Golf Apparel

My post about my new golf shoe object de lust got me to thinking about a few of the things I’ve learned about golf shoes over the years.

Over the next few days, I’m going to try and let you in on a few of the lessons I’ve learned. Some were easy and some were not so easy.

For today, we’re going to talk about price & quality.

Here’s the key - DO NOT GO CHEAP !

Your feet will never forgive you for buying golf shoes that only last a few months before they are killing them.

They have to fit or they will make your round of golf a pain, instead of a pleasure.

Blister’s have a way of making you remember the pain and not that 33 foot putt for birdie that broke 3 feet from left to right.

Are more expensive golf shoes worth the price ? Yes.

They have been engineered to have the highest quality and have features that the less expensive models don’t have. You get what you pay for.

They should have a high-quality leather in the uppers, the newest moisture control technology and outsoles that flex as you walk and swing.

A comfortable spike system is also an absolute must. Try them on and walk around the store.
If they feel like you’re walking on nails, stilts or stubs, put ‘em back in the box and yell ” Next! “.

Here’s another tip that fits well with today’s tip…..Buy a second pair.

Why ? Because you deserve it and so do your feet.

If you play on consecutive days or play 36 holes one day, switch ‘em out and you’ll thank me for it later. Not only will your feet thank you, your shoes will last longer. they need time to rid themselves of the moisture your feet give off.

Also, some days you just want to look like Mike Tyson with black golf shoes and no socks and some days you want to be a throwback and wear white with little footies.

As we go thru my entire list of tips, go by some of the online retailers and/or your local golf shops. It’s the time of year for a sale and you need a couple of pairs. Don’t you ?

Here’s a look at the object of my new desire. The Etonic Difference 3Z.

These dudes are hot !

I absolutely love white golf shoes. I realize I’m probably in the minority here, but I don’t mind being alone.

They are full grain leather with Gore-Tex waterproofing.

The ” Bi-Fit ” insole is softer in the toe area, which makes it more comfortable for walking, which I do not do enough of.

Etonic say’s the dozens of pyramid shaped nubs improve grip and balance. I’m not sure if even my 245 pounds is enough to make those things dig in, but they probably don’t hurt anything.

Supposedly, the thermo-plastic Stabilizer outsole flexes with you as you move, but who cares. All that matters is they are white hot !

In case you’re wondering, I wear size 13.

I had the good fortune to own a GREAT golf umbrella this weekend.

I was playing in a charity golf scramble and we had quite a storm.

If you don’t have one, here’s the link to their site:

GustBuster

I hope you don’t need one, but if you do, make sure you have a GREAT one.

Here’s a press release about the new Tour 360 golf shoe from adidas. In the past I’ve found their sports shoes to be very well thought out, design wise, very functional and comfortable.

I hope one of you will send me a review of these. Enquiring minds want to know.

Also, if you’re out there Mr. adidas or Mr. Taylor Made, I wear size 13 and would be glad to review a pair for all the Travelling Golfers out there.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 25, 2005) — adidas Golf has elevated golf footwear to a higher level with the introduction of Tour 360. More than a shoe, Tour 360 is an essential piece of equipment targeted at serious players who seek every competitive advantage.

“The Tour 360 is the next in a long line of innovative products from adidas,” said Bob Maggiore, Global Marketing Director for adidas Golf. “For 50 years the adidas mindset has been focused on finding ways to help athletes perform better, and the Tour 360 is an example of that. Not only will this extraordinary new product help the athlete perform better on the golf course, we’re confident that it will profoundly influence the future of golf footwear.”

The Tour 360 received the first half of its moniker because it is a tour-level product built with the serious athlete in mind. The 360 comes from the combination of technologies it employs and the way that they “surround” the foot, providing tremendous stability and support. In fact, the Tour 360 offers the most comprehensive package of performance technologies of any shoe that adidas Golf has ever introduced. New technologies include:

360 Wrap with Independent Forefoot and Heel: Delivers exceptional support that helps to keep the foot centered within the shoe, ensuring a solid hitting platform and enhanced stability.

3D Fit Foam Sock Liner: The new sock liner features three different densities of foam. The first density is a base layer of polyurethane that delivers long-lasting support from heel-to-toe; the second density is a cushioning foam layer in the heel for added comfort; the third density is a memory-foam layer positioned in the forefoot to create a personalized fit.

Anti-Clog Outsole: The clear TPU outsole features improved spacing between the lugs, a smooth surface and an absence of sharp angles, all of which work together to reduce the likelihood of grass and debris catching, clogging and sticking to the outsole. Less clogging promotes better traction from shot to shot.

TPU Toe-Drag: Protects the leather from the normal wear and tear on the toe that occurs during the follow-through, when the weight is shifted fully onto the left foot (for right-handed players) and the right toe drags.

“No-Slip” Tongue: The no-slip pattern on the top of the tongue keeps the tongue centered on top of the foot for increased comfort.

Performance Lining: The two-material lining is a first for adidas Golf. Placing ultra-suede leather in the collar, heel and tongue provides a luxurious feel while minimizing the movement of the foot within the shoe. A moisture-wicking mesh lining encases the rest of the foot to help keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable.

The Tour 360 also makes use of a number of proven adidas Golf performance features/technologies, such as:

adiPrene®: a specially developed cushioning that delivers long-lasting shock absorption in the heel, reducing fatigue.

Z-Traxion™: adidas Golf’s recognizable, dual-density Z-shaped lugs provide better pressure distribution, eliminate hot spots and create more surface contact with the ground for sure-footed traction and stability.

Dynamic Traxion Spike: “Green friendly” design features wider, more flexible arms for superior traction, and internal prongs for added points of contact.

Two-year waterproof warranty.

In addition to the Tour 360’s remarkable technology package, it’s also the most progressive design in golf footwear from adidas Golf. The design is a clear advancement from the traditional golf silhouette, and its lines, shapes and bold colors are an aggressive step in golf footwear. From the wrap to the transparent TPU outsole, one glance tells you that the Tour 360 is different from all other golf shoes on the market.

“The Tour 360 is the most innovative golf shoe that we have ever produced,” said Dave Ortley, Global Product Manager for adidas Golf Footwear. “This product combines true athletic performance attributes with true golf performance attributes, which is what makes it more than another golf shoe - it makes it an essential piece of golf equipment.”

Initially, the Tour 360 will be available in three color combinations starting in the Fall: black/black/metallic silver; running white/black/power red; running white/black/metallic gold. Two additional color combos are planned for release next Spring. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $180.

The Tour 360 will debut on the PGA and European tours the week of July 25th and will be available at retail starting September 1st.

About Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. dba TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
TaylorMade Golf has led the golf industry’s technological evolution since being founded in 1979. In 1998 the company joined with adidas Golf, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of adidas-Salomon AG. adidas Golf footwear and apparel is the choice of hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Consumers can find more information on TaylorMade-adidas Golf at (800)888-CLUB or www.tmag.com , www.taylormadegolf.com , www.adidasgolf.com , www.maxfli.com or www.rossaputters.com.

Technorati Tags: Golf, PGA, sports

Today was a good day. I got a new Golf glove. It’s a Nike Dri-Fit Tour.

It’s first for me. I’ve always worn FootJoy. They match my shoes.

I’ve tried Titleist a few times, too.

This new Nike matches my driver, which by the way is H-O-T !

It’s got their Dri-Fit fabric in a few strategic locations. The back of the hand, the fingers and thumb.
It feels thicker than the ones I’ve always had. Seems tighter to my hand, even though it took a larger size, an
XL versus L, than my old glove. It’s got a couple of quilted, for lack of a better word, seams that make it hug my hand.

Of course, it’s Cabretta leather, which feels really expensive.

Thank you, Nike, for not putting that stupid little removable ball marker on a fine piece of equipment like this.
If you use one of those, S-T-O-P it right now. Get a lucky dime, or a $1 gold coin, like I use.

It felt really good, did a good job and was all I needed in a glove, but I’ll let you know more after I’ve played a few more rounds in it.

That won’t take long, as I’m going to a local muni in a small western Kentucky town, Madisonville, tomorrow. I grew up there and they always have a good skins game on the weekends. I’m also going to east Tennessee next weekend. River Islands in Knoxville and then to The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain. Got a foursome of friends from Louisville heading down for some great golf and good food. Look out Corky’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge !