Look up Vibe in the dictionary and it tells you it is "a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing."
Well, when it comes to Callaway's 2014 footwear range, that "thing" is the new Callaway X Cage Vibe shoe and that "intangible quality" is the technology behind it, thanks to new partnerships with Vibram and SUPERfeet.
The idea Callaway had was to produce a revolutionary, advanced, spikeless golf shoe with unparalleled traction. Thus, the Callaway X Cage Vibe was born.
“Our 2014 product line is a tribute to Callaway’s long history as a leader in technological innovations that help golfers play better and make the game more enjoyable,” said Callaway Footwear Vice President of Product Jake Pinger. “In the X Cage product, for example, we set out to make a golf shoe that is as important to your game as an iron, putter or driver.”
Despite the eye-catching new colours, we have to start with that new sole design. The outsole of the Vibe is the result of a combined research between Callaway and Vibram, looking into how to maximize grip and traction as a golfer transfers weight during the golf-swing.
The result: Triangulated Traction technology.
The idea behind the sole is to keep three points of contact with the ground, on both feet, throughout the swing. There is a lateral traction element, or power wall, that stores energy as you load on your back foot on your backswing and then again on your front foot through your downswing.
Using technology used in extreme mountain climbing, the X Cage Vibe’s spikeless outsole features Vibram’s XSTrek performance rubber compound, the most advanced sport performance compound in Vibram’s range of shoes.
The upper design of the shoe comes in five distinctive colour combinations, but just three are available to golfers in the UK.
Designed to work in conjunction with the sole of the shoe, the upper design features a TPU stability wrap. The web-like design in the middle of the shoe hugs a golfer's feet during the swing and synchronizes movement with the sole to provide the "ultimate in ground control."
Going inside the shoe, the X Cage Vibe offers more technology still. A textile lining and SUPERfeet Elite Contoured Footbed ensure your feet are stable and comfortable.
The padded lining helps add comfort around the heel and Achilles area, whilst the Footbed is designed to stabilize the foot and improve alignment and balance. Superfeet is the specialty running and outdoor market leader in high performance insoles.
Their insoles are designed based on the principles of podiatric medicine and have brought performance benefits to athletes in a wide range of sports. The basis behind the Superfeet insoles is to help support the flat 2-dimensional midsoles of the shoe and have it adapt to your 3-dimensional foot.
“Your feet are your point of contact with the ground. If your feet aren’t stable your game will suffer.” Pinger explains. “Superfeet Elite in the X Cage-Vibe and the Superfeet Pro in the X Cage-Pro feature deep, structured heel cups that help stabilize your foot and keep your body aligned to transfer maximum power through your swing.”
The Callaway X Cage Vibe shoe is waterproof and comes with a 2-year (from purchase) warranty.