My favorite golf shoes are back with a new look. Here’s why I love them

Anyone who has played golf with me in recent years has seen the look of two different shoes. I have not one, not three, not four or more shoes in my closet. There are only two. Same pairs over and over again.

First, there are the timeless FootJoy classics. Pure white skin you don’t want to get dirty. Good for sunny days.

Another option, which I sport rain or shine, is the irresistible Code Chaos kicks from Adidas. Code Chaos started five years ago, and they were the only shoes I rocked during this pandemic, when I walked nine holes every day.

While the shoe’s design has changed quite a bit over the years, the latest iteration – available for the first time this month – harkens back to the original versions. It’s athletic, and it’s built with Adidas Boost technology to make the move feel great good. That feeling of relief you get after removing your spikes after going 18? You don’t get that with these shoes. Because going round in Code Chaos is not a game. It’s just… a go away.

Adidas Code Chaos 25

$160

The Lightstrike + microfiber midsole powers your steps and stance while feeling more responsive underfoot. The Spikeless Twist Grip outsole grips firmly on powerful drives and accurate putts while the waterproof upper keeps your feet dry on wet, dewy fairways.

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2 things I like:

The cleats!

Can we call them cleats? These shoes don’t have a spine, but the sole is covered with little Z’s that stick out. They point in all directions – Adidas calls this Twist Grip – ensuring that whatever swing your feet take, your shoes will be locked in place under them.

It can be difficult to achieve this realistic gaming feature. Many types of golf shoes want their outsole to be nice and tidy. They want soft spikes lined up. But when it comes to reality to hold of the shoe to the turf, who needs order? Aesthetics don’t matter nearly as much as stability. I love the little Z’s.

Waterproof surface

When I look down at the Code Chaos shoes, they remind me of trainer tennis shoes. Perhaps that’s the point: they are general purpose and designed for various environments. Actually, that’s why I made them wardrobe staples. The upper part of the shoe is comfortable and feels like a mesh tennis shoe, but covered with a waterproof layer. Mud golf in the spring? No problem. A dewy summer morning? Your feet are dry. In the world of the unpredictable, we love a do-it-all shoe.

1 thing I’m crazy about:

Boa technology

Which is part of the reason why I’m writing this review now. The shoes came out with Boa tech back in August and are now being released with traditional laces. There is no additional skin flap. There are no zippers. There is no quarter size knot hanging from the side. Just wires. Sometimes simple is best.