Shoe Polish

Like most of the game’s equipment, golf shoes have gotten really good over the last decade or two. Here are five new, comfortable, lightweight, athletic, waterproof and stylish pairs that continue the trend.

By Tony Dear

Adidas ForgeFiber BOA
The spikeless ForgeFiber BOA uses is a technology that debuted in adidas’s running and basketball shoes in which much of the shoe’s body is coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane material which is compressed and heated and then melts into the textile areas of the shoe to form a supportive, waterproof membrane without adding extra material.

The X-Traction sole provides the same level of traction as found in the Tour360 XT-SL, and Boost cushioning foam is also present. The BOA lacing system is controlled by turning a dial on the idea of the shoe.

$200 (women’s $160)
Colors – Core Black/Cloud White/Hi-Res Yellow; Dark Marine/Shock Cyan/Cloud White; Grey/Cloud White
adidas.com

Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour
It would be wrong to say the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour, created with significant input from Rory McIlroy, was all about comfort because there’s more to it than that, but it definitely appears to have been the Irishman’s main concern.

React foam, first used in one of the company’s basketball shoes in June 2017 and described by the company as ‘soft and springy yet squishy and stable’, along with Zoom Air cushioning and gel-filled pods lining the back heel area, combine to create an exceptionally comfortable shoe. The fact the six spikes are positioned around the perimeter of the sole and at the heel also enhances comfort.

The uppers are made of premium leather that not only look good but give the Air Zoom Victory Tour a two-year waterproof guarantee.

$180
Colors – White or Black
nike.com

Puma Ignite Proadapt
Comfort foam almost comes standard in golf shoes these days, and Puma claims its version – ignite – which is suspended in the sole, is not affected by changes in temperature so will provide greater energy return than other foams.

Leather uppers give the Proadapt a one-year waterproof guarantee, and soft polyurethane insoles add to the level of comfort.

Nine Softspike dual-durometer Tornado cleats and strategically-positioned traction ridges give the Proadapt superb grip.

$200
Colors – White, Black, Gray (look out for Rickie Fowler’s Arnold Palmer-inspired kicks at Bay Hill this week, a limited-edition of which are available on the company’s web site).
cobragolf.com/pumagolf

FootJoy Flex
A few weeks on from introducing its impressive Fury shoe, Footjoy released a new spikeless model – the Flex – adding to its comprehensive range with a shoe that works just as well on the street and in the gym as on the golf course. Seemingly not a golf shoe at first glance, the Flex’s sole is covered with Versa-Trax rubber traction points giving excellent traction during the golf swing. A two-way strap on each side of the foot provides lateral support, and the FineTunedFoam (FTF) FitBed provides the comfort. A lightweight and breathable mesh upper and EVA midsole give the Flex a little extra cushioning.

$90
Colors – Navy, White, Black
footjoy.com

Under Armour HOVR Drive
Just as FootJoy followed one big product launch with another a short time afterwards, so Under Armour didn’t let much dust settle after the release of the Spieth 3 before introducing the HOVR Drive which features the HOVR cushioning material that first appeared in UA running shoes in Spring 2018 and progressed into basketball shoes in the fall.

Like other foams, HOVR is designed to create a soft, springy sensation that makes walking 18 holes more comfortable and less energy-sapping.

Four UA Rotational Resistance and five Softspike Silver Tornado spikes, as well as small, triangular-shaped ridges, provide what Under Armour calls ‘lockdown horizontal traction’.

A breathable, Clarino microfiber upper incorporating UA’s Storm Technology and lightweight waterproof membrane (two-year guarantee) are designed to keep you cool and dry.
$160
Colors – White/Black/Red; Black/Silver/Red
underarmour.com

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Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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