Spotting the next trend usually determines whether your succeed or fail when it comes to fashion. James Lepp of Kikkor Golf has certainly been able to capitalize on the next trend in golf fashion, making this relatively new Canadian company a key player in the golf shoe market.
In August of 2008, Lepp gave up what was a promising career as an pro golfer to go into business for himself, making and selling a new line of golf shoes. Not exactly the best time to start a business as the golf industry was showing signs of the economic downturn that had gripped most of the world. But Lepp's intuition and that ability to spot a trend paid off. His line of alternative golf footwear targeted younger players without ignoring important technical attributes such as grip, stability, and durability. When ECCO debuted their Street Premier shoe in mid-2009 and got the endorsement of none other than "Mr. Cool" himself, Fred Couples, it was simply more validation that Lepp was heading in the right direction.
"You can see the kind of golf shoes that have come out in the last two years. When I started there was nothing like it," said Lepp.
"When Ecco came out with their street shoe, and with Fred Couples wearing it, that just kind of opened the door and the product category to everybody. I kind of knew there was a market for it. Just needed someone to validate it and that was Fred Couples and now every company's doing it. It kind of validates the original idea that I had."
Among Kikkor's 2012 offerings are a street inspired slip-on, a modern street shoe featuring a wing-tipped toe in a nod to the past and a high performance athletic golf shoe featuring the company's new VEKTRboard outsole traction system for ultimate grip. Each individual cleat in the forefoot is strategically curved to produce the strongest grip possible in the direction that it's needed most. It's like having bear claws on the bottom of your feet.
Tenny - Among the most popular items in 2011, these shoes unite street, skate and lifestyle in a sophisticated yet bold way. Featuring the Diacon Embedded Spike System, meaning the spikes are embedded into the shoe and eliminate the need to change your shoes once you arrive or depart the golf course, they are available in waterproof action leather or water-resistent suede leather.
Tour Class - Premium full grain leather upper featuring Kikkor's VEKTRboard outsole traction system and Komfort Foam Technology in the tongue and collar providing a waterproof, durable and lightweight shoe.
Eppik - The shoe that started it all for Kikkor, the 3.0 version has been tweaked and improved with lighter materials and an enhanced outsole. They feature synthetic and action leather water resistant uppers, Komfort Foam Technology and the Champ Q-Lok replaceable spikes.
New Heights - Don't let your preconceptions get in the way, the shoe performs as well as a regular high-top. Lightweight water resistent synthetic and action leather upper featuring the KOOSH midsole which provides added cushioning for the golfer while aiding to the shoe's stability. Also combines the VEKTRboard outsole traction system with Komfort Foam Technology.
Tour Athlete - Weighing in at only 300 grams, it is one of the lightest golf shoes on the market (Oakley's new Cipher is said to be the lightest performance golf shoe at 260 grams). Inspired by the innate qualities of soccer shoes, they combine the VEKTRboard traction system and breathable synthetic upper.
Slyder - Dubbed a complimentary shoe option for a quick evening round or a trip to the local range, the simple canvas materials keep the shoes breathable and light.
Pure - If you respect golf history but embrace change, then this classic golf shoe is all you need. It features soft waterproof full grain leathers, a unique wing-tip toe, a modern street shoe feel and Kikkor's Diacon Embedded Spike System.
For women, Kikkor offers two lightweight options - the Tour Classe (full grain leather upper) and the Tour Sporte (breathable synthetic upper). Both feature the KOOSH midsole, the VEKTRboard outsole traction system and the Komfort Foam Technology in tongue and collar. Up and coming LPGA Tour pro Ryann O'Toole will be sporting these kicks in 2012.
What's next? Well, Lepp can see where golf footwear might go down a similar path that golf clubs have taken recently.
"I almost think that the direction has shifted so far to the street shoe look that eventually it's going to spin back. There will be elements of the street shoe but come back to the traditional roots of golf - a true hybrid between the two."
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