I usually like to think of something positive to say whether I am talkng about a person or a product – which is, I suppose, a dangerous statement to start any review with. That being said, the Italian-based GEOX shoe company has entered the golf shoe business this year, incorporating its Net System Technology which it claims evenly distributes heat throughout the foot. After playing five rounds in a variety of conditions, I am happy to report that there is nary a damp sock to be found. The shoe kept out the rain on the most inclement days and my feet didn’t sweat on the warmest.

If you’re going to be out on the golf course for five hours, there are two things you expect from your shoes; that they keep your feet a) dry and b) cool. Within those parameters, I applaud GEOX for a job well done. But in this day and age, golf shoe technology has taken huge leaps forward and the GEOX golf shoe is lagging a few years behind (Net System aside). In recent years, the golfing industry has moved towards increasing levels of customization, having equipment fit to the exact specifications of the golfer. Shoes are no exception. More and more manufacturers are using memory foam, adjustable insoles or any one of a number of other form-fitting technology to give the golfer the best fit possible. None of those features exist on the GEOX shoe.

Years ago golf legend Jack Nicklaus said that if he could golf in bare feet he would. He felt that having as close a physical connection to the ground as possible is most beneficial to assuring balance through the golf swing. While the major manufacturers have been peeling away their shoe’s soles (and souls) to get the golfer closer to the ground, the GEOX is built more like a traditional running shoe with spikes place on the bottom.

If style is your objective on the course though, the GEOX golf shoe might still be worth considering. The company, started in 1995, is the fastest selling brand in Italy. There are two versions of the golf shoes (Protech, pictured top, and Fusion, shown above) for both men and woman. Each of those come in a number of different styles to choose from and the shoes retail from $150 - $200.