Crobar shoes from Bite
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You would have thought that for someone who has worked in the footwear trade for 30 years, getting the right shoes for whatever purpose would be a doddle. Not so!
I have always had problems getting footwear to fit comfortably - whether for the office, casual wear, hiking or golf. Even expensive shoes offer no guarantee of comfort, as I have found to my cost, both in terms of money and blisters. It is not helped by the fact that like much of the population I have one foot larger than the other, by less than half a size, but enough to be problematical.
Shoe sizing is not an exact science anyway, complicated by three main different sizing systems with no precise match between them - English, Continental and US. Also global suppliers trying to satisfy many international markets, and the physiological characteristics of the foot vary from country to country, so they are seeking a common denominator in terms of the shape and style.
Even within the same brand different styles can be made in different factories and on different lasts. Many years ago I found a style that suited and then when I blindly bought a second pair I was baffled as to why they were uncomfortable. The reason? They had moved production from Yugoslavia to China.
Over my 20 years playing I must have purchased an average two pairs of golf shoes every year and tried virtually every brand on the market. When, on the odd occasion I have come across a pair that fits the bill, you can bet they did not live up to their waterproof boast!
One brand I've never tried is Bite, probably because I cannot recall ever having seen them in any store in England. I have come across them at a few French golf clubs, but I baulk at paying their inflated prices. In any case, I thought the styling to be quirky, and I certainly cannot get my brain around their golf sandals - surely they must be uncomfortable after a visit to a bunker or the gorse?
For the last half dozen rounds, and having been invited to review them by Golfmagic, I have been wearing a pair of Bite Crobar. They are excellent!
I normally wear a new pair for just nine holes in the first few weeks to break them in. it was not necessary with these. They are really comfortable from the first tee to the 18th green.
The wide toe shape is ideal for me. Too many shoes have a slightly pointed last but these, are basically a wide fit with a distinctively rounded toe and are supplied with two different footbeds as well as an insole. This means that there are 25 fitting permutations. You have to be pretty unfortunate not to find one combination that suits.
The fast twist soft spikes are of a design I have not seen before and are on a raised seating, giving good traction in the current soft ground. So far they are good in damp grass though I have yet to test their waterproof claim in a downpour.
I have still not changed my view about the styling - they definitely are a bit quirky for a traditional golfer of fairly mature years. I have been the subject of some banter on the tee, but I can live with it. The toe shape is unconventional, but for a purpose. It is the stark rather op art trimmings that make them rather conspicuous. Ever since a certain German brand put stripes on its sports footwear, every other brand has tried to have its own distinctive markings, but too often in a contrived way.
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Rating: |
9/10 |
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Summary: | I'm delighted with these Bite Crobar shoes. They are the most instantly comfortable golf shoes I've ever worn. My next pair of this brand will be plain black or white (if I can find any) - although I suppose I could buy off the internet. To date I have always thought buying shoes online to be a bit daft, given all the vagaries I've already mentioned but with so many fitting options with this Bite model, it really should not be a problem. |
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Chris Miles, is a 10 handicapper at Greetham Valley Hotel and Country Club.He is formerly merchandise manager with Stead and Simpson shoes and before that Ravel shoes.
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