Finding Your Solemate

New designs in golf shoes yield added traction and stability

Edited By Max Adler

October 2007

In a perfect world we'd walk to a shot in ballet slippers and make the swing in cement boots. Golfers want lightweight comfort and stability, and designers are using new materials to achieve this. They're even changing the sole design to better respond to the golf swing's unique demands on your feet.

Can it make a diffference? Well, British Open winner Padraig Harrington attributed an increase in driver ball speed of seven miles per hour to better traction after he helped develop a new shoe design for Hi-Tec a few years ago.

Etonic G>SOK R-Series

The Resilient Cushioning System of the G>SOK R-Series Gore-Tex midsole (borrowed from the company's running division) is designed to absorb shock and return energy as the golfer steps forward.

$125

etonic.com

Hi-Tec Enviro

The Enviro uses chrome-free, vegetable oil-tanned leather, an outsole constructed from rice husks and latex and a recycled sockliner to help make it environmentally friendly. Only the cleat receptacle isn't "green."

$130

hi-tec.com

Nike Air Tour TW

The thermoplastic urethane molded heel of the Air Tour TW 8.5 is designed to have a no-slip fit. It's formed through heat injection to ensure a shape that's durable. Directly beneath it is a low-profile cage for an air pocket.

$230

nike.com

Callaway XTT Premiere

The connected cups of the XTT Premiere, with "Xtra Traction Technology," contain seven asymmetrical Big Bertha cleats. These cleats are designed to be soft on the instep and more firm on the outstep.

$184

callawaygolf.com

Ecco C-Force Hydromax

The C-Force Hydromax replaces the traditional shank piece (the bridge underneath the arch of the foot) with a lighter-weight carbon plate. The company uses an injection process that eliminates the need for cement or glue.

$220

eccousa.com

FootJoy DryJoys

Each Softspikes Pulsar cleat is contained by its own "Stability POD" in the new DryJoys model. The isolated flex points are designed to keep more of the shoe in contact with the turf throughout the swing.

$160

footjoy.com

Puma Concorde

Inspired by the profile of the company's soccer cleat, the Concorde features a carbon-fiber composite outsole to reduce weight and promote the distribution of pressure evenly.

$200

puma.com