We see if you can get closer to the course with the new VIVOBAREFOOT Hybrid barefoot golf shoe.
Get closer to the course with the new Hybrid barefoot golf shoe
A new, spikeless golf shoe that mimics walking barefoot around the golf course? This one sounded too bizarre to turn down so we tried out the VIVOBAREFOOT Hybrid barefoot golf shoe.
VIVOBAREFOOT have been preaching the virtues of maximum proprioception (the ability for the body to sense the forces acting on it) since 2003 with a range of lifestyle and performance footwear.
The Hybrid golf shoe certainly does not look like your regular golf shoe, and the company say it is equally useful going out for a hike as it is marching around a golf course.
There are grips on the sole, which eliminate the need for spikes, while the sole itself is ultra thin and is all aimed at getting your feet closer to the terrain and thereby giving you more feel in your actions.
First glimpse offers a few worries, especially about the thickness of the sole and just how rugged and tough they would be for round after round of walking around a golf course, which often provides mud and wet grass (especially in the rough!).
Recycled
With an eye on the environment, the sole is made of 20 percent recycled rubber while the Hex Mesh inner is made from Dri-Lex performance lining with environmentally sustainable DuPont Sorona yarn.
The shoes are extremely light, and have the look more of a fashion trainer than what can be a clumpy golf shoes at times depending on what you usually buy, but they do seem to be tough and hard-wearing, although this would only be really found out over time.
Comfortable though, and relaxing to wear, these Hybrids are nice to swing in and do free you up to a certain extent mainly because of their weight, they weigh in at only 295g in the men's variety.
The claim is that with 70 percent of your brain's information for movement coming from the soles of your feet, you should get them as close to the ground as possible, we've seen this in running shoes in recent times with less being more and now this is coming to golf.
Instead of air pockets, cushions and virtual pillows attached to your feet, this way of thinking says that being able to walk as naturally as you would barefooted is the way ahead.
Ringing in at £100 they are not the cheapest golf shoes on the market, but for trend setters and forward thinkers out there amongst you they could be a great alternative to the norm.
For more about The new Hybrid shoe go to www.vivobarefoot.com/uk
