Abstract: Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes interior (central area) and exterior (perimeter area) traction projections. Materials having different hardness properties are used to construct different sections of the outsole. For example, thermoplastic polyurethanes may be used in the exterior region and rubber materials may be used in the interior region. The outsole has improved stability and flexibility.

Abstract: The golf shoe outsole of the invention has a generally flexible forward section and a generally hard heel section, each section having a plurality of pod sections molded thereupon, each pod section having at least one cleat attached thereto. and an outer edge or perimeter that is flared quite significantly to provide a greater degree of flexibility and traction with turf, and therefore greater stability and balance to the user.

Abstract: The golf shoe outsole of the invention comprises a generally flexible forward section and a generally hard heel section, each section having a plurality of pod sections molded thereupon, preferably there are eight separate pod sections, each having at least one cleat attached thereto. Each pod section has an outer edge or perimeter that is flared quite significantly to provide a greater degree of flexibility and traction with turf, and therefore greater stability and balance to the user. The outsole has a 0.375 width to length ratio at the metatarsal area of the outsole and a pod vertical height of at least 9.1 mm and a flare angle of at least 52° from vertical on the outer edges of the pods. The pods are relatively hard with a minimum Shore A hardness of 95 and extend a minimum of 6.3 mm from the bottom surface of the outsole. The forward portion of the outsole is made from a relatively flexible thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness between 75 to 85 Shore A.