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

Anyone who has labored through a round of golf with me in recent years has seen two distinct footwear looks. Not one, not three, not four or however many shoes I have in the closet. Just two. The same pairs over and over. 

First, there’s the timeless FootJoy classics. Pearly white leather you don’t want to get dirty. Great for sunny days. 

The other option, which I game rain or shine, are the Code Chaos spikeless kicks from Adidas. Code Chaos debuted five years ago, and were the only shoes I rocked through the throes of the pandemic, when I’d walk nine holes daily.

While the shoe’s design has changed slightly over the years, the most recent iteration — available for the first time this month — harkens back to the earliest versions. It’s athletic, and built with Adidas Boost technology to make walking feel good. That sensation of relief that overcomes you after you remove your spikes after walking 18? You don’t get that with these shoes. Because walking a round in Code Chaos isn’t a grind. It’s just…a walk. 

Adidas Code Chaos 25

$160

A Lightstrike + microfiber midsole energizes your steps and stance while feeling ultra-responsive underfoot. The spikeless Twist Grip outsole holds tight for powerful drives and accurate putts while a waterproof upper keeps your feet dry on damp, dewy fairways.

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2 things I like:

The cleats!

Can we call them cleats? These shoes are spineless, but the sole is covered with little protruding Zs. They point in all directions — Adidas calls this Twist Grip — ensuring that whatever direction your swing takes your feet, your shoes will lock to the turf beneath them. 

It can be difficult to achieve this true playability feature. Many golf shoe brands want their outsole to be sleek and orderly. They want the soft spikes to line up. But when it comes to the actual gripping of the shoe to the turf, who needs orderly? Aesthetics don’t matter nearly as much as stability. I like the little Zs. 

The waterproof upper

When I look down at Code Chaos shoes, they remind me of trainer tennis shoes. Maybe that’s the point: they are all-purpose and built for various environments. Essentially, that’s why I’ve made them a wardrobe staple. The upper part of the shoe is comfortable and feels like a mesh-based tennis shoe, but is covered with a waterproof layer. Muddy golf in the spring? No problem. Dewy morning in the summer? Your feet are dry. In the world of unpredictable conditions, we love a do-it-all shoe. 

1 thing I’m not crazy about:

The 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 just now being released with traditional laces. There’s no extra flap of leather. No zippers. No quarter-sized knob hanging off the side. Just laces. Sometimes simple is best.