Adidas Code Chaos incorporates Zs into its outsole for traction support.
Adidas
Anyone who has worked a round of golf with me in recent years has seen two distinct looks of the shoe. Not one, not three, not four or however many shoes I have in my closet. Only two. The same couples over and over.
First, there are the timeless FootJoy classics. Pearly white leather you don’t want to get dirty. Great for sunny days.
The other option, which I play rain or shine, are Chaos code without spikes kicks from Adidas. The Code Chaos debuted five years ago and were the only shoes I rocked in the throes of the pandemic when I walked nine holes every day.
While the shoe’s design has changed a bit over the years, the latest iteration — available for the first time this month — makes a comeback to the earliest versions. It’s athletic and built with Adidas Boost technology to make walking responsive good. That feeling of relief that comes over you after removing the spikes after walking for 18 years? You don’t get that with these shoes. Because walking a lap in Code Chaos isn’t a grind. It’s just…huh walking.
Adidas Code Chaos 25
160 dollars
A Lightstrike + microfiber midsole energizes your stride and stance while feeling incredibly responsive underfoot. The non-studded Twist Grip outsole holds firmly for powerful movements and accurate shots, while the waterproof upper keeps your feet dry on wet and dewy roads.
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2 things I like:
Brackets!
Can we call them knockers? These shoes are spineless, but the sole is covered with slightly protruding Zs. They point in all directions – Adidas calls this Grip Twist – ensuring that whichever way your swing takes your feet, your shoes will lock onto the ground below them.
This true playability feature can be difficult to achieve. Many golf shoe brands want their outers to be sleek and tidy. They want the soft spikes to line up. But when it comes to the truth fastener of shoes on the ground, who needs rules? Aesthetics are not as important as stability. I like little Zs.
Waterproof upper
When I look down at the Code Chaos shoes, they remind me of tennis trainers. Maybe that’s the point: they’re versatile and built for different environments. Basically, that’s why I’ve made them a wardrobe staple. The upper of the shoe is comfortable and feels like a tennis shoe with a mesh base, but is covered with a waterproof coating. Mud golf in the spring? No problem. Dewy summer mornings? Your feet are dry. In the world of unpredictable conditions, we want a shoe that does it all.
1 thing I’m not crazy about:
Boa technology
That’s part of why I’m writing this review now. The shoes came out with Boa technology in August and are just now launching with traditional laces. There is no extra piece of skin. There are no chains. No quarter size stamp hanging off the side. Only connectors. Sometimes simple is best.
