DTG Golf July 2015 | Page 22

DTGGolf / Summer 2015 22

By JOHN TORSIELLO

Today’s golf shoes are sportier, more comfortable and, with a deferential nod to the classic white and black patent leathers, cooler.

Oh sure, who doesn’t miss the sound of metal spikes clip clopping across the parking lot as you walk with your sticks to the pro shop to start a round. Albeit somewhat militaristic in nature, the wonderful sound of those metal spikes, coupled with irons slapping against one another in the golf bag, made for some pretty macho stuff. But we have to admit; the switch to “softspikes” has done wonders for the conditions of greens and eliminated damage done by two-ton Harrys as they scuffed their way across putting surfaces. Comfort now rules. God, remember all those sore feet we used to endure after walking in stiff leathers for 18 holes? Well, discomfort is a thing of the past thanks to today’s high-tech models, with soles that are cushioned as significantly as running shoes.

Mike Foley, Director of Footwear Product Management for FootJoy, told me, “Back in the day, golf shoes were practically dress shoes with metal spikes for traction--tough to waterproof, and honestly not very comfortable. In the years since, there has been a definitive shift to lighter shoes that deliver out-of-the-box comfort. At FootJoy, the days of 'breaking in' a pair of golf shoes are over.”

Comfort is a non-negotiable,” said Daisuke Furuya, Product Line Manager for Nike Golf Men’s Footwear.”Golfers are on their feet for hours and comfortable footwear is critical to reduce fatigue.”

The golf shoe has indeed come a long way. Back in the 1800’s, golfers really did pound nails through the soles of their boots in order to give them traction in the often calamitous weather in Scotland and elsewhere in the British Isles. It is said that one of the first mentions of spiked golf shoes appeared in an 1857 issue of “The Golfer's Manual,” a Scottish publication, which advised golfers to “wear stout shoes roughed with small nails or sprigs" to walk safely over slippery ground.

We became a bit more civilized around 1890 when screw-in spikes were introduced. They certainly were more comfortable than hob-nail boots worn by most golfers prior to their advent. But greens keepers began complaining about the damage the spikes were doing to their precious

turf, an argument that ended around 1990 when metal spikes, for all but the Tour pros, went the way of the balata golf ball.

Over 100 years ago, the sporting giant of the time, Spalding, introduced the "Saddle Oxford" style of shoe with an extra saddle-shaped piece of leather around the laces. It was chic and quickly gained popularity. The style remained in vogue for a long, long time.

Taking a key from running and tennis shoes, manufacturers began making the golf shoe more flexible and, shall we say, “player-friendly,” some 20 or so years ago. It became all about support and comfort, as well as good looks trending toward sporty. Some shoes now eschew softspikes for traction elements molded into the bottom of the outsole.

With the golf shoe becoming a true sport shoe, it is no wonder that New Balance, renowned for its running and cross-training footwear, has entered the marketplace. Tom Elwell, Vice President of Sales for New Balance Golf, offered some interesting insights into today’s golf shoe.

“From a styling standpoint, since the Tiger Woods Era began in the mid-1990's, the game of golf has become more physical and athletic. Fashion and design trends have followed athleticism, with footwear and apparel products adapting more performance-oriented design and styling. These attributes are delivered through enhanced manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art materials and technical fabrications.”

He told me that new manufacturing techniques, such as cement lasting, have replaced traditional welt construction, which has made golf shoes significantly lighter and more flexible, while retaining the stability characteristics required in a performance golf shoe. In addition, new outsole materials, like thermal plastic urethane, have made outsoles

lighter and more flexible than traditional leather, yet still very

stable. New midsole materials, such as compression-molded

ethyl-vinyl-acetate, similar to the midsoles found in the world's best

running shoes, increase cushioning and comfort and reduce weight.

Furuya took a look into his crystal golf ball for me and he saw a continued growth of integrated traction (spikeless) golf shoes.

“Technologies and materials in golf footwear will advance to evolve styling (form follows function). As golf transcends beyond the course and becomes a part of a lifestyle, golfers will rely on different shoes for specific occasions and conditions.”

It’s clear the golf shoe as we knew it has changed forever. And that is a very comforting feeling.

Golf shoes through the years