Speed, Stability, Spikeless: the adidas Adizero ZG

Playing Through: If you’re someone who prefers the extra traction and stability of spiked shoes, the adidas Adizero ZG might be the spikeless shoes that make you a convert.

The SPIKEMORE outsole features one of the most aggressive spikeless shoe patterns I’ve tried to date, and when combined with the lightweight design and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning, it’s easy to see how the Adizero ZG can be 2025’s best shoe.

In recent years, adidas Golf has adopted an alternating release schedule that contemplates the TOUR model being released on the first year and the tech-forward, spikeless model being released during the subsequent. Consistent with this unofficial plan, adidas debuted the spikeless Adizero ZG for 2025.

Like a premium sports car, the Adizero ZG provides traction, stability and comfort
that can handle every condition and lie you throw at it

A quick, tech overview of the Adizero ZG. At the center of the design is a lightweight design; in fact, the ZG is one of the lightest golf shoes on the market right now. But adidas didn’t put on its blinder and sacrifice other aspects of the ZG. Instead, the ZG is able to maintain all of the features that make a great golf shoe: comfort, stability and traction.

That’s to Lightstrike Pro cushioning, support and comfort,
your feet will never ask you to take a rest

As for comfort, the ZG features Lightstroke Pro cushioning (pictured above), a staple in adidas’ high-performance running shoes that ensure maximum energy return. For stability, a DYNAMIC TORSION plate—visible on the sole of the shoe—provides rigidity that also provides a rebound effect, returning energy and power back into the golfer. And finally traction, which the aggressive SPIKEMORE traction pattern and lugs (pictured below) provide in abundance.

The Spikemore traction pattern and lugs
provide traction that will give the ZG’s spiked rivals
a run for their money

The ZG’s appearance telegraphs all of its performance attributes; when wearing this new model, you look (and feel) fast and powerful. But the ZG’s looks aren’t just for show.

I am unashamedly a fan of spiked golf shoes. It may call back to my days in baseball spikes, but I prefer the additional security, stability and confidence that spiked shoes can provide, especially when things get unstable or slippery out on the golf course. Because of this preference, I have struggled to find a spikeless golf that provides sufficient traction and instills confidence to justify me deviating away from spiked shoes.

But there’s always your first. Indeed, the ZG may be the spikeless shoe that makes me a convert. Its design is the first that doesn’t make me feel like I have to surrender spiked-shoe performance for spikeless shoe comfort.

Indeed, even when I was speed training—during which I am, literally and figuratively, swinging out of my shoes and, therefore, can quickly find out which shoes have (or don’t) traction—the ZG had me locked in, regardless if I was doing my training on an indoor hitting mat or the grass in my front yard. As a result, the ZG inspired confidence to use all my power and swing with confidence, regardless if I was trying to find some extra power on a par-5 or execute a challenging shot on an uneven, unstable lie (side hills, bunkers, etc.).

The Adizero ZG’s looks signal the high performance they offer 

The real test came just a few weeks ago when I had to walk Baltusrol’s Upper and Lower courses on back-to-back days. Because this was a bucket list opportunity, I wanted to give myself the greatest chance to play my best golf. But because most of the golf I play entails riding in a cart, I also knew that my feet would be waiving the white flag if I was in heavier shoes.

After walking more than 14,000 yards (possibly more given the occasional zig and zagging down a few holes), I carded two great scores on courses that I had never stepped foot on, largely because I was able to wail on my driver with confidence.

Indeed, no matter what kind of conditions I found myself in (wet and dry tee boxes, fairways, rough and bunkers), the ZG provided the same confidence and performance of a spiked shoe. And at the end of the round, my feet weren’t screaming no more; at no point did I cramp or cry in pain.

Despite the early, humid summer weather, the ZGs provided plenty of comfort in a lightweight package. As a result, I had plenty of energy by the time I hit that 18th tee box on the second day to swing with power and make the Lower’s 520-yard, par-5 as short as possible (yes, I went for it in two, but, sadly, I found myself in the green side bunker; fortunately, was able to save par).

In brief, the adidas Adizero ZG is the first golf shoe that has been able to deliver all the strengths of a spiked and spikeless shoe, without any of their drawbacks.

The ZG has the traction and stability of a spiked shoe, without the extra weight. Similarly, it has all comfort of a spikeless shoe, without a traction pattern that makes you think like you’re wearing sneakers while trying to take swings on an ice rink.