From Football to Fairways – adidas Adizero ZG golf shoe review

Inspired by football boots, the adidas Adizero is slim, sleek, and designed for speed. But does this lightweight spikeless shoe live up to the hype on the golf course?

When I first slipped on the adidas Adizero ZG golf shoes, it instantly brought back memories of when my grandparents bought me a pair of Adizero six-spike shoes almost 13 years ago. Back then, they were some of the best golf shoes you could get: lightweight, futuristic, and unlike anything else on the market. To see the Adizero name back in golf feels like a serious blast from the past, and I love it.

And it’s not just me who’s excited to see the Adizero return. The shoe has quickly become the footwear of choice for some of Europe’s brightest stars, including Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Ludvig Åberg. When Ryder Cup players are lacing them up in competition, you know adidas has built something special.

This new version retains the same DNA of speed and athletic design, reimagined for today’s game. Slim, sleek, and aerodynamic, it looks like it was built to move quickly, almost like a football boot adapted for the fairways. The profile is low and fast, the upper is clean and modern, and on looks alone, this is one of adidas’ best silhouettes in years.

What surprised me most, though, is how well it performs as a spikeless shoe. The traction is aggressive and powerful, so much so that half the time I forgot I wasn’t wearing spikes. adidas has managed to capture the feel of a spiked shoe with the convenience of spikeless technology, making the Adizero one of the most convincing contenders for the best spikeless golf shoes this season.

For me, it’s more than just a shoe; it’s nostalgia reimagined. adidas has brought back a name that meant so much to me growing up, and packaged it into a model that feels fresh, modern, and ready for today’s game. If the old Adizero was about innovation, this new one is about proving adidas still knows how to make one of the best golf shoes out there.

Comfort: 3.5/5

Comfort is always the biggest test for any golf shoe, and the Adizero sits somewhere in the middle of adidas’ range. The slim fit feels more like a football boot than a traditional golf shoe. On one hand, that makes it feel fast, sleek, and athletic. On the other hand, it can feel a little pinchy in the toe box if you’ve got wider feet. I’d recommend trying a half-size up or opting for the wide fit if you’re worried.

Underfoot, the cushioning is firmer than adidas’ BOOST models like the Tour360 or CodeChaos. That took a little getting used to, but the Lightstrike Pro foam still provides plenty of rebound and responsiveness when walking or swinging. It’s supportive rather than squishy, something many players will actually prefer.

Around the ankle and heel, adidas has nailed the padding. There’s a soft collar that locks you in without digging or rubbing, and the overall step-in feel is premium. For long summer rounds, the Adizero is more than comfortable enough.

Performance: 5/5

This is where the Adizero really shines. For a spikeless shoe, the traction is seriously impressive. The grip pattern is aggressive and mimics the stability you’d expect from a spiked shoe, so much so that half the time I forgot I was wearing spikeless. Stability through the swing was excellent thanks to the dynamic stability system, which helps keep your feet planted even on firmer turf.

The slim, athletic profile helps here, too. Because the shoe feels like a trainer or boot, you stay connected to the ground without any unnecessary bulk. The firmer cushioning also adds to that sense of stability; you feel supported without wobbling around.

It might not match the all-weather confidence of a full spiked model, but in dry to damp conditions, the Adizero has more than enough grip to compete with the very best spikeless shoes on the market.

Durability: 4/5

adidas has built this shoe to last. The upper feels strong and resilient, with a waterproof finish that handled damp conditions with no issues. Yes, the white/grey colourway creased slightly around the toe box after a few rounds, but that’s normal for a slim, leather-style shoe.

The outsole feels tough and unlikely to wear down quickly, even with plenty of walking. I’ve also been impressed with how easy the Adizero is to clean mud and grass off without fuss, keeping the sharp look intact.

Given how lightweight the shoe is, it’s reassuring that it still feels sturdy and long-lasting. I’d happily use these as my main pair for the season.

Style and design: 5/5

This is hands down one of adidas’ best silhouettes in years. The football boot-inspired look is slim, fast, and modern without being too flashy. The low side profile makes them look athletic, and the white/grey colourway I tested paired effortlessly with shorts or trousers.

It’s the kind of golf shoe you could wear anywhere, understated enough for traditionalists, but stylish enough to appeal to sneaker fans. If you’re bored of bulky golf shoes, the Adizero is a breath of fresh air.

It’s also practical. Easy to clean, discreet branding, and a versatile colour palette all make it a shoe you’ll actually want to wear week in, week out.

Technology and features: 5/5

adidas has packed the Adizero with its latest golf-specific technology. At the heart of it is the Lightstrike Pro cushioning, which delivers lightweight responsiveness underfoot while keeping the shoe ultra-light overall. The dynamic stability system works with the slim profile to provide excellent footing and control during the swing.

The Adizero is one of the best waterproof golf shoes thanks to the fully waterproof upper keeping your feet dry in damp conditions, making the Adizero more versatile than some other lightweight models that are strictly summer-only.

And because adidas is pushing sustainability, at least 20% of the shoe is made from recycled and renewable materials. It’s a small step, but one that shows adidas is thinking beyond just performance.

All in all, it’s a smart mix of modern golf performance and adidas’ broader brand ethos.

Final verdict: 22.5/25

The adidas Adizero ZG golf shoe is one of the most exciting spikeless models adidas has released in recent years. It’s lightweight, stylish, and built for players who want a sleeker, more athletic shoe without compromising on grip or stability.

Yes, it’s narrower and firmer than some of adidas’ other options, and it doesn’t quite reach the plush comfort levels of the Tour360 or CodeChaos. But for style, performance, and all-around usability, the Adizero is sensational.

If you’re after one of the best golf shoes that balances looks, lightweight feel, and spikeless performance, the Adizero should be high on your list.

adidas Adizero ZG Golf Shoes

RRP: £150.00 / $180.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: Yes

Waterproof: Yes

Fit: Runs a little small