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Golf Shoe Guide
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FULLY GROUNDED
Kick off the season with the right pair of shoes By Keely Levins
AdAm Scott never thought he would wear spikeless golf shoes. He began his career wearing the stiff, metal-spiked FootJoy Classics. He wanted structure and traction to support his golf swing.
When “spikeless” shoes came out, the view among tour players was “you’ll just slip around all over the place”, Scott says. But technology evolved, and Scott began wearing a shoe with plastic nubs in 2015. He didn’t lose traction.
“In golf there are myths that have been around that aren’t necessarily true,” he says. “Spikeless was one. I’d say: ‘This spikeless shoe might have better traction,’ and guys would say: ‘No way — I’d slip everywhere’ without even trying it.” Seven years later, Scott’s back in a spiked shoe, this time one with plastic grips because he needs more structure to help alleviate calf ache. As technology and Scott’s needs evolved, so did his shoe choices. It’s a good lesson for all golfers: (1) Be amenable to trying different types of shoes to find what best fits your game. (2) Don’t judge a new shoe without trying it. (3) Ask to test your golf shoes.
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1 footjoy
tour alpha The heel counter and external framing secure your foot, and nine cleats and 87 lugs help connect you to the ground.
rrp aed 845
2 g/fore
g/drive Instead of laces, two dials secure your foot. By being able to vary tightness on different parts of the shoe, the fit becomes more customised.
3 puma
proadapt alphacat The varied shapes of the traction elements enhance the shoe’s grip. The mesh upper is lightweight, comfortable and waterproof.
rrp aed 549
4 adidas
tour360 22 The new plastic lugs vary in size to more evenly distribute your weight, and the shape is designed to grip without damaging greens. This shoe is also made from recycled materials.
rrp 899
5 under armour
hovr tour sl The bottom of the shoe is less stiff in areas where your foot needs to be able to move during the swing but stiffer elsewhere to maintain support.
6 nike
air zoom infinity tour next Extra cushioning in the front increases comfort and responsiveness, and a redesigned outsole helps improve traction.
rrp 949
7 skechers
pro5 hyper The footbed is made from durable materials to help your feet feel less fatigue over more rounds.
8 cuater
the moneymaker luxe The leather upper is stain resistant to keep shoes looking fresh. Inside is a mesh layer for extra breathability.
9 true linkswear
all day ripstop The recycled polyester upper is wind and water resistant. The casual look means you can easily transition from the course to the street.
10 footjoy
fuel The new foam used in the midsole is light, and this athletic model has additional structure in the arch for stability.
11 new balance
nb x defender The midsole comes from the company’s running line, so you’ll get maximum cushion and energy return from the ground up.
12 asics
gel-kayano ace Gel underneath the heel makes for a comfortable walk. A waterproof lining makes these a good option for dewy mornings.
13 ecco
biom c4 Durable plastic posts along the arch and a wider heel improve stability. Angled traction elements help optimise the foot’s movement during the swing.
rrp aed 1,099 9 8
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