Ecco has followed up this year’s BIOM C5 launch with a new BIOM C5 Premium, building on a year in which the brand also celebrated a men’s major win courtesy of Aaron Rai.
The Scandinavian footwear brand are known for their distinctive lasts which provide stability and comfort, as well as really being the pioneers of the hybrid golf shoe more than a decade ago.
After testing the new BIOM C5 Premium shoe over the last couple of weeks, I can safely say that I think Ecco are still at the top of their game.
Who Are They Aimed At?
As the name suggests, these are a premium golf shoe for golfers who want the best golf equipment, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it.
With an RRP of £250 these shoes are right at the top-end of the scale for a golf shoe, especially a spiked one. It’s going to make it the best part of £100 more than an equivalent from other brands like FootJoy, Adidas and Under Armour.
However, Ecco golf shoes are known for their comfort and stability and once people like their shoes, it can be hard to move away from them to something else. In that regard, it may be worth paying that bit of extra cash for the guarantee of great comfort and performance round after round.
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The Tech
While Rai actually wears the BIOM Tour shoe, the new Premium model is aimed at golfers wanting the same proven technologies as the standard C5, just with upgraded materials, craftsmanship and fit precision.
Like the rest of the range, it sits on Ecco’s Natural Motion platform for stability and movement close to the ground, though the silhouette is said to be more refined than the standard C5. It uses Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing for protection in wet weather along with 360-degree breathability.
The E-TTS outsole underneath is designed to provide plenty of traction across different conditions and lies, even as a spikeless shoe.
The main difference from the standard C5 is the fit system. The side stabilisers and a metal Boa dial replace the regular laced arrangement, allowing for a more secure overall fit and easy in-round adjustments.
Cushioning comes from Ecco’s Fluidform direct comfort technology, designed to follow the natural shape of the foot for comfort over a full round.
Looks
Whilst I’ve never doubted the comfort that Ecco shoes provide, I think that in the past they have struggled to compete with some of the other ‘sportswear’ brands on pure looks. Ecco in general is much more popular with the older golfer than the younger one, and that did show in the overall styling of the shoes.
However I think that has changed a little bit in recent years, and the BIOM C5 Premium is another example of that. The overall look of this shoe is really contemporary, from the angular detailing on the sides down to the E-TTS outsole.
It leans into that rugged hiking-style which you’ll see on plenty of shoes these days, and I think it looks great. Both the C5 and C5 Premium are a step up in looks compared to the previous BIOM C4 – and you can definitely see the more premium elements in this shoe.
The embossed badge on the heel, the quality of the leather and even the presentation of the tongue and BOA system all look fantastic. It’s clean, modern and has nice touches of luxury.
Comfort
This is where you always expect Ecco to excel, and it performed again here too.
There’s a really nice combination of softness underfoot, whilst still feeling solid and secure. You still get a little bit of interaction with the ground, but there’s no need to wear them in and I was surprised by how lightweight they have felt whilst playing over multiple rounds.
The shoe features a sock liner at the top of the foot, something that is pretty common in lots of golf shoes these days. This provides a really comfortable fit around what would usually be the tongue section with no pinching, and it also makes it really easy to get the shoe on and off.
I have quite narrow feet so sometimes I worry that BOA shoes don’t quite give you enough of a locked-in feel, but I was impressed with how the system worked. The overall footprint is not too wide either, which I think helps the shoes to feel a bit lighter and easier to move around in.
Performance
When you’re paying £250 for a spikeless golf shoe, you’re going to want the performance to be really good.
The BIOM C5 Premium has the same new outsole as the BIOM C5, offering multi-directional traction regardless of the conditions. So far from my testing I have been really impressed. The lugs on the outsole seem to work as well as a spiked shoe and you can really feel the grip they offer during the swing, which is a great confidence boost.
Even when playing in wet conditions on a couple of occasions, I felt like I could commit to the swing without worrying about slipping or not having a stable base.
Speaking of wet conditions, one other key feature is the Gore-Tex surround. This provides that all important waterproof protection and I have to say it’s been so far, so good from my testing.
I tested the shoes in the all-white colourway which look great, but if I’m going to risk wearing them in the wetter winter months then I’d like to be completely confident that they are fully waterproof. Given the price tag, I’d say this is a non-negotiable but Ecco are usually very trustworthy in this aspect.
Verdict
As I mentioned earlier, Ecco shoes have always performed extremely well for me. They’re comfortable, supportive, breathable and provide great traction.
The most impressive thing is that the design of the shoes is really going to start appealing to a wider range of golfers. It’s been heading in this direction for a couple of years now, but I think the new BIOM C5 Premium shoes are potentially the best looking golf shoe they have produced.
In terms of performance, there’s won’t be a huge deal of different compared to the standard model, especially as you can get that model in BOA too.
It’s almost like choosing between a standard or a Pro version of an iPhone. Both look similar, and do pretty much the same thing, but one of them just has a few extra touches to make the experience a bit more pleasurable.
If you’re someone who really wants the best that Ecco can offer, it may just be worth it for you.
Looking to buy? Shop Now at Clubhouse Golf, the largest and most trusted independent golf retailer in the UK!
Would I Use Them?
100%. I’m looking forward to wearing them again soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Ecco BIOM C5 Premium shoes designed for?
They’re aimed at golfers who want the best equipment available and don’t mind paying a premium for it. Ecco shoes are known for comfort and stability, so they suit golfers who value those qualities over multiple rounds and are willing to pay extra for the guarantee of it.
How much do the BIOM C5 Premium shoes cost?
They have an RRP of £250, which is around £100 more than equivalent spiked shoes from brands like FootJoy, Adidas and Under Armour.
What technology features in the BIOM C5 Premium?
They sit on Ecco’s Natural Motion platform for stability, with Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing and 360-degree breathability. The E-TTS outsole provides traction as a spikeless shoe, Fluidform direct comfort technology delivers cushioning, and a metal Boa dial with side stabilisers replaces traditional laces for a secure, adjustable fit.
How do the BIOM C5 Premium shoes differ from the standard BIOM C5?
Both use the same core technologies and outsole, but the Premium model gets upgraded materials, finer craftsmanship and more precise fit. Performance-wise there isn’t a huge difference between the two, especially since the standard C5 is also available with a Boa fit system.
Are the BIOM C5 Premium shoes waterproof?
Yes, they use Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing, which held up well in wet conditions during testing, making them a solid option for playing through winter months.
Possibly the ugliest Ecco golf shoes yet.