ECCO
This Danish footwear giant just keeps expanding its incredible breadth of golf shoe styles. The latest models incorporate an understated-yet-athletic look that transcends the course and, quite often, translate straight to the post-round eatery or even the boardroom. Every year they make popular models like the BIOM Hybrid 2 for men and women even better, building on their patented Natural Motion and E-DTS outsole technologies to make them even more comfortable yet strong, snug yet freeing. Striking the perfect balance between inspiring comfort and lightweight performance, the BIOM Hybrid 2 is crafted from yak leather uppers that are naturally soft, breathable and sturdy. They’re available in weather-resistant ECCO Hydromax and waterproof Gore-Tex models, with an extra-thin midsole that helps bring players closer to the playing surface for added stability.
Other models that caught our eye: World Class in solid white, black and cocoa brown brogue models with uppers crafted from leathers tanned using the Hydromax treatment; a three-material outsole with water-repellant; and moisture-wicking second skin leather lining and breathable, vegetable-tanned cow leather insoles that enhance circulation. Tour Hybrid, worn in competition by guys like Ernie Els and Thongchai Jaidee, with its removable ECCO Comfort Fiber System insole for enhanced cushioning and climate control; E-DTS outsole with molded traction bars made from hard-wearing material; and Freedom Fit mixing a snug heel setting with a roomier forefoot area. The Speed hybrid sneaker, with its sleek design and subdued colors that coordinate well with nearly any outfit and exceptional cushioning, flexibility and durability thanks to a direct-injected PU midsole. The cleated Cage and Cage EVO, which extend the limits of stability, flexibility and cushioning via their nnique, one-piece stability cage that wraps from the heel through the midsole and across the toe box.
ecco.com
BIION
BIION FOOTWEAR The golf shoe business has changed so much over the past 10 years that it’s tough to be surprised by any new style that comes along. But Biion — a cool Canadian company — is pushing the envelop with its new line of casual golf footwear — “fresh, stylish and bold,” they call it. “Biion is a shoe for the Tastemakers, the Trailblazers, the Trendsetters, and the Influencers; made for the person brave enough to breakaway from the norm and play by their own rules.” Yeah, that’s in your face, but not off base. These shoes attracted a lot of attention at their PGA Show debut. They are fashion forward for sure, thanks to CEO Rick Buchanan, a former fashion industry executive. He combined his sophisticated style sense and fashion experience with unconventional materials and technologies to create one of the most original golf shoes the golf industry has seen. Biion Footwear’s ultra-light, ultra flexible Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material composes each Biion shoe keeps you light on your feet throughout your day. EVA’s nano-molecular structure also provides an effect of smoothness and gives a consistently confortable fit. Biion’s flexible, form-fitting EVA moves with your body with every step, giving you a connection to the ground. It’s the closest you’ll ever feel to walking in bare feet, and what’s more comfy than that? Still, Biion’s spikeless hexagon-patterned cleat with Hextra-grip technology provides maximum strength and stability. This distinctive line is unapologetically fashionable and features a color spectrum and performs like no other, which embodies the company motto, “Defiantly original designs.” They have shoes for kids, too, called “Niiob.” $99.99-$109.99
biionfootwear.com
NEW BALANCE
This longtime runner’s shoe company continues to make inroads into the golf sphere in a big way. New for 2016 are two colorful and functional models — the NB3001, a lightweight, athletic-style cleated shoe with a waterproof microfiber upper and REVLite midsole designed for ultimate comfort; and the Minimus 1005, an equally lightweight but spikeless shoe with a waterproof microfiber upper — descending from the popular New Balance Minimus running last. The NB3001 is built on the new PW-1 last, which gives golfers a wider forefoot with a shallow toe box depth and a lower instep height for better ground feel. The waterproof microfiber leather upper has an ultralight FantomFit support and a welded form-fitted tongue construction. The REVlite midsole, originally designed to provide lightweight cushioning to runners, provides maximum comfort while walking the course. The TPU outsole features flex grooves that are specifically designed to move with the natural motion of the foot. The NB3001 uses the low-profile Champ Slim-Lok Zarma Tour cleat system with nine cleats, for better contact with the ground and the ability to harness more power with the swing. The styling of the Minimus 1005 features a waterproof microfiber leather upper with ultralight FantomFit support, and a REVLite 4 mm drop midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. A wider forefoot on the Miniumus 1005 allows toes to splay apart while a shallow toe depth provides better ground feel. The Ortholite insole provides golfers cool, dry comfort and a NDurance rubber outsole gives maximum durability in high-wear areas. $89.99 and up
newbalance.com
PUMA
What are some of the PGA Tour’s brightest stars rockin’ on their feet from week to week these days? Look to Puma for a clue, and their two new lines in particular: Ignite spikeless and the spiked Titantour Ignite and Ignite Premium. Both styles use, you guessed it, Ignite foam — an innovative substance that maximizes energy return to give golfers power, comfort and performance through all 18 holes. Featuring a modern silhouette, Ignite Spikeless ($140) is a dynamic take on a classic golf shoe, reengineered to reflect a more casual style with a sleeker, more refined performance last. The sole features 39 strategically placed hexagon pods that provide multi-directional traction while the 24 chevron shaped lugs increase grip where it’s needed most. A performance TPU outsole encases the midsole for lightweight strength and durability, increased flexibility, and great traction on all surfaces. As for the spiked Ignite, Rickie Fowler debuted the new Titantour model at this year’s Presidents Cup. “My shoes play a big role in my performance,” said Fowler. “I definitely attribute some of my success on the golf course to my Puma Golf gear. Wearing the new Ignite footwear over the past few weeks makes me really excited to get out there and play as we move into the new season.” In addition to the Ignite foam, the shoes also features Titantour’s signature technology, PWRCOOL powered by Outlast, which regulates foot temperature by utilizing phase change materials that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. The outsole also boasts DUOFLEX, anatomically positioned flex grooves that allows the foot to move naturally while still providing support with a low-profile cleat made with K5 rubber for long lasting abrasion resistance. The upper is full-grain leather that provides excellent fit, unrivaled comfort and a stylish toe-down look. The Premium version offers sophisticated, tonal colors in full-grain leather, constructed with an ultra-soft pigskin lining. The Ignite Premium shoe features aniline pull-up leathers in brown and grey. $140-$220 cobragolf.com/pumagolf
