The marketing department might not have had to expend much energy thinking of the name for the successor to the Spieth One, but the product guys have certainly put the time in for the Under Armour Spieth 2 golf shoe.
Visually the Spieth 2 looks a lot better close up than its predecessor with a tidier forefoot and a contrast colour rear section around the heel.
Whilst the Spieth One looked like a collection of random shapes, it did look much better when on your feet and from a distance, whereas the Spieth 2 looks better close up and maybe a little plainer from further away.
However understated style is really the Under Armour way as they focus on technical performance and this rear section features UA smart weave that uses strong TPU fibres to increase the support around the heel area and create a classy woven pattern.
It actually feels like a knit on the outside of the shoe and I can see it having a lot of shelf appeal, especially in the white/black and white/blue models.
If you have ever watched Jordan Spieth swing the club then you know he has a lot of foot movement and really stability is the key feature of the Spieth 2.
The sole is still the same Dual Durometer with a more flexible TPU section in the forefoot, but the base is lighter than before, bringing the overall shoe weight down by about 30 grams or 6%.
It's still a large lump of plastic featuring a nice diamond pattern on the sole, but it is lighter to wear and I think is a big improvement on the One in this respect, even if it is still 25g heavier than the other main stability shoe in the market, the FootJoy Tour-S.
The basic shape of the sole is pretty similar though with forefoot spikes positioned towards the edges of the sole and even protruding a little from the sides to increase that stability.
Jordan does roll out over his left foot through impact and the UA RST or Rotational Resistance Spikes with the semi-circular silver sections continue in the same positions as before.
The grip through the swing is as good as any on the market and the other spikes in the rest of the sole are very good in this respect.
The upper is a Clarino microfibre leather and uses a GoreTex membrane for the first time to create a 100% waterproof shoe with a 2 year guarantee that is also breathable to stop it getting too hot.
Like before there is still a fair amount of stitching and etching over the forefoot of the Spieth 2, but now it seems a little more coordinated and more in tune with the overall design of the shoe.
Players not called Jordan Speith will welcome the reduction in JS stitched logos all over the mid foot and instead just have to tolerate the one on tongue of the shoe.
The tongue is very comfortable and the integrated lacing system works with it to prevent the laces digging in and it holds your foot in place securely or you can go for a BOA option for an extra £20.
The EVA insole is removable and provides a good level of cushioning and the general sizing is middle of the road for length and width.
I had a soft spot for the Spieth One, but it was a heavy shoe and the design was a little out there. With the changes to the Spieth 2 I think that they have made the improvements that were necessary to make this a challenger.
The big one is the reduction in weight of the sole, followed by the introduction of GoreTex. This makes it less tiring to wear and the robust construction should withstand the elements.
Sometimes you have to be careful with shoes designed specifically for a certain Tour player as they can be a little too focussed on one type of foot or style of play. In this case Mr Speith needs stability, so if that suits your game then the Under Armour Speith 2 will be right up your street at a reasonable price.
The new styling, particularly the UA smart weave feature, is a much better look and it all comes together in a shoe that will be ideal for anyone looking for a quality performance shoe.