Tour Saddle Golf

Golf Shoe Trends Promote Feel Fashion

If you think there's nothing new under the golf shoe sun, that the category begins and ends with leather-bound saddle oxfords, then you might want to tune in. Manufacturers have made major strides, if you'll pardon the pun, toward more lightweight, casual, even streetwise styles.

That's right, streetwise golf shoes.

At least two major brands have introduced golf shoes that double as off-course kicks. That means no spikes, of course. (Can't go tromping around the kitchen or tavern with those, can we?) It also means these models look nothing like golf shoes.

At least, not your grandfather's golf shoes. Not your dad's, either. In fact, not even your big brother's.

Let's run through a few of the trends currently moving golf footwear forward.

Dual-use versatility

Until recently, one could wear his athletic or casual shoes for golf, but not the other way around. But once metal spikes gave way to plastic, it was only a matter of time before pointy protrusions were deemed unnecessary altogether.

ECCO and Ashworth now offer shoes suitable for an 18-hole round and the happy hour that follows. Naturally, the street-inspired style appeals to younger - perhaps less committed - golfers. But these models promise good traction with flat, well-nubbed soles, so slippage isn't an issue.

Skeptics should note that forever youthful Fred Couples plays in just such a pair, and he had no problems en route to four Champions Tour victories and a sub-68 scoring average in 2010. (Of course, Freddie's swing is so smooth he could stay balanced in roller skates.)

Go low and feel the course

Traditional golf shoes, with their thick soles and spikes, hoist the golfer off the ground while nailing him to it. A new movement puts players more in touch with turf.

By dispensing with spikes and softening shoe bottoms, innovative companies are encouraging golfers to feel the course through their feet. These low-profile models are said to promote more natural footwork for better balance and rhythm. They're super-light too, weighing in at as little as 11 ounces per shoe.

Shoemakers have also discovered that pinching the toes into a tight, pointed space is no way to treat these precious digits. Wider toe boxes have come into vogue, further enhancing feel along with comfort.

Some traditionalists sniff that these shoes are better suited to the bowling alley. (Or worse yet, the circus.) Wearers swear by them, crediting lower scores to the unequalled feel.

Boot camp

It may be a while before you see a tour pro sporting golf boots. Then again, don't put it past Ian Poulter.

Yes, high-tops have made their way from the basketball court to the golf course. While they've yet to catch on with a broad audience, golf boots are out there for those seeking something truly different. Aside from their conversation-starting looks, boots are a good choice when conditions are especially wet, muddy or cold. They also appeal to golfers who need added support for troublesome ankles.

Far from a revolutionary idea, golf boots actually recall the original golf footwear patented by William Park in 1917. As they say, everything old is new again.

About the Author

At Comfortable Golf Shoes, we're committed to helping you find the best golf shoes on the market by giving you a wide range to choose from.

We offer high-quality, stylish, waterproof, turf-gripping and, most of all, comfortable golf shoes from the best brands in the business, including FootJoy, Nike, ECCO and adidas.

Take a look at the golf shoes we have on offer.

Nike Golf Men's Air Tour Saddle Golf Shoe $112 Nike Golf Men's Air Tour Saddle Golf Shoe

Golf Pride Tour Velvet $2.89 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet .600 $2.89 The most popular grip in golf today combines an exclusive state-of-the-art rubber blend compound with a computer designed, non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. The Tour Velvet is the standard upon which many club manufacturers base their designs. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Cord 0.600 $6.79 For golfers who want the firm all-weather performance of Golf Pride's full cord material in a simulated wrap style, the Tour Wrap Cord is the perfect grip choice. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap .600 $2.81 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Junior $1.45 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap .580 $2.81 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Ladies $2.81 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Midsize Tour Velvet $3.49 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Midsize Tour Wrap $3 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet BCT Cord Blue $7.68 The Tour Velvet BCT is the next generation of Golf Pride’s highly successful cord grip. Brushed Cotton Technology (BCT) is a major breakthrough in cord grip manufacturing. The Tour Velvet BCT is constructed with tighter-weave cotton twill fiber that offers great traction and all-weather performance, but with new improved feel for the ultimate in comfort. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet BCT Cord Red $7.68 The Tour Velvet BCT is the next generation of Golf Pride’s highly successful cord grip. Brushed Cotton Technology (BCT) is a major breakthrough in cord grip manufacturing. The Tour Velvet BCT is constructed with tighter-weave cotton twill fiber that offers great traction and all-weather performance, but with new improved feel for the ultimate in comfort. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Full Cord .580 $7.48 One of the most popular grip choices on tour, the Tour Velvet Cord provides the all-weather performance of Golf Pride’s exclusive Velvet Cord material for a firm, comfortable grip that allows consistent performance and playability. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Full Cord .600 $7.48 One of the most popular grip choices on tour, the Tour Velvet Cord provides the all-weather performance of Golf Pride's exclusive Velvet Cord material for a firm, comfortable grip that allows consistent performance and playability. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Tradition Putter Grip Black $5.13 Designed with a smaller, paddle front design, the Tour Tradition putters feature the time honored shape used by Tour professionals. Its standard size and all-rubber construction provides increased feel and responsiveness for truer putts. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Tradition Putter Grip Blue $5.13 Designed with a smaller, paddle front design, the Tour Tradition putters feature the time honored shape used by Tour professionals. Its standard size and all-rubber construction provides increased feel and responsiveness for truer putts. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Tradition Putter Grip Orange $5.13 Designed with a smaller, paddle front design, the Tour Tradition putters feature the time honored shape used by Tour professionals. Its standard size and all-rubber construction provides increased feel and responsiveness for truer putts. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Tradition Putter Grip Red $5.13 Designed with a smaller, paddle front design, the Tour Tradition putters feature the time honored shape used by Tour professionals. Its standard size and all-rubber construction provides increased feel and responsiveness for truer putts. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Midsize Cord $6.19 For golfers who want the firm all-weather performance of Golf Pride’s full cord material in a simulated wrap style, the Tour Wrap Cord is the perfect grip choice. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Cord .580 $6.18 For golfers who want the firm all-weather performance of Golf Pride’s full cord material in a simulated wrap style, the Tour Wrap Cord is the perfect grip choice.

Golf Pride Tour Classic Putter Grip Black $5.71 With a large diameter, the Tour Classic putter keeps wrist action to a minimum for improved putting accuracy. The rounded back fills the hands comfortably while the flat paddle front promotes a controlled, confident stroke. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Classic Putter Grip Red $5.71 With a large diameter, the Tour Classic putter keeps wrist action to a minimum for improved putting accuracy. The rounded back fills the hands comfortably while the flat paddle front promotes a controlled, confident stroke. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Jumbo (+1/8) $3.74 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Ladies Black $2.89 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Velvet Ladies Black/Pink $2.89 State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound combines with a computer-designed non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Black .580 $2.96 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Black .600 $2.96 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Jumbo Black $3.39 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Red $2.96 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Undersize Black $2.96 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG White $2.96 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap NG Midsize Black $3.16 This one-piece, simulated wrap grip combines the look and feel of luxury leather with the durability, economy, and performance of high-tack rubber. Click here for more information on the Golf Pride Golf Grips.

Callaway Men's XTT Chev Tour Saddle Golf Shoe $175 Play like the pros in Callaway's XTT Chev Tour saddle golf shoe. Featured in rich, waterproof calfskin leather, it also has the goods to get you in the game: XTT independent suspension technology utilizing Big Bertha spikes and XWT technology for custom medium-to-wide fit, along with a RainSport waterproof membrane and DrySport moisture-wicking linings for unbeatable comfort.

Lamkin Crossline Tour $3.09 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin Crossline Tour Midsize $2.95 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin Crossline Tour Oversize $3.39 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin Crossline Tour Red $3.39 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin StingFree Crossline Tour $6.43 The new Stingfree Crossline Tour features multi-layer kevlar based material to deliver maximum shock absorption. Vibration dampening materials block and redirect shock on off-center hits. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin Crossline Tour Full Cord $7.29 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

Lamkin Crossline Tour Navy Blue $3.39 The Crossline Tour features softer compound and modified crossline pattern for superior comfort with exceptional durability. Hand alignment guide promotes proper hand placement. Click here for more information on the Lamkin Golf Grips.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 4:31 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.