Getting My Kicks
Golf shoes have increasingly gotten oh-so-comfy. Midsole and insole technology, new materials and contoured designs have all played key roles in helping your feet stay comfortable and energized through 18 holes of walking. And the latest designs even cradle my narrow feet the entire way – something I wasn’t able to claim even four or five years ago. Two new models I’ve tried may work wonders for your feet.
I played last Friday with Puma’s TitanTour Ignite Disc ($180) that features a proprietary dial closure system. While I typically need to re-tie my shoe three times during a round, I didn’t have to mess with this once. A sheer pleasure. While the internal Ignite Foam made every step heavenly soft, the nine-cleat outsole plus nubs gave me stability on everything from hill sides to the cart paths.
The other new shoe I’ve been wearing is FootJoy’s deceptively lightweight D.N.A. Helix ($210), featuring a “TourSpec Stretch” tongue that shapes to your foot while providing breathability. Its foam collar also molds to the ankle for extra support. Plus the leather upper is supple, durable and completely waterproof. Its refreshed outsole adds even more stability during your swing. And the removable insole is so comfortable that I’ve actually borrowed it to use in some of my street shoes on non-golf days.
Veteran golf writer Scott Kramer has covered the golf equipment market full-time since 1990. His career has spanned senior editor positions at both Golf Pro Magazine and GOLF Magazine. He now works on a freelance basis for many consumer and trade publications, including the SCGA’s FORE magazine.
