Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe

Overview

The Adidas ZG23 spiked golf shoe arrived in early 2023 as the follow-up to the popular ZG21, bringing meaningful updates to comfort, traction, and sustainability without abandoning the formula that made the ZG series one of Adidas Golf's best-selling shoe lines. At $200, it sits in the premium tier for golf shoes — more expensive than mid-range options like the FootJoy Flex but below Adidas' own flagship Tour360 series.

The 2023 model's headline upgrades focus on comfort and environmental responsibility. Adidas redesigned the Lightstrike Pro cushioning insole to be lighter and more responsive, bringing cushioning that "forms to your feet" rather than requiring a break-in period. The upper incorporates at least 50% recycled content in an environmentally responsible manufacturing process that Adidas has committed to across their footwear lineup, without compromising the waterproofing performance that golfers need.

Plugged In Golf's reviewer described the ZG23 as delivering "no-frills, comfortable, athletic golf shoe" performance — which, for most golfers, is exactly what they want in a spiked shoe. The focus is on feeling good for 18 holes of walking, staying dry in rain, providing reliable traction on all terrain, and lasting long enough to justify the premium price.

Score Breakdown

Our aggregate analysis gives the Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe an overall score of 8.2/10:

What People Love

Lightstrike Pro insole comfort. The ZG23's most praised feature is the upgraded Lightstrike Pro cushioning. Plugged In Golf's review specifically called out: "The Lightstrike Pro cushion insole is soft and supportive and feels like it forms to my feet rather than the other way around." Multiple Amazon reviewers echo this, with several noting the shoe is comfortable from the very first round without the stiff break-in period common in spiked golf shoes. The lighter construction also reduces foot fatigue on walking rounds — particularly noticeable in the 15th-18th holes.

INSITE sock liner. The full-interior sock liner (covering even the tongue) serves two functions: it makes getting your foot into the shoe significantly easier, and it provides an enveloping comfort feel once on. Plugged In Golf's reviewer immediately noticed it upon putting the shoe on, and it's consistently mentioned in Amazon reviews as a differentiating comfort feature vs. competing spiked shoes.

Replaceable cleats extend lifespan. All six cleats on the ZG23 are replaceable, which is increasingly rare at this price point. This is both an economic advantage (you can extend the shoe's useful life by $10-15 in replacement cleats rather than buying a $200 replacement) and an environmental one (less shoe waste). Combined with additional traction lugs along the sole perimeter, the ZG23's ground contact system is both more durable and more stable than fixed-spike alternatives.

Eco-responsible waterproofing that actually works. The Sprintskin waterproof upper uses at least 50% recycled content — a significant commitment from Adidas that doesn't compromise performance. Multiple reviewers tested the ZG23 in rain conditions and reported dry feet throughout. Adidas backs this with a one-year waterproof warranty, which Plugged In Golf's review noted makes "the $200 price tag seem more like an investment."

Blister-prevention improvements over ZG21. A higher tongue and heel tab specifically reduce the likelihood of blisters — historically the main complaint about the ZG21 during initial break-in. This subtle change is appreciated by existing ZG21 owners making the upgrade. One Amazon reviewer specifically noted "zero blisters after 15 rounds," which would have been impossible with certain previous versions.

What People Hate

The wide fit isn't for everyone. The ZG23's generous toe box — described by Plugged In Golf as "borderline pass as a wide" — is a genuine problem for narrow or standard-width feet. One Amazon reviewer with narrower feet reported "my foot slides slightly in the shoe during my swing which cost me some accuracy," ultimately returning the shoe. Golfers with regular to wide feet will find the fit excellent; those with genuinely narrow feet should try before buying or choose a different model.

Minimal visual evolution from ZG21. Existing ZG21 owners considering an upgrade for aesthetic reasons may be disappointed. The ZG23 features the same general silhouette with some updates to the Adidas three-stripe detailing and a slightly less busy appearance, but the overall look is highly recognizable as a ZG-series shoe. The upgrade is primarily in performance and comfort, not aesthetics.

$200 price competes with shoes that offer more features. At exactly $200, the ZG23 is priced at the same level as the entry-level Adidas Tour360, which offers additional stability features (forefoot saddle, Torsion Spring system) that the ZG23 lacks. Golfers who care primarily about max stability during the swing may find the Tour360 or FootJoy HyperFlex better value at this price point.

Competitors

FootJoy HyperFlex Golf Shoe ($200): The most direct competition. The HyperFlex delivers similar all-day comfort with FootJoy's proprietary VersaTrax outsole. In direct comparisons, the HyperFlex typically fits more true-to-width while the ZG23 runs wider. Both offer excellent waterproofing.

Adidas Tour360 24 ($200-$220): Adidas' own premium stability shoe. The Tour360 adds a forefoot saddle and Torsion Spring system for maximum swing stability that the ZG23 doesn't match. For golfers who prioritize stability over pure walking comfort, the Tour360 is worth the slight premium.

Nike Air Max 90 G Golf Shoes ($140-$170): At a lower price, the Air Max 90 G offers iconic style and excellent comfort but fixed (non-replaceable) cleats and less aggressive stability. For golfers who prioritize casual style over performance longevity, the Nike option is appealing.

Who Should Buy This

The Adidas ZG23 is ideal for golfers who: walk 18 holes regularly and need all-day cushioning; have regular to wide feet; prefer spiked shoes for maximum traction but want athletic comfort; care about sustainability in their gear choices; and want a shoe that lasts more than one season through replaceable cleats.

Who Should Skip

Narrow-footed golfers should try the ZG23 on before committing — the wide fit is a genuine issue for some. Golfers who prioritize swing stability over walking comfort should consider the Adidas Tour360 or FootJoy HyperFlex. Golfers on a tighter budget who don't need the eco-credentials or replaceable cleats can find good spiked shoes at $100-$140.

The Bottom Line

The Adidas ZG23 delivers on its core promises: lightweight, all-day comfort from an eco-responsible shoe that stays dry and grips firmly on every lie. The Lightstrike Pro insole, INSITE liner, and replaceable cleats justify the $200 premium over cheaper spiked options. Just verify the width works for your foot before committing.

Our Score: 8.2/10