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The origin of the golf shoe is a lengthy story of evolutionary development and technology, much akin to the advancements made in clubs and balls.
Back in the early days of the sport, golfers used whatever footwear they were wearing off the course to also play the game.
Just imagine how much comfort and stability those players must have had. Not much, we would think. Although, they might have had plenty of "style" on the course. So, fashion was probably the first characteristic in golf shoes.
A subsequent development brought about tacking metal spikes into the soles of the shoes. And while that may have provided some stability -- although it would seem minimal by today’s standards -- it also really didn't yield much comfort after long periods of wear.
Nowadays, it might be said it's a whole new game in golf footwear.
"adidas Golf views footwear as equipment," says Dave Ortley, global director of footwear design for adidas Golf. "As such, we believe that footwear has the potential to actually improve swing mechanics, tempo, balance, power, stability and grip. Technical advancements in footwear add comfort, reduce foot fatigue, absorb impact and keep the foot dry through hours of wear in extreme conditions.
The most significant advances have come in the way of materials. With advancements in material engineering, today’s golf footwear is lighter, more flexible, more stable and more durable. It absorbs less water and breathes better. It's athletic footwear as much as it is a golf shoe.
Modern athletic footwear brands apply knowledge gained from their work in other sports to golf, sending both technology and style in a new direction. No single component of a golf shoe is immune to a rework. Upper materials, lining, the waterproof system, laces and lacing, the outsole and midsole, cleats, attachment system -- all have been advanced significantly in recent years.
When a pro golfer like Sean O'Hair says, "You know, for us out here (on tour), it's all about comfort and stability. We're out here for quite a bit of time, anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day, and so we've got to have comfortable shoes," there's also a whole backstory in developing and manufacturing footwear to achieve those desires.
And just think, if it is possible to satisfy tour pros with footwear demands reaching up to 8 to 10 hours a day, well, that ought to take care of the average golfer, for sure.
"The single most important characteristic of a good golf shoe is 'fit,'" said adidas' Ortley. "Without it, all the technology in the world is useless. adidas is introducing technology to deliver a customized fit for every individual. This will improve overall comfort and deliver exceptional balance to the swing. That's one of the many examples where technology and comfort work in tandem."
Two new adidas models of golf footwear, introduced for the 2008 season, well represent the latest in integrated materials and design. The TOUR360 LTD combines advanced technologies with premium materials and craftsmanship. The POWERBAND Sport, with 50/50 technology, blends swing-enhancement features with inner climate-control construction.
Key to what separates TOUR360 LTD from competitive footwear is ThiN-Tech, a new low-profile shoe construction that brings the golfer closer to the turf for improved feedback, feel and stability, all designed to promote better ball-striking. Along with ThiN-Tech, the new footwear includes the company’s 360WRAP support system, a visible technology that encircles the foot to deliver a personally customized fit, along with a Powerband chassis with 10-cleat configuration for enhanced grip and a 3D FIT FOAM sock liner for added support and comfort.
"It's said that golf is a game of inches, but we disagree," said Ortley. "It's a game of fractions of an inch. That's the difference between a solid shot and a mis-hit. Tour professionals advised us that they wanted to get closer and more connected to the ground to increase the consistency and purity of their ball-striking. ThiN-Tech incorporates a one-piece TPU sole that positions the foot closer to the ground. That creates a remarkably solid, responsive and stable shoe that makes hitting a golf ball a more tactile experience. It also lowers the athlete's center of gravity to promote increased stability, and channels feedback from the ground more efficiently to promote improved footwork."
O'Hair, a 26-year-old Texas native who won the PODS Championship on the PGA Tour earlier this season and ranked 21st on the FedEx Cup points list following the U.S. Open, provides a solid endorsement for the TOUR360 LTD shoes. "They're the most comfortable shoes I've worn. With this low-profile sole, you're lower to the ground and you're more stable ... and with the soft leather and the in-sole, they’re just so comfortable."
POWERBAND, on the other foot, so to speak, provides a vastly different look while combining modern technology and materials. Its calling card is 50/50 Protect, which combines a water-resistant TPU shield with membrane-lined mesh to surround the lower half of the shoe and protest the foot from mud, dirt, wet grass and more. The top half of the shoe utilizes lightweight and highly breathable air-mesh for improved temperature management, flexibility, comfort and a bold, athletic look.
"The development of the POWERBAND Sport shoe was inspired by two things," says Ortley. "First, by a new category of golfer who has emerged during the past few years who can be described as modern athletes who seek every performance edge and advantage possible. Second, the POWERBAND Sport shoe was inspired by the never-ending evolution of the game, which drives ever-changing needs for golfers."
There's that word again: evolution. To test the theory of footwear evolution yourself, you can always try playing a round of golf in a slick pair of oxfords or, for women, low heels or loafers. Nahhh, we didn't think you really would. After all, there’s a vast selection of modern footwear in pro shops and specialty stores offering all sort of colors, styles, comfort and, most of all, enhanced playability.
