When it comes to spikeless golf shoes, Ecco is a name that carries some serious weight. They've been in the spikeless game for a while, often leading the pack with innovative designs and premium materials.
The Ecco LT1 golf shoes are their release for 2024, designed to be lighter, more comfortable, and technologically advanced than it's predecessors the Ecco Biom H4 and BIOM C4. But does the LT1 live up to the hype, and how does it compare to other spikeless golf shoes from this year?
Who Are They Aimed At?
If you like comfort, stability, and a contemporary look, the spikeless Ecco LT1 golf shoes could be just what you're looking for this year.
They're designed to fit a broad range of golfers - from those who hit the course every weekend to those who play a few times a year. With the BOA Fit System, you can adjust the shoes to get the perfect fit for you, while the waterproof membrane should mean that these will also look after you in more adverse weather conditions.
Plus, they're available in both men's and women's sizes, as well as a cheaper laced version, so there's something for everyone.
The Tech: Ecco LT1 Golf Shoes
The Ecco LT1 golf shoes boast LYTR technology, which makes them lighter than many of Ecco's other shoes. This technology combines Fluidform with LYTR foam, providing cushioning and bounce without weighing you down when walking on the course. It's a combination a little like what we've seen this year from the FootJoy Pro SLX Carbon that delivers comfort and a bit of spring in your step. The midsole again uses LYTR foam mixed with soft PU.
The outsole features the E-DTS Net design, offering multi-directional traction - so you don't have to worry about slipping during your swing.
Finally I reviewed the LT1 with the added BOA Fit System, which lets you fine-tune the fit. You can tweak it as needed to keep your feet locked in place.
Ecco LT1 Golf Shoes Review: Does lighter mean better?
Looks: Stylish or little plain?
The design of the Ecco LT1 golf shoes is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Ecco claims these shoes have a contemporary look, which they definitely do, but I can't help but think the styling is a tad plain.
The overall design is a modern one that we've come to expect from Ecco since the mid-2010s. The wave pattern on the upper adds a bit of flair, but the overall shape is a little rounded and lacks sharp lines. It's not ugly, but it won't turn many heads either.
The colour options are also a bit quirky and therefore typically Ecco of late in my opinion, especially if you look back to the yellow Ecco S-Lite from 2019. The BOA version comes in white (personally I think this is more of a pastel grey upper) and a bright lime green sole, while the black option has a blue sole.
If you prefer a more classic look, you might lean toward the laced version, which offers more traditional colour choices. Compared to other Ecco models, like the aforementioned Biom H4, the LT1 has a simpler design with fewer bold elements which may suit some golfers.
Comfort: Continuing Ecco's high standards?
Comfort-wise, the Ecco LT1 golf shoes stand out from the crowd, hence their reputation. The first thing you'll notice is the really snug fit thanks to a killer combination of a removeable Ortholite insole and LYTR technology.
This blend creates a cushioning system that's soft yet supportive, allowing your feet to feel at ease even during a long day on the course. True to form, the LT1 was pretty impressive in this department.
Performance: How do they stack up on-course?
When it comes to performance, I found the Ecco LT1 golf shoes solid. The snug fit gives you good stability and a locked-in feel, although you might want to consider going half a size up for a bit more room; I am a size 10 and at first they felt a little tight.
The Ortholite insole feels bouncy but supportive, and I really liked the low-to-the-ground design as it helped with stability during your swing. This is exactly what you want in a spikeless golf shoe - not just the versatility but the feeling of being closer and engaging more with the turf.
I found the traction decent, thanks to the E-DTS Net design, which in all honestly is a pretty simple design. On the golf course I got good grip on a number of different terrains, whether you're taking full swings or walking on gravel cart paths.
I tested during the winter/spring months in the UK so the course was obviously wet underfoot. The waterproof membrane did its job for me, keeping my feet completely dry and I think the slight lip at the bottom of the laces is a nice idea, keeping unwanted moisture out.
I found the the BOA Fit System to work nicely, allowing for quick adjustments without having to mess with laces.
Ecco LT1 Golf Shoes Verdict: Are the Ecco LT1 worth the price-tag?
So, should you buy the Ecco LT1 golf shoes? If comfort, stability, and lightweight design are your top priorities, and you have a budget of around £200, they could be a great choice.
In fairness the shoes do exactly what they set out to, they are lightweight and the waterproof membrane does what it's supposed to do and although some golfers love BOA, I can't help but think the laced shoes would be a better option here, saving you £30.
If you're looking for something with a more stylish design, you might want to explore other options, for example the Adidas S2G is an alternative that will look better and offers similar performance at a lower price point. The LT1 is priced on the higher end, so if budget is a concern, considering other brands could prevent your pockets from getting lighter as well as your footwear.
Would I Wear Them?
Probably not in BOA but yes in laces. Ecco have done really well to move away from 'typical Ecco designs' creating some great looking shoes in recent years - but I can't help but think that the LT1 seems a slight step backwards in this regard.
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