adidas Men's Zg21 Golf Shoe

Product Information

Thintech construction brings you close to the ground for better transfer, balance and stability, and consistent ball-striking with increased power. On the positive side, the Lightstrike Foam and Boost Technology in the heel really did provide the extreme comfort that adidas say it does. It's like having a pillow stuffed with marsh mallows under your heel. That mild soreness wouldn't put me off wearing the ZG21 because it's par for the course (sorry!) with spiked shoes and I’d expect this mild discomfort to ease once the shoes are more broken in as wearing a brand new pair of spiked shoes for the first time often has this result. Having tested a number of golf shoes from different categories over the last few years, I was intrigued to find out how Adidas had gone about creating a new one and whether that had any benefits for us golfers... The outsole features six traditional spikes as well as plenty of secondary traction in the form of lugs. The placement of the secondary lugs you can see scattered in between the conventional cleats has been altered from the layout of the ZG21 thanks to some clever research from the R&D team at adidas. Using heat mapping technology with golfers from across the handicap spectrum, the brand has been able to better understand where golfers need extra grip and where they don't, thus refining the positioning of the secondary lugs. This refined outsole is therefore a little lighter than on the ZG21 but with equal - if not more - grip where it's needed most. There is no doubt there's a confidence-inspiring sensation of grip when you hit the turf in the ZG23 and I also found the shoe to still looks and feels low-profile despite the presence of the spikes.

The ZG21s are a great pair of golf shoes. They're not my favourite and I don't think they'll go down in the golf shoe history books but in terms of a high-performing, modern-looking, waterproof, spiked golf shoe - you really can't go far wrong with them. They will fit the bill for a large amount of golfers and judging by the build quality, if looked after properly they will last you a few years too. I've never been too much of a fan of wide-looking fits and bold colours on the golf course, like most golfers, I like my golf shoes to tie in nicely with my outfit - therefore the flashes of lime don't really do much for me. Another innovative feature is the ultra-light Stability Fin which is a lightweight and durable TPU insert in the lateral sidewall of the shoe that gives increased lateral stability during the swing. Because of the styling, probably not. But that's just personal preference. I can see a lot of golfers getting a large amount of pleasure out of wearing the ZG21s. Pros

Support

Even though a spikeless shoe maybe slightly more comfortable, my preference is to wear spikes and given the choice between the ZG21s and a pair of spikeless shoes I’d go with the adidas on most occasions. The only exception would be on holiday when it’s just more convenient to have the more versatile option of a shoe without spikes that you can wear all day and not just on the course. Then the combination of lightstrike cushioning and the boost midsole means that you really do have a great platform to swing the golf club from. Additionally there is the Sprintskin tech which is a lightweight four layer waterproof (one-year warranty) upper made from innovative textiles and polyurethane films. Two years in the making, the footwear giant is claiming that the ZG21 is up to 20 per cent lighter than the brand's previous spiked shoes and is also 'launching a new category of golf footwear'.

Although the waterproof sprintskin synthetic upper wasn't entirely to my taste aesthetically, performance-wise it was great. The material is lightweight yet quite strong and durable. The sprintskin synthetic upper will also mean that the shoes are extremely easy to wipe down and keep clean after a round. Always a bonus for the avid golfer who is playing regularly. And finally, have Adidas launched a new category in golf footwear? Sorry but, no. This is just another great spiked golf shoe like Adidas have been making for years. Would I Use It? ZG21 features adidas' renowned Boost cushioning system, but then it is up to 20 per cent lighter than previous comparable spiked models in their range and significantly lighter than many of their competitor's shoes. Having worn a number of adidas shoes in the past the waterproof guarantee really is a guarantee. The ZG21s are well sealed and well made meaning your feet will be kept dry on even the wettest of days. On the flipside, breathability wasn't an issue either. Adidas ZG21 Golf Shoe Verdict The design concept for the ZG21 was weightlessness, hence zero gravity. Obviously an unattainable goal, but the ZG21 did end up 20% lighter than the popular adidas Tour 360 XT. Adidas achieved weight savings in almost every aspect of the shoe through the use of advanced materials like Boost and Lightstrike, which also add to the comfort. Whether walking or swinging, the ZG21 provided a wonderful blend of support and cushioning.The adidas ZG21 Golf Shoes are a lightweight, low profile, spiked golf shoe with a solid grip for every single swing. The iconic hybrid Lightstrike and Boost midsole is almost weightless but still charges every single step with energy and provides superior cushioned comfort. Completed with a waterproof upper, the ZG21 shoes also promise to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Stability and consistent ball striking are achieved thanks to the six-spike Thintech TPU outsole. The overall result of adidas’ game-enhancing innovations is the confidence to line up your next shot with the power and stability to play your best. Inspired by heat-map studies and running from heel to toe, we target the areas and place the maximum amount of traction where it’s needed most.

I tested these golf shoes in the usual Golfalot way - 18 holes of golf, straight out of the box. Instead this time the 18 holes of golf were a little more special than your average round at the local municipal. Overall the ZG21s styling is very, well, Adidas. It's fairly contemporary, sleek and all in all not too offensive, in fact the ZG21 couldn't really look more like an Adidas golf shoe if it tried and you have to say that when it comes to shoe styling, they've got a pretty decent reputation. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, The sole is particularly eye catching due to the colour scheme and contrast provided by the Swingplane traction zone. The Stability Fin may be there for the increased support it provides during the swing but it also brings a lot to the shoe aesthetically. It’s just a great looking golf shoe. The is really lightweight but it is also very stable. Generally with a lightweight shoe you lose out on some stability when you’re swinging the club as they don’t have that stiffness to hold your feet securely in place. The Stability Fin did its job.

Adidas ZG21 Golf Shoe Review

Responsive to the demands of the golf swing and course conditions, the adidas ZG21 are also lightweight and super comfortable. Sporty look. The incredible energy return of adidas Boost is created by fusing together energy capsules, giving you the power to keep your feet moving. Were they as comfortable as advertised? Pretty much, yes. Were they as comfortable as a pair of spikeless shoes? Not quite, but I don't think that is even possible. After all, it isn't a flat sole and it has half a dozen screw in cleats in it.