Review: Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Golf Shoes

The Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax from the company's Spring/Summer 2009 collection gets "casual elegance" just right. The measured balance of firmness and flexibility comfortably cradles the foot, while an innovative arch support provides excellent stability. This is a shoe women will appreciate for both looks and comfort.

The Pros

• A Cool, contemporary look, that's easy-going, but stylish.
• Very comfortable. The foot is firmly cradled, without ever feeling confined.
• A low-profile midsole with arch support and a swing stabilizer ensure stability.
• Stinger 3 cleats provide great traction.

The Cons

• May be narrow for those who prefer a very wide shoe.

Description

• I selected the black/light silver/white color combination. This shoe also comes in plum/light silver; white/light silver; white/light silver/light rose and black/poppy/titanium. Each color combination includes a trendy touch of metallic, as well as rubber detailing that makes for a sleek, stylish, modern look.
• Ecco's innovative process creates a one-piece shoe that brings with it uncommon durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance ... as well as extra levels of cushioning and comfort.
• The soft high-grade leather is treated for weather resistance and the stitching on each contrasting leather detail is extremely fine.
• There's an internal stabilizer that helps with weight balance and swing stability as well as a cushiony double-layered insole that reduces stress on the knees, hips and back.
• Air circulation features keep feet dry and cool.
• The outer-sole features molded bars to provide traction, and the Stinger cleats from Champ (and the Q-Lok insert system) provide ideal traction and grip.

The Review

Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Golf Shoe - Spring/Summer 2009 Women's Collection
I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to golf attire, but as hip, high-tech looks have become more and more popular with the ladies of the LPGA, I find myself seeking out more casual contemporary pieces.

For quite a while I'd been looking for a casual golf shoe that didn't look or feel like a sneaker. To me, sneakers are for schlepping around in the mall or a daily walk around the block. They're not for golf. I want to look athletic and elegant when I play.

So, when I had the chance to try a pair of Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Shoes, it was serendipitous.

Looks-wise, they had me from hello. Though there were many appealing combinations to choose from, I selected the black/light silver/white. The way the contrasting black and white leathers entwine is simple and elegant. A metallic matte sliver is also featured as a complement in fine runway-inspired slashes. Ecco's new "Four Dots" logo is discretely incorporated.

But it's surely the shape that most distinguishes these shoes from the other "casual" golf shoes. Though they're definitely athletic, they're also sleek and streamlined. They're the type of shoe that looks good on everyone, and the good looks continue right on down to the ground with rubber detailing and a color-matched outsole.

That's the outside story. Inside is where the comfort and support and stability come in. What appears at first glance to be generous cushioning and nothing more, actually incorporates high-tech arch support, and what's known as an "integrated swing stablizer." I'm not sure exactly how it works, but with the cushiony Comfort Fiber System, I can tell you, this shoe cradles the foot to creates a real feeling of stability which naturally leads to a more confident swing.

Then you have the Stinger cleats for traction and grip. I definitely felt more stable in the sand (where I tend to wind up all too often).

I really like the Ecco Casual Cool Hydromax Shoe, and it will undoubtedly become my golf shoe of choice. I'm a bit of a shoe fanatic so I'll probably be picking up some of those other color combinations, too. Ecco's Four Dots represent quality, comfort, technology and style. I found all four in this shoe.