adidas remains committed to providing athletes the best options available when it comes to performance footwear and apparel for the course.
The brand is introducing two product ranges across footwear and apparel – ZG23 and Ultimate365 TOUR – that utilize the latest materials and technologies from the 3-Stripes to help golfers everywhere perform their best.
ZG23 is the newest model in adidas’ footwear range that continues to provide golfers with a lightweight option that doesn’t compromise on performance. Following the successful launch of the ZG21 footwear in 2021, adidas completely redesigned the outsole and upper of ZG23 so that golfers could experience increased traction, stability, and comfort. These key updates include the introduction of adidas’ LIGHSTRIKE and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning systems, which can be found in other categories such as adidas’ basketball and running footwear. The major updates to ZG23 include:
• LIGHTSTRIKE / LIGHTSTRIKE PRO – A revamped midsole combines adidas’ unique cushioning system to give golfers both stability and comfort in one package. The firmer, and more stable, LIGHTSTRIKE encompasses the perimeter or frame of the midsole while the softer and more cushioned LIGHTSTRIKE PRO is used inside this frame. What makes LIGHTSTRIKE so beneficial to golfers are its unique lightweight properties and ability to ‘tune’ it to certain areas. The firmer LIGHTSTRIKE on the perimeter offers more lateral stability, while the softer LIGHTSTRIKE PRO has amazing cushioning and comfort while walking and swinging.
• ULTRA-LIGHT STABILITY FIN – First introduced in ZG21 and designed to provide lateral stability and support throughout the swing, adidas has now evolved this to a 3D shape that wraps onto the upper and sits closer to the foot. With this upgrade, golfers will feel even more stability as their weight shifts throughout the swing. Based on testing, this updated ULTRA-LIGHT STABILITY FIN will accommodate a variety of swing speeds, from amateurs to tour professionals.
• D-TRAXION – While still featuring the six-cleat SWINGPLANE TRACTION from ZG21, adidas researched the swings of its tour professionals to find an even better configuration for the secondary lugs to help provide increased grip across a variety of conditions. Combining the data from athletes and heat map studies to gain a better understanding of where pressure is placed, adidas used an algorithm to generate the location and height of traction for all lugs found in the D-TRAXION part of the outsole.
The upper for ZG23 is made of a clean, premium microfiber for a lightweight feel and comfortable fit. This waterproof material is anti-stretch and helps provide more consistent stability.
ZG23 will come in five models: men’s and women’s laced, men’s and women’s BOA®, and a simplified laced offering for junior golfers. The two BOA models feature the BOA Fit System, delivering micro-adjustable precision fit and engineered to perform in the toughest conditions. The BOA models also feature a tri-wrap design for the added benefit of improved power transfer and efficiency, creating a secure fit over the instep for an even higher level of performance. Both the men’s and women’s ZG23 BOA feature premium Li2 dials – a sleek, low-profile, multi-directional dial platform that modulates tension with enhanced speed and effortless execution.
Speaking to the upgrades on the new ZG23 footwear, Masun Denison, Global Footwear Director, adidas Golf, said: “Golfers continue to look for a lightweight footwear option that has zero performance sacrifices. Building off our success with ZG21, we pushed ourselves to shave as much weight as possible while enhancing and improving the key areas of stability, traction, and comfort – all critical to helping golfers perform on the course. With the introduction of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO in ZG23, we were able to take the ZG franchise to the next level.”
