New Balance Adds to Golf Shoe Line

New Balance 2003

New Balance Golf continues to expand its line of golf footwear with the introduction of the 2003 model, a cleated athletic style golf shoe designed for the golfer looking for a lightweight shoe that provides traction and comfort.  

The 2003 golf shoe is built on a performance fit golf last that features a waterproof mesh upper with a TPU stability cage for ultralight support and fit, and a REVLite® 10mm drop* midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The outsole utilizes the Champ One-Lok® Zarma Tour** cleat system. The company says golfers will enjoy the same style, comfort, and fit they are accustomed to from New Balance footwear, plus performance technologies designed to help enhance their golf game.

"The 2003 looks and fits like a running shoe, but has the traction elements that will provide stability and balance throughout a golfer's swing," says Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Golf and Tennis, New Balance. "Our customers have been very pleased with the initial sell-through of our introduction line. Now with the addition of the 2003, 574B and other styles for men and women, we are able to provide more options for different types of golfers, with many styles offered in widths up to 4E."      

NBG2003 Specs                                                                    
• Men's Style: Silver/Red
• Sizes: 8-12, 13, 14
• Widths: D, 2E
• Shoe Last: New Balance hybrid last
• Weight: 11.1 oz.
• 2-year waterproof warranty***
• Upper: Waterproof mesh upper with TPU stability cage
• Outsole: Champ Slim-Lok® Zarma Tour cleat system with seven cleat system. The Slim-Lok is an extremely thin and light locking cleat system.
• Midsole: REVlite® - a foam compound that provides the same responsiveness and durability of foams 30 percent heavier. REVlite® provides a very lightweight ride without minimizing construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning or stability.

Suggested retail is $134.95

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

ECCO Launches Next-Generation Footwear

ECCO has launched BIOM Hybrid 2, the next-generation of its best-selling style showcasing patented NATURAL MOTION technology and built atop the award-winning E-DTS outsole.

Premiering for Spring/Summer 2015, BIOM Hybrid 2 is slated to be worn in competition by Tour star Fred Couples and other ECCO Golf staff players. It is 15% lighter than the original model thanks to an extra-thin midsole that helps bring players closer to the playing surface. This is complemented by a dual-density TPU outsole. Two-colored to create an inspiring aesthetic, it is harder in areas that need the most stability and softer in key comfort zones.

“We’ve taken what many have declared the world’s most comfortable golf shoe and made it even better,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO. “That we can do this is a testament to our skill as shoemakers and the drive that pushes us to pioneer new innovations season after season.”

Like all ECCO golf shoes, BIOM Hybrid 2 is created using the advanced Direct-injection Process. This bonds the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe construction without the use of glue or stitching. Benefits include an exceptionally water-tight seal, outstanding flexibility and out-of-the-box comfort.

Additional features of BIOM Hybrid 2 include:

• Weather Resistance – Naturally soft, breathable and strong yak leather uppers are treated with HYDROMAX™ and an anti-stain formula for superb protection from the elements
• Anatomical Last Shape – Developed by scanning the feet of 2,500 athletes to provide ideal levels of support
• Tour-Proven Traction – Constructed from TPU – a highly durable, wear-resistant material – the molded traction bars offer hundreds of traction angles for superb grip
• Technical Insole System – A new, ultra-premium insole with silicon printing helps prevent unwanted foot movement during the swing

In addition to me and Fred Couples, the ECCO men’s golf collection is worn in competition by Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Thongchai Jaidee, Marcel Siem, Andreas Hartø, Wu Ashun, Will Wilcox, JB Hansen and scores of other Tour stars worldwide.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New Balance Expands Golf Lines

On the heels of the recently released lightweight Minimus spikeless golf shoe, global athletic shoe producer New Balance announces the addition of two new cleated styles to its golf footwear collection. Both styles feature a REVlite™ 10mm drop* midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. All New Balance cleated golf shoes feature the CHAMP® ONE-Lok® fastening system with ZARMA® cleats**.

"Golf industry feedback has been outstanding in regards to the design, fit and comfort features of our golf shoes," said Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Golf and Tennis at New Balance. "These cleated models offer lightweight innovative athletic design, a low drop midsole, and are available in multiple widths to appeal to a wide variety of golfers."



NBG2002

This ultra-lightweight athletic model features a premium microfiber leather upper with a two-year limited waterproof warranty***. The low-profile REVlite 10 mm drop* midsole provides lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The lightweight exoskeleton TPU outsole incorporates the new, low-profile CHAMP® ONE-Lok® fastening system with ZARMA® cleats.

NBG2001
With a neo-traditional design, this shoe features a premium two-year limited waterproof warranty** leather upper and a saddle stability cage. The low-profile REVlite 10 mm drop* midsole provides lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The lightweight exoskeleton TPU outsole incorporates the new, low-profile CHAMP® ONE-Lok® fastening system with ZARMA® cleats.

Both models offer styles in regular (D) and wide (4E) widths. They are available now from golf retailers or www.newbalance.com.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Fred Couple's Signature Shoes

For the golfer whose feet have everything, ECCO announces that a Fred Couples Signature Model of its award-winning BIOM Hybrid shoe will be offered in a limited-edition of 275 pairs at www.eccousa.com.

Slated to be worn by Couples during the 2014 Masters, this unique style boasts a white/green color combo and celebrates the Tour star’s winning score of 13-under-par 275 at the 1992 championship. Each shoe is laser-engraved with Couples’ distinctive autograph on the lateral (outer) side of the yak leather upper, matched by a serial number on the medial (inner) side.

“This project is a testament to our remarkable relationship with Fred and his dynamic, longstanding connection with golf fans around the world,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO. “Fred’s power to capture the popular imagination ignited the hybrid footwear revolution, so it’s fitting that we commemorate his latest trip to Augusta National with a very special shoe.”

Retailing for $275, the Fred Couples Signature Model showcases two patented performance technologies – NATURAL MOTION and the ECCO Dynamic Traction System (E-DTS). These combine to provide a combination of comfort, stability, grip and shock-absorption.

Initially developed for the premium running market, NATURAL MOTION technology relies on an anatomical last created by scanning the feet of 2,500 athletes. It provides exceptional support along the entire footbed and utilizes the body’s evolutionary system for absorbing the impact of each step.

Unique in the hybrid category pioneered by ECCO, the E-DTS outsole has approximately 100 molded traction bars and 800 traction angles. The elements are constructed from TPU – a highly durable, wear-resistant material – to provide superb grip in a wide range of conditions.

Additional features of the ultralight Fred Couples Signature Model include:
• Extremely Low Profile – Golfer’s weight is closer to the playing surface for excellent stability, ground feel and traction
• Direct Injection – A process that yields superior cushioning, stability and comfort via a one-piece shoe that’s built without glue or stitching
• Weather Resistance – Naturally soft, smooth, breathable and strong yak leather uppers treated with HYDROMAX™ for superb weather protection
• Climate Control – Triple-component ECCO Comfort Fibre System insole for a cool, dry  shoe interior

The ECCO Golf collection is also endorsed by scores of other Tour stars worldwide, including Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Marcel Siem, Thongchai Jaidee, Will Wilcox, Andreas Hartø, Wu Ashun, JB Hansen, Belén Mozo, Caroline Masson and Gerina Piller. As cool as they are, however, none of them have a limited edition signature model!

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

ECCO Launches New Golf Shoe Line

ECCO has launched Street EVO One, a performance hybrid golf shoe combining the ECCO Dynamic Traction System (E-DTS) with an array of proprietary stabilization features.

Street EVO One (MSRP $160) boasts a Direct-injected midsole with an integrated shank piece. This design cups and cushions a player’s heel, delivering comfort and torsional support while creating an exceptionally stable platform from which golfers can power through each shot.

Offering a slightly wider platform than previous versions of the best-selling Golf Street model, Street EVO One is built atop a patented outsole configuration of approximately 100 moulded traction bars and 800 traction angles. Constructed from TPU – a highly durable, wear-resistant material – these elements provide superb, Tour-quality grip.

“The way Street EVO One looks, feels and plays puts it in a class by itself,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO. “It’s yet another example of the advantages that come with our foot-first approach to designing and producing premium golf shoes.”

As a key point of distinction, ECCO owns its factories and controls the entire shoemaking process – from raw materials to finished footwear. This dovetails with the company’s position as one of the world’s largest producers of luxury leathers.

Street EVO One is offered in high-grade cow leather and genuine camel leather versions, both of which include the exclusive ECCO HYDROMAX™ tanned-in treatment for remarkable weather resistance.

Showcasing an eye-catching, two-color outsole and modern classic upper, Street EVO One is part of the Spring/Summer 2014 men’s golf collection that will be worn in competition by Tour stars like Fred Couples, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjorn, Thongchai Jaidee, Marcel Siem, Wu Ashun, Andreas Hartø and JB Hansen.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New Balance Springs Into Golf

New Balance Golf, a golf footwear collection from licensee Klonelab, LLC, will debut nationwide this month.  This is the first golf line for New Balance, which is known for performance footwear across multiple sports around the world.

Comprised of six unique styles for men and women in both cleated and spikeless models, NB Golf is built to perform with high quality waterproof leathers and lightweight, breathable air-mesh fabrics.

The spikeless models are part of The Minimus™ Collection, which is built on the New Balance Minimus running last, allowing toes to splay apart for increased comfort and freedom of movement.

The cleated models feature a lightweight, flexible and supportive TPU outsole for stability and balance during the load-bearing phases of the swing.  Cleated models also feature the new Champ® state-of-the-art One-Lok® cleat system.  The revolutionary One-Lok® system simplifies the ease of cleat replacement while positioning the foot close to the ground for superior feel, traction and balance.

New Balance Golf footwear will be available in D, 2E and 4E widths for men and in B and D widths for women in select styles.  The collection's MSRP ranges from $119.95 to $159.95.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

Dad Deserves Cool Golf Gifts

Treat Dad to a pair of the Jet-A or Panorama Composite Hybrid from Scheyden Precision Eyewear. They're perfect for golf, fishing, boating, hunting or any outdoor activity where absolute clarity is a must. Also features: repellant coating, scratch-resistant finish and thin arms that tuck comfortably beneath headwear. $259-309 www.Scheyden.com

Club Glove’s TravelRX was inspired by a classic doctor’s bag, making it great for the on-the-go Dad. He will love the TravelRX vintage design updated with modern features for optimal use. Whether headed on a work trip or weekend getaway, the extremely space-efficient upper and lower compartments create separation when packing or adjust into one large bag. $399 www.clubglove.com

From the brand that pioneered the hybrid golf shoe, ECCO offers Dad an array of non-cleated styles for wear on or off the course. A classic wingtip pattern, Tour Hybrid, transitions nicely from the office to first tee. The BIOM Hybrid and Golf Street offer sport-driven and casual looks. All feature the ECCO E-DTS outsole with more than 800 traction angles for superb grip on any surface. $140-$190 www.eccousa.com

Fila Golf For the average Joe or avid golfer, tops, bottoms and accessories from Fila Golf will make your Dad stand out on the first tee, because of his style, not just his swing. The latest developments from this heritage sportswear brand feature UV-protectant, eco-friendly, wrinkle-resistant and moisture wicking fabrics that will him cool, dry and comfortable all summer long. $16-130 www.ShopFilaGolf.com

Dad can create a personalized ball mark by tracing a design from the 100 existing patterns from Tin Cup Golf Ball Marking Stencil. Tin Cup is 100% made-in-the-USA stainless steel cup construction and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Models also include Bombs Away, Jolly Roger (skull and cross bones), Luck of the Irish (shamrock) and Five O’Clock Somewhere. $19.95 www.tin-cup.com


Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

More Mom Golf Stuff

It's about time you got Mom a golf gift she can enjoy, isn't it? The new Datrek D-Lite cart bag features a number of design elements that are combined with a sophisticated look to provide Mom a golf bag that is functional and stylish on the course.

The D-Lite cart bag features a 9.5 mesh-padded, 14-way top with full-length individual dividers and a top that has a velour lined putter well. Made of durable nylon material, the D-Lite offers plenty of storage with six pockets including an insulated cooler pocket and a deluxe fleece-lined valuables pocket. The D-Lite weighs only 4.5 pounds and has two lift assist handles to make it easy to lift in and out of the trunk. 

The D-Lite cart bag is available in five colorways - deep purple/silver/white, tangerine/silver/white, lime green/silver/white, black/bright pink and black/turquoise. Suggested retail of $159.95. www.datrek.com.

Mom would look great walking down the fairway in her new GoBe golf shoes. GoBe's two styles for women - Elite and Spirit combine fashion with performance and comfort. GoBe's innovative, patent-pending Talon™ tread sole design allows for superior traction on the course without the need for cleats for a "go anywhere" design.
   

The Elite and Spirit features a PurTEC upper, a European last, and a dual density removable GoBe Dry™ sock liner that has anti-microbial and anti-odor properties to keep the foot cool, dry and fresh. The Elite and Spirit are available in 4 colorways. Suggested retail of $139. www.gobegolf.com.

If Mom wants to start playing or if she plays and is looking for a performance set of graphite clubs at a great value, Orlimar's Black Opal Combo set is an ideal choice. The stylish 15-piece combo deluxe set comes with a 12.5-degree titanium driver with a 460cc head size, a stainless low profile 17-degree 3 wood and two hybrid irons - 5 and 6. The wide sole, low center of gravity cavity-backed 7, 8, 9, PW and SW irons are designed to help get the ball up in the air and the distance gaps are engineered for excellent control. The set also comes with and a matching blade flanged putter. 

The entire set of woods, hybrids and irons feature Orlimar's lightweight graphite Litespeed shafts to help generate swing speed resulting in more distance. The set also come with a cart bag.  Suggested retail is $499. www.orlimar.com.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New GoBe Golf Shoes Solve Spikeless Slips

So-called "spikeless" shoes are growing in popularity, but more than a few golfers are still a bit leary of their ability to provide a stable swing platform, especially on wet or damp turf--sometimes quite justifiably. Of course, a smooth, balanced swing can solve the problem of slippage, but who has one of those?

GoBe 5-point tread sole design

Another solution is the 5-Point Star Traction sole on the new GoBe Golf Shoes released this year by the new Austin, Minnesota company of the same name. Check out most other "spikeless" shoes and you'll find the sole covered with round nubs to give you some grip. They work fine, but nowhere nearly as well as the sharp points on the star-shaped lugs on the GoBe sole. I tried out a pair this week the day after a drenching rain and didn't have a bit of trouble on the wet grass.  Even with my normal lurching, lunging swing, the five-point star traction pattern gave me a good foundation. The sole also has non-slip vertical and horizontal traction stripes to complement the star treads and provide a little more stability. The company says that the sole is made of single density, Grade A TPU (whatever that is), which is more durable than rubber but just as flexible.

The GoBe Dry shoe liner has an interior moisture management system with drainage channels, aeration holes at flex points, and notches above the toe area to drain perspiration away from the foot. the moisture wicking fiber lining also aerates and has anti-microbial and anti-odor properties. I guess that means your swing may stink, but your feet won't. Speaking of moisture, the GoBe upper is designed to be roughly 20 times more water resistant than treated leathers. It promises to breathe, keep its color and shape, and resist stains.

GoBe Rebel

One point to keep in mind when it comes to fitting, the GoBe shoe is built on a European last, which has a deep heel cup and a wide toe area. I found my usual size slightly looser than I like, so consider ordering a half-size smaller if your foot is narrow or you like a more snug fit.

GoBe shoes come in four styles for men and women and the suggested retail price ranges from $139 to $159. I wore the "Prodigy" model and the styling so impressed my caddie he made a note to check them out himself.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf

New Take On The Foot Wedge

TipTeeToe shoes can take women from the golf course directly to a night on the town in the first wedge sole “spikeless” golf shoes.  

With full leather uppers and durable rubber compound sole for comfort and durability, the look is colorful and contemporary. The wedge sole provides better balance and stability during the golf swing and helps the player maintain positive posture. It’s hard to say how they’ll perform on the dance floor, but TipTeeToe shoes come in a variety of fun colors and even have a built-in ball marker. 

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf