Adidas has brought innovative new technologies to the line almost every year. But 2019 marks an entirely new milestone for Adidas. The new TOUR360 XT SL are a new breed of golf shoes, and the first time this model has been offered in a spikeless version.
Adidas BOOST cushioning in the mid-sole is flat-out exceptional, and it gives you a very unique and plush feeling with every step you take. You can literally feel an energy transfer (or spring-like sensation) when you walk, especially under the heel and in the mid-foot. And ground interaction feel during the swing is pronounced and satisfying.
The interior of the shoe is also extremely comfortable. Massive padding throughout the foot-bed and a slightly raised heel collar prevent common area blisters. The tongue is so soft it almost feels like it's infused with air. And the toe area is more rounded and less tapered looking than previous 360 models for a little extra wiggle room.
If I had to nitpick about BOOST technology, it would be that its texture holds dirt and dust more than the waterproof leather and microfiber uppers. However, cleaning that area after your round with some soap and a soft toothbrush seems to keep it looking pretty clean. And that's a small price to pay for comfort on every swing.
Sometimes golf shoes that offer the comfort of cushioned mid-soles have an inherent instability to them, but I'm happy to report that's not an issue with the TOUR360 XT SL. The materials used and build quality give you a firm feeling, almost like a classic golf shoe in overall foot coverage.
Mid-foot support is particularly impressive, and gives you a locked-in sensation without causing any kind of friction blisters or inhibiting proper footwork. You can feel reinforcement around your entire foot, and support for your Achilles is equally fantastic.
Speaking of Achilles, the sore spot for most spikeless shoes can be their traction. But the TOUR360 XT SL blue the line between spiked and spikeless shoes in most weather conditions.
When it's dry outside the traction is as good as any spikeless shoe on the market today. In fact, with more contact points on the out-sole I'd argue they give you even better traction than spiked shoes.
A series of X and V shape lugs of varying heights on the out-sole give you outstanding traction and support on faster swings off the tee as well as the more controlled shots around the green.
Lugs are patterned strategically longer in certain places like the outside of your back foot for greater lateral support. While the lugs are shorter with a slight upward curve in the toe areas to encourage good footwork and forward rotation.
If you're out playing and it starts to rain, the TOUR360 XT SL won't slip or slide any more than spiked shoes will. I wore these in the rain and also in soft conditions late spring, and had no issues with traction whatsoever. In extremely wet conditions however, I believe spiked shoes will always give you better traction than spikeless shoes. For everything else these will keep you rooted to the ground.
We're probably never going to get a big change in looks from Adidas TOUR360 golf shoes. The TOUR360 XT SL still have the iconic three stripes. They're still an athletic shoe with a hint of classic appeal. But in Adidas first venture into spikeless TOUR360 territory, they absolutely killed it. And real design improvements in comfort, stability, and traction will probably exceed your expectations of what you demand in a spikeless golf shoe.
PROS:
Everywhere your feet touch the shoe is soft feeling
Stable and comfortable without feeling rigid
Incredible traction in all but the worst weather conditions
CONS:
Keeping moisture out sacrifices some breathability
Weighs a little more than other lightweight spikeless shoes
Minimal color options
And s always, if you have any questions, shoot me an email or DM on twitter or Instagram.
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