Product Review: adidas Golf Tour 360 Sport

Contributed by Norm Rigg
May 2009

Follow Up Review (May, 2009)

I have now had the pleasure of playing in the Sport 360s on soft, spring courses in Southern Ontario. I thought these shoes looked “cool” from the time they arrived on my doorstep, and I was excited to get confirmation from the young members of the club who have been admiring them and asking about where they can get a pair. I am no longer an old geezer at the club, but the stylish senior, or something like that.

From a comfort perspective, the 360s have got even better if that’s possible and now feel totally molded to my larger than average feet although I would still recommend wearing thin socks with them. I haven’t had any discomfort, my feet stay warm even playing on some hilly, damp courses with cold winds blowing and very cool temperatures. Interestingly, the shoes feel lighter now that I have played in them several times.

The Sport 360 performance continues to be outstanding. My course, Summit Golf & Country Club in Richmond Hill, Ontario is a hilly course that is famous for “never providing a flat lie even in the middle of the fairway”. Downhill, sidehill, even on both lies simultaneously, the 10 Cleat Traxion and 360Wrap support system really helps me to maintain excellent balance. On my drives, I have always tended to have a lot of movement because of a quirky swing but I now feel a lot more stable on the tee, perhaps because of the 10 DTAC cleats and the low profile technology.

I have no doubt that the Sport 360s are going to help me achieve my goal this year of a single digit handicap—-only four strokes to go!

First Impressions: adidas Tour 360 Sport Golf Shoes (March 2009)
Review by Norm Rigg

After a lifetime of “breaking in” golf shoes, which was always accompanied by painful heel blisters, I tried a pair of adi’s for the first time about five years ago and absolutely loved them. There was no discomfort, no blisters, and no break in period. Five pairs later, I am convinced that adidas continues to build some of the best walking golf shoes on the market and the Tour 360 Sport Golf Shoe was no exception.

My first reaction to the Tour 360 Sport was “Wow! These are cool.” The black/red color combination along with the sleek profile and air mesh upper made me wonder if these were running or golf shoes. I then noticed the golf specific transparent shield around the lower half of the shoes that is designed to provide improved stability and protect against wet grass, mud and other debris. As a golfer who has a lot of foot movement during the swing, I was excited to see the 10 cleat Traxion configuration and hoped it would help keep my feet still, especially on uphill or downhill lies.

The shoes were not as light as they appear, but by no means heavy. When I tried the shoes on, I immediately felt what adidas refers to as the “360WRAP support system”. I could feel my mid-foot being surrounded completely and my wider that average forefoot was held snuggly in place.

Playing conditions during the round were perfect and the 360 Sports excelled every step of the way. My favorite element of these shoes was that there was absolutely no slippage. The excellent traction and stability provided a solid foundation during the swing which resulted in very consistent ball striking.

I played a hilly course so there were a lot of side-hill lies during the round but I felt completely stable on every shot.  I don’t know whether it was a result of the low profile technology, the 360WRAP support system, the 10 cleat Traxion system with DTAC cleats or all of the above, but the Tour 360 Sport shoes certainly worked for me and, in my opinion, are well worth the price. ($159.99 at some on-line retailers)

I am already looking forward to my next round walking in the adi Tour 360 Sports. It is safe to say that the other seven pairs of golf shoes that I own will be collecting dust because I will have my feet in these.
For more info, or to purchase, the adidas Tour 360 Sport Golf shoes please click this link.

Review by Norm Rigg

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