When outfitting yourself with the best equipment available, don't forget your feet. You simply can't afford to wait for the other shoe to drop when it comes to this critical part of your game.

Six primary players make up the golf footwear marketplace in the United States, and the competition for consumer dollars is fierce. That's good news. It means each of the six are focused on bringing golfers the best products possible, including incredible technology, fantastic fashions, comfort never imagined possible just 10 years ago and game-enhancing designs.

FootJoy's new ultimate golf shoe is the GF:II. Its tri-density TPU outsole features a wishbone suspension, providing superlative durability, flexibility and tour-proven performance. A new Dual OptiFlex zone was incorporated for flexibility under the toes, in addition to the current zone across the ball of the foot, to increase overall comfort. The real benefit of the wishbone suspension system, however, centers on the need for the forefoot and heel to rotate independently. Dual TPU Torque Rods connect the heel and forefoot at the Independent Rotational Axis < the exact point where the heel and forefoot begin to move and rotate separately. The benefits to the golfer are a stable foundation, increased comfort and superior cushioning.

The GF:II upper technologies deliver a cool, dry and comfortable in-shoe environment. The ECL Leather system by Pittards is an incredibly soft, yet highly advanced waterproof leather. For a more exact fit, the GF:II features a GelCollar < a visco-elastic gel that molds around the shoe collar and ankle, and provides a cooler environment. Additionally, Dryz IntelliTemp wicks moisture away from the foot, then turns that moisture into a gel state, providing cushioning in the Fit-Bed. Dryz IntelliTemp also acts as an internal climate control, keeping feet cool during hot days.

Two other FootJoy models to note are the DryJoys with P.R.O. Technology and the Contour Series. Both offer two-year waterproof warranties and exceptional technology. The DryJoy with P.R.O. design incorporates ECL Leather, a lightweight Fit-Bed with gel heel, Two-POD EVA midsoles, Tri-Density TPU Platform Responsive Outsole and OptiFlex technology. The Contour is a more moderate-priced offering that boasts PU linings, a lightweight PU Fit-Bed, DuraMax rubber outsoles and a TPU Stability Bridge.

Etonic has introduced a wide range of revolutionary technologies to golfers over the years, from stability- and traction-enhancing outsoles back in 1980 to the first spikeless shoe < the Difference < in 1996. This year, Etonic is at the forefront of outsole technology again, with its G-SOK < the industry's first non-cleated performance golf shoe.

Etonic partnered with Goodyear to build a lightweight traction system that's extremely comfortable and durable. The colorful outsole features a Multi-Zone Traction System that combines tri-directional pyramid turf grips with lateral and longitudinal stability bars and a C.I.P. (critical impact point) for incredible traction on all types of lies. A TPU stability shank provides added arch support and lateral stability.

Best of all, the G-SOK is super comfortable right out of the box. Constructed with a full-grain leather upper, the G-SOK combines a removable Tri-Density Poliyou footbed and a new cushion suspension insole system for added cushioning, enhanced comfort and fit throughout the shoe.

This fall Etonic is also incorporating Gore-Tex into the G-SOK line and is introducing the new high-end Difference 32 golf shoe.

Mega footwear manufacturer ECCO continued to increase its line of comfort-conscious, technology-forward golf footwear. ECCO's Sport Tribal Accelerator model is for players who want a sporty look coupled with high-end performance. The shoe incorporates a high-tech outsole with 3-D features, including a shock-absorbing PU midsole with a durable see-through TPU outsole. A PU inlay sole also provides superior comfort and balance support. In addition, extra arch support is built into the design. Vegetable tanned leather, a microfiber top lining, anti-fungal protection and Eclipse cleats from Trisport round out the design.

For players with more conservative tastes, ECCO gave the traditional-looking golf shoe a 21st century overhaul. The New Classic Crossfire features an outsole with enhanced lateral torque to improve swing stability, a durable polyurethane midsole that creates the ultimate shock-absorbing footbed for maximum comfort, Eclipse cleats from Trisport and the Fast Twist system to add traction and convenience.

Bite Golf is often cited as the initiator of the modern-day comfort-shoe segment. Bite is also known for throwing some attitude into its golf shoe designs. So it's no surprise that its Ripped model is a style that offers a little fashion edge along with superior comfort. Built on Bite's proprietary Biotrac outsole, Ripped is biomechanically designed for optimum support and promotes a solid golf swing. Also incorporated into the design is Bite's exclusive FootFrame sole, which was developed with insight from podiatrists and provides extra arch and heel support for a strong and supportive, yet lightweight base. Properly positioned flex grooves at the ball of the foot allow for a natural stride, while a round toe box ensures plenty of room if feet swell slightly during the round. Ripped also features vibrant Fast Twist Exciter spikes for aggressive traction and MIPS (Moisture Intrusion Prevention System).

In a more conservative offering, Bite's Dresslite golf shoe mixes a refined leather look with sporty, lightweight performance. Built on Bite's lightest DXL outsole, Dresslite is a technically stylish choice for the golf course that's made of genuine leather at a quality price point. Dresslite offers features that are the hallmarks of the DXL line, including a full-length cupsole and hidden arch shank, as well as pressure pods to promote proper weight distribution throughout the swing. Dresslite sports Fast Twist spikes and carries a two-year waterproof guarantee.

Adidas also cranked up its technology offering with the introduction of the ClimaCool II. These cool performance shoes feature 360-degree ventilation for maximum breathability and all-day comfort. The shoes boast a ventilated mesh upper, moisture-wicking lining, ventilated forefoot and midfoot, lightweight cushioned EVA midsole and 10-spike traction pattern.

Nike was founded on the feet of athletes, and the new Sport Performance SP-6 golf shoe model continues Nike's tradition of excellence in sporting shoe design. The SP-6 is lower in profile than traditional shoes and features Nike Air Technology, including a proprietary visible encapsulated air-sole unit for maximum comfort and support.Nike's exclusive WaterShield Plus construction provides a proven waterproof barrier against moisture in any environment. The shoe's high-end uppers are made of soft, supple full-grain leather for outstanding comfort. A full-length Poron sockliner won't break down over time and molds to the contour of the foot for optimum sole support. The newly designed T@C (Traction at Contact) TPU outsole offers maximum stability and enhanced flexibility. With more than 130 points of contact, the new T@C 4 is engineered for maximum grip with minimum damage. The SP-6 also incorporates Scorpion Stinger Spikes with the Q-LOK fastening system.