Duca Del Cosma has never crafted its golf shoes quietly. Whether it’s a classic brogue style like the Churchill or a more modern trainer style shoe like the Alesi, it crafts its best golf shoes loudly and proudly to exacting specifications and standards. The Davanti represents one of the more modern designs the brand has ever opted for, incorporating high-fashion trends and a lightweight construction into a casual, spikeless golf shoe.
I've often criticized Duca shoes for being far too heavy. Indeed the outsole on the Churchill I tested a few years ago was probably the heaviest I've ever tested. Luckily the brand has listened closely to feedback from golfers and the media and the outsole on the Davanti is a significant improvement. The new Airplay 15 outsole features three different types of nubs to enhance traction, stability and overall control. The inner x-shaped nubs offer excellent levels of traction across multiple surfaces and conditions, the circular nubs at the rear of the outsole provide even more control when walking and the hexagonal nubs towards the front of the outsole are there for enhanced stability as you unload through the golf swing. A strategically positioned heel-strike to the rear of the outsole improves the walking gait and promotes a solid stride along the fairways.
It makes for a lightweight spikeless golf shoe that reduced foot fatigue more than any Duca shoe I've previously tested. I can't say that rear heel strike noticeable improved my walking gait, but I was satisfied that after 18 holes my feet and legs still felt spritely. There is a memory foam insert in the insole of the Davanti, which also likely contributed to overall comfort of the shoe. There is quite a chunky outsole, which to some might feel a little too raised off the ground. Much like the Nike Air Max 1 '86 OG, it takes some getting used to but is worth pointing out as it feels a little strange to start.
With the RRP sitting just under £200, this isn't a cheap shoe. That being said, you can see where the money has been spent with the quality of materials and craftsmanship that has gone into building this shoe really standing out. It uses a combination of premium Nappa leather as well as abrasion resistant onDura Nilo technical nylon in contrasting colors to make for a bold and practical statement. The nylons dotted around the upper make for a nice variety of materials and give added durability.
There's also an offset toe bumper which gives each shoe added durability in areas that are most prone to wear. I think this adds to the look of the shoe whilst also being a very practical addition that has been well thought through by the designers. The boxy heel design is a neat nod to modern fashion trends we're seeing on street sneakers and the three striking colorways will give you plenty of choice (although I think the one I tested them in is by far the best.)
There's no spikeless golf shoe quite like the Davanti currently on sale. While some sneaker style shoes like the Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G, New Balance 997 SL or adidas S2G are excellent offerings, the Davanti has a certain je ne sais quoi about them that other manufacturers can't match. For those looking to stand out in style this year, the Davanti is a stand out option.
