Last season with the release of the Codechaos shoes, Adidas aspired to make the lightest spikeless shoe possible that still provided all the traction golfers needed on the course. Codechaos was worn in competition by pros around the world, including world No. 1 Dustin Johnson.
For 2021, Adidas is trying to do the same thing with spiked shoes in the all-new ZG21, a shoe that Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele debuted at the 2021 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Available in both a lace-up ($180) and BOA ($200) version, the ZG21 was over two years in the making and features technologies that first appeared in shoes Adidas makes for other sports.
For example, the Boost energy-returning material in the heel and forefoot is complimented in the ZG21 by another material called Lightstrike that first appeared in basketball shoes. Working in tandem, they provide extra cushioning as you walk, but Lightstrike does not compact like many foams and is 40 percent lighter than the EVA foam that is often used in golf shoes.
To provide more lateral support as you swing without adding bulk, Adidas designed a fin-shaped piece made from firm TPU. It sits on the lateral side of the midsole. The fin works in tandem with the new, thinner outsole that features six replaceable spikes and has numerous fang-shaped traction elements that dig into the turf and sand. After studying where golfers put the most strain on their feet during the swing – under the medial area in the forefoot and the heel’s lateral portion – Adidas designed a new element called Swingplane. It strategically adds extra firmness in those critical spots without excessive weight.
Finally, the upper is made from a waterproof material that combines textiles with polyurethane film to repel water and save weight.
In addition to the men’s version, Adidas is also releasing versions for women ($190) and juniors ($65).
