In most cases, golfers can be split into two distinct categories:
- Those who prefer traditional leather golf shoes, and…
- Those who value more modern golf trainers
Both outlooks are valid. After all, while golf trainers seem to be all the rage on courses around the world, there’s a reason some of the more “old-fashioned” golf shoes are still being produced to this day.
But there’s arguably a new market emerging, one that doesn’t fall on the right or left side of this argument, instead landing straight in the middle.
Players who enjoy shoes that offer the best of both worlds. Not quite a golf trainer, nor a traditional shoe. Instead, these golf shoes feature elements of both offerings, in the hopes of pleasing players of all tastes and styles.
Nike, FootJoy and other major brands have all thrown their hat into the ring to create such shoes, with many of them proving to be very popular (more on those in a moment).
So what features do many of these golf shoes share – or mix – that make them so appealing? And, is it better to choose a side, or stick to the tried and tested?
The features present in crossover golf shoes
Full-grain leather uppers
Leather has been used to produce golf shoes for decades, and with good reason. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also offers excellent waterproofing qualities; one of the reasons it has been used to create shelter in many cultures for centuries.
While it has often been a feature of traditional-style golf shoes, you’d be forgiven for assuming it can’t possibly be present in any trainer-style golf shoes. Trainers, after all, are built to be lightweight and offer very little resistance to movement.
However, there are many golf shoes on the market today that you’d be perfectly fine classing as golf trainers that do, in fact, feature full-grain leather uppers.
The Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoes, for instance, have the undeniable aesthetic of a trainer, with the iconic Nike swoosh carefully stitched in place for a striking side profile.
But, on closer inspection, it’s clear to see these shoes arguably have more in common with their golf shoe ancestors than more modern trainers, despite their “trendy” appearance and sporty, cushioned sole.
The gleaming leather upper engulfs the majority of the shoe, with a slightly wrinkled leather texture you’d be used to seeing on courses in the early twentieth century.
So if you’re after the eye-catching designs Nike has become so synonymous with, without sacrificing the elements that make traditional golf shoes so revered, the Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 is an excellent choice.
Traditional designs twinned with innovation
At the opposite end of the spectrum from most Nike offerings, there are still those golf shoe manufacturers that want to keep a firm grasp on decades past, without sacrificing the progression that’s been made in golf shoe technology over the past few years.
Some looks never go out of style, right? This is why so many avid golfers and golf historians don’t want these classic shoes to disappear forever – so the best way to keep them around is to make the style appear to a modern audience.
The FootJoy Premiere Series is the perfect example. Built to resemble the golf shoes worn by the greats in the earlier days of the game, while also offering all the technological advantages of more recent golf trainers, players truly can enjoy the best of both worlds in this set.
The recent FootJoy Premiere Series Field LX fits right into this category. Once again, the timeless full-grain leather uppers are present (notice a trend emerging?) but there’s also plenty to keep those seeking the most features satisfied.
The OrthoLite EcoPlush Fit-Bed® offers the type of long-lasting cushioning you’d expect in a golf trainer or even some running shoes. On top of this, the VersaTrax+ outsole works to deliver exceptional performance and foot feel on a variety of surfaces, not dissimilar to your favourite versatile trainers.
Choose a golf shoe that offers the best of both worlds today
If you’re looking to try something new in your golf footwear, one of the shoes listed above – or a similar type of shoe that blends the old and the new – is a wise move. And you’ll find plenty of great deals on golf shoes just like these at GolfShoes.co.uk.
With a huge selection of golf shoes of all kinds, from the world’s leading manufacturers, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice.