Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2018 - 13

use on their high-end shoes. (Denmark-based ECCO uses
yak leather on some of their best shoes and claims it's the
most durable leather on the market.) Leather offers comfort,
durability and a more traditional golf shoe look-
but generally comes at a higher price point. A synthentic
upper is the less-expensive option for traditional-looking
shoes. Plus, we now have the new non-traditional upper:
HOT PICK S
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the cloth sneaker style.
" The leather uppers shoes are generally going to be
more waterproof, [but] less breathable and heavier, " says
Roepke. " Or you can go with a more sneaker style [such
as Skechers] with a cloth top, which are lighter, more
breathable and more fl exible. But if you're playing in the
morning with some dew, you will have two soakers after
the fi rst hole. "
Roepke says the leather shoes, if treated correctly, last
longer than the lighter shoes. The leather shoe becomes
more comfortable as it breaks in over time, while the synthetic
shoe foams break down and compact from wear
and tear. Having a couple of pairs of shoe styles will make
them both last longer.
The more adventurous golfer could try golf sandals,
which FootJoy created about a decade ago. It's a niche
market that has leveled off but is holding strong. " They're
harder to fi nd, but are still out there because people want
them, " says Roepke.
adidas Climacool
Knit Golf Shoe
If You Want:
Better Speed + Sightlines Ping G400 Driver
> >
The Next Frontier
So what's ahead in the world of golf shoes? Laces have
been getting a facelift. Most shoemakers now have models
with the new BOA lacing system (featured in our Summer
2017 issue). Also available today: the adjustable hookand-loop
strap system on the adidas Climacool Knit Golf
Shoe for women, which is stylish and has been said to " fi t
like a slipper. "
ECCO recently partnered with Gore-Tex to launch the
Gore-Tex Surround technology for waterproofi ng and
temperature control.
The colors and look of golf shoes continue to change
as well, and manufacturers continue to create something
new that we've never seen before. " We introduced a new
leather called 'indigo' at the PGA Show in January, " says
ECCO's Helter. " This leather looks like vintage, premium
denim. It's beautiful for both on and off the course. "
Denim shoes, huh? Just my style.
Now that your vison is dialed in, the new Ping G400 driver
may help you hit it out of sight. A unique forging process of
the T9S+ face creates a thinner, hotter impact area that is
" precision machined to elevate ball speed across the entire club
face, " according to Ping. And the higher-density tungsten back
weight helps with forgiveness and allows for customizing swing
weight. Loft is adjustable up to +-1º (degree).
Buy This:
If You Want:
Vision Precision + Clarity
> >
Buy This:
SportRX
For golfers who wear glasses and would like to eliminate the
sun's glare (and UV exposure), SportRx can help you out. SportRx
takes your eyeglasses prescription and creates the sunglasses
you want from their large collection of popular name brands,
including Oakley, Nike, Smith and adidas. Whether you're driving
the cart or the golf ball, better vision under UV protection is just
what the doctor ordered.
If You Want:
Better Launch and Roll
> >
Buy This:
O-Works Putter
Odyssey putters, which were already pretty good, came out with
a new line of putters last season called the O-Works putter.
According to Odyssey, O-Works putter's " revolutionary Microhinge
Insert Technology [has] created a new way to roll, and will
change how golfers look at putting forever. " A bold claim, but the
idea is for the insert to create forward roll of the golf ball upon
impact-just like the best Tour putters do. O-Works putters are
available in a variety of styles and shapes.
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Directory 2018 MINNESOTAGOLFER
13
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Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2018

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