Ecco Golf Shoes Review
High-quality footwear that will enhance on-course comfort and energy
Suite 101 Golf's testing of Ecco Golf's shoe offerings have proven they belong in the upper echelon of golf footwear.
Shoes Tested (Price): Flexor Hydromax (MSRP $180); Casual Cool ($160); Classic Hydromax ($180)
From the Company
- The Flexor Hydromax is built atop a completely new, asymmetric outsole based on ECCO’s best-selling men’s street shoe, the classic yet modern style provides a snug instep and spacious toe box to allow for natural foot movement during all phases of the game. ECCO’s exclusive Hydromax treatment provides the ultimate in non-Gore-Tex water resistance and comes with a two-year guarantee.
- The Casual Cool features interlocking, color-matched textile straps that provide an enhanced instep fit. Designed to appeal to golfers seeking a less formal look, the Casual Cool shoe is made of high-grade ECCO Lexi leather with a soft, natural, tumbled texture for a “distressed” look. Superior comfort is ensured through a shock point in the heel, and a direct-injected PU midsole combined with a hard-wearing TPU outsole.
- The Classic Hydromax features Ecco's drummed HydroMax water-resistant full-grain smooth leather upper, crafted on an anatomically correct cast that molds to the shape of the foot for the ultimate in footwear comfort. A specifically designed outsole allows additional traction and grip during all phases of the swing so you are certain of a sure-footed platform at all times. The Classic's anatomical heel counter provides an almost customized, non-slip fit.
Shoe Testing Results
Feel and Performance - Ecco claimed the shoes, irrespective of style, would be the ultimate in comfort. They did not lie. Each of the three tested styles proved to be extremely comfortable throughout several hours of constant on-course wear. Over weeks of regular wear, the shoes continued to provide consistent support, great stability and superb comfort, all essential to a golfer's performance, without a noticeable loss in any of those three categories over time. The Classics and Flexors were worn during wet weather. Neither pair let any wetness seep through. Rating: 9.9 out of 10
Durability - Each of the three styles tested continued to maintain a relatively new look over several weeks. The dress-shoe style and color (cognac) of the Classic Hydromax lent itself to suceptibility to visual wear. Although the Classics demonstrated more wear than the others, they adhered to the original, out-of-the-box look better than most business dress shoes. Rating: 9.8
Design/Apperance - As the name implies, the Classic Hydromax will suit the golf purists, as they have remained true to the traditional look. The Casual Cool style is just that, "casual" and metaphorically "cool." The non-traditional design will appeal to many younger golfers, or those seeking to appear younger. The Flexor Hydromax maintains a great deal of the traditional, but looks like a it is transitioning between the two other styles. Rating: 9.8
Price: The MSRP above is a bit cost prohibitive for many. Even though the performance and durability are fantastic, Ecco would reach more golfers if they lowered the price a bit. Still, quality isn't cheap and these shoes define quality. Rating: 9.7
Suite 101 Rating: As with any other golf equipment, the shoes must perform well or be replaced. Shoes that aren't comfortable or that don't provide adequate support throughout long days on the course will impact the outcome of a round of golf as negatively as the wrong set of clubs. The Ecco golf shoes were outstanding performers. A customer who purchases a pair of Ecco golf shoes will not likely return to another brand if performance is their primary concern. Although the Classics began to show wear, no more could have been expected from any shoe and they all performed admirably.
The classic, traditional look appeals most to Suite 101 Golf. Naturally, the Classic Hydromax was the preferred shoe in appearance. The Flexor and Casual Cool styles are more contemporary. They would appeal more to Sergio Garcia or Aaron Baddeley, younger golfers that is.
Overall Rating: 9.8
It's no mistake that great golfers such as Fred Couples, Aaron Baddeley and Monty have chosen Ecco as their shoe brand.
If you would like to comment on Ecco golf shoes, open a discussion or drop an email to Golf@Suite101.com.
For another equipment article see Heavy Putter™ Technology and visit the Suite 101 Golf Equipment Index for more golf gear information.
