Adidas Review Asym Energy Boost Golf Shoes

[mvmac]

Thanks @Club Rat !

http://thesandtrap.com/products/adidas-mens-asym-rh-energy-boost-golf-shoe-running-white-core-black-night-flash-12-m-us/reviews/5078

When I was selected to review the new Adidas ASYM Energy Boost golf shoes, I honestly didn’t realize the incredible functions Adidas had developed into this footwear. I visited the website for details of the design of the shoes and to possibly grasp an explanation of the “sticker price shock” of their product.

For starters, taken from Adidas website - Technologies: asym, boost ^TM , puremotion®, energy sling, gripmore®, fitsleeve, climaproof®, fitfoam®, laceStop

• Full-length boost ^TM midsole foam for unrivaled cushioning and endless energy return

• asym upper and outsole designed to harness swing power

• Energy sling to guide energy transfer and  prevent power leaks

• Molded EVA tongue top with fitsleeve delivers a more precise, comfortable fit

• Advanced puremotion ^® TPU outsole with strategically-placed gripmore traction provides improved stability, grip, and performance

• External heel counter provides additional lateral stability and support

• Soft and breathable microfiber leather upper with climaproof protection

• fitfoam PU sockliner provides great cushioning, support and comfort

• Advanced laceStop ensures a secure and consistent fit

  Upon receiving the golf shoes, I had already expected the size to be consistent with the European standards, a narrow width, and slightly shorter length differences to US markets. They were snug and a small adjustment would be needed to the toe box area. Straight out of the box, I played 36 holes of cart path only golf, on a hilly, wet Zoysia turf course. After about an hour of wear, I noticed the shoes were starting to conform to my feet. I also noticed a difference while walking on turf and firm surfaces, (cart paths). When walking on the soft turf, the left shoe was causing the foot/ankle to pronate slightly. I then addressed a question to the Adidas Rep about the occurrences and differences.

  I received a reply “ It is very interesting to hear, as this shoe was fit and wear tested over a 16-month period to fine tune the performance (which is a standard fit and wear test program procedure) with positive feedback and reviews, the issue presented never came up. With that said, the boost technology in the footwear is soft (which adds comfort) and for somebody that has pronation issues, when someone’s foot rolls to the inside when they walk or run, this product might not be the best for that foot type. After three months at retail and worn in competitive rounds by JB Holmes, Sergio Garcia, Rory Sabbatinni and more, this is the first we’ve heard of the issue. With that said, everybody’ s foot is different and has a different experience in footwear and we appreciate you raising that flag. We’d be happy to set up a call to discuss further.”

  To my surprise, my question was answered by the Global Marketing Director. I received a call from Masun Denison and spoke with him addressing the situation.  We discussed several options to make corrections. I asked him upfront “ what are the odds of their product ending up in the hands of an old ski bum” who had spent many years in sales of Ski Boots and Custom Insoles” to receive their product for a test and review. He chuckled and we continued further discussion upon means to modify the fit for corrections for my shoes.

  I would like to add comments I found on golf-info-guide.com

  With their latest ASYM ENERGY BOOST, well known, German sports equipment manufacture revolutionized the way we play our favorite game, they have created the world’s first asymmetrical golf shoes. If you wonder what’s so special about these golf shoes, there’s “A LOT!” Adidas decided to follow nature’s way and to build a golf shoe that molds perfectly on our inherent imperfections. During the golf swing, the right foot behaves differently from the left foot. Hence, Adidas decided to build each shoe (left/right) differently. Adidas used advanced bio-mechanics for achieving their goal, which is to create the perfect golf shoe.

  I have to agree, my opinion is: these shoes are state of the art, far advanced over all the other brands/manufactures of golf shoes on the market today. Adidas has combined Functional, Performance, Fit and Comfort into the best golf shoe I have ever worn.

  My Likes: Flat Sole designed, turf friendly grip more design, molded tongue comfort, state of the art shoe lace locking design, soft conforming padded upper leather and mostly, the Boost Comfort of these shoes.

• I would like to emphasize thanks to Adidas and TST (@mvmac & @iacas) for another great product/benefit to the many TST Members.

• Club Rat

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[Club Rat]

http://thesandtrap.com/t/82148/member-review-roll-call-adidas-asym-energy-boost-shoes/0_50#post_1168210

@Abu3baid

Quote:

Originally posted by Abu3baid

Nice review.. But I have to admit the "energy sling" made me laugh a little.. To prevent energy leaks? I can't but think that someone in their marketing department just made that up..

Although I would love to hear about how it works?

edit: and the one about harnessing swing power?

I guess a legitimate question to ask you is where you hitting it further when wearing the shoes?

Not really, but I will say that I can notice a definite difference of stability during my swings with the Adidas versus other golf shoes.

I am making a more solid motion with the lower body (footwork) and feel my swing is in timed better.

Other golf shoes have always allowed the foot to have movement within the shoe, rather it be forward to back or foot rolling within the shoe.

The thing I like most is that the lacing stays locked in place. I can't tell you how many shoes I have worn that I constantly adjust the laces or they become untied during a round.

I made the switch to spike less shoes over four years ago. It was driving me nuts that the raised heel on conventional shoes would sink on soft Zoysia tuff, causing too much weight distributed to the heel and not being on my forefoot properly.

Also, more comfort walking on any surface, especially concrete paths.

The "energy sling" term, I have no idea. But guessing it has to do with the individual outer plastic strips which contour to the lacing eyelets.

I think they already used this lacing system in earlier productions before the Tour 360 models.

Adidas has always used the three strips along the side of the foots for lacing purposes, which were one solid piece of leather in the shoes.

One thought I was going to add to the review, but forgot, is these shoes remind me of individual buckling systems on my racing ski boots.

The fit is so precise, better than any other golf shoe I have owned.

I can leave the lower laces loose enough to accommodate my wider forefoot, but still snug the lacing through the arch support/ankle area.

They really felt weird at first which is the difference of fit for each foot. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the fact that they are indeed slightly different.

All I can say is if you get a chance, try them on at the store.

Don't get sticker shocked, and pass them by.

These shoes are the real deal, even if they are beyond many golfers budgets.

Club Rat

[Club Rat]

Also, Mike had some great photos which I have moved to this thread.

[Club Rat]

Follow ups to the Adidas Review

Other thoughts I intended to mention in my review, but elected to omit. I did not want to make the review too lengthy for readers, but feel I should mention these thoughts for readers following this thread.

Adidas will raise the bar in active/sports footwear.

I feel many sports, Baseball, Basketball, Football, etc, will most likely see the technology Adidas has designed into sport/footwear products in the future. The design enhances natural motions of the foot when weighted on the ball of the foot, cushions the heel strike in stride, and supports the foot when in active stride.

For the golfer

The shoe creates a natural pronation of the front foot/ankle for a right handed golfer. The back foot during the swing is very stable and allows a powerful press to the ground during this motion, rather than movement of lifting or standing on toes, feeling.  Weight is distributed across the ball of the foot evenly and I get the feeling of the foot spreading firmly against the ground. Walking across various terrains is comfortable and supportive. The foot does not slid in the shoes when weight is pressed forward, or move towards the heel when climbing an incline. It is also stable walking across a slope. The subtle of the full length Boost materials allow the sole of the shoe to flex with the foot. They engineered two gel cells for cushioning, soft where needed and firmer where required. These areas are designed specifically for each foot. One will probably notice the differences when comparing the bottom soles. Each is unique and designed for specific functions. When I spoke with the Adidas Marking Director, he explained in full detail which made perfect sense to me at the time, but there is no way I could quote his words. I would probably get the descriptions all messed up, so I’ll leave this matter for future communications. One of the more important features of this shoe which is seldom discussed is the insole. I’ve worked with custom insoles and memory foams in high end ski racing boots. These materials allow the foot to conform to the shape of one foot. This makes the shoe fit properly and supportive in every movement.

I will have more at a later date. Due to the wet conditions the past two months, I feel the performance side will show its true strengths as the turf firms up. The summer has finally started to heat up and I will be looking for the shoes to provide a great comfort.

Club Rat

[Mr. Desmond]

Any updates on the asym @Club Rat ?

How is the inside of the heel wearing? I've heard complaints about durability. Thanks!

[Club Rat]

Any updates on the asym @Club Rat?

How is the inside of the heel wearing? I've heard complaints about durability. Thanks!

We must have telepathy, as I headed out the door to go to the club, I wiped off the Adidas shoes my thoughts were about how great these shoes still look.

And, I should take a few pics and update my review.

I play everyday and rotate shoes that I'll wear. I've been playing 27, 36 and played 45 just the other day.
I'll send 8 - 12 hours a day wearing my golf shoes.

Many rounds have been on wet turf this past summer and early tee times are always wet grass for the first couple of hours.

The spikes show very little wear, the boost cells retain a small amount of dirt which will need to be cleaned.

I was planning to treat the leather this week and give them a good cleaning.

I take before and after pics and post them next week.

The shoes have not stretched and they have no wrinkles in the leather.

I'm guessing, I've wore these shoes around 40 days.

The insides look great, no wear signs in the heel area.

Unlike my Tour 360's, the material wore holes in the heel after a month.

My expectancy of golf shoes now a day, are usually only two seasons.

Unlike a few leather classics which I reserve for special events which I've had for many years.

Club Rat

[Mr. Desmond]

We must have telepathy, as I headed out the door to go to the club, I wiped off the Adidas shoes my thoughts were about how great these shoes still look.

And, I should take a few pics and update my review.

...

Club Rat

Thanks! Appreciate the update.

[Club Rat]

Still looking good....

These only have a dozen rounds played and I was not a happy camper when the heel area ripped.