Tests determine that shoes featuring replaceable golf cleats consistently outperform cleat-less shoes
in all areas; study highlighted by wet-conditions test showing new replaceable cleated golf
shoes provide up to 70% more traction than new non-cleated shoes
PHOENIX, Ariz., November 10, 2011 … Softspikes®, the world’s best selling golf cleat brand and the #1 Cleat on Tour, today announced the results from a traction study on cleated golf shoes vs. cleat-less golf shoes. The study, which was conducted at the Softspikes Advanced Research Center (ARC), located on the grounds of the prestigious Raven Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz., highlights the vast benefits of shoes featuring replaceable golf cleats vs. cleat-less shoes in both wet and dry conditions.
Softspikes conducted the study to provide golfers, and golf retailers alike, with a baseline for evaluating the best golf shoes on the market for traction by comparing today’s leading cleat-less shoe models versus traditional replaceable cleated golf shoes. Among the most telling facts resulting from the study, the Softspikes ARC determined that in wet conditions, new, out-of-the-box shoes with replaceable cleats provided up to 70% more traction then new, out-of-the-box cleat-less shoes, while holding traction up to 32% longer. Additionally, under dry test conditions, new, out-of-the-box shoes with replaceable cleats provided up to 51% more traction then new, out-of-the box cleat-less shoes, while holding traction up to 34% longer.
Additionally, after the equivalent of 20 rounds of golf, shoes featuring replaceable cleats (with a fresh set of plastic cleats) maintained 100% of their original out-of-the-box traction in wet conditions, and 94% of their original traction in dry conditions. In contrast, cleat-less shoes lost 26-28% of their original out-of-the-box traction in both dry and wet conditions.
“The results of the testing were quite eye-opening,” said Bob Burt, Vice President, Engineering and OEM Development, Softspikes. “New out-of-the-box cleat-less golf shoes have 50-70% less traction than shoes engineered with replaceable golf cleats, and in just over three weeks of use cleat-less shoes lost another 25-28% of their traction capability. That’s a considerable loss of traction for new golf shoes.”
Burt adds, “It is important to note that these traction tests were performed in lab conditions, on a flat surface with the compression applied directly at 90 degrees – the best possible condition for traction. Golf courses provide very few flat stances and we believe the differences in lost traction on the course would be even greater given these factors, further favoring the traction benefits of cleated golf shoes.”
He added “The reason OEM’s build shoes with replaceable cleats is to provide maximum traction and performance throughout the life of their products. Out of the box performance of non-cleated shoes is poor to begin with and only deteriorates with each step taken. They are a fashion statement; they are not performance products for the game of golf.”
With acres of natural surface testing along with the extensive testing lab, the Softspikes ARC is the only facility of its kind developed by a golf cleat manufacturer. It was established to conduct in-depth product development, research, testing and design of golf cleats, field sports cleats, outsoles, tees and other golf and sports footwear innovations. As part of the management of the new facility, Softspikes works closely with leading OEM footwear partners in both the golf and sporting goods industries who utilize the facility to develop next-generation, game improvement equipment.
“We recognize that consumers are considering cleat-less golf shoes as a possible option for their golf footwear needs, so it was important to utilize the ARC’s capabilities in measuring traction performance and durability and share the results so golfers can make informed decisions about their equipment,” said Burt.
About Softspikes
PrideSports was formed in January 2003 following Pride Manufacturing Company’s purchase of Softspikes, Inc., and its sister company Trisport, Ltd. of England. This acquisition essentially formed the world’s premier golf accessories company, as Pride and Softspikes are the world’s leading golf tee and golf cleat lines, respectively. Today, PrideSports is the world leader in the design and manufacture of cleats, spikes and receptacles for the entire golf footwear industry.
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