Golf shoes have really taken a turn in design the last few years. I remember the big buzz at the 2010 Masters was the fact that Fred Couples looked to be wearing some kind of casual, spikeless street shoe. I followed him around that day and saw them in person. Two years later the golf/street hybrid design is huge. Everyone is making them and the shoes are getting better and better. One of the absolute best hybrid golf street shoes I’ve tested is the Ecco BIOM Hybrid. Let’s take a look.
Ecco BIOM Hybrid Golf Shoe – click for more
Ecco BIOM Hybrid Golf Shoe Overview
The BIOM model employs Ecco’s “Natural Motion” concept. This is a concept in which the shoe supports and enables the human body’s natural systems for absorbing impact and transferring momentum.
The upper of the shoe (top half) is made of a breathable Yak leather which is three times stronger than other leathers. Despite the strength, the leather is very soft to the touch. I mentioned previously in my Ecco BIOM preview that sometimes I find myself in a daze, caressing the Yak leather…
The leather is also treated with “Hydromax,” which gives the shoe superb weather and water protection.
The structure of the mid-sole arch support mirrors the foot skeleton. No unnatural supports, resulting in comfort with high performance.
The bottom of the shoe has roughly 100 (I stopped counting) molded traction bars.
Ecco BIOM Hybrid Golf Shoes – click for more
These bars replace traditional golf spikes but provide far more surface traction area, with more than 800 “traction angles.” These bars are made from a material called TPU, a highly durable material which lasts five times longer than rubber.
Ecco BIOM Hybrid Golf Shoes – Click to zoom or see more images
Looks
Since the first day I put the BIOM’s on, I’ve had people coming up to me and asking me about them. One of those people is the merchandise manager at my home course. He had nothing but great comments about the BIOM’s.
Despite being a hybrid street shoe, the BIOM design is very classy and sharp looking.
On The Course
I’ve logged many rounds in the BIOM’s. Some of those rounds are early morning, with dew on the ground. Some are simply in wet conditions from the heavy watering which has to be done here in the desert in the summer. In other words, I’ve put these to the test in some very slippery conditions. In hundreds of swings (not per round mind you…) I have yet to slip once. I owe that to the 800 traction angles I suppose.
The great traction I mentioned above means great performance and power in the golf swing. If your base isn’t stable, the rest of the swing is going to fail. I’ve got a ton of power. In fact, I’m hitting some draws and gaining a bit of distance because my base is so solid.
Colors
White/Royal
Black/Brick
White/Brick (pictured)
Cocoa Brown/Fanta
Conclusion
Ecco is widely known for making the most comfortable street and dress shoes on the planet. The $190.00 BIOM Hybrid golf shoe is just as comfortable as my uber-comfortable Ecco dress shoes, and perhaps even better looking. The shoe combines performance with modern, classy style. A total winner.
Related
Hooked On Golf Blog Ecco Image Gallery
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