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.

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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.