Is Less Really More? adidas Thinks So.

There are few franchises in performance footwear more renowned than adizero. For years, the adizero nomenclature has been reserved for lightweight, performance-focused adidas footwear.

If you’re unfamiliar, it’s pretty simple: adidas adizero footwear boasts excellent performance in a lightweight package without sacrificing much of anything. That is the foundation upon which adidas worked to build their latest spikeless golf shoe, the adizero ZG.

Making the move to a lightweight shoe can most definitely provide performance benefits, especially in fatigue reduction and comfort. That said, a reduction in weight can sometimes lead to drop-offs in other performance categories. adidas worked hard and relied on the feedback of their elite Tour staff to ensure this wasn’t the case with adizero ZG.

This much is evidenced by my recent conversation with rising superstar Ludvig Aberg who’s spent ample time in the new adizero ZG.

There are two things I’m skeptical of when it comes to lightweight spikeless golf shoes. First and foremost, the traction has to be good. The adizero ZG relies on a competely new traction pattern to provide grip on par with the spiked shoes in adidas’ lineup.  

“I feel like even though they are spikeless, it still provides you that same strength of the grip.” said Aberg.

adidas used a new undercut lug pattern in addtion to the SPIKEMORE traction to provide some of the overall weight savings.

“I’m sliding my foot a little bit, especially my left foot, but not to the extent where I’m all over the place, So I still need that balance and control but also light traction.” said Aberg about the lower profile of the adizero ZG. “Then there’s reading greens where I think it’s a lot easier when you’re closer to the ground. I think these spikeless shoes are going to definitely help.”

Sacrificing stability?

The second thing I worry about with lightweight spikeless shoes is stability. Surely, a feather-light shoe can’t be stable, right?

Wrong. adidas’ new DYNAMIC TORSION plate and the SPRINTSKIN upper work in tandem to provide torsional rigidity and containment for the foot. SPRINTSKIN is seen in a lot of adidas’ other cleated offerings. It’s waterproof and lightweight. Another box checked.

Cushion conversation

If you want to save weight, you can either use less cushion or use a light one. adidas went the latter and opted for lower-profile cushion in the way of LIGHTSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO. This dual-foam setup keeps the golfer lower to the ground but still provides plenty of impact protection. Best of all, it provides the weight savings that adidas is after.

I’m a big fan of LIGHTSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO. I’ve always found it a little more springy and responsive than BOOST which is more plush. The dual-foam setup here is all you should need to comfortably walk 18 and more with minimal fatigue.

Weighty matters

So the one question that’s been weighing on your mind: “Is the adizero ZG going to perform up to the standard of adidas’ other flagship footwear?”

Unequivocally, yes. After spending mere minutes with the shoe, I can tell you it shoe is worth a look if you value lightweight performance.

Sound like something you’re interested in? You can buy the all-new adizero ZG starting on Jan. 31.