I’m a pretty casual guy.
Because of this, I’ve never been the most formal or classically styled golfer on the course, and I usually opt for spikeless shoes as opposed to more traditional-looking models.
This changed a few months ago when I put on my first pair of G/FORE Gallivanters. They’re classic with a modern flair, and despite not being a scratch golfer and not having Justin Thomas’ sense of style – I loved them.
It opened me up to a whole new world of golf shoes and fashion that has been fun to explore.
So when I got my hands on a pair of Ecco Classic Hybrids, I was very excited.
As a whole, Ecco has long been my favorite brand of golf shoes.
Each year they’ve ended up being my pick for “best overall golf shoe” and this year is no different with the Ecco Biom C4.
So I was curious what would happen when a company synonymous with comfort and quality, married traditional and modern styling in such a unique way.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to find out in today’s Ecco Classic Hybrid review.
First Impressions of the Ecco Classic Hybrid
It only takes one look at the Classic Hybrid to form an opinion.
Some people will absolutely love these.
For others, it won’t work.
This is a good thing. How boring would life be if everyone always wore the same thing?
The first thing you’ll notice about these shoes are the embossed diamond stitching pattern in the leather. I think it looks wonderful and is what truly sets these shoes apart from anything else out there. It has a high-end, luxurious look to it that screams class.
I’m not sure Ecco could have picked a better name than “Classic Hybrid” as that’s exactly what this shoe is. It’s classic up top, and hybrid on bottom. This shoe features an all-new sole that is typical Ecco quality, but doesn’t appear quite as technical or durable as some of their other shoes like the C4.
The leather is very soft, and almost feels kind of thin, for lack of a better term. I think this is just the styling of the shoe, but it doesn’t feel quite as durable as the leather on other Ecco shoes I’ve worn.
But overall, these look even better in person than they do in photos.
Looking for an extremely stylish golf shoe that's both good-looking and extremely comfortable? The Classic Hybrid from Ecco is definitely one to consider.
How Does the Ecco Classic Hybrid Perform on the Course?
It will come as zero surprise to anyone who has worn a pair of Ecco shoes before, that they are extremely comfortable. From the moment I put them on, they’re a joy to have on your feet.
I’ve always been a very consistent size 46 (size 12) in Ecco shoes, and these ones feel like they run just slightly on the larger size. It feels like there’s just a little extra room in my heel, which hasn’t been an issue, but I wear thicker socks with them to compensate. So if you’re on the fence with sizing I’d likely go a size down.
The shoes perform well on the course, and I haven’t had issues with slipping or traction. Stability certainly isn’t on the level of say the Adidas Tour 36o, or even the Gallivanters for that matter, but they’ve been totally fine to golf in. These feel a little more svelte and less robust than other similar shoes I’ve worn.
Because of this, I don’t think these are a day-in-day-out shoe.
These are special occasion shoes.
If you’re playing a fancy new course, playing in a tournament and want to look your best, or have any other reason to dress up – these are the shoes for it.
Ecco uses a “water-repellant” coating on these shoes, but they’re not water proof. One of my rounds in them was during the morning with a wet course. The water didn’t penetrate, but it also didn’t necessarily feel like it was that far off from doing so, either.
After a couple of rounds, my pair still looks great, but I could see durability being an issue over the long term. It’s a softer leather than say the Gallivanter’s for instance, and getting stains off is a little bit trickier.
But despite a couple of these hangups, there’s really nothing exactly like them on the market, which makes them really attractive for the right person.
Final Thoughts on the Ecco Classic Hybrid Shoes
Finding a pair of golf shoes that truly stand out can be tricky these days, with so many people wearing so many of the same models.
I’ve yet to see another person wearing the Ecco Classic Hybrids out at the course. It’s a special golf shoe, with a special aesthetic, that should make for a wonderful addition to the collection for the right golfer.
But $220 for a niche shoe, is a lot of money to spend for a shoe you most likely won’t be wearing for every single round.
So if you’re looking for something special and unique? This is your shoe.
If you’re looking for something you can play dozens of rounds in and put through some punishment? I think you’ll likely find better options out there.
Looking for an extremely stylish golf shoe that's both good-looking and extremely comfortable? The Classic Hybrid from Ecco is definitely one to consider.
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One of the most dapper golf shoes on the market.
The Classic Hybrids look beautiful with their diamond stitching. They aren't quite on the same comfort level as other spikeless Ecco models - but are still a pleasure to wear. Durability is a bit of a concern, and the price is high. But if you're looking for a special occasion pair of golf shoes that your friends won't have? Definitely consider these.
The Good
- Super stylish
- Not Ecco's most comfortable, but still very wearable
The Bad
- Durability is a concern
- Not the most waterproof
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Presentation
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Performance
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Price
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Personal Affinity
