Jordan Spieth has been the face, and feet, of Under Armour Golf for a number of years now ever since he burst onto the scene in 2013. So much so that they even designed pair of shoes in his honour so golfers could follow in the three-time major winner’s footsteps.
Fast forward to 2019 and we have now reached the Spieth 3, featuring further insight and input from the man himself to create what UA claim to be it's lightest and most technologically advanced shoe to date.
For this year’s shoe, Under Armour has worked with biomechanics expert JJ Rivet from the European Tour Performance Institute to conduct research on torqueing and rotation during the golf swing. As well as looking at how foot stabilisation and ground contact affects this, resulting in new traction technology in the Spieth 3.
The Spieth 3 uses a patented rotational resistance and traction system (RST 2.0), both vertically and horizontally, which is supposed to encourage ground contact for as long as possible. As a result the golfer is able to use the ground as leverage for added power during the swing and to prevent any slipping.
Silver Tornado Softspikes help to create a lower profile and offer the rotational traction required for freedom during the golf swing, whilst reducing any impact on the putting green. Big tick for the greenkeepers!
Mike Forsey, Under Armour’s Director of Global Golf Footwear, explains this new feature:
Traction is what separates golf footwear from street shoes. Under Armour Golf continues to be the only golf footwear brand speaking to traction to support the golf swing. With the Spieth 3, we’ve added vertical traction elements which allow the golfer to naturally harness vertical force to bring more power to the ball at impact.
The overall weight of the shoe is much lighter than the previous models, as per Spieth’s request, which makes life much easier for those longer rounds. Comfort and stability is ensured through a Clarino microfibre upper with integrated lacing system, along with a Smart Woven jacquard frontfoot.
There’s even a carbon fibre insert to help deliver a stable hitting platform and a cushioned EVA midsole that allows for all-day comfort on the course, supporting the movement of the foot through the golf swing.
As you would expect, Spieth himself seems pretty keen on the new model:
The Spieth 3 is the best one yet. No question about it. It’s easy for me to be really excited about it. I can definitely feel the difference, and seeing the data to back up the work the Under Armour team put in confirms it.
Available from February 1st, the Spieth 3 shoe is priced at £170.
This puts it up against models from FootJoy and Nike, amongst others, in the premium shoe sector. Whether they will make you play like Spieth is doubtful, but at least you can pretend you’re a future Hall of Famer next time you’re standing over that 3 footer on the 18th.