Waggle Room Reviews HI-TEC Enviro Golf Shoes

Just a few months ago, Izzo Golf - makers of the Swami Golf GPS reviewed here - entered into a partnership with Hi-Tec.  Hi-Tec makes shoes for outdoor enthusiasts and golfers and Izzo wanted to get in on the action with these shoes.  Izzo and Hi-Tec connected with me on these shoes and sent me a pair of their Enviro model shoes.

via farm3.static.flickr.com

The shoes have an appealing profile to me.  The Enviro model does have the feel of an outdoor shoe in some respects.  The top of the shoe - the part you'll see when you putt - does not really resemble a classic golf shoe.  For those of you that might find that unsettling, Hi-Tec makes several other models of shoes that look much more like a golf shoe you are accustomed to seeing.

Either way, don't let the unconventional profile bother you.  When it comes to a golf shoe, two things matter: (1) that the shoe is comfortable and (2) it provides great traction on the golf course.  This shoe does both of those things very well.

Playing a couple of rounds with the shoes on, they felt equally as good as the Foot Joys I have had on my feet for years.  I have worn in my Foot Joys more over the years, so the Hi-Tec shoes did have the same familiarity with my feet as they did.  All things considered, though, the shoes provided a good fit and were very comfortable while walking.

The shoes had excellent traction on all surfaces and grades.  Hi-Tec equips the shoes with Champion Scorpion II cleats, which were very capable, and are used by other manufacturers like Puma.

The shoes have a Dri-Tec waterproof membrane, but no waterproof warranty.  That is something to look out for, particularly if you live in a climate where course saturation is often high - or if you just like playing in the rain.

But, the most unique feature of the entire shoe is that it is made from what Hi-Tec claims is 99% eco-friendly materials.  The sole of the shoe is made from recycled compression-molded EVA and the leather is all organic.  Though many golfers are not particularly eco-conscious when it comes to their equipment, the Hi-Tec option does not detract from shoe performance.

You can shop around for a good price on the shoes, but the Enviro could be found on Zappo's for a little over $100.

For more photos of the HI-TEC Enviro golf shoe, or to view any of Waggle Room's golf photos, visit our Flickr photostream.