I’ll be the first to admit that most of the traditional golf shoes available today don’t quite fit my taste and certainly don’t go far in terms of matching any sort of newer, younger style. So basically, with the golf apparel available today, you either end up looking like your dad, or you get into the Poulter zone, where, quite frankly, I’m equally as uncomfortable. So where does that leave people that don’t like Raisin Bran or Fruit Loops? For an industry that is so insistent on growing the game, most manufacturers aren’t really doing a lot to attract younger players in terms of youthful style. Exceptions to this might be Nike, Adidas, Ecco, and Puma, but even their lines of golf shoes are pretty conservative when compared to their other lines of everyday shoes.
Equally annoying is how uncomfortable a lot of golf shoes can be. If you’re accustomed to walking more than riding, it goes from moderate annoyance to a truly miserable experience. Former NCAA champion James Lepp had these same exact complaints, but unlike most of us, he decided to do something about it by creating his own golf footwear company, which he named Kikkor. This month, the company officially launched their line of footwear, which promises both style and comfort as its main goals.
We’ll take a look at the shoes in just a minute, but first, lets get a little more familiar with Kikkor founder James Lepp, and his goals for his new brand of golf shoes. Lepp, who was the 2005 NCAA individual champion while getting his business degree from the University of Washington, always wanted more of a street-style/skate-style golf shoe throughout his young career, but never really had many options. He decided that if no one else was going to make one, he would.
I used to play in my street shoes all the time, but I could only do so when it was warm and dry out. Any hint of moisture and I’d be slippin’ all over the place. Street shoes are way more comfortable, they match my personal style better, and frankly, if they had spikes, they would provide everything that I would need out of a golf shoe. I couldn’t see any legitimate reason why there wasn’t a shoe out there like this, so instead of waiting and with the help of some friends I decided to do it myself. What started as just some random designs on my computer about a year ago has turned into what Kikkor is today.
James Lepp, Founder & Owner of Kikkor
With that, Lepp’s interest in competitive golf transformed into a desire to succeed in a market where he saw an opportunity. Though the official launch takes place this month, Kikkor has been in the makings since 2008.
At Kikkor.com, a few reasons for their existence is listed, with the first being that it doesn’t matter what age you are, no one really wants to wear the same stuff as their dad. Because most golf shoes are designed with older players in mind, there simply aren’t many options that match more of a youthful style.
The new Kikkor golf shoes come in two flavors, both of which come in a variety of colors, and both having a lot of qualities common with the shoes a lot of younger players are wearing off the course – flat-bottomed, stylish, and comfortable. One thing you’ll probably want to be aware of is that Kikkors fit half a size tighter than other golf shoes, so if you’re interested in ordering a pair, keep in mind that if you usually wear a size 10, you’ll want to step up to a 10.5.
Kikkor Eppik
We’ll take a look at the Eppik first. The Eppik is available in four different colors – black, white, ocean, and blaze. The outer body is created from premium action leather and Kikkor Komfort Foam Technology provides the soft, cushioned feel that your feet will appreciate. Kikkor’s Sure Foot Stability System helps keep your feet stable throughout the swing, while Champ Q-Lok Scorpion spikes keeps everything firmly planted in the ground. All of this is backed by a one year limited waterproof warranty. The Eppik has a price tag of $89.
Kikkor Circle 3
The second model in Kikkor’s lineup is the Circle 3, which is available in both black and white. Though it’s a different style of shoe, the Circle 3 has much in common with the Eppik, like the use of premium action leather. The Circle 3 also makes use of Kikkor Komfort Foam Technology to keep your feet happy on those long, hot days. Rounding out the Circle 3 is the Sure Foot Stability System and Champ Q-Lok Scorpion spikes. What really separates the Circle 3 is that it is a water resistant shoes, which can be a great benefit if you’re used to playing in soggy conditions. Expect to pay $79 per pair.
I recommend checking out Kikkor’s website, as there are other things available such as hats and gift cards. While you’re there, have a look at the Kikkor Tips section, it’s well worth the visit. The Kikkor Tips page is a few videos, where Lepp gives you some help with your game and few various shots to try out. While the videos are helpful, Lepp’s approach is what I really liked. He’s laid back, funny, and helpful, all at the same time.
I don’t really like the looks of most of them.
the white ones are ok but I’d prefer Addidas’ range of golf shoes instead.
Man, I’m 22 and would not be caught dead in any of these lol. I’m just not much for the skater shoe style :/ I understand what they are trying to do, but definitely not a fan.
I thought Boom Boom’s Pumas had it handled.
I’m with you Michael… the skater / motorcycle / x-games thing is for some other sport, not for golf.
The most annoying thing for me to watch about golf, other than Johnny Miller, is the Rickie Fowler types and their glow in the dark outfits that match all the way down to the shoes. Its not what I want to see when I go to my local course and its not what I want to see on TV either. There is nothing wrong with the current Foot Joy line, and yes, you might have to fork out $150 for a decent pair of kicks, but this is an expensive game/hobby.
On that same note, this is also a traditional game, a REALLY old traditional game, and that happens to be one aspect that many people like. I dont think you will see Billy Payne in a pair of bright orange PUMA’s, tuckin his ears under his oversized hat cocked slightly sideways.,. and rightly so… becasue thats not the direction that golf needs to heading.
Next thing you know, golf tournaments will be airing on BRAVO tv with the rest of the fashion shows.
I’m not against a more contemporary style on TV, for instance I like what Camilo Villegas does usually, and If I had the money I might buy some of Poulter’s stuff too (other than the belt I’ve got), but I also appreciate the fact that golf used to be played in suits and ties, or Arnie and his old cardigans with a button up. I guess I just feel that there are plenty of contemporary golf shoe styles out by Nike, Adidas, Puma…etc, and I personally just don’t like skater shoes despite having worn them in the past (middle school) 😛 Again, I respect what the company is trying to do, I just won’t be buying a pair lol.
easy haters… dudes found a great niche market, just because you are the tradionalist out on the course doesn’t make it right/ wrong… Expand your views – look at Couples.. guys rocks Ashworth which is about as tradional as it gets, he wore the Ecco Streets, its for COMFORT – James never quoted I want to change the game, he just wanted a shoe for his needs.. the street style. – And many people are in that same boat, now we have a product.
“if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anythin at all”
Great Product James!
Make your three footers and enjoy your day 🙂
These shoes are SICK!!!! Finally there’s a company out there that suits the younger fans of the game. I got my 2 pairs of Kikkors delivered last week and have worn each for one round of golf and they are the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever worn. I’ve tried the newer/cooler shoes fron Nike, Adidas and others, none match up to kikkors style and comfort
If your over thirty odds are your probably not going to like these shoes but the majority of my friends and I LOVE te style. The thing is you can’t compare them to adidas, Nike, footjoy, etc because they are a whole different type of shoe! Other than they are both a golf shoe. It’s almost like comparing a tennis shoe to a flip flop. They are supposed to be different! This is what is appealing to myself and the younger crowd and it’s not like a change in fashion is going to change the old ways of the game. Im sure don’t see PGA pros wearing knickers anymore do we?
People that are commenting here need to understand that the point of leaving a comment is your opinion. Most likely you want to leave a positive comment not a negative one. You have to look at the big picture, the grand theme of things. Would the average golfer spend 1/2 the price of a regular golf shoe on a pair of hip skate shoes that just happen to have spikes underneath. You see the market these days and the trend is style. Kids these days like to dress with style so why not on the golf course? Adding flavor to the golfing world just makes the market for golf larger more recognizable. I think it is great for golf that what you wear on the golf course makes a difference in your game. These Kikkor golf shoes are one of the best ideas that have come out in the last few years in golf. Being comfortable with what you wear is key for a golfer because when you are playing you dont want to think about comfort you want to focus on playing well. From what i know about these shoes, I will be able to perform better on the golf course because of the flat sole and stable outsole. what more can you ask for? well you have the kikkor comfort foam that conforms to your feet the more you wear them. What could be better than a shoe that is more comfortable the more you wear them? I hope readers out there look at this and say yeah you are right! If the style is not for you then thats ok, just say they style is not for me. The performance of this golf shoe is amazing and i can not believe that there has not been any shoes like these ones already out. So go out there and buy a pair of these Kikkors, they will be the most comfortable shoe you ever wear on the golf course.
I think they look great. It is a great idea and my hats off to Lepp for pulling this idea off. who says the game cant change with the times…… The Shoes are very comfortable and have great support around the ankle. Don’t be so narrow minded fellas!
Just got my pair of white Eppik’s in the mail and love them. I’m in my 40s and i love these shoes. I also have ordered a pair of the Ecco ones Couples has been wearing…anything to not wear the classic golf shoe…
I really think the point is being missed here. Lepp states it in the quote above. Street shoes are more comfortable and easier to walk distances in, the idea isn’t purely stylistic. While I won’t be purchasing a pair for the time being (I own a pair of the ECCO’s Freddie wears so I’m good for now) I think Kikkor has a shot at bringing some seriously cool designs to the table. And in terms of tradition I think you need to look at golf in the 70s because a lot of the monochromatic styles you see today are modern tangents of the style of that era. As for cardigans and button-ups like The King look at Ryan Moore, that’s his style and he catches flak for being a hipster. It’s 2010, we aren’t playing with persimmon drivers and balatas so if technology has advanced why can’t fashion in the game as well? (sorry for length)
If I could find a pair in person, I’d check them out. Shoes are just something I don’t like to buy without trying them on first.
I can’t say I understand all the backlash against them so far in these comments. Any attempt to make golf more relaxing is cool with me. If the player is respectful of others on the course I don’t see a problem
I love these shoes. The style is excellent and the performance is better than most would assume. The large, flat sole has a stability and balance factor unmatched in the market. I’ve played a few PGA Tour events and I will be wearing these boots in the next ones.
“becasue thats not the direction that golf needs to heading.”
i’m waiting for the grammar trend to come out and put the crazy-matching situation that’s going on now to bed.
You guys are missing the point! These shoes fill a void in the market that no other company has ventured into. Comfortable as well as stylish in their own right. Golf fashion changes just like everyday fashion does! There is no right and wrong here, as long as every golfer has something they feel comfortable in.
P.S. Billy Payne is a nice man, but I’m not wearing the same wardrobe as him when I go tee it up!
Then what ‘direction’ should golf be heading? You can’t grow the game by not appealing to a generation geared towards video games and ‘play now, work later’ mentality. I think the fashion and so called tradition is keeping the game from increasing in popularity. How someone dresses on the course does not always correlate to how they act on the course. Why does it matter how someone else dresses anyway, given they abide by the clubhouse rules? Stop being the reason why younger people can’t enjoy the game.
I think the shoes look great -I’ll definitely try them on to see how they feel. Not a great fan of the skater look, but comfort comes first!
I think that everybody should have their own style. Golf has all kinds of new brands coming out that appeal to the younger generation that doesn’t want to wear pleated khaki pants with what look like bowling shoes. Obviously this trend is taking hold because all of the traditional brands, that have been in golf for years and have always been super conservative, are also offering new styles with a cooler look for the younger golfer. The only constant is change! Follow the rules on the course and dress in whatever makes you feel good! If you like the traditional look then cool…if you want a style with more going on then cool….I think anyone worried about what somebody else is wearing has got some things to work out anyway.
The game is changing… companies are geared for the younger generation only and have some sick stuff, including Kikkor… Who says I have to dress like my grandpa just because I eat, sleep, breathe golf?
Kikkor will be copied by the larger shoe companies. It’s only a matter of time. Skateboarding culture has encroached so many sports, golf is no different.
If you’ve got no haters, you aren’t doing enough…
Many companies have tried to do the street/skate-style golf shoe with varying amounts of success.
Adidas Brady and first run Stanzonians were solid. Univesity II and 2nd run Stanzonians were okay but seem a step down in quality from the former two.
Alias and Radioactive (ever heard of them???) were brutally ugly.
The Puma C-Hoppers look decent online but I’ve never seen them in person.
The Ecco street premiers look good as well but let’s be honest… most people who would like that style and want to buy them are from a younger demographic… the price tag of $180can is ridiculous. I think they lose a huge segment of their target market because of the price.
Kikkor’s definitely doing it right and going in the right direction. They’re not going to appeal to everyone but then again, they aren’t supposed to. They will be more popular with the younger demographic. Golf is just like skateboarding and snowboarding in the sense that it’s just you vs. your environment (course/streets/ramp/mountain/pipe).
People who use the term “not traditional” when hating on these shoes are hypocrites. I bet none of them have/wear everything “traditional” on the course (persimmon woods, balata balls, 1 iron, knickers).
fwiw, I grew up skateboarding since 1988 and picked up golf in 1998. To this day, I do both on a weekly basis.
I’ll add two more thing about ordering online… they have free shipping both ways! If you get them and they don’t fit, send them back!
I don’t work for the company.
Well…those first few comments really got the ball rolling! And seemed temperatures rising. Thanks guys, you made a difference for Kikkor Golf to be represented and recognized on this site. The bolder Epik Ocean and Blaze are for perhaps a younger player the black and white in both the Epik and Circle 3’s are perfect for all ages. I have seen these shoes and hats and the 2011 prototypes. They’re great! Kikkor isn’t just about style, Lepp is looking at comfort, duability and that’s perfect for this market as golf is on the rise. Unfortunately I have a ladies size 4 foot so doubt I will find a size to fit me!
for Joe, those folks that have worn Kikkor’s have expressed their game has improved…you keep on about the style and not the performance..why don’t you try some? what’s a few dollars for someone with your expertise…maybe you’ll improve on your game…I’m happy are you???
Ha ha ha. They’re not golf shoes. They’re skate shoes with spikes!
I don’t agree at all that golf shoes aren’t comfortable. My golf shoes (FJ Icons and Dryjoys) are the most comfortable shoes I own — they’re more comfortable than my runners. If your golf shoes aren’t comfortable, I’d suggest you look to replace them.
UGLY. Would have been a hit five years ago.
Please…
I’ll bet you a cold one that this shoe doesn’t give or take strokes off anybodys game. I guess thats why Michael Jordan could jump so high, right… because of his shoes? This article is about a new hip style that people can accessorize themselves with. All I’m saying is that it turns me off to the sport. I’m not so vain and starved for attention that I need to wear loud clothes to be noticed.
Which brings me to another point… John Daly shouldn’t be allowed to wear the crap he sports around in either. Its rediculous… but it pays the bills I guess.
Joe, Dean of what collage…”Angry?” And shoes do make a huge difference in all walks of life. Especially sports. You still have missed the point. It is not just style is is also comfort, durability and performance. Try some out and see for yourself. And calm down. What does my temperature have to do with my opinion?
sorry missed the point you wanna meet up for a cold one? okay
The purpose of a golf shoe is to keep your feet from sliping when swinging the club. The purpose of these Kikors is to appeal to the younger crowd by styling them up… and I dont like the style. Comfort, durability, and performance have long been mastered by the makers of golf shoes, and I’m positive these shoe bring nothing new to the game… except style.
You defend them because you like the style. The thought of bringing modern day style to this old school sport is probably a great idea to you… and thats fine. But dont tell me that these shoes are going to shave strokes off my game. The skateboard culture can keep “their style” for their own sport.
Ugly.
I have been wearing golf shoes for 50 years…..remebering my first pair and how they clickety-clacked as I strolled across the pavement. They were dark brown with a Kilt over the laces. That really made me feel like a golfer….But more importantly, I was able to plant my feet on a hillside to hit the golfball. Ever since, I have aquired golfshoes with one thing in mind….stability.
My most recent aquisitions have the “Big Bertha” red/gray cleats in them, where the exterior of the cleat is longer than the interior. These babies really grip the turf!….Only problem now is they quit making the replacement cleats!
Oh well……time marches on and waits for nobody.
well for a 22 year old, your opinion didn’t make much difference. kikkor is making a promo tour to a few huge, cities in the US now! i guess you’re making your funeral arrangements soon!
I’d be willing to bet dollars to donuts this brand finds a niche and has success. Look how most shoe companies are trending…less traditional is happening, like it or not.