ECCO: Leaders of Leather Innovation
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ECCO: Leaders of Leather Innovation

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ECCO: Leaders of Leather Innovation

ECCO Golf Shoes

ECCO

ECCO is the kind of company that will challenge everything you think you know about R&D.

Imagine, if you can, a world where the likes of Titleist, COBRA, PING, TaylorMade and Callaway send their top R&D wizards on a group retreat and actually collaborate on ways to help the consumer. Can you imagine it?

I can’t, either. But that’s exactly what ECCO does in the leather industry.

ECCO is entering its 60th year as a company and still focuses on the same two goals: innovation and performance.

In the early years, ECCO founder Karl Toosbuy didn’t want to make a standard golf shoe. He wanted to push the boundaries of technology and innovation which still runs in ECCO’s DNA.

ECCO Golf made steady progress in the early stages but the boundary-pushing finally paid dividends at the 2010 Masters. Fred Couples had that amazing finish wearing ECCO Golf’s memorable orange-sole, brown-upper hybrid shoe. According to ECCO, this was the birth of the spikeless shoe.

Now we see the likes of Thomas Bjorn, Caroline Masson, Henrik Stenson, Erik Van Rooyen, Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko all use ECCO Golf to dial in their games. Before you ask: Yes, we have tested ECCO Golf shoes and we have seen a good uptick in performance as they are now one of the top performers in the golf shoe category. For example, their BIOM H4 shoe scored a 91.5 in a star-laden field and ranked No. 1 in the “elements” category.

The interesting part about ECCO Golf, is that it only makes up around 10% of the companies revenue.

What Other Companies Don’t Have “Hot-Shop”?

Recently, I had the chance to tour of ECCO’s new facility located in New York City. It wasn’t anything like I was expecting. I was waiting for another pitch that I’ve heard from multiple companies before. Instead, I was shown what they do. It was mind blowing.

When listening and seeing them explain ECCO DNA, they slyly brushed off this “Hot-Shop” event they put on. Hot-Shops are aimed at uniting designers, product managers, marketers and leather technicians with one common goal: to help the consumer—and to help make cool s**t.

 

For four days each year, these Hot-Shops encourage participants to envision new directions in leather. They’ll work in integrated teams to create and sample new leathers. Every idea that comes out of these workshops has one raison d’etre: ECCO’s main MO on performance and innovation. This is where some of the best ideas have come from and you might be wearing one today. One main brand, which rhymes with “bikey”, attends these events and their brand is always pushing the boundaries of style. Again, these high-profile attendees are competitors who willingly attend this event organized by ECCO.

As I mentioned, you would never see the big boys of golf club design come together. Yet, we have ECCO doing just that to help the consumer get the best product available no matter what label it may be.

Leather Goldmine

ECCO has the luxury of owning tanneries which allows them to produce leathers that are specifically suited for ECCO Golf shoes. This has been true for more than 60 years, dating back to Karl Toosbuy opening their first tannery in Denmark in 1963.

Now ECCO seems to have an unlimited amount of leather options which can be incorporated into their shoes, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, belts … the list goes on. The leathers range from soft to firm, from solid colors to multi-colored, to patterns that reveal themselves when heat is applied.

All of ECCO’s leather seeks to improve the tanning industry by emphasizing the environment. One example is what ECCO calls DriTan and sustainability. This process reduces the amount of water and chemicals needed in the tanning process. Many of the ECCO leathers are made from DriTan and are indistinguishable from traditionally tanned leathers.

ECCO Golf Shoes

Golf footwear accounts for just 10 percent of ECCO’s revenue. The rest comes from ECCO leather, everyday shoes and accessories. That should give you some idea of just how big ECCO is worldwide.

ECCO golf shoes have been making advances in MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted shoe tests in recent years. But in the early years, ECCO only focused on spiked shoes. Spikeless—what ECCO calls “hybrid”—shoes didn’t exist in 1996. It wasn’t until 2010 when the sudden enormous demand for spikeless shoes hit the market. That movement, according to ECCO, was due to one man and his shoes: Fred Couples and the ECCO Golf Street shoe. I know most of you had a pair. I certainly did at the age of 20. Every golf shop in England had them front and center and struggled to keep them in stock.

In recent years, ECCO Golf has come out with the innovative BIOM H4. Originally inspired by barefoot runners, BIOM technology provides as close to a barefoot feeling as you can get. The H4 has aeration holes that allow moisture to escape while never letting H2O in, making it one of the most breathable shoes on the market. The shoe is also designed to naturally curve to your foot, allows for better push-off and maximum forward movement and provides support and comfort.

And here’s a little fun fact: ECCO is known in the industry as having the highest-quality and most durable shoelaces. Details matter.

Own The Whole Process

Companies that own the process from start to finish tend to have the best products and the tightest tolerances. Take Titleist. In golf ball production, Titleist controls everything from initial material mixing to the final stamping.

ECCO has the same process, but for golf shoes. When you have the ability to own the process and keep your employees dedicated to the company’s mission and vision, you control your own destiny and can provide your customers with high-performing products.

Even though ECCO might not be the top-selling shoe in golf, it does make some of the best golf shoes on the market.

Can it become the No. 1 shoe in golf? After my eye-opening look at how it operates, its employees and the quality and variety of leathers at their disposal, ECCO may have the potential to do just that. Time will tell.

If you have ever worn ECCO Golf shoes, let me know in the comments section.

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Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry is the Senior Director of Product Testing, overseeing the facility and delving into everything Soft Goods related. His job is to cut through all the marketing and inform you, the consumer, what the best products are. Whether it be shoes, bags or gloves Harry has your back. Harry recently turned professional after being a two time All-American in golf and soccer. When he's not on the course, Harry loves to spend time with his lovely wife Miranda and dog Puma. #TruthDigest

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

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      tim w

      2 years ago

      I’ve been wearing then since the first spikeless shoes were made by ECCO and have never looked bak. The YAK leather is some of the softest uet durable leather made and their comfort is exceptional. I probably have 7-10 pairs of Ecco’s now that I rotate through and I’ll buy new pairs whenever I see something at a great price or some new style that I just have to have part of my collection. Great shoes for sure.

      Reply

      Wai

      2 years ago

      Hey Harry-
      Great article. Everyone that I’ve convert to CCO has not looked back.

      Looked online and can not find the grey/white spiked shoe with 2 grey stripes on the side and yellow/green bottom?

      Reply

      Donn Rutkoff

      2 years ago

      I have ECCO arch support inserts. Work quite well, even after the nice leather wore off. Inexpensive, I rotate them with my custom made $400 inserts.

      Reply

      George

      2 years ago

      How about innovating for those of us with wide feet?

      Walked into an Ecco store, excited to find some golf shoes that claimed to accommodate wide feet, tried a pair. Ecco’s suggestion for a wide foot is “To Remove The Insole.”.

      Yeah, no.. Off to Footjoy….

      Reply

      Jason

      2 years ago

      Best golf shoes period. Have been wearing ecco shoes for 20 years and been wearing their golf shoes since I started playing and they were available. I have had over 20 piar and purchased four pair this year alone. Ecco has always had a great product and it was nice to wear a “sleeper” brand on and off the course. Now ecco is gaining a lot of traction in golf and that is great to see.

      Reply

      Ian Harland

      2 years ago

      I didn’t know anything about Ecco, 3 months ago.
      I now have four pairs of their golf shoes!
      The only thing that upsets me, having played FootJoy for the last 40 years and suffering with arthritis in my big toe on my right foot for the last 10 years, I can now play 18 holes of golf again pain free.I only wish I’d found them earlier!
      If anyone could forward on my thanks to the team who produces such a wonderful product I would be eternally grateful!

      Reply

      James Ryder

      2 years ago

      I have a pair and really like the support. It is on a whole other level compared to my footjoys. The quality is on another level as well. Only wish they offered more spiked options and we’re a bit more affordable.

      Reply

      Got my first pair of Ecco shoes years ago. Went in to buy another brand on sale. They had sold out so they sold me a pair of Ecco at the sale price for the other shoe as they couldn’t give them away back then. Most comfortable shoe I ever owned..

      Reply

      Ryan Martin

      2 years ago

      I am on my third pair of Ecco golf shoes and have 4 other pair for work and personal use. I have owned 10 pair of Ecco shoes over the last 10-12 years. Top quality whether for work or play. I also find the European sizing fits my feet best as I have 0.75 size difference.

      My latest pair of Biom goretex have the BOA lace system. I will never go back to regular laces. It would be nice to have more Ecco golf shoe options with BOA. Keep up the great work Ecco!

      Reply

      Paul Martin

      2 years ago

      I have owned 4 pairs of ECCO Golf Shoes in a bid to find the right one for me, I have now given up because the fit of ECCO shoes do not fit my foot. Although comfortable to wear, they turn my toenails black.

      After just 2 games either the 2nd or 3rd toenail on both feet turn black and drop off.. I have tried sizes 45, 46 and 47 and still no joy.

      Reply

      bruce n.

      2 years ago

      I learned at the 2000 pga show when many buyers bought Ecco shoes; took out the spikes and walked for days.I own 8 or 9 pair and love them.The best model I loved were the gtx – all leather very strong ; expensive but unlike anything else.Certainly the most comfortable shoes I have had. I BUY 1 NEW PAIR EVRY YEAR TO RECYCLE THE OLDEST of the pair I have .Keep up the great work ECCO.

      Reply

      mackdaddy9

      2 years ago

      Hey Harry, what shoe is in the picture with the metal spiked shoe above. I went strait to the Ecco site to get a pair and I didn’t see anything with that sole design with the yellow sole? Is that an early release G4 or something?

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      2 years ago

      Hi Mack. The spiked shoe was the first golf shoe ECCO made with a wooden base. So we’re lookin around 26 years ago I believe. They defiantly don’t make this shoe anymore but use it as a prop to show us how far ECCO and the golf shoe has evolved.

      Reply

      mackdaddy9

      2 years ago

      Like Harry I got my first pair back when Freddie was wearing them bare footed at the Masters. They were super comfortable but I needed cleats. So I got another pair with cleats. I have owned at least 8 pair and love them all.

      Warning to the new buyers out there know your euo size because they don’t do half sizes. Find the pair of sneakers that fit you best and look on the tongue tag it will have the euro size it is likely a number in the 40’s..

      Reply

      Jordan

      2 years ago

      Recently bought 4 pairs of different Ecco golf shoes this year and love them! Tried the squairz they were too stiff and didnt bend in the places i needed them. Nike’s are obviously terrible. I also love being able to take the insole out for the wider option. I only do this with 1 type of ECCO shoes which i found odd but it works!

      Reply

      Willie Bodger

      2 years ago

      I have been wearing Ecco for probably 20 years and first got their golf shoes 5 years ago. Currently on my third pair of warranty replacement shoes. Very comfortable, but not very durable in my experience.

      Reply

      Harvey Harrigan

      2 years ago

      Been wearing nothing but Ecco shoes for 20 years. Comfort and durability are unsurpassed (never been able to wear out a pair…) I have a pair of the hybrid golf shoes that are the same level as my others.

      Reply

      Chris Morrow

      2 years ago

      Nice article; I have been wearing ECCO golf and other ECCO shoes and sandals for over twenty years. Pretty much all I wear…I’ve taken brand new pairs out of the box for two week golf and overseas trips without any issues. I have at least fifteen pairs of golf shoes at any given time – I use them everywhere. Pair them with Kentwool socks and your feet will be quite happy. Enjoy.

      Reply

      Ace Hayes

      2 years ago

      Have been wearing Ecco Golf shoes for the Last 15 years and the thing is it’s impossible to wear them out.
      I bought a new pair of Nike Jordan shoes , wore them twice and returned them as they are not suitable for Golf and might I ad completely overpriced.
      Regards,
      Ace Hayes

      Reply

      Tom

      2 years ago

      Curious whether anyone has looked at Sqairz for a review. All I keep seeing is ads and Nick Faldo…wondering if the product is good or whether Sir Nick is just seeking his payday.

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      2 years ago

      We have tested them in the Spiked shoe test and they are very stable

      Reply

      Alfie

      2 years ago

      Been wearing them for 8 years. A bit pricy, and sometimes hard to find, BUT they fit well and have many options. I like the BIOM for golf. I have a couple of their dress shoes.. Overall, they make a great product.

      Reply

      Danny O'Donoghue

      2 years ago

      I bought a pair of ECCO golf shoes a couple of years ago, they were a summer shoe and they lasted for about 14 / 15 rounds of golf before the sole separated from the body of the shoe…They were comfortable but not built to last.

      Reply

      Villager Gary

      2 years ago

      Have tried all the top brands but only wear ECCO spikeless now. By far the most comfortable and long wearing shoe out there. Style is improving. I have wide feet and these are the only shoe that always fit me. Great quality materials.. And yes laces are for suckers!

      Reply

      Mario

      2 years ago

      Yes, I have owned 4 pairs of Ecco Golf Shoes and in my opinion, they are some of the most comfortable shoes to play golf in. Whether you walk or ride in a cart they simply feel wonderful. My one ask of Ecco is to make a pair that are more affordable. Great product, great shoes, and great durability.

      Reply

      Bill Deeley

      2 years ago

      I have been wearing Ecco dress and casual shoes for 20 years and their golf shoes for about 15 years currently have 5 pairs if golf shoes inclyding H4 that have just purchased. No other shoe compares if you look after them they will last for years.

      Reply

      Eric N.

      2 years ago

      I have 3 pairs of ECCO golf shoes and walk 90% of my rounds, usually 3x per week. The ECCO shoes all seem to be a bit stiffer than my most comfortable golf shoes (Puma Ignite) but have good grip and durability. I tend to go with one of the ECCO shoes if I know it is going to be a sloppy day

      Reply

      Jeff

      2 years ago

      I would LOVE to try ECCOs but they don’t make wides. I’ve tried them on several times and every time I’m yanking the shoe off as the fit is just so tight that it’s bordering on uncomfortable. I get that wide’s are a small portion of the market, but why totally ignore it?

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      2 years ago

      Ecco do have a wide base generally. If it were me, I would go find them at dicks and try them on and see if they’re wide enough. You might be surprised

      Reply

      Greg

      2 years ago

      ^^^^ This. Can’t be a leader of innovation when you can’t even make a “wide” selection for customers. Innovate some wide sizes ECCO, then we can talk.

      Reply

      Chris T

      2 years ago

      Agree…..I have looked many times for wide ECCO golf shoes……donut! You nailed it! I don’t want to hear about innovation until the cover this segment.

      Plumbob

      2 years ago

      I have been wearing Ecco shoes both for work, probably longer than for golf, originally a tad expensive. I haven’t found their looks all that catching, they sure are comfortable. I have a pair of leather spikeless I bought a few years ago and even today they are still as comfortable as day one. I have the H4 and I am not fully sold, they are good but it’s just missing something. There is no doubt they make a great shoe..

      Reply

      Dennis Fallen

      2 years ago

      I have three pair of Ecco shoes. I still have my original pair from 20012. I have Ecco street shoes as well. Recently I had a pair of shoes that the heal fell apart. These were an all weather shoe that I did not wear often. I returned the shoes to Ecco and received 100% credit on the retail value of the shoes to use at Ecco to buy any new shoe I wanted. That’s why I now have three pair of golf shoes.
      Ecco shoes are great and their customer support and warranty policy is first class. I may never wear another golf shoe., though I have some.

      Reply

      Jeff S

      2 years ago

      Ecco is the only brand I wear for golf and personal use – have for years. They fit my foot better than any other shoe and are excellent quality. However, they may not fit everyone as well as they fit me. PGAtoursuperstore and retailers are places where you can try them on. Pay attention to the width you are trying on to ensure you don’t get the wrong impression by trying on a wide width thinking it is their normal shoe.

      Reply

      Brett Muney

      2 years ago

      I have three pair of Ecco golf shoes and about 5 pair of assorted Ecco shoes besides those. Absolutely love them. Comfortable, supportive, stylish, and although not the least expensive they certainly aren’t going to break the bank.

      Reply

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