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Equipment editor James Savage runs through the best spiked golf shoes on the market for 2018…
We’ve had a fair few new releases at the start of the year so let’s take a look at the best spiked golf shoes 2018.
Many of these we’ve been able to test already and some are waiting for their first run-out on the golf course.
We have definitely seen a switch on tour from spiked to spikeless over the last five years.
Since then spikeless shoes have overtaken with models such as the FootJoy ProSL being among the most popular on the European and PGA Tours.
But for some of us, me included, a pair of spiked or cleated golf shoes just seem to offer that added bit of stability – particularly during the UK winter.
Click through to a full detailed review where appropriate and we’ll add more reviews as and when.
1. Best spiked golf shoes 2018 – FootJoy Tour-S
In a nutshell: Aimed at the golfer who wants a super-stable base to get more power into their golf swing.
The tech: Spikes have been moved further apart in the heel area and are housed in ‘power pods’ to help improve ground interaction. Harnessing straps pull around the foot to keep it locked in.
More information can be found on the FootJoy website.
2. Best spiked golf shoes 2018 – FootJoy DNA Helix
In a nutshell: More stable around the heel area than in the original DNA with a lighter, more flexible and more comfortable design.
The tech: There’s actually wider cleats on the sole which is good news for those people who maybe felt like they were falling off the heels in the original DNA models.
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The original DNA was classed as more of a ‘mobile’ shoe but the Helix sits more in the ‘structured’ category now
NCG verdict: More comfortable than the Pro SL, more stylish than the Tour-S. Probably my favourite FootJoy golf shoe from recent years. I’m just loathed to get them muddy in winter! Click here to read the full review.
In a nutshell: Designed to be completely waterproof while still retaining breathability and Ecco’s trademark comfort.
The tech: The first golf shoe to feature a full Gore-Tex lining.
Extra breathability comes from an advanced air channelling system which runs around the outsole which enhances airflow through a series of channels.
Excess moisture and heat is also able to escape through a Gore-Tex membrane within the the construction of the upper.
Ecco make their own leather and the Ecco Cool features a very soft, breathable leather that is treated with Hydromax for added waterproofing.
NCG verdict: We tested these out in some of the wettest conditions imaginable and the results were seriously impressive. Completely dry socks after the round! Click here to read our full review.
In a nutshell: This model has been around for a while now but it remains in the Ecco line for very good reason. It’s an indestructible winter shoe.
The tech: The original model has been updated – like all of Ecco golf shoes for 2018 – to include Gore-Tex lining for ultimate waterproofing and breathability. Soft Yak leather adds to the premium feel.
5. Best spiked golf shoes 2018 – Puma Ignite Pwradapt
In a nutshell: We were fans of the Ignite Sport which launched last year as they were unbelievably light, flexible and comfortable. They felt like a pair of slippers.
It feel like with the Ignite Pwradapt they have taken all those good things and added some much needed stability, for golfers like me who need it, in the outsole.
The tech: Three models – Pwradapt, Pwradapt Disc and Pwradapt Leather. Each feature three-dimensional traction pods and responsive cushioning.
The pods provide ground-grabbing traction through the golf swing and with every move a golfer makes on the course.
What Puma call Ignite foam, which returns energy to the foot, is utilised in the entire length of the midsole for the first time in a cleated shoe.
NCG verdict: Ticking so many boxes. When you pop these on for the first time you’ll be blown away with the comfort then surprised at how something so light and flexible can still offer stability. These are incredibly stylish too.
6. Best spiked golf shoes 2018 – Under Armour Spieth 2
In a nutshell: A few style and tech tweaks to the original model which get the thumbs up from us.
The tech: Under Armour have become the second golf brand to add Gore-Tex waterproofing – which Ecco use in all their shoes for 2018- so expect protection from the elements and breathability.
So the Spieth 2 golf shoes are lighter thanks to TPU fibres directly woven into the upper for structural support without adding weight.
The outsole is similar to the original using what Under Armour call rotational resistance traction with different cleats and materials used on the outstep area.
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NCG verdict: We love the look of these and can’t wait to test them out on the golf course…
These are what Dustin Johnson has largely been wearing over the past 12 months where he has remained at the top of the world rankings.
The tech: It looks like they have softened up and dropped the top of the heel down a bit which was one of the only negatives of the last Tour 360.
NCG verdict: We’re hoping that they provide all the same performance benefits as the original model with a bit of added comfort. Review to follow soon.
