2015 Shoe Guide: Gaining Traction

PERFORMANCE ADIDASASYM ENERGY BOOST

PRICE: $300WEIGHT: 14.4 oz.TECH TALK: Left and right feet behave differently in the swing. So Adidas built shoes with different spike configurations for each foot to guide your weight transfer, increasing efficiency.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE ADIDASADIPOWER BOOST

PRICE: $190WEIGHT: 14.4 oz.TECH TALK: Like its sister shoe, the Asym Energy Boost, this is part of the first line of golf shoes to feature adidas' Boost foam technology. This means thousands of foam capsules fused together through a steaming process for consistent cushioning no matter what the condition.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE CALLAWAY XFER PRO

PRICE: $170WEIGHT:12.2 oz.TECH TALK: Excessive lateral movement saps power in your swing. These external and internal x-shaped structures frame the outside of each foot to support your backswing and steady your move through the ball.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE CALLAWAY XFER SPORT

PRICE: $130WEIGHT: 10.9 oz.TECH TALK: The reduced drop from heel to toe aims to lower the center of gravity of each foot to keep your swing more grounded. A special x-shaped overlay in the upper helps stabilize the foot within each shoe.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE ECCO BIOM G2

PRICE: $240WEIGHT: 12.2 oz.TECH TALK: For stability on the base, a piece of carbon fiber runs from the heel through the midsole, and there's a bar across the forefoot, too.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE FOOTJOY HYPERFLEX

PRICE: $160WEIGHT: 13.4 oz.TECH TALK: Athletic golf shoes might be popular, but you shouldn't sacrifice stability for a light, sporty shoe. The remedy: Footjoy built a web-like grid on the lightweight mesh upper and added a thin traction-rich outsole.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NEW BALANCE MINIMUS LX

PRICE: $110WEIGHT: 8.0 oz.TECH TALK: When a company that develops footwear for winning Ironman triathletes designs golf shoes, you know they're going to be light. A trimmed outsole helps reduce even more weight.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NEW BALANCE NBG2003

PRICE: $135WEIGHT: 10.9 oz.TECH TALK: The upper on this shoe is made of waterproof mesh—but don't worry about stability of that fabric: a plastic cage encases it to keep your foot in place.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NIKE LUNAR BANDON

PRICE: $140WEIGHT: 16.3 oz.TECH TALK: Because sometimes you have to brave the storms, the upper here is a seam-sealed synthetic. It's also got zipper on the side to help fully cover any openings. A speed lace system also keeps your foot sealed off from the rain.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NIKE LUNAR COMMAND

PRICE: $120WEIGHT: 13.0 oz.TECH TALK: You want a lighter shoe, but you don't want your feet to take a pounding from all the walking. That's why there's wide-spaced cleats to add stability.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NIKE LUNARCONTROL 3

PRICE: $170WEIGHT: 13.8 oz.TECH TALK: When you design a shoe for Rory McIlroy's swing, you can be sure it's going to be stable. That's why the base is wider and there's an extra cleat in the forefoot. Thin, strong fibers in the upper add lateral support.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE NIKE TW15

PRICE: $200WEIGHT: 13.1 oz.TECH TALK: Tiger Woods asked Nike for a training-shoe-inspired style for golf. The result is this third-generation TW model with a one-piece woven upper strengthened by synthetic fibers.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE OAKLEY CIPHER 4

PRICE: $150WEIGHT: 9.9 oz.TECH TALK: A benefit of Oakley's grit-like traction elements is that they don't get in the way of how your feet move. The channels running through the base allow the sole to flex naturally.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE OGIO SPORT

PRICE: $80WEIGHT: 14.1 oz.__TECH TALK:__The goal of this shoe is to be both athletic and comfortable, durable and stable. To help achieve this, the team at Ogio focused on the materials: Half of the shoe is leather, and the other half is breathable mesh. The combo creates airflow so your feet won't overheat.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE PUMA BIODRIVE

PRICE: $120WEIGHT: 10.6 oz.TECH TALK: The octagon-shaped traction elements are strategically linked together to provide concentrated stability where you need it in the heel and more flexibility in the front of the foot. There's also a leather version of this shoe.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE PUMA BIOFLY

PRICE: $100WEIGHT: 9.0 OZ.TECH TALK: This spikeless shoe is all about comfort. The inside lining is breathable, the sock liner provides support, and the cushioning system at the heel molds to your foot as you wear it.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE PUMA TITANLITE

PRICE: $95WEIGHT: 12.8 OZ.TECH TALK: The geometric shapes of the sole have different purposes. The grooves in the forefoot let the foot move naturally. The shapes around the traction elements make sure the sole stays debris-free.MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE PUMA TITANTOUR

PRICE: $190WEIGHT: 14.7 OZ.TECH TALK: NASA definitely knows how to regulate temperature in a piece of wearable gear. Puma put the technology NASA uses in spacesuits in the insole of this shoe, so your feet won't overheat, sweat (or stink).MORE INFO: Visit Website

PERFORMANCE TRUE LINKSWEARGAME CHANGER PRO

PRICE: $190WEIGHT: 12.2 OZ.TECH TALK: You know that pressure-point feeling of your spikes underfoot? See that layer of rubber mesh set between the midsole and foot? Problem solved.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL BIION

PRICE: $100-$110WEIGHT: 7.7 OZ.TECH TALK: The molecules that make up this plastic/rubber shoe are a honeycomb shape. This matters because it makes the shoes form fitting, minimizing the separation between your feet and the ground.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL CALLAWAYDEL MAR SPORT

PRICE: $100WEIGHT: 10.9 OZ.TECH TALK: How do you make a technical shoe and keep it looking casual? Easy. Hide all the technology under the hood. Beneath the leather upper are enough support systems to keep your feet happy.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL CALLAWAYDEL MAR ZEPHYR

PRICE: $120WEIGHT: 10.2 OZ.TECH TALK: A lightweight insole material reduces the total weight by 20 percent vs. previous Del Mar models. But there's also extra traction on the outer region of the outsole to add lateral support.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL CALLAWAYXFER VIBE

PRICE: $150WEIGHT: 12.8 OZ.TECH TALK: The gentle heel to toe drop is designed to keep your feet, knees, hips and shoulders better balanced. A sole insert provides stability so your foot stays properly aligned during the swing.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL ECCOBIOM HYBRID 2

PRICE: $195WEIGHT: 12.8 OZ.TECH TALK: Your arch contacts the ground the least, so Ecco made that part of the sole less dense, but the outer part firmer for better traction.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL ECCOBIOM ZERO PLUS

PRICE: $180WEIGHT: 9.9 OZ.TECH TALK: Your contact with the ground is a big part of what helps you create power in your swing. So, the team at Ecco decided to make your feet as close to the ground as possible with this low profile shoe. The over 100 traction bars keep you connected to the ground.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL ECCOCASUAL HYBRID

PRICE: $170WEIGHT: 12.5 OZ.TECH TALK: This shoe is built for someone who wants a shoe that wants a shoe to stay comfortable through the transition from on course to off course. It's water repellent, and the sturdy bottom has 100 traction bars that create over 800 traction angles to keep you from slipping. It's also available in a sneaker version, and will be available in May.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL FOOTJOYCONTOUR CASUAL

PRICE: $115WEIGHT: 13.4 OZ.TECH TALK: One problem with keeping your golf shoes on before and after your round is durability. A special rubber compound in the outsole adds grip on the course and minimizes wear off it.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL NEW BALANCEnb547

PRICE: $90WEIGHT: 9.6 OZ.TECH TALK: The outsole in this shoe has had success in the New Balance tennis line. The durability of it is high, so they brought it to their golf line with this model.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL NIKE FI IMPACT

PRICE: $130WEIGHT: 12.5 OZ.TECH TALK: Designed with input from Suzann Pettersen, the outsole is inspired by the Nike Free training shoes and the emphasis is on better connecting your feet with the ground.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL NIKELUNAR CYPRESS

PRICE: $100WEIGHT: 9.9 OZ.TECH TALK: The lightweight mesh upper doesn't come without support. Selectively strengthened fibers provide a combination of stability and flexibility to work the way your feet work during the swing.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL NIKELUNAR MONT ROYAL

PRICE: $100WEIGHT: 9.9 OZ.TECH TALK: Thirty years ago, this might have been a running shoe with its midsole cushioning and mesh/leather upper. Now it's reimagined as a water-resistant golf shoe but those waffle nubs on the sole are vintage Nike.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL OGIOCITY TURF

PRICE: $100WEIGHT: 17 OZ.TECH TALK: This waterproof leather shoe was built with three types of shoes in mind: golf shoes, dress shoes, and casual shoes. The result is the only spikeless shoe in Ogio's line. Reinforcements near the arch help keep your foot stable during the swing.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL PUMAFAAS XLITE

PRICE: $80WEIGHT: 6.7 OZ.TECH TALK: This is the lightest shoe in the shoe guide. The sock liner is two-sided: Each side has a different raised pattern on it, one has minimal raised features and is built for comfort, and the shapes on the other side massage your feet as you walk.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL PUMAMONOLITE EL RAY

PRICE: $70WEIGHT: 7.2 OZ.TECH TALK: While this slip-on may not be the kind of shoe you want to wear in tough weather, it's definitely lightweight and versatile enough to wear for a casual round, and hangout in afterwards.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL PUMAMONOLITE V2

PRICE: $100 – $110WEIGHT: 9.0 OZ.TECH TALK: The toughest thing about spineless shoes is finding the balance between getting enough traction and making sure the traction elements don't get in the way of a smooth walk on and off the course. The traction elements on this shoe are angled towards the heel so you still get grip while you swing, but don't hinder a smooth gait.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL SKECHERSGO GOLF PRO

PRICE: $140WEIGHT: 13.8 OZ.TECH TALK: The company's walking shoe heritage and midsole cushioning technology are a natural fit for golf. Input from Matt Kuchar led to a more stable leather upper and better traction on the bottom.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL TRUE LINKSGAME CHANGER HYBRID

PRICE: $170WEIGHT: 11.5 OZ.TECH TALK: Truelinks' new PMotion technology provides more comfort and traction. True Barefoot spikeless performance tread also means a smooth transition from walking on the course to being inside.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CASUAL TRUE LINKSMOTION

PRICE: $140WEIGHT: 11.2 OZ.TECH TALK: An ultra-flexible spikeless sole give even more comfort and movement for the walking golfer. A full leather upper provides durability, and micro suede accent options are a nice touch that are sure to stand out.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC ALLEN EDMONDS FORT WORTH

PRICE: $295WEIGHT: 19.2 OZTECH TALK: When you look at a classic leather shoe like this, it's natural to worry about whether or not it's ever going to break in. But the tops are hand-tailored and they put in a cork midsole that forms to your foot.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC ASHWORTH LEUCADIA TOUR

PRICE: $160WEIGHT: 17 OZ.TECH TALK: Premium detailing gives a modern look to the classic saddle style shoe. They're also more comfortable than the saddle shoes you grew up playing thanks to an EVA heel insert and an Ortholite sockliner.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC DAGWOOD GEORGE WHITE

PRICE: $220WEIGHT: 16.6 OZTECH TALK: This spikeless shoe can be worn anywhere and combines aspects of old and new. A leather lining and a removable kiltie "George" contrasts with a recycled and speckled outsole.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC FOOTJOY CONTOUR

PRICE: $135WEIGHT: 16.6 OZTECH TALK: Just because you build in sneaker-like feel to appeal to a broad audience doesn't mean you have to give up on support. Note the thermoplastic urethane span in the sole for added stability.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC FOOTJOY ICON BLACK

PRICE: $350WEIGHT: 17.3 OZ.TECH TALK: The throwback cork in the insole and the calfskin uppers may exude Old School. But the outsole's all New School with a weight-saving thermoplastic urethane structure for improved stability.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC G/FORE GALLIVANTER

PRICE: $225WEIGHT: 12.5 OZ.TECH TALK: Finding the right balance between style after the round and not slipping during it isn't easy. G/Fore stays true to casual-shoe cool, but now the soles (with three levels of traction) are anything but.MORE INFO: Visit Website

CLASSIC ROYAL ALBARTROSS

PRICE: $240WEIGHT: 16.6 OZ.TECH TALK: Made from 100 percent leather, the Royal Albartross classic combines a traditional wing-tip look with bright modern stripes and changeable colored laces. A waterproof rubber outsole and a removable insole help keep these shoes looking and feeling sharp.MORE INFO: Visit Website

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