ORLANDO, Florida — Statements were being made all about the show floor at the 71st PGA Show as brands showcased the latest collections in apparel.
Here are five footwear brands that caught the attention of The First Call's Janice Ferguson.
BOXTO
Boxto has become the newest official licensee of Nicklaus Companies and debuted new Nicklaus-branded shoes at the show. The shoes will be offered in two styles. The Legacy Pro is a white, plain toe shoe with a navy outsole. It has a heel counter with a gold pin depicting the iconic Golden Bear logo and the Jack Nicklaus Signature trademark on the outsole. The Heritage Malaga is a white, wingtip shoe showcasing the Golden Bear logo in the center of the outsole. Both are made of full-grain leather, are water-repellant and are equipped with SoftSpikes' FTS 3.0 cleats.
COLE HAAN GOLF
Cole Haan Golf displayed its men's and women's lineup of golf footwear that featured classic leather oxfords. The shoes are water resistant with sealed seams to help keep the elements out, while a plush midsole and sockliner provide comfort. Multi-directional traction underfoot offers a sure-footed grip. Also in the collection are casual, street-to-green golf sneakers. The innovative collection is designed with cushioning and superior grip made for the course, but also with a winning style to take you to the 19th hole.
ECCO GOLF
The LT1 shoe sets a new standard for lightness and comfort with the introduction of the brand's Lytr Foam, which is seamlessly integrated into the shoe's sole using the brand's FluidForm technology. The result is improved cushioning and rebound. And when combined with Ecco's ultra-soft Phorene material in the midsole, it creates a flexible, cloud-like sensation for the wearer. The light perforation design on the outsole is a cool aesthetic feature and provides breathability, while remaining waterproof. It will be available in March in both lace and boa designs.
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PAYNTR GOLF
The company went a bit off path by unveiling a golf training shoe that incorporates the same technology embedded in its spike and spikeless golf models. The difference is players will wear this shoe to improve their golf game — whether in the gym on a run or speed training on a simulator. Features include a carbon propulsion plate with asymmetrical flexibility that maximizes energy return and efficiency of movement to reduce fatigue. Other highlights of the shoe include an engineered-woven jacquard upper with TPU thread for lateral support, a padded heel and collar for comfort, and a multi-directional, multi-surface traction outsole. Payntr ambassador and 2024 International Presidents Cup captain Mike Weir will give a pair of the golf trainer shoe to each member of his team.
TRUE LINKSWEAR
The Tacoma, Washington-based company had its full lineup of footwear that the brand claims is "made for the walking golfer," but the star product was the new Lux 2 golf shoe that is available in June. The shoe is a passion project five years in the making for co-founder and CEO Jason Moore. The Lux 2 has a genuine carbon plate on top of molded rubber, which is a more expensive way to make a shoe's sole, but it lasts considerably longer. The compound is the highest energy return ever tested, and the look of the shoe is very elevated.
