Review: Bite Footwear’s Journey Golf Shoe, by Jeffrey Reed

It’s no surprise that when Tiger Woods brought an image of athleticism to the sport of golf in the mid- to late-1990s, the golf shoe market, too, underwent a metamorphosis. Since 1996, when Bite Footwear introduced the first functional golf sandal, the Redmond, Washington-based company has been a trendsetter not only in style, but also in comfort, durability and innovation.

It’s also no surprise, then, that the golf industry’s Darrell Consumer Survey named Bite golf shoes the number one golf shoe brand in terms of comfort, durability and value. Today’s golf shoe market is a competitive one, with a number of companies now producing high-performance shoes for the athletic golfer. And that’s exactly what I shopped for last year when I purchased my membership at Echo Valley Golf Club – famous for its hilly terrain.

In mid-June 2005 I recorded my first sub-par round of the year at my home course, and more than any other piece of equipment, I credit my Bite Journey golf shoes for my success on the links. In fact, the shoes I wore during this round (although the soft spikes have been changed countless times) have seen close to 70 rounds of golf. They’re just about ready for retirement, but the Journey shoe from Bite has provided me with a number of value-added features on the course.

Although an athlete my entire life, and former semi-pro baseball player, I’ve battled a number of skeletal-related challenges – club feet, underdeveloped left leg, and a form of Spina Bifida, all of which demand that I wear proper footwear. I have no hesitations when I state, the Journey from Bite has allowed me to pursue my passion of competitive golf.

As mentioned, there are numerous top-notch golf shoes on the market today, including the a3 Stripe from adidasGOLF. If the a3 resembles and performs like a high-end running shoe, then the Journey looks and works like a high-end cross trainer. Yet, the Journey is remarkably lightweight, thanks in part to soft durable leather for immediate comfort. There’s extra collar and tongue padding for added comfort, and a waterproof liner. In fact, the Journey comes with a two-year limited waterproof guarantee. A large rounded toe box provides even further comfort.

What makes a big difference for me on the golf course is the supportive arch and heel – important not only to a good fit, but also to a good golf swing which relies on stability from the ground up. The Journey boasts a patented lightweight DXL outsole with excellent traction, plus a hidden shank (yes, a shank can be good on the golf course) for extra swing stability and support. A high sidewall mudguard provides even more stability. There’s a removable, supportive compression EVA sockliner, too. The Journey uses the Fast Twist soft spike system.

Picture a shoe that combines the best of a cross trainer, and a traditional saddle golf shoe – that’s the Journey from Bite Footwear. Available in black, and in white/black/grayhound, the Journey is an ideal shoe for those who walk the course.

Bite Footwear solicits advice from podiatrists when developing new shoes. Its latest offering: the Biofit golf shoe, a revolutionary shoe included in Bite’s Orthosport line. Functional biomechanics provide natural foot flex, and premium comfort relying on in-sync movement with the foot. The Biofit shoe is just another example of innovation from Bite Footwear.

For more information about Bite Footwear, visit www.biteshoes.com.