So when I packed my sparkling-white Skechers GO GOLF Pro shoes in my travel bag for a trip to Australia -- having only worn them once, at a demo day in Florida -- I hesitated for a moment.

I figured I could always go with my second pair if need be. Besides, the first time I wore the Skechers my feet felt great all day.

What I loved that first day was the sneaker-like cushion when walking firm fairways, without losing the control you need when trying to swing the club over 100 miles per hour. And hey, the white model I picked out, with red soles and real spikes, look pretty good as well.

What could possibly go wrong?

I could tell you the story of once doing something similar on a trip to Ireland, with a brand of shoes that will go nameless here. Let's just say that by the end of the week, I had to take a hacksaw to the shoe (really) to let my big toe breathe.

Not so in Australia with the Skechers GO GOLF Pro. Three days in a row we walked 36 holes, or some really firm terrain. I switched shoes between 18's (something you should always do, even if it's the same brand) and never had a foot problem.

I'm a shoe guy, and these have gone to the front of my shoe rack.

Skechers' entry into the golf market should come as no surprise. The $3 Billion global lifestyle footwear company (based in California) operates over 1300 of their own stores and are sold online and at major retailers. Their celebrity endorsees include Ringo Starr and Sugar Ray Leonard. In golf, they have Matt Kuchar, Belén Mozo, Billy Andrade, and Colin Montgomerie wearing and promoting their shoes.

If you watch any golf, you've seen their fun commercials.

Based on my experience, I think they have an excellent chance of carving out a niche among players looking for a blend of performance and style. The shoes are lightweight, stable, and really well cushioned both inside and on the sole, as I described above.

One of the reviewers on the Skechers website had a similar experience to me, calling the shoes:

"Very stylish and comfortable, love the look and feel on my feet. Played pretty well the first two times I have worn them which is a huge bonus! Love the shock absorption when you walk."

Skechers calls the shock-absorbing midsole, Resalyte® -- I just know that their shoes are some of the most comfortable I've ever worn.

There are several models available, but I'm going to stick with the GO GOLF Pro Kuchar Official model. I think my next pair will be in black...