Adidas Torsion Euro Golf Shoes

While I think that Adidas sometimes goes overboard with their three stripe logo, these are quite tastefully done. This is a very good looking golf shoe with a lot of tech built in.

The “torsion” in the name refers to the shoe’s Torsion system, which is supposed to control the rotation of the heel and foot with a mid-foot support system. Lugs in the sole are designed to optimize weight distribution by increasing ground surface contact.

The shoes also feature Adidas’ ClimaProof system—their version of GoreTex. While remaining waterproof, the material allows moisture to wick out to the surface of the shoe. That way, your feet stay dry inside and out.

Moisture control is especially important in cold weather golf. It’s ok if your feet sweat in the summer—the worse that can happen is that the dogs feel a little unconfortable. But moisture in the winter will cool off your feet, sapping overall body heat.

In winter, dry is the key.

FootJoy offers a custom shoe program where you can get your footwear done with the colors and logo of your favorite college or pro team.

They don’t have West Virginia. Too bad.

FootJoy Spikeless Classics Dry Premiere

If soft spikes are better than metal cleats, then perhaps spikeless golf shoes are the next wave.

The FootJoy Spikeless Classics feature calfskin leather uppers, combined with what FootJoy calls an “Intellishield Extreme” membrane (I can’t stand the “trendy” use of the word “extreme”, but that’s neither here nor there). Footjoy says that pores in the membrane open as they get hot to release heat and moisture. As the temperature falls, the pores provide insulation by closing. It also manages to be waterproof throughout.

The soles are the key to a “spikeless” design, though. Footjoy says that its DuraMax outsole offers superior turf gripping properties—without the need for spikes. The tread consists of a great many small “nubs” with cross hatched

I’m interested in trying a pair of spikeless shoes to see how they work. It occurs to me that they might actually be better for walking.

ADIDAS Powerband - White / Silver / Black

Continuing yesterday’s Adidas theme, here are the company’s latest golf shoes.

The Powerband in the name refers to the shoe’s “chassis”, which Adidas says limits midsole compression and stabliizes the perimeter. This is supposed to help harness more of the power generated for the swing. The interior is outfitted with FitFoam, which molds to the contours of the foot, evenly distributing weight and pressure. Ultimately, Adidas, says, this promotes better footwork for weight transfer and balance. Moisture management in the shoe is provided by Adidas’s ClimaProof, which wicks moisture away from the shoe while providing a waterproof membrane.

When I hit the lottery, these are the shoes I’m going to buy. For my money, Eccos are the best golf shoes made. But they’re a little pricey. And at $399.99, these are a LOT pricey.

Still, you apparently get what you pay for. The Ecco World Class Wing Tips combine leather, GoreTex and thermoplastic polyurethane to create a lightweight, flexible, long-lasting, breathable shoe.

I love the Eccos I bought last year and it would take a great deal of convincing to get me to go to another brand. But $399? Whew.

ECCO Classic Hydromax - Cognac

As I wrote earlier this year, Eccos are the best golf shoe I have ever bought—bar none.

Acting on my advice, a friend recently bought a pair of these Classic Hydromaxes, and now he, too, has declared them to be the best.

I can tell you this: for the first time in years, I am not going to have to buy a new pair of shoes at the beginning of the next season. With all of the walking I do (40 or so rounds this summer), I grind my regular Footjoys into the ground, wearing out soles, insoles and stitching. The Eccos I have still look and feel new.

ADIDAS Men s University-White/Red

For those who like the athletic shoe look on the course, Adidas offers a new design called The University. It looks just like Adidas’ running shoes, but is has golf in mind. The University has a wide platfom for swing stability, Traxion lugs and replacable soft spikes. Adiprene—Adidas’ proprietary moisture management system—is used in the construction.

It comes in five different color combinations. I personally like the white-red.