If you've seen any of the Iron Man movies you know Tony Starks has shown off an impressive arsenal of Iron Man suits in the franchise. Each new suit unveil had something fresh and exciting from both a technological and artistic perspective. And the new Adidas TOUR360 22 golf shoes make the kind of leap in innovation and performance that would make even Tony Starks envious.
Adidas introduced the first TOUR360 to the world 17 years ago. At the time Adidas purposefully took a lot of risks when it came to design because they wanted to challenge conventional thinking on what a premium performance shoe could represent. That first model ushered-in an era for what has now become Adidas flagship footwear franchise worn by major champions and amateurs all around the world. And the new TOUR360 22 takes this premier model to a wholly new level.
After nearly two decades of building upon and improving that original model of the TOUR360, Adidas went back to the beginning; adopting that same mindset of taking risks that ultimately drove the creation for that first model. With the TOUR360 22, Adidas primary focus was to re-examine how they addressed two critical areas that are important for golfers of all skill levels: fit and traction.
Some Background
Adidas looked at historical models of the TOUR360 as well as their own brand archives from other shoe categories for inspiration. And decided to incorporate "Feet You Wear" technology as well as a new direct-injected "SPIKEMORE" traction system for the first time in Adidas golf shoes. And together these serve as a foundation for the NEW TOUR360 FIT.
Feet You Wear Technology
“The TOUR360 is synonymous with pinnacle technology and premium materials, and we remained true to that throughout the design process of this new model,” said Masun Denison, global footwear director, adidas Golf. “Golfers will instantly notice a more natural fit that offers better stability, better traction and amazing comfort. I’ve been a part of the creation of every model of the TOUR360, so I can confidently say that this is our best-performing model we have ever introduced.”
With so much lateral movement and weight transfer in the golf swing, Adidas was intrigued with the use-cases that their brand’s Feet You Wear had to offer. Adidas first introduced Feet You Wear in 1996. Kobe Bryant was the first athlete to endorse this shoe technology, and eventually it found its way into other Adidas shoe categories as well.
Foot You Wear technology creates a design that mimics the natural shape of the foot, ultimately helping to create a better connection with the ground and accommodate the natural movements of the foot in all directions. And Adidas design process to bring this technology to the TOUR360 22 was exhaustive. Countless iterations were considered and tested until Adidas got it perfectly right.
Knowing how important the ground is in the golf swing, an added benefit of using the Feet You Wear technology was to help golfers utilize this connection with the ground to generate power more easily in the swing. And the new design truly hugs and cradles the natural contours of the foot to optimize performance.
NEW TOUR360 FIT
Feet You Wear technology is just one component of the NEW TOUR360 FIT that Adidas is introducing with TOUR360 22, and this NEW TOUR360 FIT also includes:
• A DUALSTACK Midsole – Adidas combined the comfort of its full-length BOOST cushioning with an EVA stability frame. This EVA stability frame is a horseshoe-shaped piece that surrounds the full-length BOOST with EVA chassis, strategically placed on the perimeter of the forefoot to provide golfers with lightweight stability, comfort and performance. It’s Adidas most technical and advanced midsole they've ever offered. The benefits are not easily seen, but certainly felt.
• GEOFIT Collar Pad – Designed to enhance the fit and feel on the top of the foot, this piece gently conforms to the individual to provide a more personalized and comfortable fit.
• 3D TORSION™ SYSTEM – Targeting stability in the midfoot, this mold plate enhances the connection with the ground while also helping to stabilize footwork throughout the swing.
• INSITE Sockliner - Working in tandem with the Feet You Wear technology, this sockliner cradles the contours of the foot, especially in the heel, to provide enhanced cushioning, comfort, and support.
A Completely New Traction Element
Adidas didn’t stop at a more comfortable and stable fit however. The new TOUR360 22 also features their latest iteration of SPIKEMORE, with cleats directly injected onto the TPU base.
Adidas found that by injecting the cleats, they could provide more precise locations that would allow them to adjust density, make the inside and outside arm shapes unique, and adjust the size depending on where the cleat sits on the outsole.
Heat map studies and information from Tour players and average players was gathered for over a decade on where pressure was put on shoes throughout the swing. And new technology allowed Adidas to pinpoint and analyze what the biggest pressures were and in what areas to give even greater levels of traction and stability.
With SPIKEMORE Adidas isn't limited by where to put spikes or by size or by angles. And the TOUR360 22 gives you full heel-to-toe traction. Where previous TOUR360 models had a full gap on the outsole, the new TOUR360 22 now has a connection on the lateral side. And overall this new spiked system is one that Adidas believes is a better spiked system that will push spiked performance forward to heights not before seen.
Each cleat also includes a center cone, which helps to improve overall grip. While larger than Adidas spikes of the past, this new configuration and variance in size helps to disperse weight and promote increased green friendliness. Adidas has also tested the new spike material to be extremely durable.
Elevated BOA Technology
As part of Adidas effort to improve fit, they collaborated with the team at BOA® Technology to elevate both the fit and performance for the BOA models of the TOUR360 22. Adidas worked with their team at the BOA Fit Performance Lab to find a way to optimize both fit and function. And this relationship is very unique, basically a partnership hand-in-hand from start to finish. Adidas and BOA get samples at the same time, they speak regularly, and BOA's expertise is relied on to help determine where to put the panels, the closure system, and the dial specific to the Adidas shoes.
The PerformFit Wrap™ system they created consists of two overlapping panels that pull down from the lateral sides over the top of the instep to really hug the top of the foot. And the BOA Fit System, featuring the micro-adjustable Li2 dial wraps around the heel, locking the foot into place while providing customized fit. The new TOUR360 22 actually takes BOA performance to the next level as well. The BOA model also features a sockfit construction, designed to give golfers ultimate support, stability, and confidence.
What About Feel?
Adidas puts premium cushioning and comfort into all their shoes, and as mentioned above that's also the case with TOUR360 22, albeit different with the new DUALSTACK midsole. TOUR360 22 won't be as plush as let's say CodeChaos or one of their textile shoes, but they're not supposed to be.
TOUR360 22 feels closer to the ground by removing receptacles from the midsole, helping hug the foot and give more natural stability. TOUR360 22 is also inherently a little more shoe, it has leather materials, leather lining. When you put them on they have a feel like slipping into a high-end car with leather seats. These shoes mold to your feet and over time the premium fit and feel only get better.
From adidas athlete Xander Schauffele:
“I got to see first-hand how much detail went into bringing this shoe to life and that was a really unique learning experience. Footwear is so important in the golf swing, but it can also help boost confidence. After spending quite a bit of time testing the TOUR360 22, I know golfers will feel a higher level of stability, traction and comfort, which are things we all need from our footwear out on the course so that we can perform our best.”
From adidas athlete Dustin Johnson:
“I’ve worn almost every model of TOUR360 since I started my career and I’m always amazed at how the footwear team continues to raise the bar year after year. I really like the design and style with this new model, but the traction, feel and comfort I get definitely make this the best version of the TOUR360 that I’ve ever worn.”
From adidas athlete Danielle Kang:
“The TOUR360 22 is packed with so much innovation and technology that I could feel the difference the minute I put them on. What impressed me the most was how meticulous the team was throughout the design process, and I think the final product is a testament to adidas’ commitment to never stop striving for better. I’m really excited to perform in it this season.”
The TOUR360 22 continues to include the best materials for enhanced durability, but now with even more purpose. The upper features premium rich leather (one-year waterproof warranty), microfiber, and textiles that incorporate recycled materials, all part of Adidas mission as a brand to help END PLASTIC WASTE.
TOUR360 is Adidas most iconic franchise and they’ve taken it to new heights for all athletes. The TOUR360 22 will be offered in five models: both laced and BOA models for men and women, and a simplified lace model for junior golfers. And I'll have reviews on both the laces and BOA models for you soon.
The laced models of the TOUR360 22 will be available at adidas.com, the adidas app, and at select retailers worldwide beginning January 28. The BOA models will be available shortly thereafter, beginning March 1.
Was planning to buy at least a pair of new Pro S/Ls and some of the new Asics (heard through the grapevine that Hideki's version might be released this spring), but after seeing the white with navy combo of these, I'm probably going to have to cop a pair of these too.
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