Here’s what I don’t understand; guys will spend $400 on a driver, $400 more on fairway woods, $1000 on irons, $300 more on wedges, $100+ on a putter.  They’ll spend $150+ on a bag, $40 for a dozen golf balls, and then, for reasons that completely defy logic, $60 on a pair of golf shoes.

Just like Air Jordan’s back in the day, good golf shoes are expensive – and they’re not getting any cheaper.  Unfortunately it’s a reality that the devoted golfer must accept.  Even riding over 18 holes with uncomfortable shoes can suck the fun out of a round of golf.  If you walk, good shoes are an absolute necessity, so before I start talking about some of the specific options for footwear in 2009, let me start with just a few simple words of advice…

Don’t skimp on your golf shoes.  Shelling out $150 for a pair of shoes (there are some cheaper options), may hurt, but it won’t hurt nearly as much as your feet will after 18 holes in a pair of cheap shoes.

FootJoy SYNR-G

The newest offering from the first name in golf footwear, the SYNR-G has already become a popular choice among FootJoy’s professional staff.  I sat through several videos on the SYNR-G site, listening to pro after pro talk about the new shoe and what struck me is that golfer after golfer continually referred to the two most important aspects of a golf shoe; comfort and stability.

Now I assure you, I’m not an idiot.  I understand that these guys get paid to say nice things about their sponsor’s products, but you’d have to be an idiot yourself to think that a guy who can literally have hundreds of thousands of dollars riding on a single swing of the golf club is going to wear a shoe that gives him blisters, doesn’t maintain ground contact throughout the golf swing.  By all accounts, the SYNR-G is the most comfortable and stable golf shoe FootJoy has ever produced, and that’s saying a lot.

Made from Extreme Comfort Leather (ECL) from Pittards, the SYNR-G is 30% softer than any previous FootJoy leather shoe.  The collar and tongue contain memory foam which molds to your foot providing a custom fit.  The memory foam (I love memory foam – it’s fun), along with the HeelLoc Zone eliminate any slipping, which not only provides complete stability, but also prevents those nasty little blisters that can completely ruin a day on the links.  The Dual Optiflex outsole contains a two-part flexibility channel which FootJoy claims produces unparalleled comfort while walking.  That’s of particular interests to me since I’m considering boycotting carts this year.

The SYNR-G comes with a 2-year waterproof warranty, and is fitted with Stinger Spikes from Champs.  Retail price for the SYNR-G is $220.  More information can be found at www.footjoy.com/synrg.

Nike AirZoom TW 2009

I’ve included the latest shoe in the Tiger Woods series for a couple of reasons.  First, since it’s Tiger’s shoe, interest is going to be high.  Second, for the past few years I’ve been solidly a Nike guy when it comes to my golf shoes.  I currently wear the AirTour TW 8.5, but I’d be lying if I said that I was as happy as I was before my TW 7s blew out (I got every penny’s worth out of them, that’s for sure).  While in my opinion the 8.5 were a step backwards in terms of comfort, I’m optimistic that this year’s model will be better.

Style is very much a personal thing, but my thinking is that, if the 8.5s were a step backwards in comfort, the 2009s are step backward in style.  Maybe I’m being a snob, but I’ve got a bit of a problem with a $200+ shoe made in part from ballistic mesh.  $200 mesh?  My guess is the AirZoom 2009 isn’t going to appeal to the golfer with a more sophisticated sense of style.

Esthetics aside, there is plenty to like about the TW 2009.  It feature’s Nike’s WaterShield moisture protection, Nike’s proven Power Platform for balance and stability, a Zoom Air heel for comfort and support, and a Poron sock liner, which molds to the contour of your feet.  The upper is made from premium full-grain leather, and yes, ballistic mesh.  Mesh?  Really?  For $230 you’re giving me mesh?

With a retail price of $229.95, the TW 2009 may scare off some, but I have no doubt there are plenty of Nike fans who will be wearing Tiger’s shoe this year.  More information is available at www.nikegolf.com.

Ecco World Class Ltd.

For the most discerning of golfers (or perhaps the guy with way too much money), Danish shoemaker, Ecco has announced the availability of the World Class Limited Edition golf shoe.  In addition to an extremely high price tag, the World Class LTD features:

• An internal stabilizer for vital support during the swing
• A removable vegetable-tanned leather insole with the ECCO Comfort Fiber System, which increases air circulation for the perfect inner climate
• Leather welt construction on the outsole for a true gentleman’s look

According to Ecco, the World Class LTD. is “a very finite offering for a select number of golf’s most discerning players”.

Ecco shoes always rate among the most comfortable, so even if you’re not in the market for a limited edition golf shoe, you might want to give a more affordable pair of Eccos a look.

Available in white, black, white/black, white/coffee, the World Class Ltd retails for $430 (and no, that’s not a typo).

PUMA Swing Crown GTX

As I mentioned in the apparel section, I’m quickly becoming a fan of PUMA’s golf collection, and their new Swing Crown GTX golf shoe is part of the reason why.  From a style perspective, I’m inclined to describe them as modern shoe with classic appeal.  They’re not your average saddlebacks for sure, but the design remains true to tradition.

The Swing Crown GTX features a fiberglass outsole, a microfiber upper and a reinforced TPU support cage for additional support. The components come together to form one of the lightest golf shoes you’ll find anywhere.  Those fortunate enough to have tested last year’s model (Hooked on Golf Blog Review here) have raved about how comfortable the original Swing GTX is.  The same is no doubt true of the 2009 model.

While comfort certainly matters – it’s without a doubt the single most important feature of a golf shoe; any shoe really.  Comfort, however, is only part of what the Swing Crown GTX has to offer.  Where other companies use spikes, PUMA uses what they call “Smart Quill Technology”.  While on the most basic level, Smart Quills are spikes (not like PUMA wants you running around tractionless or anything), what’s truly special about Smart Quills is that the layout of the quills on the right foot, is different from the layout of the quills on the left foot.  That’s right…the shoes don’t match.  That’s just crazy!

When I first heard about the design, I thought maybe somebody high up at PUMA had a little too much to drink, and everybody else felt compelled to go along with it.  It turns out, however, there’s a much more scientific (and painfully logical) explanation for the design.  Unless you’re one of those guys who anchors your feet to the ground and swings with only your arms and torso (zero lower body movement – you know who you are), then you probably understand that your front and back feet work very differently in the golf swing.  To account for these difference, PUMA has arraigned the Smart Quills to optimize performance and traction based on the role each foot actually plays in a proper golf swing.  The shoes are different because your feet do different things.  It’s brilliant.

For those concerned about the golf course (and that should be all of you), PUMA Smart Quills are green-friendly.  Although they can’t be replaced, everything I’ve read so far suggests they’re extremely durable. For peace of mind, however, PUMA backs up the Quills with a 2-year durability guarantee.   It’s also worth noting that the placement of the Smart Quills results in less gunk (grass, dirt, etc.) between the spikes, so you won’t have to constantly scrape at your shoes to maintain traction.  Like every other Tour grade shoe on the market, the PUMA Swing Crown GTX is waterproof .

Retail price for the PUMA Swing Crown GTX golf shoe is $275.  More information is available from golf.puma.com.

Golfskins

In the I can’t believe somebody didn’t think of this sooner category, allow me to introduce you to Golfskins; the coolest golf footwear accessory you’ll find anywhere.  Constructed from SKINTEK™ molded rubber, Golfskins conveniently slide on over your golf shoes, allowing you to move to and from the course without the hassle of changing your shoes.  With Golfskins you can wear your golf shoes to the course, and back home again.

Because Golfskins act as a barrier between your cleats and the ground, they eliminate the unnecessary beating your soft spikes take as you go traipsing to and from the parking lot.  Slipping a pair of  Golfskins on over your golf shoes will go a long way towards prolonging the life of your spikes.  Golfskins are slip resistant and will work over any non-metal spike.  They’re also machine washable.

As an added benefit that my wife will no doubt love, Golfskins provide a sealed barrier which helps to keep, the dirt, grass, pesticides, and whatever else you may have stepped in on the golf course (bad goose, you’re a very bad goose) from finding its way into your car, home, and bed (yeah..it’s happened – I’m not proud).

Golfskins are available in sizes to fit any golf shoe and enough colors to fit just about any style.  MSRP for Golfskins is $32.95.  Golfskins are from the same company which created Cleatskins, which are available for a number of other sports (soccer, football, baseball) as well.  More information can be found at www.cleatskins.com.

PowerSox by GoldToe

Footwear isn’t just about your shoes.  Before you put your foot in your golf shoe you’ve got to put it into a sock.  While I’ll admit that I’ve very rarely given any thought to my socks (at least no more though than “how many pairs do I get for $12″), I learned quite by accident (Golf Galaxy giveaway), that there’s a lot to be said for a good pair of socks.

What’s unique about the PowerSox, and why I chose it for the Gear Guide, is that there is a defined left sock and a right sock to better match the contour of your feet.  This is a huge bonus since now when I lose a sock, I’m never sure if it’s the right or the left…

Anyway, the PowerSox is built on what the company calls APF (Anatomical Performance Fit) which, in addition to that whole left/right thing, means that PowerSox are made from Sensura and Merino yarns that provide outstanding moisture wicking as well as resistance to odor and bacterial growth.  APF also utilizes a selective cushion pattern that places shock absorption in key strike zones.  The rest of the sock is outfitted with ventilation panels to allow your feet breathe when your golf game has you huffing and puffing.  Tie it altogether and it’s clear the PowerSox is not your ordinary foot sleeve.

The PowerSox is obviously not just a golf sock, but since this is a Golf Guide, that’s how we’re billing it.   PowerSox Performance Styles are available in black and silver; white and silver; white and red; white and black; grey and orange; white and blue.  Lo-Cut styles retail for $10.99.  Crew lenth are $13.99.  More information is available at www.powersox.com.