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Three Guys Golf Blog - 1st Hand Golf Product Reviews
Reviews by Product
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    Drivers & Woods
    Irons & Wedges
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    Grips & Shafts
    Apparel
    Shoes
    Accessories
    Headcovers
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    Golf Training Aids
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Reviews by Company
Golf Improvement
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  • Reviews by Product
    • Clubs
      • Drivers & Woods
      • Irons & Wedges
      • Putters
      • Grips & Shafts
    • Apparel
    • Shoes
    • Accessories
      • Headcovers
      • Gloves
      • GPS & Range Finders
      • Assorted Golf Products
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    • Books / Videos
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  • Reviews by Company
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Golf Shoe Reviews

TRUE Linkswear Motion Review

True Motion

Every year it seems TRUE Linkswear evolves in a way that exceeds even the highest expectations. Ok, maybe not everyone’s but certainly mine! I’ve been wearing True Linkswear on the golf course for almost three years now, and with each new pair I’ve added to my collection my love for the TRUE brand grows stronger.

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May 15, 2015by Mathew Wangrycht
Golf Shoe Reviews

True Linkswear Game Changer Pro

True Linkswear Game Changer Pro

“Game Changer”. Strong words for sure.  I mean, when ketchup put the squeeze top on the bottom so you avoided the watery first gloop, that was a game changer; or when an eraser was added to the top of a pencil, that was a game changer. Heck, putting soap on a rope is nearly a game changer, but when True Linkswear puts spikes on a golf shoe does it really qualify as a “game changer?”

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April 17, 2015by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

Footjoy Hyperflex Golf Shoes

FJ Hyperflex

So you absolutely dominate the golf shoe market despite a ton of new companies trying to chip away at your base. Despite your storied history, resting on your laurels is risky with the required annual new model release. Inevitably, you are faced with the same question every year- play it safe or try something new. Surprisingly, for the past few years, Footjoy has chosen to the road less traveled and risked going outside their brown saddle history to try and reach a younger demographic.

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March 17, 2015by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

Adidas AdiPower Boost

This is about the 6th Adidas golf shoe review we have done on Three Guys Golf so I feel like we have a pretty good sense of the brand. Overall we are fans of Adidas golf shoes in terms of both performance and looks. To this day, Matt still wears all three pairs of Adidas shoes he has reviewed (Samba, PureMotion and Gripmore ). In my case I have reviewed the Adizero, which, while comfortable and light, looks too much like soccer cleats for my taste and never really made it into my regular shoe rotation.

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February 12, 2015by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

Adicross Gripmore Golf Shoes

Adidas Gripmore

If you watched any U.S. Open coverage last weekend, then you’ll recognize these suckers: Martin Kaymer cruised to victory last weekend wearing the Adicross Gripmore shoes. For a bit less prize money, I did the same.

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June 16, 2014by Matt Murley
Golf Shoe Reviews

Dagwood Canvas Golf Shoes

Dagwood James Black

One of the benefits of writing for Three Guys Golf is that I get to try out gear I would have otherwise never have the chance to see, let alone review. In this case I was given a pair of the new Dagwood James Black canvas shoes. I can honestly say that I would have never stumbled upon the Dagwood brand had it not been for Three Guys Golf, so don’t feel like you are “out of the loop” if you’re in the same boat as me.

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June 10, 2014by Mathew Wangrycht
Golf Shoe Reviews

FootJoy FJ City Golf Shoe Review

Footjoy City

I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of Foot Joy, but you may not yet be aware of the FJ City, a new line of shoes they released in April of this year. The line is made of up of 6 different models – 3 wing tip and 3 standard, each with a slightly funky twist on color pairings that add a little edge to the standard FootJoy look. As FootJoy’s website puts it: “a street style shoe designed for golf, the FJ City is fashion forward allowing any golfer to look his best on the golf course”.

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June 2, 2014by Matt Murley
Golf Shoe Reviews

Kikkor Select Blue Geo Review

Kikkor Select

The old joke (that is not very funny) was that when you saw Tide get a new name like “Tide Breeze” you knew there was a change in the marketing department. The fact is most products go through endless incremental changes so that the company can always have something new without every really doing very much to improve the actual product.

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May 2, 2014by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

True Linkswear 2014 Review

Where to start? Let’s start with the basic disclaimer that I have been a huge fan of True Linkswear since I got my first pair of PHX a couple of years ago. Looking back at those early models I am genuinely impressed that the company has been able to make such huge improvements to a shoe that (at the time) I thought was pretty darn solid.

Once known as uber comfortable clown shoes, True Linkswear are now far better looking and even more comfortable than ever before. The three new shoes that I have personally worn are the Oxford, Lyt Dry and the Limited Edition Masters Wingtip.

True Linkswear Oxford:

True Linkswear Oxford
The Oxford is far less “golfie” than most of the other TRUE shoes, but they are certainly appropriate for the course. However, I wanted to give them a more robust test run than just a simple loop around the track. For my “off track” testing I decided to make them my primary shoe on my recent jaunt from North Carolina to Mt. Rainier Washington via the John Candy express, i.e. planes trains and automobiles.
True Linkswear Oxford
My journey started with a plane flight to Chicago where it felt like I walked the entire downtown and every tourist venue in the city. A day later, I hopped on a train for 48 hours, where I watched six states pass by (and yes, N. Dakota is exactly as foreboding as you can imagine). Granted I did a lot of sitting (and drinking) on the train, but foot comfort was still a priority as I made many a walk from the viewing car to the bar car. Finally, I drove from Seattle to the foot of Mt Rainier. All told, the True Linkswear barely left my feet and I could not have been happier.
True Linkswear Oxford
You see, the True Linkswear Oxford is one part fashion statement, one part walking shoe, and one part bedroom slipper. Everything about this shoe is done right. They are so light that you barely feel them even when you are hoofing around Chicago.
True Linkswear Oxford
A couple of technical notes: The TRUE Oxford is made with treated suede which will show some water stains but not any more than a traditional suede shoe. Obviously this is not a great wet weather shoe but you also do not need to be ultra careful either – they will just gain a little personality with every mile they trek. Truth is I won’t play too much golf in this shoe but that is only because I have four other pairs of True Linkswear shoes. However the TRUE Oxoford has become a staple in my everyday footwear. The beauty for me is that I get all of the comfort of a True Linkswear golf shoe in a model that looks great with jeans (and they are only $99).

True Linkswear Lyt Dry:

True Linkswear Lyt Dry
Next up is the True Linkswear Lyt Dry, which is the top of the line tour performance shoe and is the one that Ryan Moore is currently wearing on the PGA Tour. In short, the Lyt Dry represent the most technologically advanced shoe True Linkswear has ever made.
True Linkswear Lyt Dry
A couple of things jump out for me beyond the techno speak. First I love lace and tongue system. The laces are raised above the shoe and the tounge is held securely all the way to the sole of the shoe so it won’t slide around.  The end result is that the shoe fits securely and never needs any adjustments.
True Linkswear Lyt Dry
Performance wise, the Lyt Dry is obviously super light. Made from waterproof premium leather with a totally redesigned sole, this shoe will handle any conditions (I think we are all beyond the soft spikes issue). While last year’s Proto and Sensei models received rave reviews, some folks still did not like the rounded toe box. With the Lyt Dry, True Linkswear was able to maintain the freedom for your toes to roam but make the shape slightly more traditional. Perhaps this will be the “everyman’s TRUE”
True Linkswear Lyt Dry
Regardless, they will definitely be THIS man’s TRUES. I have worn the Lyt Dry shoes many times over the past few weeks and I absolutely love them. One small design note is that the back heel section is raised higher than most of the other styles to help provide greater support. Out of the box it did feel slightly odd and I was unsure if it would ultimately bother me. However it only took a couple of holes for me to get used to the feel and now I never give it a thought.
True Linkswear Lyt Dry
Last but not least, the price point is outstanding. While most top of the line golf shoes run close to $200, the True Linkswear Lyt Dry are just $149, making them a steal in the high end golf shoe niche. If you have owned a pair of True Linkswear you will be impressed with the new features; if you have never owned a pair then this would be a great time to try a pair on.

True Linkswear LE Masters Gent Wingtip:

True Linkswear Masters Wingtip
Last but not least is the Masters Limited Edition TRUE Gent Wingtip. Note the Gent Wingtip is techicnically a 2013 shoe but is being included because  1) they are new to me and 2) the Masters starts tomorrow.
True Linkswear Masters Wingtip
If there is one ding on True Linkswear it is the non traditional styling. Well, fear not, the Gent Wingtip is welcomed in the swankiest of swanky country clubs. Plus if you are still worried about being “too hip”,  no one has to know you are actually wearing a shoe half the weight and twice as comfortable as the old school counterparts.
True Linkswear Masters Wingtip
100% waterproof premium leather with a faux heel gives this shoe style, while a green sole and Masters Edition branding give it swag! I can always tell when a particular show catches the public’s eye, and judging from the response I got from my Instagram pictures, this one is a winner.
True Linkswear Masters Wingtip
If the True Linkswear look has eluded your preference or if you just want a more traditional option, the Gent Wingtip might be just the ticket you need to punch.
True Linkswear Masters Wingtip
Finally, beyond the comfort and style of True Linkswear, the company and its people are just fantastic. I have been working with these guys for the past three years and they are some of the best in the business. They stand for all of the right things and just keep pumping out one great shoe after another. As they say, “Enjoy the Walk”.
Check out all their shoes on the True Linkswear website.

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April 9, 2014by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews, Women's Golf Reviews

Adidas Clima Cool Ballerina Golf Shoes

Adidas Ballerina

All Day I Dream About Shoes

Boots, wedges, heels, stilettos, flats, sandals, tennis shoes, fancy shoes and yes don’t forget golf shoes, we dream of them all. It isn’t new news that one of the paths to a girl’s heart is through shoes. We all own more than we need, yet struggle to pick which ones to wear each morning. We will never stop buying them, NEVER! Sometimes we buy them just for the look, actually more than we’re willing to admit we buy them just for looks. Other times we buy them for comfort and sometimes for functionality.

Adidas Ballerina

No matter the occasion, no matter the purpose we enjoy our shoes. What is not so much fun is the hunt for the perfect shoe. I have come to the conclusion that it’s not shopping that I enjoy – it’s the thrill of finding something that fits or that I love. Shopping isn’t what brings me joy; it is the purchasing that feels so good. The thought of “Oh I can’t wait to wear this I am going to look and feel so good”! Recently I was able to feel that because of the brand new clima-cool ballerina golf shoes that Adidas just released.

Adidas Ballerina

I am in love! I have struggled for years trying to find a golf shoe I liked. When looking for a golf shoe you know you need to find a shoe that is for functionality and comfort. Most times they are clunky, wide, heavy and not attractive. The clima-cool ballerinas are amazing; it truly feels like you’re golfing barefoot. I guess that makes sense considering they only weigh 4.8oz. When I first put them on at home the day I received them, I joked that they felt like a house slipper. They molded to my foot and I actually didn’t take them off for the rest of the day as I ran errands and went to my son’s soccer practice. These shoes do not look bulky like a golf shoe traditionally does so you can definitely get away with wearing them on and off the course.

Adidas Ballerina

As I approached the tee box on hole 1 I found myself being a little nervous about the shoe. I had already fallen in love and god forbid they don’t perform on the course. My fears were they wouldn’t be supportive enough, my heel may slip out the back during my finish and that sand would get in them . . . that is only if I go in the sand though, which I don’t, yea right. Turns out, Adidas knew what they were doing when they designed this shoe. The mesh they used to create part of the body is permeable enough to allow your foot to breathe yet still fine enough to not let sand through. The opening of the shoe molds around your ankle also blocking sand or dirt from up top. The fabric they used does not cut off circulation; I was worried it would be too tight and bug me after an hour or be too loose and my heel would slip out, neither happened. The shoes honestly mold to your feet, and this is probably why Adidas offers a 90 day comfort warranty! That blew my mind when I read that, you won’t find that with your Jimmy Choo’s.

Adidas Ballerina

This shoe does not have spikes and I’m starting to think those are soon to be something of the past. I am seeing less and less golf shoes that have the traditional spikes. These ballerina shoes have a thin moldable sole with a consistent grip design that is created of small rubber nodules. They also have a foam insert with arch support (kind of reminds me of memory foam). I just can’t say it enough, these shoes are amazingly comfortable and I will own multiple pairs. They are functional, comfortable and good looking.

Adidas Ballerina

Currently you can find them online, where they are retailing for around $99. They come in solar blue & silver, silver & bahia mint, and mid grey & tribe purple. I would love for them to make a black or charcoal grey shoe with red accents and a white & pink combination. My thought is these shoes are going to fly off the shelves this season, so I would get them early. I hope to have one in each color . . . it will be hard to slip into another shoe after experiencing the comfort of the Adidas ballerina.

Adidas Ballerina

Here’s a little history for you. People for years have believed that Adidas stands for All Day I Dream About Sports, some believe the S stand for soccer and those of a juvenile mind firmly state the S stands for sex. In truth it stands for none of those things. Adolf (Adi) Dassler started the company in 1949 and he decided to name his company by using the first three letters of his first name and the first three letters of his last name, creating Adi-Das. That being said I will never say AdiDas again without sounding like I have an accent. However, my prediction is if they continue to produce such killer shoes then then they will soon be known for the acronym All Day I Dream About Shoes!  The funny thing about acronyms is they are often untrue, just like the word Golf: ‘gentlemen only ladies forbidden’ is not its true meaning even though many still claim it to be. The word golf started as a medieval Dutch word “kolf” or “kolve” which meant “club”. It wasn’t until the 16th century that it transcended into golf.

Adidas Ballerina

Throughout my life asking why and why not has served to be a blessing on some occasions and a curse on others. I like to understand things, I am never afraid to admit I do not know something and I also am not afraid to blaze a new path if I don’t like the options before me. At one time I did believe that golf stood for gentleman only ladies forbidden. In a feisty I’m going to do what I want state of mind I create a league called SWING. This actually is an acronym and stands for Savvy Women In Need of Golf.

Adidas Ballerina

We are a non-competitive cocktail league for women and we thrive on growing the game one happy hour at a time. We love to bring fashion on the course so believe me when I say “this shoe is going to kill it”, because if anyone knows what’s going to look good on the course it is my league. So whether you golf or SWING, or believe the S in Adidas stands for sports, soccer, sex or shoes, it really doesn’t matter as long as you’re swingin’ a club somehow somewhere. Those who dress well, play well, let’s keep the game alive and look good while we’re doing

Adidas Ballerina

 

You can check out the Adidas Clima Cool Balerina golf shoes on the Adidas Website.

April 7, 2014by Jennifer Jennings
Golf Shoe Reviews

Justin Golf Shoes

Justin Golf

The name “Justin Boots” is synonymous with the cowboy lifestyle much like Titleist or TaylorMade is so clearly associated with the golfing world. If you have spent any time spent in states like Texas, Wyoming or Montana then Justin Boots is already a household name for you. For us city folk, however, the brand may not be as familiar.

So what in tarnation does Justin Boots have to do with golf? OK, I promise no more cowboy jargon. The answer is quite simple; Justin Golf is hoping to parlay their footwear expertise into the world of golf.

Justin Golf

This is by no means an easy task. The list of failed footwear companies is about as long as the list of people who want to punch Brandel Chamblee in the nose. That being said, Justin Golf enters the market with a stellar resume and a long history in footwear. It should, therefore, not come as any surprise then that Justin Golf flat-out nailed it with their first line of high end golf shoes.

Justin Golf

Justin has a rich history of American made, high quality products. Founded by H.J Justin back in 1879, they have over 135 years of boot making experience! The Justin quality and craftsmanship is so obvious that even a non cowboy boot wearer like me was drawn into their PGA Merchandise booth.

Justin Golf

Traditionalists will love the Justin Golf line as it harkens to the golden era of golf when men wore their Sunday best. Now, to be fair, I am a huge fan of minimalist golf shoes but I also appreciate the traditional looking shoe. It’s just that I have never been able to pull the trigger and actually buy a pair of traditional golf shoes. I partially blame my juvenile notion that how you dress for golf should be comparable to your game, and since I’m still a relative newbie, there was no way I could justify wearing Pro level shoes with a hacker’s swing in my bag.

Justin Golf

So here’s the thing – it is super obvious that the Justin Golf shoes are insanely well made and carry a style that is completely unique from anything I ever wear. Add to that the fact that I have never played golf in a shoe with a heel, I decided I’d better take some baby steps. To break in my set of Justin Golf shoes I wore them around the house without the spikes for the weekend. Being a novice to the high end shoe realm I wasn’t sure if a break in period was needed or not, but I figured it best to be on the safe side.

Justin Golf

The break in time with the shoes was worth it on a couple of different levels. First, taking the time to basically learn how to walk in shoes with a heel at least saved me from looking like a fool as I played golf in them (Seriously, I NEVER wear shoes with a heel).

Aside from learning how to walk appropriately, I also learned just how comfortable they truly were. Mind you, it did take a little while to get used to the different way the shoe fits compared to athletic shoes, but the comfort was undeniable and I kinda felt like a badass strutting around the house in $400 shoes.

Justin Golf offers 17 different variations, but for this review we received the JG112. While all of the shoes have a classic look, the JG112 are visually stunning with a beautiful combination of an Albatross Classic white leather and a contrasting Phantom black made from Caiman lizard skin (perfectly at home in my little town of Las Vegas).

Justin Golf

Beyond the style, one element that sets Justin Golf shoes apart from their competitors is the use of a leather sole. Unlike most golf shoes that have a synthetic sole, Justin Golf held true to its roots and kept the leather sole in place, which they believe adds to the comfort and durability. To ensure the highest level of stability Justin Golf added an additional spike to the bottom of the shoe, so rather than the standard 9 spike configuration, these have 10 (if it only went to 11).

Justin Golf

Satisfied that the style and craftsmanship of the Justin Golf shoes was unsurpassed, I was eager to see if those qualities would transfer to the course . . .

The answer is a resounding YES!

Like I had stated earlier, the heel of the shoe made me slightly anxious. Remember, I have been wearing a zero drop shoe pretty much every day of my life so I have become rather accustomed to the flat-footed feel. Going to a heel, albeit not a very big one, still gave me the sensation I was wearing 6” stilettos and standing over the ball at a 45° angle.

All my uneasiness was quickly stymied though when on the first tee I piped my drive dead and then knocked my approach within 20 feet! Reliving one of my favorite shoe campaigns of all time my inner Spike Lee jumped out and in true Mars Blackmon fashion screaming “It’s Gotta be the Shoes!”

Justin-Golf-03

While I wish I could report a record round, I ended up shooting my typical score, but I did look like a rockstar! One item of note is how well they performed in the bunkers and in tricky lies. My footing or traction was never an issue and I stayed glued to course throughout the entire day.

As for wear and tear, the shoes should last for years as long as you treat them better than the ones you toss in your trunk and leave there until your next outing. Like any fine leather, these shoes need to be cared for.

Justin Golf

There is no doubt in my mind that Justin Golf is going to be a serious player in the high end golf shoe market. I say high end because all the quality, craftsmanship and exotic fabrics comes at a premium price. Starting out at $400 and peaking at $800 there is a price to be paid for this luxurious style. That being said I was completely blown away by the Justin Golf shoe.

SIDE NOTE: I’ve been told by many, many people that you just can’t find a more comfortable pair of shoes than a pair of boots. I’ve even played in a softball league with a guy who wore boots and he was an absolute stud in the outfield. To that end, Justin Golf took care of the true cowboy. For those boot lovers out there that may have a soft spot in their heart for the game of golf, Justin Golf created several styles that are a full cowboy boot with spikes. How cool is that! I’m not the one who’s going to challenge the notion of a boot being more comfortable than my running shoes, and if they’re anything like the pair of Justin shoes I received I just might be inclined to give it a try.

You can see all the unique options that Justin Golf has to offer on the Justin Golf website.

March 17, 2014by Mathew Wangrycht
Golf Shoe Reviews

Footjoy DNA Review

Being the Imelda Marcos of golf shoes, I now can tell a good shoe from a great shoe in about 5 seconds, which is exactly how long it took for me to determine that the FootJoy DNA fell into the latter category.

Last fall I reviewed the FootJoy Icons and I continue to wear them on a fairly regular basis. With that said, the new DNA’s are a clear upgrade in just about every facet (except they are not money blue and yellow like my Icons).

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March 3, 2014by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

Ecco EVO One Review

ECCO EVO One

I have been following the evolution of Ecco for quite some time now and have been 100% on the bandwagon since the first pair arrived at my doorstep. Since then, I think Ecco has continued to make improvements, with each iteration being just a little better than the last. A few years ago I reviewed the Ecco Street Premiere golf shoes. and while I no longer wear them on the course, they have become my everyday shoe (they are on my feet as I type). For those math majors out there, they are nearly two years old and still in great condition.

ECCO EVO One

Last year Ecco introduced the BIOM and got rave reviews. Unfortunately,  I never owned a pair, but I personally thought they were a huge improvement over the Street Premiere both in terms of look and performance.

With the EVO One, Ecco looks to build on that success in part by beefing up the actual construction of the shoes, an area that I think was a bit lacking in the Street Premiere. To do this, they added a large contrasting sturdy area around the heal that adds to both the look and the stability.

ECCO EVO One

Additionally, the EVO One has a wider base than some of the older models. Oddly, the EVO’s definitely run nearly a size larger than other Ecco’s (European), specifically in the toe area. I have worn size 46 in every pair of Eccos I have owed (about 5) but needed to step down to a 45 as they are just longer in the toe. 

ECCO EVO One

Another improvement to the shoe (at least from the Street Premiere) is a well-constructed heel cup, which improves stability during your golf swing. In terms of resistance to water, the shoes are rated “water resistant” but I had no issues when I put my foot in standing water up to the third eyelet. I am unsure of the exact difference in rating but Ecco uses Hydro-max technology in the leather which make this shoe perfectly acceptable for wet weather golf (albeit maybe not torrential rains). 

ECCO EVO One

The cleat system that Ecco is known for remains basically the same, although it has also been tweaked and now boasts 800 traction angles. Unlike other soft spiked golf shoes, with Eccos you will never see a rapid decline in traction. For example, my handy old Ecco Street Premieres are worn every day (I have a dog and walk a lot), and the only real noticeable wear is on the heel. Note that I have been wearing them every day for about 6 months and walking on concrete.

ECCO EVO One

As for comfort, the Ecco brand shines through and provides a lightweight but stable platform. However, I was noticeably concerned about wearing them straight to the course. My first day with the shoes came during the PGA Show where I walked for about three hours in the convention hall before heading out to play golf. I made a last second decision to change shoes as they were just a bit stiff around the ankle. Since that time I have not had any issues as they have softened up, but I do think the added stability has made the EVO One a touch less forgiving (at least on day one).

ECCO EVO One

Like the other Ecco shoes, the EVO One is available in a number of colors and all come with an extra set of laces (in a different color). Speaking of laces, I think Ecco does a great job. Many golf shoes have laces that refuse to stay tied. My Street Premier’s stay laced 24/7 and never come undone. Kudos to Ecco for this small detail.

ECCO EVO One

The Ecco EVO One run about $160 and can be purchased on the Ecco website.

February 28, 2014by Adam Staelin
Golf Shoe Reviews

Nike F1 Impact Golf Shoes

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

I haven’t worn traditional spikes to play golf in years, and that’s not the chorus of the song. The fact is, I don’t ever plan on wearing traditional golf shoes ever again, and shoes like the Nike FI Impact are strong cases for the reason why. For those of you with short attentions spans, I am gonna spill the beans and say that these shoes have truly impressed me on several levels.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

While much of the credit for the popularization of soft spike golf shoes goes to Fred Couples, you can actually trace some of the history through the NFL. Growing up, I came from a football family where it was the sport of choice for me and my brothers (and my father’s profession). Back in the 70’s when NFL teams were moving to turf, players like my dad were also making the transition to non-spiked shoes. In fact, my dad had a pair of one of the very first turf shoes ever developed. When I was old enough to play on turf in high school, he let me break out his pair, and I never looked back to traditional cleats again. So for me, soft spiked golf shoes seem to be the obvious choice.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe 8

Once I started playing golf in my 20s, I enjoyed the grip of cleats, but didn’t enjoy the hardness and unevenness of walking in them or the styles of the golf shoes that were the norm. My hips, feet and back were taking a beating as well. Fortunately, with the well-chronicled shoe revolution we now have quite a few great choices.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

For this particular golf shoe, Nike brought in Suzann Pettersen to help design the F1 Impact. Suzann drew from her 8 years studying shoeless running, and working with the Stanford golf team. Nike learned that Stanford players were practicing barefoot, following in the footsteps of pros like Sam Snead and Rocco Mediate, who have long-extolled the virtues of feeling the ground with your bare feet during your swing.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

The Nike FI Impact Golf Shoes truly wrap around my foot and fit like a glove and with the way the low-profile sole works with the ground, they give tremendous feel through the motion of the foot as it pushes off the ground in the swing. There are no cleats on shoe, but when hitting off of wet, dewy grass I was amazed at how much the nubs gave me a solid grip; and yet they felt like running shoes when walking on pavement.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

The facts that these shoes are water-proof, exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, highly breatheable (due to the mesh upper), and exceptionally dynamic (due to soft ‘finger’s through the arch area that keep the uppers connected to the sole during the movement of your foot) make them a great value at $130.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

They come in four color combinations, including grey and blue besides the ever-popular white and black. I have been trying the blue, and although they were a little bright for my taste when I first looked down to swing, I noticed that it made it very easy to check my setup and foot position with barely a glance.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

If you’ve tried ‘barefoot’ running shoes or ever played golf barefooted, or even longed to, you should give these a try. They give you many of the benefits of your bare feet, with plenty of helpful options to go along with it.

Nike F1 Impact golf shoe

 

You can learn more about the Nike F1 Impact golf shoe on the Nike Golf Website.

January 10, 2014by Wade Baynham
Golf Shoe Reviews

Kikkor Mint Shadow

Kikkor Mint Player Shoe

Mint chocolate chip ice cream, mint julep and of course “just one more wafer thin mint”. Yes, mint makes most everything better except maybe shoes. Huh, mint shoes? Yup, Kikkor has been bold enough to offer their Men’s Player in splendid mint!

Kikkor Mint Player Shoe

Of all of the shoes I trot out, I get more double takes and questions about the Kikkor Player Mint Shadow than anything else. And why not, they are green for Pete’s sake. Since we have reviewed the Kikkor shoes in the past I will spare you the company details and just hit you with what is new.

The Mint Shadow is basically like the other Kikkor Player shoes except one small detail. They are freaking mint color and they are awesome. I am not sure exactly why a green pair of shoes are so cool, but it is not just me. Again, I get guys from all walks of life tell me they dig these shoes so I am gonna go ahead and say they are 100% money.

Kikkor Mint Players Shadow

Speaking of which, they won’t break the bank as the price tag comes in at a cool $99. Not bad for a water resistant suede shoe. Note on water resistant -no way am I wearing these in the rain so I don’t care about waterproof but I do care that they keep my feet dry in early morning wet grass (which they do).

Comfort wise, Kikkor are pretty darn comfortable. Perhaps not as comfortable as I want them to be but I think that is more due to the fact that they look like they should be insanely amazingly comfortable and they are merely very comfortable. Walking 18 is no issue with the Kikkors and there is no break-in period.

Kikkor Mint Players Shadow

Aside from the color, I also really like how they have separated the space between the grommets where you lace up the shoe. I am not sure what that space is called, but most shoes have a very small space where as with the Kikkor Player shoes, there is a full inch of space which give them a very unique look. That and the fact they are mint green (have I mentioned that?).

Kikkor Mint Players Shadow

The sole is your standard Kikkor cleat. Traction is fine and they last fairly well. The back two cleats seem to wear a little faster but getting a season in should not be a problem. The truth is these are not a pair of shoes you are going to wear for two years.

Kikkor Mint Players Shadow

For me, these are a great shoe to wear on days of blue sky and light breeze. They say “dude it is awesome outside, lets play some golf!” These are not workman shoes to be trotted out while grinding on your game or when clouds are looming. Naw, they are for better times. Mint green times.

Final note on the suede. I was pretty sure that after three rounds they would look awful and discolored but they actually hold up very well. Yes, they do get a little dirty but you can scrub them and get them mostly clean. The mint color remains solid and bold. Again, not for keeping two years but for a summer’s worth of play – perfect!

P.S. A huge thank you to Kikkor for sponsoring the Hoeffler Cup, which is a tournament we organize as a way to raise money for Victory Juncton and SKJAJA Fund. Kikkor does a fantasic job with community outreach and is definitely one of the “good guys”.

You can check out all of the Kikkor gear on their website

November 11, 2013by Adam Staelin
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