Running shoe comfort with golf shoe grip: Ecco Biom C4 Review

I wore the Ecco Biom C4 golf shoes for a trip away to Scotland to see how they would cope in every kind of condition. I was not disappointed

When looking for a new pair of golf shoes, I’m never quite sure where to start. The obvious beginning would be shelf appeal because surely you need to like the look of what’s going on your feet?

History has taught me otherwise. Having spent most of my golfing life going for looks over performance, and having the blisters to prove that, the Ecco Biom C4 shoes are the first time I’ve swapped that choice round.

That’s not to say that the C4 are a bad-looking line of footwear. Spikeless, and offered in four colorways for now, this model straddles the line between classic golf shoe and modern sneaker, so there’s no need to bring a second pair for the clubhouse versus the course.

The four colors mentioned are slate grey, light grey, and two versions of a white shoe – one has a subtle blue mid-section for golfers who want a simpler look, and the other white model comes with a two-tone orange and blue mid-sole. The orange section is on the outside of the foot, allowing you to show off your choice more boldly. The Biom C4 is also available in BOA lacing, for those that want an even better fit.

Style and sustainability

The pair I went with was the white with orange and blue (subtle I am not, so why not show off a little more) and I must say I have taken to them far more than when I initially made the choice. I’m not sure if it is the leather that Ecco source or a conscious design choice but the white of the shoe is not a strong snow tone that you see on most other shoes now.

This is a good thing! Too often have I been out for my first round with a pair of sparkling whites to have grass marks and scuffs make my new footwear look like they’ve been in my collection for months already. Having this more off-white color as a main element stops the C4 from looking worn in too early plus I think it means they can be paired with a wider selection of trousers and still suit the look.

But like I said, color and style are great but ultimately we need shoes that are going to perform for us. This is where Ecco shines as a brand.

There are plenty of benefits to adding a pair of Biom C4 to your collection. The first thing we should talk about is the leather. Ecco sources their leather from sustainable meat industry byproducts, so you can feel good about your investment in helping the environment, but they also boast their own in-house tanneries. This means they maintain total control of the product created and it shows.

The leather is supple, even fresh out of the box, so there’s little breaking-in period after you make the purchase. Ecco have also combined their leather with a Mesh Sock design, which has resulted in a tighter hold across your feet. I’ve also found that, with the mesh sock interior, where I might normally catch a toe on a fold or stitch inside the shoe I’ve not once had that happen. I’ve got quite wide feet so not having this regular problem has been a genuine joy on the course.

Protection and comfort

The C4 has combined a Gore-Tex surround with an Ecco-created Exhaust Grid system to further enhance the waterproof benefits of Gore-Tex with full sole breathability. This has been perfect here on the west coast of Scotland, where overcast days have made thick rough moist. With trips into the long stuff inevitable for me, having a legitimately waterproof shoe has been perfect while also stopping my feet from getting too hot on the occasions that we were met with sunshine during the week.

Ecco have also installed their FLUIDFORM technology, which is designed like a running shoe sole, for long-term cushioning and reboundability. Offered with this is new Biom Natural Motion, designed to bring your feet closer to the ground for stability. These two technologies together have been quite a unique feeling for me in a shoe.

The pair that I normally wear, the Puma Ignite Elevate, I find to have great feedback from the ground but don’t offer much cushioning under my feet. Another pair I use, when weather requires more traction than spikeless shoes offer, is the Adidas Tour 360; they offer great comfort in their design but I struggle to feel much because of how soft they are.

Ecco, from what my rounds in the Biom C4 have taught me, has found a way to balance the ground engagement and the comfort wanted for a day of golfing. I’ve enjoyed being able to feel the contours of links fairways, giving me better awareness of slope and stability under my feet, while also having no issues with walking courses back-to-back.

The last word

These shoes have impressed me over the last week. As stated, I expect style, performance, and comfort to be a choice I have to make when looking at a new shoe. Ecco Biom C4 is the first set of shoes I’ve owned that firmly have a foot in each category and I’m starting to question if I’ll ever want to wear another shoe on the course again.

My one complaint with these shoes is the sole. My issue is not course-related, the grip on offer is fantastic across any surface condition. I particularly like how well a spikeless pair has been doing out of wet rough on an incline, possibly the strongest test you could be them through to test traction and it’s still come out shining.

My issue has only come from getting back in the car where the sharper edges of the MTN Grip outsole, the same ones helping on course, have kept catching on my pedals. This may seem minor but one of the reasons I like spikeless shoes is not having to change them after a round, I can just get in the car and go. So a pair that I do still need to switch out of irks me somewhat.

That being said, the mesh sock system seems to allow the C4 to slip off with relative ease so it shouldn’t be regarded as a game-changer when assessing these.

So, for the golf course, the clubhouse, and even a Top Golf driving range (don’t judge me, no one had warned me of how I was supposed to look as little like a golfer as possible to go there!), the Biom C4 get an instant recommendation.

But to visit Silverstone, Laguna Seca, or the Nürburgring, best leave the Eccos at home.

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis Daff joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big box golf retail and independent stores, working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Titleist GT3 Driver (9º) with Fujikura Ventus Black, Titleist GT2 Fairway Wood (15º), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52º, 60º), Toulon San Diego Putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour Ball.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward or any other equipment you’d like to debate via his email.

Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoes

RRP: $249 – BUY NOW US | £200 – BUY NOW UK

Sole: Spikeless

Waterproof: Yes

Sizes available: Men: 6 - 13

Colors: White, White with Orange, Slate Grey, Light Grey with Yellow