By Jason Bruno

June 21st signals the start of another summer and the solstice that brings
us the longest daylight of the year. All of this equates to extended time on
the links. Golf Footwear is a great place to start the journey, and after all
doesn't it all start from the ground up? If you're like me, starting the summer
season with new kicks is a must. If it has been awhile since you went shopping
for golf shoes, then be prepared to be amazed and perhaps overwhelmed by
all of the choices.
In 2018 golf specific footwear is better than ever and the latest innovation
and technology give you more options than you can imagine. Finding the
correct golf shoe is imperative but is a personal choice. Certainly, style is
a factor, but with so many specific shoe types available today (spikeless,
hybrid and premium tour) everything that you need to feel, play and look
your best is available - no need to compromise.
In this feature, we'll highlight what each shoe model specializes in and
which type of player and foot sizing it suits best. Just like golf gloves,
what's best for one, might not be a fit or feel for another. We rounded
up six of the top brands in the biz - Adidas, Footjoy, Puma, New Balance,
ECCO and Callaway for this review (for those wondering where is Nike in
this feature? It's a long story, but the short version is that since they have
removed themselves from the equipment side of the biz, they have also
removed themselves in large part from the golf media. Presently we're
working on re-connecting with a new PR contact at the "Swoosh" and will
have more to report in the coming weeks).
ADIDAS

Two of the latest offerings from Adidas - Tour 360 2.0 & Adipower S Boost 3
The Tour 360 2.0 is the flagship golf shoe from the brand known for its 3
stripes. Worn each week on tour by Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele,
Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia - there is no mistaking the Tour 360's alpha
status on the roll call of premium tour shoes. For 2013 U.S Open Champion
and Olympic Gold Medal winner Justin Rose, the feel and performance of a
spikeless shoe is the choice. The Adipower S Boost3 is his go-to gameday
shoe.
ADIPOWER S BOOST3

Blending the style of their new knit upper with the comfort and energy
return of Adi's BOOST technology makes for an outstanding walking
shoe.

Rarely is a spikeless golf shoe ever able to compete on the same playing
field as their premium tour spiked brethren. Quite often, a spikeless golf
shoe meant a glorified sneaker with some nubbs on the sole. The Adipower
S BOOST3 breaks that barrier with the combination of energy returning
BOOST in the heel and Adi's BOUNCE foam in the forefoot for just the right
response for maximum power at impact. Puremotion outsole with Adiwear
traction provides stability and grip for even the fastest swings.

Climastorm's breathable water-repellant upper makes sure your feet stay
dry in even the harshest conditions. Our review pair came in Cloud White/
Silver Metallic/Light Onix. Also available in four other color combinations.
We first got a glimpse and became smitten by these during our with Adi's
Joel Monson at this year's PGA Show. Honestly, your biggest issue with
these might be the desire to wear them off the course as well. Guilty as
charged . . .
Recommended for: Those who prefer to walk the links and favor a
spikeless shoe. A medium fit but a roomy toe-box area for those who need
more volume in the fore-foot. Supreme cushy feel in every step thanks to
BOOST technology provided in the heel area. Many favor spikeless golf shoes
for their versatility, as an example I'm actually wearing these in the office
as I write this review.
TOUR 360 -2.0

The ultimate premium golf shoe of the 3 stripes is the Tour 360 2.0.
If a zero compromise tour shoe is what you're after, then this is Adi's
"Ferrari". Premium leather, BOOST and Climaproof make up this high-
performance beauty. Adi shoe creator Masun Denison introduced the
golf world to BOOST foam a few years back at the PGA Show knowing
it was a game changer, he was right.

The 10 cleat Puremotion outsole with CenTraxion for stability and grip
to the ground - for ball striking with maximum power.

Style wise, what's different from the previous model Tour 360? To the
casual shoe enthusiast, it might be tough to notice the very Subtle
differences (that were influenced by World No.1 Dustin Johnson). For
example, things like seams can tend to distract the games' best players
at address. The previous edition of the Tour 360 had vertical stitched
seams that extended from the lace area to the tip of the shoe and its
TPU outsole. Above, you can see the clean no seam appearance of the
2018 model. It's the little things, details, details. Available in nine
different color combinations and 2 new U.S Open editions (that also
includes the new Knit Tour360 features red/white/blue striping).

Recommended for: Those who demand superior support in the
arch, heel & forefoot as well as the maximum traction of any Adidas golf
shoe. BOOST keeps foot fatigue to a minimum and comfort to the max.
The Tour 360 comes in every size including widths, but the standard
sizes do tend to favor those with a narrow to medium width. With an
MSRP of $200 the Tour 360 2.0 is for those who take their golf footwear
seriously.
*I personally own several pairs of Tour 360's, perhaps there is no better
compliment to a brand than when a product tester goes out and shops
for more of the very item that they review.
Adidas Golf: https://www.adidas.com/us/golf
PUMA - IGNITE PWRADAPT (Leather)

Puma's IGNITE PWRADAPT. We've always been a big fan of the work by
Puma's shoe creator Grant Knudson, but these might be his best creation
yet. IGNITE foam creates the comfort while a premium full-grain leather
upper provides a sophisticated and refined look.

Gamed by Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau on the PGA Tour each
week is proper validation. IGNITE PWRADAPT Leather features incredible
comfort and sophisticated style. Leather model available in white (shown)
and black.

IGNITE insole and a mesh hybrid bootie lining provides a superb fit.

Non-leather version available in White, Black, Gray and Blue.

PWRADAPT pods provide high level grabbing power with tornado cleats and
Grip Zone comfort in a 3-D system that moves with you in the swing.
Recommeded for: Those players that fancy a refined style and some
new outside the box technology. The PWRADAPT Leather tends to run a bit
towards a narrow width and about standard on length sizing. A more nimble
shoe than many other Tour Premium selections. Extremely versatile for both
walking or riding on the course. 2 year waterproof warranty MSRP: $150
*Our first test drive in these resulted in a 1 under par 71 up in Orlando
a few weeks back. The pivoting cleats are an excellent innovation, and
believe me - nobody in our 12 man group was wearing better lookin kicks
. . .
PUMA: https://www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf/men/shoes
FOOTJOY - TOUR S

Footjoy's latest premium shoe for the dedicated linkster is their
TOUR-S, big on stability. Launch pods and 9 cleats on the outsole
plate are spread out wide on the outer perimeter for the heavy
lifting of powerful ball striking. The combination of Powerstrap,
SecureCollar and . . .

ComforTongue is integrated into the TOUR-S to deliver an exact fit.

When we visited with FootJoy at the PGA Show we had our first glimpse
of the TOUR-S. Available in White/Blue, Black and White/White - MSRP
$249. BOA model (shown far left and below) available in White/Gray.

A closer look at the TOUR-S BOA version MSRP $279.
Recommended for: The massive legion of FJ loyalists, will love
this latest innovation - a breath of fresh air not only in technology, but
also in style (The TOUR-S exudes performance). The industry leader's
latest premium offering is inspired by tour players. Big on comfort with
a stable platform, the TOUR-S like many Footjoy models - tends to run
a bit larger and roomier in size than some brands, our test sample was
no different. Regardless of foot size, TOUR-S is available in medium,
wide and extra wide.
Footjoy: http://www.footjoy.com/
CALLAWAY - La Grange

Callaway's La Grange offering is a premium tour validated shoe worn
by Marc Leishman. A full-grain leather upper with Opti-dri waterproof
protection keeps you comfortable and dry. The POWERdrive platform
provides stability and FusionLite TPU outsole with nine Tornado spikes
give maximum grip.

TPU heel stabilizer provides additional support for the fastest swings.

La Grange is available in White/Lime, Brown, White and Black. 2 year
limited waterproof warranty. MSRP $199
Recommended for: Those who prefer a classic looking golf shoe
with big performance. It's a mature looking golf shoe that purists will
love. The cutouts in the outsole allow tons of natural motion and a softer
insole provides the perfect complement for those who may choose to walk
the links. La Grange sizing wears about half a size larger than most brands,
typical of most Callaway golf shoes.
Coronado

Callaway's Coronado specializes in comfort. Traditional with a dash of
sporty styling combined with an Opti-Dri microfiber upper make the
Coronado a popular choice for those seeking full performance in their
golf shoe but at a value pricepoint. Slim-Lok removable cleats and
Fusion-Lite outsole enhances power and stability.

Coronado carrys the large chevron emblem along the upper, leaving no
doubt this a Callaway product. A molded sockliner with Opti-vent provides
breath-ability and relief from excessive summer heat. Notice the Camo
colorway (far right), Callaway has partnered with the Fairways for Warriors
to support veterans and their families. 2 year limited waterproof warranty.
MSRP - $129
Recommended for: Those who want a golf shoe loaded with
performance and racy style that doesn't break the bank. Coronado is
another shoe that runs a bit large to size. An extremely comfortable
golf shoe that can handle any condition or terrain. As good a value as
any in this review.
Callaway Footwear: https://www.callawayapparel.com/golf-shoes/men/
ECCO - BIOM Hybrid 3 GTX

ECCO's BIOM HYBRID 3 GTX is the latest spikeless golf shoe from the
company that created the category. GORE-TEX waterproof technology
is featured along with YAK leather uppers. BIOM Natural Motion brings
the player closer to the ground using an anatomical last.

ECCO's newest innovation in spikeless footwear is their TRI-FI GRIP
outsole with three different zones is built for stability, durability and
rotational support.


Conservative styling that is sure to appeal more to the over thirty crowd,
the BIOM HYBRID 3 is available in six different color combinations. Sizing
is spot on but does tend to favor a slightly wider foot profile (but take
note - ECCO uses Euro sizing). Best to get fit for the correct size at a
retailer.

Concrete/Scarlet colorway

For those who want a flashy look, ECCO offers two such options:
Black/Buffed Silver print upper (above) and White/Silver Metallic.
Recommended for: Those players who prefer a spikeless golf shoe
in an understated Euro-look. Of all the shoes in this review, these came
out of the box the most ready to go - zero break-in. Perhaps it's the YAK
upper, that makes for such a supple feel. Although the BIOM 3 is a perfect
casual walking shoe on or off the course, with an MSRP of $200 you might
not want to wear these to the mall or park wearing out the sole. One
criticism - the insole pad. ECCO would do better with some beefier insole
padding, you shouldn't have to have supplement a new shoe with padding.
*Full disclosure, I enjoy practicing in a spikeless shoe but often prefer to
play in a full featured spiked tour shoe for maximum support and traction.
After playing 18 in these, there were no compromises what so ever.
ECCO Golf: https://us.shop.ecco.com/golf-shoes
New Balance - Tour Minimus

The New Balance Minimus Tour is a different animal than every other
shoe in this feature and perhaps in the industry. Minimus Tour combines
the lightweight (11.7oz) and comfort of its spikeless brother (Minimus),
with the full performance of a tour offering - a true hybrid shoe. Champ
Slim-Lok Zarma Tour cleat system provides the grip.

New Balance sent us the Minimus Tour in this catchy Grey with Lime
Green combo. REVlite foam provides the same responsiveness of
previous New Balance foams, but this new innovation is an impressive
30% lighter than previous models with no loss of cushioning or stability.

Three colorways available for Minimus Tour - White, Grey/Lime and Black.
Recommended for: Any golfer who can appreciate a non-
traditional golf shoe that covers the essentials of golf footwear:
comfort, stability, and performance all in a lightweight sporty
offering that fits perfectly within the ethos of the New Balance
brand. Minimus Tour tends to run a bit on the small side, so make
sure you get the proper fit. Available in standard and wide width.
At $139, Minimus Tour is a great value.
*Our tester G.S has been mixing up gaming these in the N.Y area
and walking the U.S Open terrain out at Shinnecock Hills all week.
He reports a major thumbs up on all counts.
New Balance Golf: https://www.newbalance.com/men/shoes/golf-1/
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