I first came across these Adidas ZG23 Men’s Golf Shoes a little over a year ago, and I can honestly say that they have changed my approach to golf footwear in the best possible way.
Having worn them through more than 200 rounds of walking—yes, over 200 rounds—I feel I have given these shoes every opportunity to reveal their strengths and weaknesses.
And now that I’ve purchased a second pair and walked about 15 miles in them over two rounds with zero issues,
I’m more convinced than ever that these are among the best golf shoes on the market.
Here is an in-depth look at my experience, as well as some considerations you might want to keep in mind.
1. Adidas ZG23 First Impressions
From the moment I opened the box, I could tell these shoes were crafted to meet both performance and style needs. They have a sleek design that resonates with a contemporary athletic look—think of your favorite pair of tennis shoes, but with a slightly more stable stance.
The microfiber and leather Sprintskin upper looks and feels premium; it’s smooth, has an appealing sheen, and seems robust enough to withstand daily wear.
Even the stitching lines are consistent and neat, giving the impression that Adidas put careful thought into every detail.
The colorways, whether you choose classic black, white, or a combination with metallic accents, cater to different fashion sensibilities.
When I picked them up, I was immediately struck by how light they felt for golf shoes.
Many traditional golf shoes can be clunky or heavy, especially those that promise a high level of stability. But this pair manages to balance lightweight design with that much-needed sturdiness that helps keep your swing stable.
2. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is often the first criterion I judge any athletic footwear on, especially golf shoes, because walking 18 (or more) holes can be grueling if your feet are unhappy.
Right out of the box, these Adidas ZG23 shoes felt surprisingly comfortable. While some golf shoes can feel rigid until they break in, I found these needed only a short adjustment period—perhaps a round or two—before they felt like second skin.
This mirrors the experience of several other reviewers, including one who mentioned that initial blisters during the break-in period disappeared quickly.
The cushioning is courtesy of the Adidas Lightstrike midsole, which is designed to be lightweight and responsive. Each step has a subtle bounce, which helps reduce foot fatigue over long walks. I’ve worn them in various conditions: a sunny summer afternoon, a breezy fall day, and even on a soggy course in early spring.
Throughout all these scenarios, the shoes never felt overly stiff or too soft. They strike a commendable balance between firmness—needed for stability—and comfort.
Moreover, they seem to run true to size.
If you’ve worn Adidas sneakers before, you’ll likely find the sizing to be identical. That consistency is a big plus: once you know your Adidas size, you can shop with confidence that they’ll fit you just right. The toe box is neither too snug nor too spacious, allowing your toes room to breathe without letting your foot slide around during swings.
3. Adidas ZG23 Stability and Traction
When evaluating golf shoes, one of the top performance factors is traction. These shoes feature the Traxion outsole with strategically placed lugs designed to grip the turf securely.
This traction system grips beautifully, even in damp or slippery conditions. On my local course, there’s a notorious par-5 hole that has a bit of a slope, and in the early mornings, there’s often dew on the grass.
My old golf shoes would occasionally slip, causing small but potentially game-altering shifts in my stance. With these Adidas shoes, I can confidently plant my feet and swing without worrying that I’m going to lose balance.
The replaceable spikes (on the spiked models) extend the life of the shoes and keep them performing optimally. Over time, spikes do wear down, but being able to swap them out means you don’t have to replace the entire shoe prematurely.
Even the spikeless variant (if you go that route) offers reliable grip, though for maximum stability, I personally prefer the spiked option.
4. Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
A major selling point of the Adidas ZG23 shoes is their waterproof construction. Golfers in rainy or dewy climates—like soggy Seattle—will appreciate that these shoes keep feet dry throughout a round.
The microfiber and leather upper, combined with a sealed seam design, prevents water from seeping in. I’ve walked through morning dew, light rain, and even a few shallow puddles, and my feet remained completely dry.
However, the flipside of having an effective waterproof barrier is that your feet might not breathe as well in hot summer conditions. Several reviewers noted that these shoes can feel slightly warm during midday summer rounds.
In my experience, they’re still fairly breathable compared to other waterproof golf shoes I’ve tried, but it’s something to keep in mind if you regularly play in high temperatures. Still, I consider the slight warmth a small trade-off for the excellent waterproofing that these shoes deliver.
5. Durability Over 200+ Rounds
I can’t emphasize enough how remarkable it is that my first pair lasted through more than 200 rounds. That translates to countless miles of walking, swinging, pivoting, and bending—yet the shoes remained intact.
The outsole stayed in great shape, and the upper never lost its structural integrity. I did notice some natural creasing in the toe box area over time, but that’s to be expected with any leather-based shoe.
The real testament to durability is not just surviving 200 rounds, but remaining comfortable through them all. I never experienced any deterioration in cushioning or midsole support that sometimes occurs after extensive use.
The shoes maintained their shape, and the heel counter remained supportive. By the time I decided to purchase a new pair, it was more about wanting a fresh look rather than feeling the original pair had given out.
6. Style and Appearance of the Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoes
Golf fashion has evolved, and these shoes align with the modern trend of blending athletic styling with classic golf shoe elements.
Whether you go with the white/lucid blue/silver metallic combination or the black/dark silver metallic, you’ll find that these pair nicely with a range of golf attire—from more traditional polo-and-khaki ensembles to bold, modern outfits.
A small note on the white version: while it’s certainly clean and stylish, it can get dirty pretty quickly, especially if your course has muddy patches or you play in wet conditions.
However, they are relatively easy to wipe down. Some warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush usually bring them back to their bright, white look.
7. Value for Money
It’s one thing to talk about performance, durability, and comfort, but we also need to consider cost. Typically, the Adidas ZG23 shoes can be found around the $100 to $140 range, depending on current promotions and color choices.
For the quality you’re receiving—top-notch materials, advanced midsole technology, high-level waterproofing, and proven durability—this is an excellent value.
I also appreciate that Adidas has been in the sports footwear market for decades, producing shoes for a variety of professional and amateur athletes.
Their experience shows in the design. You’re not just paying for a name; you’re paying for research-driven features that genuinely enhance your golf game.
8. Potential Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and these shoes are no exception. One minor drawback is that breathability can be somewhat limited on extremely hot days—by design, since it’s a waterproof shoe.
Another factor is the short break-in period, which can still cause slight discomfort or even blisters for some golfers with very sensitive feet. However, that break-in period is relatively short—usually a round or two—and once completed, the shoes feel fantastic.
I never experienced this.
Maybe because I walk every day.
Another point is color maintenance for the white variants.
As I mentioned, they do stain faster and require more frequent cleaning. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to hassle with cleaning your shoes after a muddy or rainy round, you might opt for the black shoes.
9. Performance Enhancement
Does a pair of golf shoes really improve your game? While they won’t fix a faulty swing, they absolutely can provide the stable platform needed for a confident swing.
The Lightstrike midsole delivers a responsive feel, helping you transfer power from your lower body through to the ball. Good traction and a stable base can prevent unnecessary slipping, which in turn, helps maintain consistent form throughout the round.
Several reviewers specifically mention the stability and grip these shoes offer, and my experience aligns with theirs.
Even after 200 rounds in my first pair, the overall grip was still reliable, giving me the confidence to execute a variety of shots—whether I’m teeing off with a driver or edging a delicate chip shot from the fringe.
10. Final Verdict: Adidas ZG23 Men’s Golf Shoes
After wearing these Adidas golf shoes for over 200 rounds in one pair and now walking more than 15 miles in my second pair without a single blister or sign of discomfort, I can confidently say these shoes are a stellar option for golfers of any level.
From casual weekend players to regular, competitive golfers, the combination of comfort, waterproofing, durability, and style hits all the right notes.
The Adidas Lightstrike midsole provides a great mix of support and cushioning, helping to reduce fatigue, while the Traxion outsole ensures that traction isn’t compromised, even on slippery or uneven surfaces. The shoes’ premium look stands out on the course, and the consistent sizing means you can trust that your regular Adidas sneaker size will fit.
Although some might find them a bit warm in summer conditions due to the waterproof lining, this trade-off is worth it if you frequently encounter rain or dew-soaked fairways.
Having tested many different golf shoe brands over the years, I can’t stress enough how rare it is to find a pair that ticks so many boxes at once.
Some shoes excel at comfort but fall short on durability. Others might have great stability but weigh you down over 18 holes. In contrast, these Adidas Men’s Golf Shoes strike a remarkable balance, showing off the brand’s long-standing expertise in sports footwear design.
For the price—often under $140—you’re getting a high-performance shoe that will likely last you multiple seasons. And if you’re someone like me who logs a lot of rounds walking (rather than riding in a cart), you’ll really appreciate the long-term comfort these bring.
Simply put, they’re hard to beat in terms of overall value.
If you’re on the fence, consider this: multiple reviewers, including Rick, Spencer W. White, Refdad, and even those with well over 25 rounds of experience in these shoes, have praised their comfort, waterproof qualities, and durability.
My experience over 200+ rounds solidifies that praise. Whether you’re looking to replace a worn-out pair or to upgrade from a cheaper beginner shoe, these Adidas Golf Shoes are a top-tier choice that can serve you well across different seasons and playing conditions.
With all of that said, I hope my detailed breakdown helps you in making an informed decision. As you can tell, I’m a big fan, and for good reason.
If you value comfort, durability, and reliable waterproof performance, give these shoes a try. They’ve handled everything I’ve thrown at them—humid summer rounds, soggy fall fairways, brisk winter mornings, and countless miles walked.
They haven’t let me down yet, and I have every reason to believe they won’t let you down either. Whether you’re an avid walker like me or only hit the course on weekends, these shoes provide the support and confidence you need to focus on your swing rather than your feet.
Happy golfing!
