Golf Apparel Review! – adidas puremotion shoe
Golf Shoes

Golf Apparel Review! – adidas puremotion shoe

Golf Apparel Review! – adidas puremotion shoe

adidas puremotion

Introduction

(Written By: GolfSpy T) It shouldn’t surprise anyone that adidas would produce some of the most popular shoes in golf. When you consider the company’s track record (which includes actual track records), none of us should be surprised that adidas would produce the most popular anything for just about any sport.

Sure, if I told you that adidas made the most popular helmet in fencing you might be slightly indifferent, and a little puzzled, but not surprised. Telling you adidas makes a popular golf shoe…well, that borders on stating the obvious.  Incidentally, I have no idea if adidas makes any fencing equipment whatsoever, nor would I have any idea about the actual popularity if they did.

Still, I will confess to being slightly surprised myself at this year’s PGA Show when the adidas buzz wasn’t focused on their top of the line adiPure, or even the street-styled adicross. Nope, what convention goers were most excited about was a boldly colored, sneaker-style golf shoe with a very distinct tread pattern.

Hopefully you’re not so simple that you’ve been, up to this point, unable to figure out that I’m talking about the recently released adidas puremotion golf shoe. Before we get into the guts of what I actually think about the shoe, here’s a little bit of what adidas would like you to know:

  • Athletic Performance- Lightweight and Breathable Performance materials for increased flexibility and Extreme Comfort.  Designed to deliver enhancements in climate control, performance and comfort, this collection is ultra-lightweight to help reduce fatigue and enhance energy round after round.
  • Anatomical shape and versatile spikeless outsole provides a natural fit and feel for enhanced comfort, stability and performance
  • Wider, web-shaped forefoot allows for more natural movement, grip and flex for improved balance
  • CLIMAPROOF® mesh upper provides waterproof protection with athletic functionality
  • 2-Year Waterproof Warranty and 90 Day Comfort Guarantee

adidas puremotion sole

Style

Honest truth…I’ve never been a fan of sneaker-style anything…except sneakers. On the course I’ve gone traditional, street casual, and with all due respect for the original TRUE Linkswear Tour (which I love), vintage Bozo (that’s a clown shoe reference). What I’ve never done, at least prior to receiving the adidas puremotion, is gone Wimbledon (sorta).

To adidas’s credit the bold blue (adidas calls it satellite) samples I received gives the shoe a serious amount of pop that almost hides the fact that you’re not wearing what one might call a traditional golf shoe. The same is largely true of the black on black (red accents) and white on white (satelite accents) of the other available color options.

Still…for better or worse, the puremotion is a golf sneaker.

On the flipside, I’m actually a huge fan of the blue (didn’t think I would be), and even if good fashion sense says otherwise, I’ll wear them with just about anything in my closet. Granted, I took a little heat from one of the aging members at my club who tried to tell me that “you can’t wear blue shoes with a pink shirt”. Maybe that’s true, but you probably shouldn’t wear an adult diaper with your knickers either. Glass houses..stones, etc. To each his own, I suppose.

Look, I’m not going to compare the puremotion with a traditional golf shoe, or a ultra-lightweight minimalist shoe, or even a street shoe. Like nearly everything else in this world, it’s all relative, and relative to other sneaker style golf shoes, the puremotion has more style than most. Did I mention I love the blue?

Score: 23/25

adidas puremotion toebox

Comfort

My thinking is that for most of the MyGolfSpy staff, and for just about anyone who has slipped a pair on his feet, TRUE Linkswear (Tour and Stealth) remain the gold standard for golf shoe comfort. Both make you feel like you’re golfing in a high performance slipper (that’s a good thing).

To achieve a lighter weight design (at least I assume that’s why) adidas left out some of the bells and whistles (plush liners, memory foam, etc.) that some manufacturers are using to help create an insanely comfortable golf shoe. Nevertheless, for a shoe that has a bit less padding then some others, the puremotion is nothing less than insanely comfortable.

What I’ve always said about shoes…and golf shoes in particular is that you shouldn’t have to break them in. Golf is hard enough without having to play through blisters and other shoe-associated issues. If I can’t walk 18 holes with a pair of shoes that are fresh out of the box, they’re garbage, and I’m not interested.

I’m a walker. The only time I ever ride is when I play a course with a mandatory riding rule, or when I’m playing with my lazy friend Jon. Otherwise, I’m hoofing it. And when I walk, I’m not willing to wear thicker socks, or wear band-aids on my heels, or any of that nonsense. As I’ve said, a golf shoe must be flawlessly comfortable right out of the box. No exceptions.

In that respect, the puremotion was nothing short of perfect from the moment I stepped out on the golf course. No rubbing, no discomfort, and most importantly no missing skin. They’re not plush (no bonus points), but they sure are comfortable.

Now is probably a good time to mention that I have a bit of a chubby forefoot. Classic adidas designs, like the popular Samba, have never fit me well. I’ve always been a little bummed about that, it honestly, my lack of success with the Samba probably has played a role in keeping other adidas shoes off my feet.

In contrast, the puremotion is wider, and has absolutely no issues accommodating my fat feet. If you’ve got a wider foot, you’ll probably love the standard width puremotion as much as I do.

Score: 28/30

aididas puremotion logo

Performance

What that sneaker-like design I keep mentioning suggests the puremotion might be more of a casual, Sunday afternoon type of shoe, but on the course, they’re all business – and then some.

The tread pattern is aggressive – a bit like a bear’s paw – and grips the turf as well as any shoe I’ve ever worn. I’ve got at least a dozen rounds under the laces and despite playing in monsoon conditions, I haven’t slipped once.

While evaluating the durability of the non-replaceable tread is going to take a bit more time, as of this writing there is zero signs of tread degradation. As with all of my golf shoes, I do what I can to limit contact with blacktop, cement, and other surfaces that could accelerate wear. Your actual mileage may vary.

If there is a knock from a performance perspective it would be with the waterproof mesh. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that mesh and waterproof don’t exactly go well together. My window screens are mesh, which is the reason why I close the windows when it rains.

Here’s the ripple…I don’t really know what the average golfer’s expectation is when they hear the word Waterproof. I suppose it should be absolute (as opposed to water resistant). If that’s the case, then I’ve never actually owned a pair of shoes that was truly 100% waterproof. The problem is that, with every pair of shoes, there’s a giant hole where your foot goes – and socks wick moisture. Save a skin-hugging rubber liner, it’s never going to work.

So based on my personal experience playing in heavy (really insane, can’t see your partner on the other side of the fairway, torrential downpour) rain, I’m inclined to suggest the adidas puremotion are not quite 100% waterproof, but as I said, they’re no worse than any other “waterproof” shoe I’ve ever worn.

While my feet weren’t soaked, they weren’t exactly dry either (my toes stayed dry…that’s something). Granted, the conditions were more extreme than I’d expect most people would ever encounter (a smarter golfer would have walked of the course), the mesh didn’t perform exactly as advertised. Solid, but not perfect.

Under more normal wet conditions (morning dew, light rain, etc.), the puremotion do an outstanding job of keeping the moisture out.

Score: 27/30

adidas puremotion heel

Value

Short of products that basically self-destruct within hours of use, I’m not a fan of assigning value scores to the equipment we test. The reality is that the golf community as whole contains a variety of perspectives. You’ve got the guys who think anything under $300 is a bargain, and you’ve got guys who think anything over $75 for a pair of shoes is a rip-off.

Me, I’ve come to the realization that something…anything really, is worth whatever some is willing to pay for it, so we’re forced to look at value a bit differently. What I asked myself is how the adidas puremotion compare to other shoes in the $120 price range.

Now of course, I can’t sit here and tell you that I’ve tried every golf shoe from $100-$120, but I’ve tried a few…and a few more with price tags over $150. Generally speaking, the puremotion offers performance and comfort that I’m more inclined to associate with the higher priced shoe.

Granted, there are some real stars at the $100 level, but few that are in the same class as the puremotion.

Score: 14/15

adidas puremotion side view

Final Thoughts

It’s true, sneaker style golf shoes; even really nice looking ones like the adidas puremotion probably aren’t for everyone. I’m not trying to force anything on anyone here. But…if you’re open to trying something new and different, then I’d humbly suggest you start with adidas puremotion.

Over the last several months, my shoe collection (how un-manly does that sound?) has grown to include shoes from adidas (puremotion and crossflex), Ashworth (just arrived), PUMA, and TRUE Linkswear. And while it’s true, I do have certain styles I consider my tournament shoes, more often than not of late I find myself pulling the puremotion off the stupid shoe rack my wife made be put up in the garage.

While I can’t say with absolute certainty that the puremotion have become my favorite pair of golf shoes…I can’t actually say they haven’t (and that still surprises me), but it’s absolutely in the discussion, which is also surprising considering it’s among the most inexpensive shoes I own.

Score: 92/100

The adidas puremotion is available in Satellite/White/Metallic Silver, White/Metallic Silver/Satellite and Black/Black/Red for a suggested retail price of $120.00

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Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

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      John Barta

      10 years ago

      I’m Just bought the shoe it’s on the way from eBay I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the great review I’m looking forward to wearing these.

      Reply

      MS

      11 years ago

      I’ve read that these fit a half size smaller compared to most other shoes; adidas included. Is this correct?

      Reply

      Nigel Dean

      12 years ago

      Hi, I have just bought some Puremotion shoes in white. Very comfy and stylish (to me). But ho do you clean the white mesh uppers? After two games in wet weather, they are badly stained and washing them with a soft brush is not working?

      Reply

      Footjoy does create a relaxed shoes but their “sporty” designs look like a inexpensive golf shoes you would discover at Wal-mart. They really need to seek the services of some new designers

      Reply

      David W

      12 years ago

      Sergio wins in the Crossflex. I guess they are definitely a serious shoe!

      Reply

      Sven

      12 years ago

      Good review, but tagged to the wrong review section – should be in apparel.

      Reply

      Tom

      12 years ago

      Very good review and I was anxious to try these on once you mentioned having wide feet. My standard shoe size is 11.5W which I wear in the Adidas Tour 360 4.0 and they fit perfectly. Well, I went to the golf shop today and tried the PureMotion. The 11.5 size was so tight that I didn’t even need to lace them up. The 12 fit OK as far as length, but they were still very snug. Being mesh, they aren’t going to stretch the way leather will. Your foot shouldn’t slide around in the shoe, but at the same time, they shouldn’t be so snug that you actually notice that you’re wearing them every step you take. Plus, with them feeling like that, I’m missing out on the whole purpose of the shoes which is that they’re supposed to be wider in the forefoot area. It’s very disappointing that Adidas chose not to put these or the CrossFlex in Wide. Curious to see if anyone will have this experience as well.

      Reply

      Dick

      12 years ago

      Sure hope they make it in tall fat boy sizes. I’ve loved the look of their shoes but just can’t seem to find any that fit.

      Reply

      RT

      12 years ago

      I have a pair of the crossflex gray and white.They run 1/2 size small, they can be a pain to clean. The material holds the dirt and you have to rinse them good so there will be no dirt rings when dry. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and very lite-weight!
      I don’t like the lug look from the side view but they play very well.I would buy another pair .

      Reply

      Nikitas Skiufatos

      12 years ago

      Nice shoe but Addidas has failed to consider the fact that there is a large segment of the golfing population with wider feet and they won’t be buying this shoe. For me Foot Joy is the way to go. You are wasting money if you purchase a shoe that does not properly fit your foot. The shoe won’t fit correctly, it will stretch and lose its shape and support and your feet will not be happy

      Reply

      David W

      12 years ago

      Footjoy does make a comfortable shoe but their “sporty” styles look like a cheap tennis shoe you would find at Walmart. They really need to hire some new designers.

      Reply

      Drew

      12 years ago

      Amazing what they are doing with shoes these days. I still miss the sound of metal cleats on a hard surface :).

      Reply

      westy

      12 years ago

      like the Blue, dont seem to get that colour in Uk – but you can get Black or silver widely for around £69.99 ($109). Seems like decent value, but I’d echo previous thoughts about how narrow Addidas golf shoes normally feel, wanted the Samba’s but couldn’t get them on my feet.

      Reply

      Three Guys Golf Blog

      12 years ago

      We have to agree. Our blogger Matt fell in love with these shoes instantly and has not worn another pair since. http://threeguysgolfblog.com/adidas-puremotion-crossflex-golf-shoes/

      Reply

      ross mclaughlan

      12 years ago

      After purchasing and subsequently returning 5 pairs golf shoes across the Adidas range I declare myself beaten by their products,when it comes to fit including width you have to be lucky, and waterproof or weatherproof statement is on the limit of honesty ,they see water and soak it up like a sponge then you have go and sweet talk your dealer and go for the better and more pricey shoe they suggested you buy in the first place.Go for Adidas and you’re going to encounter more problems than you thought the fancy looking shoes would give you.

      Reply

      David W

      12 years ago

      I have been wearing a pair of Adidas Powerband 3.0 shoes for two years and I play very early morning whenever possible so I encounter very wet courses. I’ve never had a moments problem with their waterproofing.

      Reply

      curtis

      12 years ago

      Great golf shoes. Comfortable and stable on the course. I will never waste my money on traditional golf shoes again!!. I hope the USGA does not outlaw the shoe because it take away from the spirit of the game!!!!!

      Reply

      DMann

      12 years ago

      I just wish Adidas made their running shoe style golf shoes in wides. I can buy any Adidas golf shoe off the shelf in my size wide but sadly these won’t fit.

      Reply

      blstrong (SeeRed)

      12 years ago

      “If I can’t walk 18 holes with a pair of shoes that are fresh out of the box, they’re garbage, and I’m not interested.”
      I’m with you here, T. May have to give these a try to give the Trues an occasional day off. I was going to question how seriously we should all take a review (of anything, really) from someone who plays golf in the kind of weather you described, btw. I’ll just chalk it up to you being very, very thorough with your shoe testing.

      Reply

      Tyk

      12 years ago

      I’ve got about 5 rounds on my PureMotions. I have to say I am not all on board with them. First, they burned a hole in the back of my heel when I wore them with short footy socks. I’ve worn (and worn out) alot of Adidas shoes and that is a first. I haven’t had that problem since, but I have to wear taller socks with them.

      Second, while these are kind of being billed as a “barefoot” shoe, with a lower, flatter base and wide toe box, these are much more more a sneaker than they are a True Linkswear. There is alot more padding and support in these than a True, and I don’t really find it comfortable. The feel great at first, then after a while, they get kind of weird. I start noticing my feet after about 15 holes. They don’t hurt, but they aren’t happy. The padding and support just aren’t quite right. The fact that I’m thinking about my feet at all is not good. I’m a big fan of Trues but I’ve had some durability issues with them and thought that maybe these would get close.

      It isn’t fair for me to compare these to Trues just because I hoped they’d compare favorably with Trues, but, that was my hope and they did not live up to it. I can’t say these shoes are going to go in the “riding shoes” bin, I’ll still walk in them, but they are not going to knock my Trues out of their primary spot in the rotation.

      Reply

      Eduardo

      12 years ago

      It must be nice to get to try all these products at no cost. Nice review but I wouldn’t pay 120.00 for these if they were the only shoe available.

      Reply

      Hoogie

      12 years ago

      I have wide flat feet with heel spurs and yet I walk 100+ rounds a year – so I need comfortable shoes. The only ones Ive found that have enough cushioning are the Ecco Biom shoes I bought this year. My only complaint is they dont come in wide sizes but the fit was good nonetheless. My question is how do the puremotion fit for a wide foot when they also dont offer sizes in wides? Thanks

      Reply

      GolfSpy T

      12 years ago

      I have wide, but not flat feet, so I can only half-help you I suppose. As I mentioned in the review, I’ve tried several golf shoes over the years. While the puremotion doesn’t come in wide, they’re definitely built on a wider last, and certainly fit more like a wide shoe than standard width.

      Apart from TRUE Linkswear, I’ve always gravitated toward wide widths, but with the puremotion it isn’t a concern.

      Reply

      GolfSpy T

      12 years ago

      It’s was definitely not my intent to play in that sort of weather. It was sunny, and then it wasn’t, and then it got real ugly.

      I’ve also come to the conclusion that, based on everyone who was on the course with me that afternoon, all rain gear sucks.

      Reply

      JBones

      12 years ago

      I just bought a pair of the Adidas Crossflex Light, which are similar to these, and I LOVE them. I do like the bottom of these better, the Crossflex are more of a built in spike.

      Reply

      David W

      12 years ago

      I’ve been looking at these and the adidas crossflex. Has anyone tried the crossflex?

      Reply

      JBones

      12 years ago

      Love the Crossflex (as I just posted, LOL). The Crossflex has more of a built in spike, where these are more of a street/golf type bottom.

      Reply

      GolfSpy T

      12 years ago

      adidas sent me the crossflex as well. I’ll be writing a smaller review of those for our forum. As I mentioned in this review, I have a wider foot, and while not uncomfortable, the crossflex fit a bit more snuggly than the puremotion. The crossflex also has a less aggressive tread/spike pattern, and from time to time I do find myself slipping a little. The compromise is likely due to the lightweight design. I see the crossflex as more of a Sunday afternoon show. The puremotion has the business for tournament play.

      Reply

      Stefano

      12 years ago

      How do you compare the Puremotion last with the Adicross or the Ashworth Cardiff ones?

      Since I live overseas and they are not distributed in Europe I have to purchase them in the States without being able to try them – and neither to eventually return them due to custom policy! Your help will be mostly helpfull!!!

      David W

      12 years ago

      Thanks for the info. I have a wider foot also so I may like the puremotion better. I have a couple pair of Adidas now (that I have loved) but they are getting old. I really like the looks of the crossflex though so I guess I’ll need to try (or buy) them both…LOL Can always use a black and a white pair of golf shoes.

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