Big Idea

Research conducted by leading Northern Ireland podiatrist Paul McMullan during the recent surge in playing the game has highlighted the need for golfers to avoid long-term injuries by purchasing comfortable golf shoes that provide the foot with sufficient support during the swing. Paul says, “A lot of golfers are suffering chronic pain in their feet, and many of these issues are entirely preventable if only they had selected golf shoes that offer more support during the golf swing. Our clinic is surrounded by many excellent golf courses, and we’ve seen foot problems like Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis (mid-portion insertional and heel) grow over the past two years, as people play more often or take up the game without experience of walking so much. “Golfers don’t realise that they average around 15,000 steps during a round of golf, and choosing flexible, ultra-comfortable golf shoes that allow the foot to turn during the swing is likely to result in creating some serious foot issues. The softer ground on the fairways and greens only compounds the problem. Some chronic injuries between the heel and toes sustained while playing golf may result in long-term pain from morning till night or even require surgery. “We always ask patients to bring their various pairs of shoes with them when they make an appointment. And from my experience, if you take hold of the heel and toes of a golf shoe and can twist it, then those shoes are far too flexible to play golf in. Slightly heavier golf shoes that are ergonomically designed to support the foot during the golf swing will prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring,” Paul added. According to the highly experienced practitioner who has helped around 25,000 patients overcome painful foot injuries, the handcrafted shoes from Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma meet the criteria for playing multiple rounds rather than too soft or flexible styles. Adolf Stoffberg, CEO of Duca de Cosma, says, “We …

Golfers often forget that one of the most important parts of their golf wear and equipment is their shoes. A big part of enjoying a round of golf is being comfortable on the course. Golfers who spend a lot of time crisscrossing the fairways can cover more than 10km in a round. A poorly fitting or uncomfortable shoe can make it not only painful to walk the course but may also impede a swing, thereby affecting the player’s game. The right footwear allows every golfer to enjoy their game optimally. This can contribute to shooting lower scores. Golfers’ choice of shoe is highly influenced by looks and price, but there are more essential aspects to look for in a golf shoe to help them decide on the best shoe for their feet. Benefits of selecting the right golf shoe Selecting the right golf shoe not only benefits the pros but all golf players – young, old, amateur, or even beginner. Golf shoes are designed to give golfers a non-slip base that holds steady in both dry and wet conditions. Golf shoes are designed to help walkers make it through 18 holes, and a good pair of golf shoes can help slow down or even prevent late-round fatigue and pain. Tips on factors to consider when buying a golf shoe Adolf Stoffberg, CEO of Duca Del Cosma, shares some tips for golfers on what to look out for when choosing a golf shoe: Spikes or spikeless Spiked golf shoes have soft plastic spikes on the outsole (for added traction during the golf swing motion). Some believe that spikes mean more traction, but spikeless golf shoes are not far behind. The difference in traction does become more noticeable if you play in wet weather. Spiked golf shoes provide more grip on waterlogged ground. Things to consider when choosing between spikes and spikeless: • Comfort is key. With the designs and materials available today, the difference between the two types of shoes is minor. • Versatility is a game changer. Spikeless shoes are much more versatile as they can be worn on and …

Until recently, golf attire was conservative, dull, and used only on the course. Fashion rebels like John Daly and Jesper Parnevik began pushing the envelope as a deliberate attempt to reinvigorate the sport’s image, but their outfits didn’t cross over into casualwear. Roll on the new millennium and golf’s appeal to younger generations is influenced by golf wear fashion trends that are casual, comfortable and can make statements on and off the course. Being able to combine golf wear with an everyday wardrobe has revolutionised the way amateur and professional golfers approach their style. Millennial enthusiasts are including light knitted sweaters, peak caps, tailored slacks and golf-like dressy sneakers for everyday wear. Premium golf shoe brands such as Duca Del Cosma have rejuvenated golf with golf shoes that are now bold in colour and can be worn on and off the course – a new breed of multipurpose footwear that is comfortable and versatile. Technology and comfort on and off the golf course bring both luxury and performance to golf shoes. Waterproof soft-spike shoes and sneaker-style spikeless models enable better performance and allow professional and amateur golfers to make a distinctive statement in a sport that until recently featured minimal colour and style options. The sophisticated golfer of any age or gender today prefers superior quality shoe brands that dare to be different, are sexy and seductive and offer comfort on and off the golf course. According to Adolf Stoffberg, CEO of Duca Del Cosma, “Golfers today seek well-constructed, comfortable, golf shoes, essential for walking long distances and playing in any conditions, but at the same time, they desire shoes that are fashionable and sporty chic. Duca Del Cosma shoes are not only of superior quality for comfort but are also stylish, bold, classy, elegant, and sporty.” The recent signing of Kelly Tan shows the brand’s intention to connect with fashion-conscious female golfers seeking …

European premium golf footwear and apparel brand Duca del Cosma has set international golf fashion trends for two decades, combining functional sport elements with Italian fashion. The exclusive Duca del Cosma shoe collection for ladies and men is now also available in South Africa and the brand has bolstered its sales team to reflect growing interest and sales traction. To ensure that the brand makes an appropriate splash in South Africa with style-conscious professionals, players and fans, Duca del Cosma is backed by an all-star sales team who boast the background, experience and skills to align with a distinctive premium international brand. South Africa’s voice of golf, Dale Hayes, and his colleague Paul Adams, whose name is synonymous with golf retail in the country, have partnered with Duca del Cosma to introduce the brand’s offerings to golf club retail and make the brand accessible for the first time in the northern regions of the country. If they need an introduction, Dale Hayes was inducted into the South African Sports and Golf Hall of Fame and was the winner of 27 professional golf tournaments. He has gone on to become one of the most recognisable and respected commentators in world golf, as well as director and owner of Golf Creations. “Being a golf commentator, I follow a lot of golf on the course and on television and have noticed a massive change in golf fashion the last few years. The clothing is colourful, with an emphasis on comfort. The Duca del Cosma shoe brand is clearly bringing something different to the golf shoe market, offering bright trendy colours and an exciting, fun range of lifestyle golf footwear to wear on and off the golf course, which I believe is exactly what the South African golf market needs,” says Hayes. Paul Adams, former member of the South African team that brought home the World Hickory Open Championship in 2012, has been instrumental in growing golf as a sport in his capacity as a fundraiser, golf industry …