adidas’ ZG23: One Step Closer to Spiked Perfection

I’d like to start this out by being completely transparent with you: I am a spiked shoe golfer.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy wearing spikeless shoes, largely because they can be more comfortable and lighter. But when there’s money (or bragging rights) on the line, I will always reach for a pair of spiked golf shoes.

But with the ZG23, adidas Golf has finally developed a spiked shoe that lets me have my (ice cream) cake and eat it too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The ZG23 is the next evolution of adidas’ incredibly successful ZG21 shoe, which, likewise, focused on creating the perfect lightweight, spiked golf shoe.

The ZG23 takes it five steps further than its predecessor, with the incorporation of LIGHSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning systems.

These two technologies come together and bring athletic technologies found in adidas’ running and basketball shoes, meaning you can swing more aggressively while remaining comfortable, even when you’re walking the rolling hills of Bethpage’s Black Course.

I want to be clear: the cushioning systems do not make the ZG23 marshmallow soft. Instead, the material can be best described as “reactive,” as it is comfortably soft when walking but also firm enough that you can feel a pressure change as you load up into your rear leg during the backswing.

To make sure you can enjoy this comfortable, lightweight package in even the worst conditions, the ZG23’s upper section features SPRINTSKIN, a 4-layer waterproof upper section that remains committed to the shoe’s lightweight ethos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It is worth noting that the ZG23’s are also environmentally friendly; the upper section of the ZG23 contains a minimum of 50% recycled materials, building on adidas’ mission to end plastic waste.

The ZG23 have allowed me to get my golf season started with confidence. After not wearing golf shoes for several months, I’d be hesitant to wear even broken-in shoes to golf lessons or simulator sessions for fear of getting blisters. The ZG23’s, however, were worn straight out of the box and have provided footwear euphoria ever since.

Indeed, regardless if it’s been an early, dew-filled spring morning or blistering, 90° heat June day, the ZG23s have let me enjoy every step of my round. Indeed, I found myself reaching for the ZG23’s even when I’m not playing—like speed training in the garage.

As for styling, the ZG23s come in five different colorways (each pictured below) (along with two extra wide options) that range from the more conservative Cloud White / Dark Silver Metallic / Silver Metallic to the more vibrant, eye-catching Cloud White / Core Black / Semi Solar Red. What this means is the ZG23 can be paired with every personality and golf look you can dream of: from the outlandish bachelor party look to the strict-dress code country club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With Father’s Day fast approaching, the ZG23’s should be near the top of the list, especially now that adidas has released the summer-friendly Vent version—featuring a breathable mesh upper. Because I can promise you this: when the club championship season rolls around, I can assure you the ZG23s will be on my feet from qualifying to the (hopeful) championship round.

Cover Image Via adidas