared to spikeless shoes. 6 yards doesn’t sound like much, but in many cases that’s enough to hit one less club into the green, or to carry that fairway bunker you always find yourself in on the corner of that one dogleg par 5.

The bottom line is, traction positively impacts performance. The pros know this. Softspikes has seen a steady uptick in usage among professionals since last year. We don’t know the percentage of amateur golfers that wear spiked shoes vs spikeless, but I suspect most amateurs are wearing spikeless shoes. For almost a decade I’ve worn spikeless shoes almost exclusively, but I’ll be switching back to spiked shoes and replacing the spikes in the few pairs I have with new Softspikes cleats.

Replacement Softspikes and CHAMP cleats can be purchased in the golf section of most large retailers, sporting goods stores, golf specialty and golf course pro shops. Cleats can also be purchased online from any of these locations, your favorite online store or directly from www.softspikes.com.

PrideSports is the undisputed leader in the golf cleat segment with its CHAMP and Softspikes brands. The company recommends golfers change their cleats every six to eight months – or even more frequently based on use – to ensure golfers get the maximum performance out of their footwear. In my experience, twice a year seems like a good interval.

CHAMP’s Helix^®, Zarma Tour^® and Stinger^® cleats, as well as Softspikes’ Pivix^®, Pulsar^®, Silver Tornado^™ and Stealth^® cleats, dominate the OEM and secondary market in terms of performance and sales. More information can be found at www.champspikes.com and www.Softspikes.com, or follow @softspikesgolf and @PrideSportsUs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

December 3, 2022
2017 PGA Show – 6 Standout Products

For the golf industry, the biggest day of the new year arrived on Wednesday, January 25th with the opening of the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show. We walked around the massive Orange County Convention Center yesterday and took in all the sights and sounds. As one of my friends who was attending for the first time said as we walked into the main hall – “I’m in sensory overload right now!”

There are over 1000 exhibiting companies and over 40,000 attendees from 90 countries so it’s nearly impossible to see everything, but here are a few of the products and companies that got our attention and are making a buzz this year.

Tour Edge Exotics XJ1

Originally intended for the Japanese market, Tour Edge decided to bring their “Super metal” driver and fairways to the US market after the overwhelmingly positive feedback from testers. With a body made from lighter and more flexible 9-1-1 Titanium bonded to an amorphous Kevlar-carbon crown and paired with a 45 gram Fujikura Air Speeder shaft, the XJ1 driver is designed to perform best for golfers who swing under 100 mph, delivering higher ball speeds and more distance for slower swingers. I attended a private Tour Edge media event on Monday and the club is living up to the hype. The fairway woods may be even better. The heavy tungsten sole represents two thirds the weight of the club, placing the center of gravity very low and making them very easy to hit. Technology and performance come at a price however – The XJ1’s MSRP is $599 and the fairways retail for $449. Given Exotics’ reputation for making awesome clubs, they are going to be worth the price. Just ask anyone who has an Exotics driver or fairway wood in their bag.

Single Length Irons

If you haven’t heard about single length irons yet, you probably will this year, starting right here. The idea is simple. By making all your irons the same length (usually between 37.5 to 38.5″ long, or the length of a 6 or 7 iron) you will be more consistent because the setup position will be identical for every club. The concept was brought to national prominence by NCAA and US Amateur Champ and Bryson Dechambeau and he’s continued to use the single length irons on the PGA Tour after signing an endorsement deal with Cobra/Puma Golf. Naturally, Cobra is now marketing a set of single length irons, and so is the company Bryson’s original irons were made by – Edel Golf.

The concept is interesting and has its merits, but there are also a few drawbacks. Because the length and lie angle of every iron are identical, with only the loft changing, distance variation or gapping between clubs will shrink. If every club is the length of a six iron, that means you’ll hit your long irons shorter than normal and your short irons further than normal. I personally feel that transitioning from a 38.5″ pitching wedge to a 35″ sand wedge will prove challenging for many, but I’m hoping to have a chance to test the concept this season and report on the findings here!

Ouul Bags

Pronounced OWL, this new company produces light-weight golf bags and luggage with striking colors, patterns and designs. A particular favorite of mine is the Ouul Python Collection stand bags. They are super light weight but very sturdy, with handles around the top that make handling the bag so much easier when walking the course. The bags only weigh 2.7 pounds and come in ten different colors.

Honma

Honma is a Japanese manufacturer that has been around for over 50 years. While they’ve been well known in Japan for decades, they are just starting to make waves in North America. They made worldwide news recently when Japanese PM Shinzo Abe gave US President-elect Donald Trump a $3700 gold-colored Honma driver as a gift.

While speaking to him yesterday, Marketing, Media & Public Relations Manager Keith Patterson pointed out that Honma Golf enjoys 100% market share in the “over $50,000 golf clubs” segment. While this is funny, it’s also true. Honma makes a set that sells for $50,000 and includes graphite shafts infused with gold flakes, gold plated club heads and hand stitched golf bag.

While a $50,000 set of gold clubs makes for an interesting story, it’s important to note that Honma makes clubs for serious players also, and they are very, very good. I’ve been disappointed with Honma in the past, but the company culture has changed. With several new faces in the management team, a can-do attitude and contagious energy, they are entering the US market with a vengeance and the PGA Show floor is buzzing with excitement about their clubs. We’ll be bringing some in depth coverage to this brand in 2017, so keep an eye out!

Ecco Cage Pro SPYDR-GRIP

Ecco makes golf shoes that I think have the best combination of fit, durability, comfort and performance on the market. They continue to innovate and bring to market some of the best looking and best performing golf shoes in the world. For 2017, they have a new model called the ECCO CAGE PRO featuring a new SPYDA-GRIP sole with naturally placed pivot points for better traction and grip.

Hickies

For people like me that are lazy and hate tying shoes, you’ll want to take a look at the Hickies lacing system. Replacing your laces with the memory-fit elastomer Hickies lacing system turns any shoe into a slip-on. The stretchable Hickies help customize the fit of your shoes without much effort and they look cool too. Multiple color options allow you to customize the look of your golf shoes also. Hickies burst on the golf scene in 2016 when Danny Willett won the Masters wearing shoes laced with Hickies.

January 26, 2017
Ecco Tour Hybrid Wingtip Shoes

It’s no secret among my friends and peers that I’m a big fan of Ecco shoes. After all, I have 6 pairs! They have just about everything one could want in a shoe. They are durable, fit well, comfortable and stylish. The one complaint I hear all the time is that they cost too much. Personally I don’t see this as a valid complaint because like any premium product in any category, if you want quality you’ll have to pay a bit more for it.

Such is the case with Ecco’s newest golf shoe – the Tour Hybrid Wingtip. Retailing at about $190, you can certainly get a cheaper shoe, but I doubt you can find one so well constructed for the money. By combining the classic styling of a traditional wingtip dress shoe and the modern materials and traction of their popular TPU nubby outsole that Fred Couples made famous, they have created a great looking, functional golf shoe that you can wear all over. In fact, I probably wear my Hybrid Wingtips to work more often than on the golf course.

While these shoes can be worn anywhere, make no mistake – this is a golf shoe first and foremost. The patented outsole configuration of approximately 100 molded traction bars and 800-plus traction angles provides plenty of grip. The TPU material is much more durable than rubber and is said to last the life of the shoe. The GORE-TEX liner makes them waterproof while still allowing your foot to breathe, and the fit is more precise than most other shoes on the market.

Ecco shoes seem to fit my foot perfectly, and the deep heel pocket keeps my foot securely in place. Everyone’s feet are different of course, and the Euro sizing makes them a little different for fitting. It goes without saying, but because many people order online these days I would recommend trying them on in store first to get the right sizing. Pair them with a nice pair of Kentwool socks and your feet will be happy.

Spending $190 for the Ecco Tour Hybrid Wingtip is a bargain, and here’s why: Considering that a decent pair of business casual work shoes and a nice pair of golf shoes will cost well over $200 together, these can perform both duties for less moolah. Not only that, but the Eccos will probably outlast the other two pairs anyway!

In summary – I love everything about this shoe. I can wear them right out of the house to work, then simply walk on the golf course in the afternoon with no discomfort at all. They provide plenty of traction and stability while keeping my feet dry, and they look fantastic. The Ecco Tour Hybrid Wingtip isn’t just my favorite golf shoe, they are my favorite shoes.

July 1, 2013
TRUE Linkswear Golf Shoes

Some time last season on the PGA Tour, I spied Ryan Moore wearing some funky looking shoes on the golf course. They didn’t look at all like your typical wingtip or saddle type golf shoe. They looked more like mocasins or slippers. After doing a bit of research, I found out that he was wearing shoes from a new company called TRUE Linkswear. I reached out to the company and was able to get a pair of my own for review.

Being a golf blogger means I end up with lots of equipment and accessories laying around. It also means that I have more golf shoes than regular shoes. After a year of testing just about every type and style of golf shoes on the market, I keep going back to just 2 pairs of shoes for my every day play. My “Tenny” shoes from Kikkor Golf, and the TRUE Tour from TRUE Linkswear . Now that I think of it, The TRUE Linkswear shoes aren’t just the most comfortable golf shoes I own, they may be the most comfortable shoes I own period!

TRUE Linkswear makes shoes that are designed to work with your body and be super comfortable. While most shoe companies design a shoe from the top down using other shoes as a model, TRUE Linkswear builds them from the ground up, using the human foot as their inspiration. They have come up with a shoe that sits very low to the ground (10mm) and is very light weight. The result is a super comfortable shoe that provides ample traction and allows the player to really feel the ground beneath him at all times.

As someone that enjoys walking when possible, these are the perfect shoe. Because they are built so low to the ground and the toe box is so wide, they are a joy to walk with and the spikeless soles provide a great combination of traction and comfort. Because they are spikeless I usually just wear them right out of the house which saves me time in the parking lot of the golf course. Walking a few holes in these is like walking around the back yard with slippers on. While the styling certainly isn't classic in terms of traditional golf shoes, they aren't ugly, and there are several color combos available for all tastes. Still, some people will prefer to stick with the old school golf shoes with firm soles and stiffer leather uppers. While I don't have an issue with stability, some people might find these shoes aren't up to par with traditional golf shoes for stability. That will depend on the player and your particular swing. Since I got these shoes, I've gone virtually 100% spikeless when I play golf. I alternate between the TRUE Tour, Ecco Streets that Fred Couples made famous and my Kikkors. Only occasionally do I bring out my traditional Ecco World Class GTX golf shoes. Overall, the TRUE Linkswear line of shoes are must-haves for anyone that wants premium, well built, walking shoes for golf. Anyone that struggles with their golf shoes being uncomfortable or too narrow will definitely want to try these. Look for new and improved styles with even better traction and comfort for 2012. See the entire line at http://www.truelinkswear.com
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January 11, 2012
Kikkor Golf Shoes

Late in 2008, 25 year old James Lepp and some of his friends came up with the concept for a new type of golf shoe company called Kikkor Golf. The idea was to deliver a golf shoe for the younger crowd (or young at heart) that didn’t fit the mold of the typical adult golf shoe. Instead, Kikkor makes golf shoes in the skater mold with comfort and style in mind, without ignoring the important technical attributes such as grip, stability, waterproofing, and durability. The idea is a good one, because there was lots of buzz about the brand at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show! So why does Kikkor make golf shoes that look more at home in a skate park or Pac Sun store? Well, according to the company Kikkor is here for four reasons. 1. It doesn’t matter what age you are, 10, 25, or 45, nobody truly wants to wear the same stuff as their dad. 2. The golf shoe industry consistently designs shoes that are targeted only for the older demographic, leaving younger players with very few options that match their personal style. 3. Do we really have to wear dress shoes on the golf course? 4. The need for really comfortable golf shoes.

Before founding Kikkor, James Lepp enjoyed a great deal of success as a golfer. Playing at the University of Washington in 2005, he became the first Canadian male to ever win the NCAA Division 1 Championship. He also won the British Columbia Amateur four years in a row starting in 2002, and won the Canadian Tour’s Greater Vancouver Classic twice. Once as an amateur in 2003 and again as a professional in 2007. In other words, James has walked a lot of golf courses and knows that a comfortable pair of golf shoes is very important.

Kikkor has several different models to choose from. While some models, like the Eppik 2.0 use replaceable Champ Q lok spikes, other models like the Tenny have permanent spikes that Kikkor calls their Diacon Embedded Spike System (DESS). The common theme across the entire line is comfort and style. You won’t find any typical saddle style golf shoes here, only more casual and fun styles. I got my hands on a pair of the men’s Tenny in white and I’ve been wearing them for several months. Not only am I impressed, but my fellow golfers are taking notice, because they are always asking me about my shoes and where to get them!

The biggest test for my new Kikkor shoes came a few weeks ago at a US Amateur Public Links qualifier. Most golf courses down here in Florida require one to use a golf cart, and the courses that allow walking see far fewer walkers during the brutally hot summer months. When I signed up for the qualifier in late May, I knew that the competitors were required to walk for 36 holes in the heat. With temperatures forecast in the low 90s, I was primarily concerned with having some comfortable shoes and staying hydrated.

The Kikkor Tennys performed flawlessly. I was comfortable all day, the traction was good even in the morning dew, and their looks garnered plenty of attention from the other players and caddies. After numerous rounds, practice sessions and several miles of walking on the odometer, I noticed one small problem. The thin fabric covering on the top of the insole was peeling from the heel area. This is just a cosmetic thing, and it didn’t affect the performance or fit of the shoe. The DESS permanent spikes are supposed to last the life of the shoe, and while the heel area is starting to show signs of wear I have no reason to believe this claim isn’t true.

My Kikkor Tenny shoes have become my main golf shoes, not only for their comfort and performance, but also because I am lazy and with these I don’t have to change shoes in the parking lot at the golf course. I simply wear them to and from the course without having to worry about walking into a bar after the round wearing golf shoes or sandals with a horrible golfer tan. You could always get a pair of Cleatskins to wear your golf shoes in public, but just wearing my Kikkors is my choice.

Most of the models offered come with a 1-year limited waterproof guarantee and an extra pair of laces in a different color. My White Tennys came with black and white laces. The ladies also get some sharp looking models. Most models sell for $80-100 and Kikkor.com has the occasional sale where the prices drop quite a bit.

Kikkor is run by a bunch of young entrepreneurs, and as such they know when to work hard and play hard. Check out the video below of founder James Lepp showing off his considerable skills at his trademark shot, called the saucer pass, and when you are ready to get your very own box of awesomeness, click the Kikkor banner on the right side of the page or use the promo code “intothegrain” at the Kikkor online store for a 10% discount on your order!

June 14, 2011