By Jordan Smith
It’s taken a good few years, but golf fashion has finally started to up its game. From a sport which became famous for its plus fours, flat caps, shirts and tie for the gentleman golfer, it is no longer an ‘old man’s’ game anymore. The new footwear introduced by some of the top brands have helped the Royal and Ancient game become one of the most popular sports on the planet. Worldwide Golf looks into what the first pair of golf shoes looked like, compared with some of the trendy footwear available today.
Let’s rewind a few years, 163 to be precise, to the wooden hickory days. In 1857, golfers in Scotland would insert sprigs or nails into their shoes to prevent slipping on damp courses. This is where the term ‘I’ve nailed it’ came from. The image to the right shows a brown leather traditional shoe that shares similar qualities to the FootJoy classic. They certainly don’t look as comfortable as the shoes of today!
Fortunately, in 1891 metal spikes that screwed directly into the soles were introduced to save golfers’ feet from a possible skewering, and slowly progressed over the years into the masterpieces that we are blessed with in 2020.
Also, today’s golfers have so many options for stylish golf shoes, whether it be sporty, traditional, techy or simply comfortable – the brands have it all covered. Let’s look into some of the newest and most talked-about footwear of today.
Nike’s latest release, the Nike Air Max 97 G (based on the AirMax 97 which shook the running world) have been designed with a ‘Versatile Grip’ – an integrated traction pattern providing excellent grip in a variety of conditions. The design comes in a variety of colours and is available in the UAE at AED 799.
They certainly look stunning on the fairway – but you wouldn’t want to be rustling around through the bushes in them.
Adidas have released a very technical-looking ‘Codechaos’ golf shoe that come in several colours, boasting an ‘energised’ feel with a boosted mid-sole that fuels every step with fresh energy. A light yet supportive shoe with integrated support that enhances stability without carrying any more weight comes at a price of 599 AED. For any golf geeks out there who need the solid support and prefer a more futuristic look, this spikeless design showcases just how far golf shoes have evolved in terms of design and technology.
Puma have introduced a street-styled spikeless shoe that has gone viral over golf pages on Instagram. Their RS-G golf shoes, available in three different colours, offer a bulky and bold aesthetic and showcases a true innovation of modern golf footwear. The waterproof design offers carbon rubber lugs which provide traction, while the performance fusion-foam midsole gives the ultimate feeling of comfort and supportive cushioning underneath the foot. The style would look great with shorts in the UAE, but may look a little bulky with a pair of trousers!
They’re not the newest of releases, but when it comes to the traditional look, FootJoy have captured it. A brand that caters to every golfer, and every style, the FootJoy ICON really is iconic. It keeps the classic style of a golf shoe while using luxury calfskin leather for a fine all round finish. The ICONs are a masterpiece that are worn by many of the top players on Tour. Memory-foam in the tongue and around the collar enhances the comfort factor and the fine craftsmanship will give you the WOW factor on the course – and if you look good, you feel good and this may lead to some good golf.
Having the customisable ‘MyJoy’ service is an extra add-on, which makes this shoe so special and it’s little wonder that this is the most worn shoe on the Middle East Swing.
Many of today’s new releases are making golf fashionable, and this has helped the sport’s image in making it appealing to the younger generation who are interested in or starting to take up the game. The sport is growing – and everybody needs to look the part!
