Want to turn your Jordan sneakers into golf shoes? How about your Vans? What about cowboy boots? Well, maybe not those.
For golfers that can’t find a comfortable or stylish pair of shoes, Denver startup GolfKicks has a solution.
He’s admittedly not a great golfer, but GolfKicks co-founder Tyler Stuart is looking to shake up the golf footwear industry, which is estimated to reach a value of nearly $8.5 billion by 2022, by turning your favorite sneakers into golf shoes.
“Golf shoes are ugly, expensive and nobody really likes them, especially next generation golfers,” he said. “So, why can’t you turn any pair of shoes into golf shoes?”
GolfKicks are a DIY traction kit that uses screw-in cleats that can turn most sneakers into a pair of golf shoes.
The short cleats require a Phillips head screwdriver to screw them into the sole of sneakers. The company recommends at least 1/3 inch thick sole to accommodate the screw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4JKYUpQgSE
While the cleats could be removed, Stuart said the company’s intention is that customers leave them in. The cleats leave a small hole in the bottom of the shoe after removal, but do not further damage the shoe or de-waterproof them, Stuart said.
A traction kit costs $30 and comes with 20 cleats, a screwdriver and a permanent marker for mapping the cleat locations on the sole.
The company launched a Kickstarter campaign in May 2018, raising $15,000 from over 300 backers to create the first model of GolfKicks.
After navigating prototyping, design and production, the first shipment of 1,500 GolfKicks went out to customers this week.
“Our early adopters are males between the ages of 18 and 45 that go out and buy a new pair of Jordans and put these in them,” Stuart said.
While the product is primarily aimed at golfers looking for style, Stuart said customers have also used them for yard work traction and even paintball.
As the company grows, Stuart said GolfKicks will continue to test and perfect the traction technology to accommodate a wider variety of sneakers and use cases.
“Right now we’re really trying to see if this is working and we’re gaining confidence in the product,” he said.
The company is based out of the Battery 621 building on Kalamath Street in Denver and has two full-time employees.
GolfKicks is currently taking orders on its website for its traction kit; check it out here.
