Custom Comfort X5 shoes

Foot notes on the latest from Hi-Tec

Bob Warters's picture
Fri, 26 Apr 2002
Custom Comfort X5 shoes

Custom Comfort X5 shoes
Custom Comfort X5 - attractive in white/maple.


Hi-Tec Custom Comfort X5 shoes
Price: £69.99

Until a few weeks ago, ask anyone what a metatarsel was and 99 per-cent would have to phone a friend. Now everyone’s an expert!

The injuries to these key bones in the feet of footballers David Beckham and Gary Neville have all but scuppered the European and World Cup hopes of Manchester United and England, so it’s only natural with the publicity surrounding these national disasters that so many people are looking at their feet.

And with the discovery that you only have a one-in-ten chance of both your feet being identical, manufacturers of shoes, as well as clubs, are ensuring you can get them custom-fitted to your personal specification – just like pro footballers’ boots.

Hi-Tec, one of the most popular makers of golf shoes, are the latest to enter the custom-fitting market with their Custom Comfort X5 and Custom Fit X5 models.

Since I purchased one of their original black brogue models 20 years ago for around £18 and they gave me so much pain, discomfort and blistering, the brand Hi-Tec has, for me, always been associated with limping.

I persevered for what seemed months before a series of rounds in wet conditions finally seemed to mould the shoes to my pigeon-toed walk.


Custom Comfort X5 shoes
Choice of insoles.


So it was with some trepidation that I accepted an opportunity to see how far Hi-Tec shoes had come in shoe development since the 1980s.

And I have to admit they are the most comfortable golf shoes I have ever worn, straight from the box. Usually it takes a time for shoes to bed in but the Custom Comfort X5s with their two moulded insole options (wide and regular) provided an instant fit.

To accept either of the two types of insoles, the shoes have been made wider than in the past with a Ken Orton-designed ‘last’ – the internal cavity of the shoe. The shoe is also extremely lightweight making it less of a burden under my feet when the going gets heavy.


Custom Comfort X5 shoes
Distinctive sole pattern for grip.


The shoe also features the Greenfriend X5 sole unit with Trisport Eclipse ‘re-active fast-twist cleats’ – familiar to adidas wearers.

The sole pattern provided good traction on slopes. And at the moment of impact, when other shoes have been known to allow the left-foot to slip resulting in a nasty duck-hook, mine gripped perfectly.

Breathability in shoes is often accepted in their manufacture but if I did have a criticism of these comfortable X5s it would be that they tended to retain moisture on a warm day. And as a result the inevitable squeaks crept into my stride, an irritating aside for which I was constantly apologising.

Now I’m experimenting with a change of socks (from cotton/polyester to woollen) to cure the problem.

One thing we’ve all learned about the bones in our feet following the events of recent weeks, is that they have to have protection and be looked after and not pinched into ill-fitting shoes.

As golfers, finding a custom-fitted golf shoe, might not knock shots off our handicap but it will prevent us from being distracted from your goal of becoming better players.

Verdict:
Available black/brown, white/maple (sizes 6-12, including half-sizes), the Hi-Tec Custom-Comfort X5 was the first shoe I have been able to wear in comfort straight from the box in over 30 years of playing golf – a testament to its quality and value.

Golfmagic rating: 9/10


Also new to the Hi-Tec range, the Custom-Fit X5 in black or brown (£59.99), Hi-Tec Dri-Tec Wide in black/brown and white/black/brown (£49.99) and Hi-Tec Warwick Lite in hazel/brown, black, white/rust (£49.99). For your nearest stockist call Hi-Tec on 01702 541771

Now you tell us. What model of shoe do you prefer? Tell us your preference and what you pay, on The Forum.
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