Etonic's PowerPlay System - Can High-Tech Shoes Improve Your Golf Game?

- When it comes to getting a lower golf score players will try anything. Change their swing; buy new clubs and balls; practice with the latest new-fangled training aid. However, one area that might be overlooked is your feet. Like those old Nike commercials with Michael Jordan and Spike Lee, golf shoe providers would like you to think that: “it’s gotta be the shoes!”

In August Etonic announced two new models of golf shoes featuring the company’s state-of-the-art “PowerPlay™ Outsole System”, designed to deliver superior traction, balance and power. It works with the foot's natural anatomy to promote traction, flexibility, stability and the range of motion required to execute proper footwork and optimize balance in the swing. The result is improved ball-striking by maximizing power transfer to the ball.

There are six main components to the PowerPlay System:

1. Inside-Out Spike Placement
2. PowerSpike
3. PowerPod
4. PowerPlay Flex Zone
5. Dynamic Reaction Plate
6. Stabilizer Heel Technology

Etonic’s website does a good job of selling the benefits, including how each component works in conjunction with the golf swing. Take the Inside-Out Spike Placement for example. What Etonic has done is put spikes along the inside of the right shoe’s outsole and along the outside of the left shoe’s outsole. This helps right-handed golfers to better grip the grass when swinging.

The PowerSpike is a bit different because it has a central spike that is surrounded by eight vertical side wall legs to provide a 25% improvement in traction. Lasting twice as long as conventional SoftSpikes, the PowerSpike's design was influenced by the 33% of tour players who demand metal spikes for superior traction. Etonic's PowerSpike provides Green Friendly Action with Center Spike Traction.

The PowerPod is a shark fin-shaped support feature strategically positioned under the arch areas of each foot. It is supposed to provide additional traction and support to the right foot during the drive phase of the downswing, while simultaneously enhancing left foot traction and stability as body weight forces "load" the left side during the impact and follow-through phases of the swing.

With the PowerPlay Flex Zone positioned across the ball of the foot (located in the outsole between the foot's medial and lateral arches), the foot’s natural anatomy comes into play. Basically, it allows the outsole to flex, maximizing ground contact time and traction during the drive and impact phases of the downswing. The PowerPlay Flex Zone improves the golfer's stability and balance to help deliver more of the power generated by the swing to the ball at impact.

Etonic's patented Dynamic Reaction Plate, which is strategically positioned in the center of the midsole, works during the load-bearing phases of the swing. Its unique design reduces midsole deformation and stabilizes the midsole to reduce the shoe's tendency to "roll outward" during the backswing and follow-through. The theory is that with better stability comes more consistent ball striking.

Etonic's Stabilizer Heel Technology carries that notion to the heel portion of the shoe’s outsole, where it helps provide optimum stability and motion control during the swing through the use of a 6-degree outward flare. Having a wider and more stable platform can help ball striking, consistency and power.

The Etonic PowerPlay System was first introduced last year in two of its high performance shoes – Stabilizer (SRP $160) and Sof-Tech (SRP $120). Arriving soon to pro shops and online golf retailers are two new Etonic lines for 2010: Dri-Tech and Sport-Tech.

>> Dri-Tech (SRP $95) is designed for the player who prefers unparalleled comfort and casual inspired styling combined with performance-enhancing technology. It comes with a saddle-style look, with four different color combinations.

>> Sport-Tech (SRP $80) has a more contemporary look. Designed for the player looking for a lightweight, comfortable, casual-looking shoe, it has added traction and performance features to help enhance their game.

Staying Dry

As the name implies, Dri-Tech places emphasis on waterproofing features. It comes with premium waterproof leather uppers, a “HydroGuard” waterproof membrane and a two-year limited waterproof warranty. The Sport-Tech has premium leather uppers, the same HydroGuard waterproof membrane and a one-year limited waterproof warranty.

PowerPlay Options for Women

Etonic makes women’s versions of the Dri-Tech and Sport-Tech. The Dri-Tech is available in a saddle featuring an argyle motif design with two color options (Oyster/Black and White/Silver). For the Sport-Tech, women can choose from a saddle look and a contemporary style.

Additional High-Tech Golf Shoe Offerings

adidas Powerband 2.0 Sport Golf Shoes ($119.99)

Features power geometry with an all new powerband chassis. The outsole has three distinct zones for maximum energy transfer during the load phase, impact and finish.

Callaway XTT Premier Golf Shoes ($139.99)

The original Xtra Traction Technology (XTT) system works much like the suspension system in an automobile. Each Chevron Comfort Spike moves independently, adjusting at all times to changing surfaces and slopes. This creates excellent traction and performance throughout the round, whether you're standing on grass, dirt or sand.

FootJoy SYNR-G Men's Golf Shoe ($139.97)

Engineered to bolster tour-level swing speeds, FootJoy's SYNR-G shoe utilizes the exclusive G-Force outsole that features components like the tri-lateral stability frame and a perforated alloy midfoot stability bridge.

Nike Golf Men's Air Zoom Vapor Golf Shoe ($139.99)

A full-length chassis system provides the ultimate in lightweight, anatomical fit and stability for the course. Nike's Power Platform Ultra offers the combination of power to your swing and lightweight flexibility. Watershield Plus keeps water out so your feet stay dry and cool.

Conclusion

The astounding thing is that Etonic made their PowerPlay technology accessible at a sub-$100 price point. That makes these shoes worthy of consideration, whether you are in the market to replace your worn out shoes, or you want to try something different to “shake up” your game.

The one question that crossed my mind was how the PowerPlay infused shoes would feel to someone who was walking the entire round? Seems like the way the spikes are placed would make you feel wobbly when moving in a straight line, as opposed to the side-to-side golf swing movement.

In terms of value, a sub-$100 price on shoes that deliver superior traction, balance, power and are waterproof seems like a slam dunk. My only wish is for them to look less like golf shoes, however I am willing to put aesthetics aside if the Etonic shoes can truly boost my performance on the course.