ECCO GOLF is marking the passing of a decade since Fred Couples wore a pair its original hybrid shoes at the 2010 Masters Tournament with the launch of its new Golf Street 10 shoe.
Couples, who is now a staff ambassador for the brand, famously wore Ecco’s first Golf Street shoes at Augusta, where, aged 50, he finished sixth in the first major of the year. His performance changed the footwear industry’s whole approach to golf shoe design, as well as golfers’ perceptions about what was acceptable to wear on their feet on and off the golf course.
Many of the shoes in the current Ecco Golf collection, including Golf Street 10, feature the same hybrid outsole design which featured in the original Golf Street model, although there have been advancements made in this and other areas of the shoe’s materials and design.
The new Golf Street 10, which is a special edition shoe only available at selected retail and ECCO e-commerce sites, boasts an all-new midsole material called Pu Phorene, which represents a significant step forward in Ecco’s proprietary Fluidform manufacturing process, serving to increase the shoe’s shock absorption and rebound properties. Fluidform bonds the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe without the use of glue or stitching. Benefits include flexibility, durability and a lightweight construction.
The sole itself features more than 100 traction bars and 800 angles for grip in all playing conditions.
A micro-perforated leather lining and leather-lined inlay soles offer unique moisture management properties, while the uppers are made from a full-grain pebbled nappa leather with an aniline finish for a luxury, soft touch. The leather is treated with Ecco’s water-repellent Hydromax finish, which adds durability and strength, keeping feet dry with enhanced breathability.
Cosmetic additions include bronze detailing on the lace ends and two eyelids, and ‘HYBRID 10’ logo in bronze screen print on the heel and a commemorative shoe box and key ring.
Available in white only, the Golf Street 10 shoe has a RRP of £220.