Ecco first introduced golfers to the Tour Hybrid model the back in 2012. Back then the street shoe market was really taking off and Ecco wanted to produce a traditional, Tour-level shoe with a casual, spikeless sole.
Now, for spring/summer 2014, the company is introducing an updated version of the Tour Hybrid. Available in five different version, the 2014 Tour Hybrid is designed for the golfer who wants that distinct classic/casual combination both on and off the course.
New to the range is the buffed-silver brogue version with a worn, rugged look, along with two different saddle models: an embossed saddle available in either white or whisky (i.e. brown), or a traditional saddle model available in white/blue or black/port.
Michael Waack, Ecco's Head of Global Golf, said:
Millions of players worldwide dress in a very traditional manner on the course, and there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to be part of the hybrid revolution. We continue to pioneer new trends and see massive growth potential by fulfilling this clear need in a manner that only we can do.
As with the 2012 version, the new Tour Hybrid features Ecco's Direct Injection construction. The process creates a stable, cushioned, comfortable, one-piece shoe without glue or stitching. Once put together, the entire leather upper is treated with Ecco's tanned-in Hydromax technology, which gives the shoe its weather resistant qualities.
Inside each Tour Hybrid is a removable insole. The Comfort Fibre System within the insole is designed to increase air circulation, which Ecco say creates "a fresh, cool shoe environment."
Flip the shoe over and you'll see more than 100 moulded traction bars and more than 800 total angles that make up the E-DTS (or Dynamic Traction System) outsole.
Made from a strong TPU material, Ecco say the sole is "highly durable, wear-resistent" and provides "Tour-quality" grip. Don't just take their word for it, players such as Ernie Els and Graeme McDowell have worn the Tour Hybrid in competition.
The four new Tour Hybrids will be shipped from late in February and available across the UK in March.