REVIEW: ECCO Pro Cage Shoes w/ BOA

ECCO Steps up their Game (and adds BOA)

ECCO put its mark on the golf shoe industry almost 7 years ago when Fred Couples wore the Street model spikeless shoes at the Masters. Since then they have been offering a version of that spikeless sole on numerous shoes. While they have always made a spiked version, that spikeless outsole has been their bread and butter. The new Pro Cage shoes have a completely redesigned spikeless outsole which is a big departure from the small lugs to the SPYDR-GRIP® outsole with fewer lugs. ECCO is really stepping up their game with the Pro Cage shoes, especially with the addition of BOA.

The outsole of the new ECCO Pro Cage shoe is the big point of interest. At first I was a little worried that ECCO went away from their tried and true spikeless sole. One of the main reasons I’m guessing that they went to this new sole is the dirt. There were times that the tight lug system would gather dirt and almost turn the soles smooth in muddy conditions. The new SPYDR-GRIP® outsole has much wider gaps between lugs and they appear to be deeper too so the Pro Cage shoes offer much better traction in wet or muddy conditions. While AZ doesn’t have too much of that, these grip really nicely under normal golfing conditions. The lugs dig in nicely for excellent grip during the swing, yet the web pattern on the sole flexes really nicely for walking. They are still “spikeless” so I found them very functional off the course too.

While the new sole of the ECCO Pro Cage is the most noticeable change, the uppers have some really nice features too. The “cage” stability built around the heel is also a nice feature that ECCO has used on a couple models. It is a really lightweight molded cage that offers support without getting heavy in the heel area. The midsole is also softer than some previous ECCO shoes I’ve owned which also makes for a more cushioned step while walking. It is a nice balance of squishy and firm so that there is comfort, but not loss of connection to the ground. They also have water-resistant HYDROMAX® treated textile so that you don’t have to worry about wet feet during those dew sweeper or wet rounds. While not true “mudders” they will hold up nicely to some inclement weather. They looks like a fabric with spider webs on them offer flexibility and breathability yet are water repellent.

The biggest feature of the new ECCO Pro Cage shoes is the BOA lace system. I’ve had BOA before and just like I said about those shoes I say about these too, “Why do I own any shoes without BOA?” Seriously, BOA is the bees knees!! The simple click and turn system to tighten the laces is so quick, easy and precise. Taking them off is even easier, just lift up on the dial and they completely loosen up. While I’m not super concerned about every last second of the day, these save a ton of time getting on and off. While some still are concerned about the “thin” wires of the BOA system, those stainless steel laces are breaking anytime soon. BOA guarantees it.

Right out of the box, the ECCO Pro Cage shoes were one of my favorite new shoes that I wear on and off the course regularly. There was virtually no break-in time needed. The new spikeless sole works great both on and off the course. The BOA lace system is the real deal and worth the few extra dollars. These have the same fit as my previous ECCO shoes (42) so if you know your Euro size in ECCO these will be the same. ECCO is really stepping up their game with the new Pro Cage shoes with BOA. They have the best of all worlds with these new shoes.

For more information: http://us.shop.ecco.com

Quick Hits
+Lightweight stability
+SPYDR-GRIP® outsole works
+Comfortable right out of the box
+BOA is aweseom
+Water resistent
+Nice on or off the course