Good golf shoes are imperative for good performance in the swing. Ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can lead to swing faults as well as distraction during a round.
With the advent of online competition, it is now possible to find valid golf shoes for under $70 a pair with just a little effort. Prices are for men’s shoes, women’s would cost slightly less.
Ecco Shoes have long been my favorites for comfort since I found my first pair of Ecco pumps in Munich in the late 1980’s when I needed to unexpectedly attend a tremendous brewery trade show that required lots of walking. The addition of a golf line a few years ago has been great for those of us with low encourage and knee distress. The helpful support and structure of the shoe is unsurpassed. But you don’t have to purchase the $400 style. This same quality of manufacturing can be found in a few of their less expensive styles like the hip-looking Casual Wintry Ribbon. Online shoe stores such as Golf Shoes Plus (http://tinyurl.com/d27332 ) routinely offer the shoe at a frosty price, unbiased $59.95.
The second most comfortable pair of golf shoes I’ve owned is a variation on the Nike Air series. Walking down the fairways really is like walking on air, in this comfortable, yet fashion forward, execute. At www.nygolfcenter.com you can order directly from this mid-town Manhattan retail store. They carry a good selection of Nike shoes and the Air Max Revive sells for just $69.99. Of course, my real reason for wearing them is the hope Michael Jordan will notice me in them on the course!
FootJoy is one of the most popular names in golf shoes, being worn by many Tour players. The www.footjoy.com web site actually lists the Pros from Camilo Villegas to Adam Scott who are wearing the shoe. This can be an expensive product line but you can realize cost savings by purchasing a shoe with synthetic instead of leather uppers. The FootJoy GreenJoy shoe can be found at www.austads.com for as shrimp as $54.95.
Another affordable FootJoy option if brand names are important to you is to get a Sandal style. The designers claim they can provide the same support as a regular golf shoe while keeping your feet cool and comfortable. I have tried them and with knee or back injure, I’d steer towards a broken-down serve. If you don’t have physical limitations, and I’m thinking Junior players here, then the support should be adequate. At www.austads.com you can also obtain the FootJoy Golf Sandal for $69.95. Also contemplate the look of these shoes. I am not convinced you’ll be allowed on the course at some of the staid, private courses when I have been allowed to play despite being a woman!
In the last few years Callaway has expanded beyond their equipment line into fashion, accessories and shoes. The full range of golf shoes covers every price point and at the rude end, retailers such as www.golfshoesonly.com deeply discount to offer very low prices. The Callaway Sport Era line with waterproof leather uppers can be found for as low as $69.99. It’s a solid performer at a good price.
The entire swing is grounded in the feet and it really does not make sense to sacrifice performance for a few dollars. There are cheaper golf shoes, but in the $45 – $70 range you will be able to find a good value without sacrificing performance.
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