STYLE: adidas ZG21 – Lightweight, Spiked Perfection

Golf has experienced tremendous growth during the COVID pandemic, particularly with many individuals taking advantage of the health aspects (and reduced costs) offered by walking (as opposed to riding).

As a result, it’s become very important to have a comfortable, lightweight pair of golf shoes that also perform. And that’s why it’s never been a better time for adidas Golf to release the ZG21 golf shoe lineup:

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by adidas Golf (@adidasgolf)

Earlier this year, adidas released the ZG21 lineup with the goal of being the next breakthrough in spiked performance. And after playing a few rounds with the uncharacteristically nice and early spring here in the northeast, I can confidentiality state that adidas has moved the needle (again).

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Hozel Rocket 🚀 (@hozel_rocket)

I like to think that I’ve got some speed (~115 MPH with a driver), and I’ve always found it very helpful to have shoes that allow you to lock-in and swing aggressively with confidence that you won’t slip. Prior to the ZG21, this sometimes meant sacrificing comfort and a lightweight design. Stated differently, I commonly was forced to choose between a heavier, less comfortable golf shoe, with plenty of spiked traction or a lighter, comfortable shoe that ditched spikes for a traction pattern that sometimes struggled to keep you locked in.

The ZG21 finally offers golfers the option to have it ALL: lightweight comfort AND traction.

Weighing in at only 13 ounces, the ZG21’s are my lightest spiked shoes by several ounces. Additionally, adidas’ Boost and Lightstrike foams come together to provide an unrivaled level of comfort that allows you to take the ZG21’s from the box and straight to the course without fear of your feet feeling worn out.

The lightweight, comfort-focused design really was noticeable when I decided to walk rounds, especially earlier in the year when my body is really conditioned for walking 6,500+ yards after being locked up all winter. Instead of feeling abused and looking for a bench to rest on, the ZG21’s allowed me to play without feeling bogged down or worn out.

This also became immensely helpful given that I’ve been taking lessons during the offseason, with the primary change being a change in feeling how I shift my pressure. The Boost and Lightstrike foams not only kept my feet comfortable and cushioned, but they also provided tons of feedback that allowed me to know that I had a solid foundation and feel my pressure shift from my front, to my rear heel, and back to my lead side on full swings, or stay planted on my front during wedge shots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by adidas Golf (@adidasgolf)

The feedback, traction, and security provided by the ZG21 can’t be understated, as I was able to swing freely without worrying about sliding all over the place, regardless of the lie (sidehill, bunker, etc.) I was playing from.

Finally, the Sprintskin upper is a nice change from the more traditional leather. Not only does Sprintskin contributed to the lightweight design, but it also allows the ZG21 to be waterproof and easy to clean to maintain that brand new look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Hozel Rocket 🚀 (@hozel_rocket)

The 2021 golf season is just starting, but I’m already very happy with where my game stands. With the big changes in my swing coming from a new focus and emphasis on pressure changes, the ZG21’s have helped me provide some of my best swings on the ball, while also allowing me to walk and play in complete comfort.

And I think we can all agree that anything that can help enhance your golfing experience is something you should add to your arsenal.

The ZG21’s are currently for sale on adidas.com and through golf retailers nationwide, and can be purchased in a variety of colors with laces or BOA.

Cover Image via Instagram