Newest Golf Trend - Golf Shoes or Street Shoes? - Part 1

 Fred Couples has done it again! He has been a trend setter time and again. His swing, his attire, his equipment, and now his choice of shoes. Lately, he has started wearing a new style of golf shoe that closely resembles a casual sneaker. This craze has started to catch on. At the Franklin-Templeton tournament last weekend I started to see other golf professionals wearing similar shoes such as Sean O'Hair. What has peaked everyone's interest is that these shoes are spikeless. They have multi-pronged little rubber stubs along the entire sole. They are being promoted as golf shoes that you can wear to and from golf as well as out on the street.

My interest in this latest trend is two-fold:
1-Profession= Podiatrist
2-Worst Vice= Dedicated Golfer

So I've decided to spend some time researching this phenomenon and I also need a new pair of golf shoes or two for the upcoming golf season. I'm intrigued by these new shoes and will give you my professional opinion from a podiatric point of view as well as my personal observations as it pertains to golf. I want to critique these from a structural component, its versatility, how comfortable they are, and their ability to give the proper traction. Traction is important for swing balance, how they fare on slopes, stability in bunkers, and most importantly how they perform in wet conditions.

Fred Couples wears the Ecco Street versions, either the Premier (MSRP $150), or the Luxe (MSRP $180). There have been some similar versions manufactured recently, the Adidas Adicross (MSRP $90), and the Ashworth Cardiff (MSRP $120). I suppose it is only a matter of time before the other major manufacturers such as Foot Joy, Nike, and Callaway release their own versions.

In Part 2, I will give my early opinions after sampling these styles.

In Part 3 I will disclose what shoes I eventually purchased and whether they are the conventional soft spikes or the new street shoes (or both).

Stay tuned,
Brad Jacobs, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Going to the AT&T National Golf Tournament at Aronimink ?

As a practicing podiatrist in Newtown Square right down the street from Aronimink Golf Club and a passionate golfer, how could I not go over to watch the pros play at least one of the rounds. I started to think about walking the course and what precautions as well as provisions I might need. Well here's a list of what should help make your experience at the AT&T National a more enjoyable and healthy one.

1-Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, ears, arms, and legs.
2-Wear a hat or apply sunscreen to your head.
3-Drink plenty of fluids. If it is hot and humid, an electrolyte replenishing drink would be advised.
4-Wear athletic socks with a high percentage of cotton. Cotton is a breathable material that allows moisture to escape from your feet. Copper sole socks is also a viable option.
5-Wear a comfortable shirt, shorts, or slacks. Many golf shirts manufactured today have a wick or breathable component.
6-A comfortable walking or cross training sneaker with a solid, supportive foundation is a must. You will do a lot of walking around the grounds, and some are on uneven surfaces, even if you decide to remain situated at a particular hole or vantage point. Non-metal golf shoes that are in good condition for extended walking are also acceptable.
7-Remember to bring any medications with you that you might have to take later in the day.
8-Don't overextend yourself. There is no harm in sitting in the shade and resting for awhile.

If you get the chance, try and get over to Aronimink. I attended last year's tournament and it was a wonderful experience. I hope these helpful hints are beneficial.

Brad Jacobs, DPM 
http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/