There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What We Tried
adidas Tour360 22 BOA—the BOA (not for suckers) version of adidas’ 2022 flagship golf shoe.
Your Tour360 22 BOA Tester
Tony Covey. A chubby-footed BOA enthusiast who believes laces are for suckers and is super excited to finally get his hands or, I suppose, feet, on a pair of adidas golf shoes. It’s been a while.
adidas Tour360 22 Shoe Review
The adidas Tour360 22 was tested as part of our 2022 Buyer’s Guide. It was a strong performer (as we’ve come to expect from adidas) but the unusual spike design caused some confusion.
Spiked shoe? Spikeless? We had to use our “phone a friend.”
Spiked shoe. Final answer, Regis.
As far as your tech goes, the adidas Tour360 22 is fully loaded (as much as shoe can be). You get Boost foam, an INSITE sock liner and traction provided by massive SPIKEMORE cleats. My assumption is SPIKEMORE is the really big brother of the GRIPMORE which was an otherwise awesome and super comfortable adidas shoe with a single fatal design flaw.
Micro-Adjustable BOA Fit System
I’m not sure if you’re aware but there are actually a few different flavors of BOA. The Tour360 22 uses the micro-adjustable version of the system which is a more fine-tunable version of the BOA dial. It works in both directions so you can tighten in small increments or just crank it hard. Likewise, you can loosen in small increments by clicking in the opposite direction. You can also just pop it up to loosen everything in a hurry.
For the BOA uninitiated, let me give you a quick pros and cons list.
Pros
- BOA is awesome.
- Allows for super-quick tightening and loosening of your shoes
- Nobody ever tripped over a BOA.
- Lifetime warranty
- Not for suckers
Cons
- BOA adds to cost of the shoe: adidas gets a $40 premium. That’s on the high side with most others charging $30.
- Limited colorways: adidas offers only two options (white and black) in BOA compared to seven in the laced version (Boo, adidas. Boo).
- Not always available in wide sides, though I can say the same about laced (AKA: sucker) versions
How the shoes fit my slightly wide foot will be the focus of this review.
Slipping them on
Let’s start with the part where I sound like a cranky old bastard who doesn’t know how modern shoes work. The adidas Tour360 22 features the kind of design that strives to make it as difficult as possible to actually get your foot in the shoe which strikes me as an important aspect of wearing a shoe. Seriously, you might need some lube.
This isn’t strictly an adidas thing. PUMA does it too sometimes. We’re talking about a shoe that’s basically tongue-less with minimal give so don’t expect you’re just going to slip it on.
For what it’s worth, the opening loosens a bit after a few uses and I probably need to be more open to new ways of doing things.
As noted, the Tour360 22 BOA isn’t available in wide sizes, and while that’s not ideal, sometimes BOA versions fit wider so I was optimistic they’d work their way into my rotation, especially since I’m short on white shoes these days.
My Golf Shoe Theories
Before we get into the meaty part of this adidas Tour360 22 BOA review, I want to share a couple of my theories on golf shoes.
Theory 1: Golf shoes should be comfortable out of the box.
This is the internet so I know somebody is going to argue with me, so let me be clear. I’m not saying that it’s impossible to break in a new pair of shoes but, with about 2,000 options on the market, you should probably be able to find a pair that fits so well you don’t need to.
That said, I also understand that sometimes we like things so much that it’s worth taking a risk.
With the adidas Tour360 22 BOA, I initially experienced some minor discomfort in the heel but not so much that metaphorical alarm bells went off. Besides, the first time I wore them on the course, I had another pair of shoes in the bag just in case.
That’s a pro tip right there. If you’re wearing new golf shoes for the first time, unless you’re SUPREMELY confident in the comfort, throw a trusted pair in your bag.
I tested a pair of shoes without a backup pair once. Played the last four holes barefoot. Let that be a lesson to all of us.
Theory 2: I don’t care how smart you think you are; you don’t know anything about your golf shoes until you walk up a hill.
It doesn’t even have to be a big hill. The putting green at my home course sits above the parking lot. Over the years, that short uphill walk has become a reliable predictor of whether my feet will bleed.
That barefoot incident. The hill told me. I didn’t listen.
On Course with the Tour360 22 BOA
After wedging my slightly wide foot in the smaller-than-I’d-like opening, I experienced for the first time what adidas calls the locked-in feel. At face value, it’s kind of a silly description. It’s not like your shoes are ever not locked in and just coming flying off during your swing, but with the Tour360 22, it’s definitely different. It’s hard to explain but it’s like the shoe is more connected … one with your foot … that sort of thing.
The Boost foam is comfortable, the SPIKEMORE traction is excellent and BOA is just better.
On the negative side, I did feel a little pinch in both heels like the heel cup wasn’t hitting me exactly where it needed to. Still locked in but slightly off kilter.
That made me a little nervous about the fit but the hill said I’d be OK … and I trust the hill.
The First (and Second) Nines
Sure enough, I made it through nine holes unscathed. Pace of play was good and I kept the ball (mostly) in front of me. There was some mild discomfort but I left the course with all my skin intact. I went home with a sense of pride. “I got me some adidas I can actually wear on the golf course and, with the BOA, I’m not out here like some kind of sucker.”
The second time out didn’t go quite as well. Through no fault of my own, I suffered through a long and meandering nine. I still kept the ball in front of me but the pace was ungodly slow (three hours for nine holes) and found myself doing that thing where you bang your toe into the ground to force your foot away from a rubbing heel cup. Full disclosure: I have no idea if that kind of thing actually works but the point is that I was uncomfortable. I Made it through nine skin intact. Another hole or two, probably not.
adidas Tour360 22 BOA – Takeaway
So where does that leave us?
I like the shoe. I like the way it wraps around my foot and, for the first few holes, before the cumulative effect of whatever is going on with heel cup flares up, it’s really comfortable with great traction. There is no part of me that believes it isn’t an excellent shoe but the fit isn’t perfect for me.
Sometimes that can be hard to accept.
Bear in mind that I’m a legitimate wide-foot guy (I’ve been measured). I’m not extra wide, just solidly chubby-footed, which I believe puts me right on the edge of whom the adidas Tour360 22 BOA will fit well.
It’s unlike me (I’m usually a black and white, either it fits or it doesn’t, kind of guy) but I like the shoe enough that I’m going to try the “break them in” thing. I’m still hoping there’s a chance so I’ll wear them nine at a time until they’re either good to go or I’m willing to accept they won’t ever be.
Fingers crossed.
The ripple in all of this is that BOA and laced systems will often fit differently and this might be a case where the laced version fits better. But, like I said, with my wide foot, I’m right on the edge of being comfortable, so if you’ve got a normal-to-narrow foot and are looking for a shoe loaded with tech (and the option to not be a sucker), you and the adidas Tour360 22 BOA might get on brilliantly.
I’m saying there’s a chance.
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Tony P
4 weeks agoI walk 18 holes 5 days a week & at 220 pounds (6’2″) my feet take plenty abuse. Buy some comfortable running shoes, Like the On Trail Running shoes, save $100 over the Adidas and the On’s are so comfortable….I no longer have aching feet! Plus you can where them away from the course
Marty
4 weeks agoThese shoes look like someone tore the cute little puppy dog faces off a pair of puppy dog house shoes. I can assure you that if you are over the age of 3, you aren’t going to look very good wearing these shoes.
Trusty rusty
4 weeks agoI’m 50/50 on boa having had it golf shoes, bike shoes, fishing boots and winter-related boots. It does the job and as we all agree convenient. However, i have back to lace in my golf shoes. There is an awful lot of BS brands out there that appeal to our logo-driven society rather than fit and performance. Take one look at the detailing of better shoes versus what People buy because it has a swoosh, pull the blinders off people. Adidas is the only brand that I will wear because of the last (shape of the foot they work with to balance fit and performance) out-of-the-box comfort.
Mike
4 weeks agoAs soon as you mentioned “non-replaceable” spikes, I’m out. Seriously, $250 & after a couple years I throw them away?
Shane
4 weeks agoAre the spikes on these replaceable? I presume not based on their design, which is a bit of a tough pill to swallow considering the price.
Duke
4 weeks agoNot a fan of BOA. Could never really tighten to my satisfaction. I play a very hilly course. Uphill, downhill and side hill. I had to always retighten every few holes. I’ll stick to laces. Look better also. IMHO.
Rene Norton
4 weeks agoJohn B knows me from the golf store where I was the footwear specialist for 5 years in Minnesota. Having said that I have my opinions and a few suggestions. My first suggestion is to buy a shoehorn for the sock-type golf shoe. It’ll go on easier and you won’t chance an uncomfortable fold in the lining. When the first 360 BOA hit the market, the wires ran between the arch and sole of the shoe. While that BOA helped to keep the foot sunk into the shoe, many found a slippage in the heal (and the lining would wear out). Most golfers liked the feel, though. FootJoy on the other hand ran the BOA wires around the heel to prevent slippage of the heel, yet some complained the heel didn’t fit right as if the wires needed to be higher instead of in the middle of the heel. Your article addressed this problem (I think that’s what you meant). We ask which is better? Around the heel or around the arch? I have no idea, that would depend upon the individual. My second suggestion is a good 3-layer golf sock to help prevent heel slippage and also carry a second pair of shoes! Overall, I like BOA’s (and similar designs) much better than laces because the BOA does and will keep your foot quieter in the shoe. My third suggestion is if the shoe doesn’t feel good out of the box, don’t buy it.
Dr Tee
4 weeks agoI’m a huge fan of BOA–in fact I’m still using two pair of 4-5 year old FJ Freestyle BOA’s–of course I have changed the soft spikes several times. Of course I have changed the footbeds several times, but that’s the “cost” of comfort. A word to the wise shopper–check what “laces” the boa uses. My FJ’s are some sort of wire cable that will probably never wear out as opposed to the recent buttery soft ECCO’s I acquired which have some type of cloth/fiber pulls which potentially could wear or break, although they have a “lifetime guarantee”, I’m not sure where it would be honored or activated. My second piece of advice, equally as important is try the shoes on–be sure you can easily/comfortably turn the boa disc(s) securely. I have found the heel location best as on my old FJ’s–I am sure I could not easily reach or tighten the boa adequately on left side/left foot being a right hander. Even the top front left shoe location of the ECCO boa ( also similar location on many others ) is a slight struggle and less convenient than heel location.
Rene Norton
4 weeks agoHi Dr. Tee
If you do have problems with your Ecco shoes you may return them to Ecco or the store where you purchased them.
https://us.ecco.com/service-pages/returns-and-exchanges/
https://us.ecco.com/service-pages/returns-and-exchanges/returns-form.html
Tim H
4 weeks agoI too have wide feet. I really like the idea of the BOA setup on golf shoes. I finally bought the Puma AlphaCat early last month. I struggled to fit my fat foot into the shoe, until I bought a small shoe horn. Now my foot slides right in. Love the new Puma’s. All day walking comfort with no hotspots.
Doug Hansen
4 weeks agoI had a pair of 360’s years ago, before getting my knees replaced. They fit me great, hugged my midsole like custom shoes but were so glued to the ground that they made my knees grind.
Now that I have new knees (10+ years now/still going strong) I might give these a shot. But I need a version with replaceable spikes.
David
4 weeks agoI have had my adidas tour 360 22 boa for 2 months and play golf 3 times a week .
The non replaceable spikes are starting to fall apart and have contacted adidas to return the shoes.
Other than the above these are very comfortable shoes
Al
4 weeks agoJust picked up the Payntr shoes for my wide feet. The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Right out of the box onto the golf course. Pricey at $190 but well worth it.
Lash
4 weeks agoThe BOA system is no good for me. Why is there a need to replace shoelaces? No need to reinvent the wheel and the look is horrible.
Scott
4 weeks agoBOA looks super convenient just like velcro shoes, but I just can’t do it they are flat-out fulgy.
Ed
4 weeks agoIf Adidas is going to charge $250, the spikes should be replaceable.
Whitey
4 weeks agoSpike don’t look replaceable, hate to throw away shoes when the spike wear out.
Tom Higgins
4 weeks agoI discovered a product called Lock Laces a few years ago. Now put them on all my golf shoes.
Dr Tee
3 weeks agothey work to keep laces from coming untied (got mine at a running shoe store) but to tighten or readjust your shoes, they just add one more step in terms of accessing the laces.
Rolly Junio
4 weeks agoThanks for the review! I’m also have slightly wide feet and always wonder how the BOA would work getting on my foot. I don’t like not being able to slide my foot in and out easily for any of my shoes.
Geno
4 weeks agoThese are flat out the ugliest friggin golf shoes I have ever laid eyes on. You would think for $250 they could come up with something a little more aesthetically pleasing. Won’t be on my “must have” list this year. To each his/her own I guess.
Ron C
4 weeks agoI purchased the Adidas S2G Boa shoes and they are prefect for me with a little wider foot but not extra wide. They are a much better fit than the regular 360 which is a little thought, and 360 wide which is too big. If you are between a normal and wide foot, these shoes are great especially with the BOA system, and the BOA is on the top of the tongue vs the side which is awkward. I hope I’ll never have to go back to laces again.
fbng1991
4 weeks agoMore importantly to me is the shoes are not in narrow for size 14. BOA Puma don’t tighten enough. Only shoes so far that actually seems to have a 14 narrow are Foot Joys, if you do MyJoys. And the selections very limited.
Andrew the Great!
4 weeks agoI bought a pair of Footjoy BOA golf shoes (HyperFlex) in January 2020 at the start of a long golf weekend with my BIL at Kiawah Island.
I absolutely love BOA, and I don’t even have the one that goes in both directions. Shoes are easy peasy on, easy peasy off, and tightening them is, well, easy peasy. What’s also nice is mid-round, when a shoe needs to be snugged a bit, you don’t have to undo then redo the bow knot of your laces. You just click-click-click in a nanosecond, and you’re all set.
My click wheel is on the heel of each shoe, and it cranks what appears to be monofilament where traditional laces would be. So it looks better than those ugly Adidas shoes at the top of the article, IMO.
BOA is great, IMO.
Richard Delmont
4 weeks agoI have become a fan of Adidas shoes. Game both the Tour360 XT and XT SL laced versions. The non-replaceable spikes might steer me away from the 22s.. I too have a wide foot. Never really found a good BOA fit. and sometimes it’s hard to find a good wide fit. That being said would love to see a MGS best wide fit shoe review.
Stephen Gotkin
4 weeks agoDo they come in Left Handed?
No joke! Mizuno made Shoes for Left Handed golfers in the 90’s/
The spike are the wrong way on most shoes and used to spin out or not have quite the same traction as for righty’s.
Wayne Wallace
4 weeks agoMicro adjustable I assume similar to road bike Boas, easily accessible and if you can tighten the left foot Boa by turning counter-clockwise it’s a winner / if not, it’s not for me. The appearance of the shoe reminds me of my Grand Papa’s slippers..
Willie
4 weeks agoThis review is spot on… it for another adidas shoes. Every single word is true for me and the white code chaos mid top with boa. Very difficult to get your foot into which like toney said I guess “locks you in” but I thought that heel thing was just me. I have a pair of grey low top chaos with laces that are the most comfortable shoes in my lineup which includes the foot joy premieres. I can only walk 9 holes max in the white pair and in the greys could easily do the 18. Not sure if it’s the mid top or the boa or a combo of them both but either way something is off with the heel cup in those models. Walkers beware!
tscdave
4 weeks agoI was always worried the system would break, like a shoe lace, but with this system you could not simply replace the lace. But, I see they now offer some type of lifetime warranty? Also, I would only buy these from a retail shop to try on first.
Luc
4 weeks agoHow long will the spikes last?
If they are not replaceable that would make for a very expensive pair of shoes if I can only wear them for less than one season.
I play both types spikes (in wet weather mostly) and spikeless and I replace the spikes once per year on average.
TBT
4 weeks agoI am in the exact same boat, slightly wider foot in certain shoes just don’t fit. I have always been very disappointed by the lack of wide sizes in golf shoes..
That being said, I do love the BOA system, I just wished they offered it ona bigger variety Of shoes
CHICK HERNANDEZ
4 weeks agoI enjoyed the honesty of the review. So often it’s just BS put up there to sell the shoe. I’m a wide footed guy who whenever possible go for the extra wide shoe, especially since I tend to walk on the outsides of my feet. Guess this isn’t the shoe for me
Jacob McCain
4 weeks agoAny idea when we’ll see the XT-SL version of these? I have the original XT-SL Boas in white and black as well as the ZG21 in spiked. Now if they’d just do Codechaos BOA in something other than that stupid basketball high top!
Evan
4 weeks agoIt’s extremely frustrating Adidas has done away with the wide sizing for the Tour line. Had bought the last two versions of the Adidas Tours in wides because they were the only wides that would fit without making it feel like my foot was drowning in too much space. Had hoped the laced or this BOA was going to get some at least limited wide sizing.