ECCO Shoes
Ecco makes some of the world’s most comfortable golf shoes, and it’s 2018 line is no exception, from the fairway to the street and everywhere in between.
Start with its Ecco’s Biom line, which has been around for a while and picked up its share of accolades. The Hybrid 3 raises the bar in several ways. What struck me is how quickly and beautifully its all-new “Tri-Fi-Grip” outsole molded to my foot after a few moments of “uh-oh, these babies are tight” apprehension. By the time you hit a few balls on the range and make your way to the first tee for a virgin round, the Yak leather uppers will hug your dogs with no pinch spots or loose areas. And even in hot temperaturs, your feet will stay — well, not cool, but somehow well-ventilated even though Bioms also boast Gore-Tex waterproofing.
Another Biom model, Biom G2 BOA GTX, also sports yak leather from the Tibetan Plateau. If it’s good for the yak population year-round it should be able to handle four seasons of golf. Strong and breathable and abrasion-resistant — that’s why once you’ve worn yak, you’ll never go back. And the BOA closure system makes for a snug and ergonomic fit.
On the other hand – and a bit easier on the wallet – you have the Ecco Golf Street Retro, the original walk-on/walk-off the golf course shoe which looks as good on tee as it does for tea and crumpets. Anatomically-correct inlay soles ensure comfort, and 800 traction angles assist balance and stability. The only problem (a good one, at that) is that you will likely never want to wear another shoe — while golfing, dancing or just walking from your car to Costco. Comfort, meet style. What more could you ask of a pair of shoes?
How does Ecco do it? Through the magic of modern materials that work seamlessly together — a footwear version of the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems supporting and supplementing each other in a human body. Moves with the foot but doesn’t yield too much in any direction, which, of course, would lead to lack of stability over the ball. The spikeless sole is mega-stable yet pliable enough to absorb and support every movement through the swing, while the insole further absorbs the ups and downs of a golf course, balancing downward pressure through the heel and balls of the feet with just enough upward pressure through the arch. Ecco calls this trio of material and design triumph the “three zones of performance,” and we ain’t arguing with that. — Vic Williams and David Weiss
