Is the Spieth Shoe A Sign of Bigger Things to Come?

If there’s a golf industry rumor…if someone is for sale, or even might be for sale, the Under Armour name inevitably comes up. Under Armour is buying Cleveland, Callaway, Titleist, and even TaylorMade.

Uh, yeah.

The theory behind all of these non-acquisitions is that Under Armour wants into the golf equipment business.  And so, as you might expect, some have also said that Under Armour already has clubs in development.

Sorry…not buying that either.

Sure, there is some logic behind some of this. Under Armour has the World #1, Jordan Spieth, under contract for the next several years, so you can argue that a foray into hard goods (especially if it can acquire an established company) might make some sense. You could also argue that UA’s more modern approach to the business of sport might be exactly the sort of thing that could shift the proverbial paradigm. UA could jumpstart the market.

Of course, I could just as easily argue that margins are tight, established companies with long histories are struggling to maintain, let alone, grow. Golf doesn’t like change and if Nike hasn’t been able to turn the hard goods market ass-end up, maybe nobody can.

So what should we make of the fact that after two years of design and testing Under Armour’s Golf Footwear collection, most notably The Spieth Shoe, is finally coming to retail? Announced, and ready for pre-order are three new models (two spiked, one spikeless), which signify the company’s most significant push into the golf market to date.

Should we take this as a harbinger of bigger things to come or should we begrudgingly accept that sometimes a shoe is just a shoe?

UA Drive One

THE Spieth shoe, the UA Drive One is available in three colorways.

Features:

• Outdry® waterproof, breathable technology & a lightweight microfiber upper keep you cool, dry & comfortable
• Includes a 2-year waterproof warranty*
• Cleat-inspired carbon heel counter locks you in & stabilizes every swing
• Removable, dual-density sockliner forms to the shape of your foot
• Micro G® foam cushions every step you take
• Extra-wide, anatomically engineered outsole gives you dynamic flexibility and power
• CHAMP Zarma Tour® spikes, featuring the Slim-Lok® system, grip the surface with superior traction for maximum torque
• Imported

Retail Price: $199.99. Pre-Order now.

UA Tempo Tour

The UA Tempo Tour is the premium offering in the 2016 UA Golf footwear lineup. It is available in three colorways.

Features:

• Breathable, full-grain leather and a lightweight waterproof membrane keep you cool & dry
• Includes a 2-year waterproof warranty*
• Removable molded sockliner supports & cradles your foot for full-round comfort
• Charged Cushioning® misole delivers energy return, adaptive support & unprecedented comfort
• Built-in lateral TPU wrap stabilizes your heel to prevent rollover so you maintain total control through every swing
• CHAMP Zarma Tour® spikes, featuring the Slim-Lok® system, grip the surface with superior traction for maximum torque

Retail Price: $219.99. Pre-Order now.

UA Temp Hybrid

The UA Tempo Hybrid is Under Armour’s spikeless offering. It is available in 4 colorways.

Features:

Retail Price: $159.99. Pre-Order now.