There are few franchises in performance footwear more popular than the adizero. For years, the adizero nomenclature has been reserved for lightweight, performance-focused adidas shoes.
If you’re not familiar, it’s pretty simple: adidas adizero boots boast great performance in a lightweight package without sacrificing anything. This is the foundation adidas worked on to build their latest spikeless golf shoe, the adizero ZG.
Switching to a lightweight shoe can definitely offer performance benefits, especially in reducing fatigue and comfort. That said, a reduction in weight can sometimes lead to declines in other performance categories. adidas worked hard and relied on the feedback of their elite Tour staff to ensure this was not the case with the adizero ZG.
This is evidenced by my recent chat with rising superstar Ludvig Aberg, who has spent quite a bit of time on the new adizero ZG.
There are two things I am skeptical about when it comes to lightweight golf shoes without spikes. First of all, the traction must be good. The Adizero ZG relies on an all-new traction pattern to provide grip on par with studded shoes in the adidas line.
“I feel like even though they’re studless, it still gives you the same clamping force.” Aberg said.
adidas used a new upper cut pattern in addition to SPIKEMORE traction to provide some of the overall weight savings.
“I’m dragging my foot a bit, especially my left foot, but not to the extent where I’m all over the place, so I still need that balance and control, but also easy traction.” said Aberg of the adizero ZG’s lower profile. “Then there’s the reading of the greens where I think it’s a lot easier when you’re closer to the ground. I think these spikeless shoes will definitely help.”
Sacrificing stability?
The second thing I worry about with lightweight shoes without spikes is stability. Of course, a feather-light shoe can’t be durable, right?
Wrong. adidas’ new DYNAMIC TORSION plate and SPRINTSKIN upper work together to provide torsional stiffness and support for the foot. SPRINTSKIN is seen on many other adidas wrap offerings. It is waterproof and lightweight. Another box checked.
Pillow talk
If you want to save weight, you can either use less pillow or use a light one. adidas skipped the latter and opted for lower profile cushioning in the form of the LIGHTSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO. This dual foam setup keeps the golfer lower to the ground, but still provides plenty of impact protection. Best of all, it provides the weight savings adidas is looking for.
I am a huge fan of LIGHTSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO. I’ve always found it a little more plush and responsive than the plusher BOOST. The dual foam setup here is all you need to comfortably ride 18+ with minimal fatigue.
Weighty matters
So the one question that’s weighing on your mind: “Will the adizero ZG perform to the standards of adidas’ other flagship shoes?”
Undoubtedly, yes. After spending only minutes with the shoe, I can tell you that the shoe is worth checking out if you value lightweight performance.
Sound like something you’re interested in? You can buy the all-new adizero ZG starting January 31st.
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