Equipment
Power Players: Adidas Powerband Boa Boost golf shoes
There’s no question that today’s golf shoes are significantly better than they were 10 years ago. They’re lighter, more flexible and undeniably more comfortable, but like all things golf-equipment related, there’s a group of golfers who cringe at the latest footwear buzzwords. Paramount to them is stability and traction, and Adidas’ new Powerband Boa Boost golf shoes are designed to give them exactly what they want. Maybe even more.
The Powerband Boa Boost are part of Adidas’ Power platform, a golf shoe line that debuted 10 years ago with the release of the iconic Adidas Powerband (see right). Several iterations followed.
“The original Powerband golf shoe was a revolutionary product when we first brought it to the marketplace in 2007 and it helped push golf footwear technology to the next level,” said Masun Denison, Director of Footwear, Adidas Golf. “The Power franchise has always stood out as bold and more progressive, and is a great representation of what Adidas Golf is all about. Infusing this footwear with all that we have learned the past 10 years, the new Powerband Boa Boost is the most technical and innovative Powerband shoe to date and we are excited to bring it back to the golf market.”
The Powerband Boa Boost aligns with its predecessors in offering “traction, support and stability, allowing [golfers] to maximize their swing speed and performance,” according to Adidas. Did you hear that serious golfers, especially you 3-iron carrying, Trackman-number posting, ground-forces leveragers? These could be your next pair of golf shoes.
Key to the design of the Powerband Boa Boost is Adidas’ Boost cushioning system, which is used in the midsole to improve comfort and energy transfer (learn more about Boost in this story). There’a also a new Powercage chassis system, which uses soft wire loops and straps that are integrated in the the 360Loop of the shoes to help lock down a golfer’s midfoot during the swing.
How locked down do you want to be?
Adidas is encouraging golfers to find out with the shoe’s L6 Boa Closure system, which is positioned on the tongue of each shoe. Its push-pull design allows golfers to make micro-adjustments to fit (tighter, looser) on the fly. The feature adds lateral stability to the upper portion of the shoe, preventing what Adidas calls “power leaks.” Yes, I think we’ve all had a few of those.
The Powerband Boas Boost ($179.99) use Adidas’ six-spike TPU outsole. They’ll be available in January in five colorways, and both medium and wide widths. Last thing: The shoes use what Adidas calls its “competition last,” which has a slightly more rounded toe shape and wider forefoot, increasing the overall volume of the shoe.
Learn more from adidasgolf.com.
- LIKE146
- LEGIT19
- WOW17
- LOL3
- IDHT1
- FLOP7
- OB4
- SHANK27
Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
View this post on Instagram
A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
View this post on Instagram
It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
View this post on Instagram
Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
- LIKE8
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Whats in the Bag
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
- Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX
Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.
- LIKE2
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
View this post on Instagram
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
- LIKE1
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole4 days ago
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
-
19th Hole4 days ago
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Brandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
Hacker
May 14, 2017 at 8:37 pm
I suffer with supination with both feet, the left being the worst. I actually just learned that I suffered from it while at a Dave Pelz school, my left foot wants to roll to its side and makes my follow through unstable and, over a time, painful. Not saying these are the greatest but for me they solve this issue and provide amazing stability. My foot no longer rolls and I can fully transfer weight to my left side. If anyone suffers from similar instability you should try these. For these reasons they are definitely worth the price for me.
Stephnie
Mar 14, 2017 at 6:44 am
Hello,
Great Post ! Actually I am looking to buy a pair of golf shoes, but I very much confused between Addidas and Puma, two names I got wherever I tried reading reviews about golf shoes.
But as far as I have seen Addidas shoes are bit over priced, but some people say they last long and have better life when compared to Puma and other golf shoe companies, So I am very confused.
As I just want shoe around $300-$500 (less will be good), So can you suggest me whether to go for over-priced addidas or should I look for any other company like Puma or may Nike or Callaway and save my money?
Andy
Feb 18, 2017 at 9:40 pm
Ya gotta love the haters. That’s golfers for you. Everything’s wrong with golf equipment except for their perfect choices to go along with their perfect golf swings and games (legends in their own minds).
Cwolfs
Dec 26, 2016 at 10:53 am
Logo on the back is horrible! Hope they come with a free bowl of soup.
WRX Pro
Dec 22, 2016 at 9:58 am
Yeah, I can confirm that these shoes are absolute garbage. Got Adidas to send me 12 pairs of these last month and my average carry distance off the tee went from 340 to 338.9. 0/10 would not recommend.
knoofah
Dec 21, 2016 at 3:14 pm
What?? Another new, overpriced golf product? I’m shocked!
Glad I take care of my (now) 3 year old shoes.
Slave 2 Fashion
Dec 21, 2016 at 7:55 am
Love those alien-green pointy twisty things on the sole up by the toe!
Tom
Dec 20, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Can I walk on the moon with those?
Judge mental
Dec 20, 2016 at 7:08 pm
They use the early model shoes in the ‘WGT golf ‘ game , so must be good .
360 golf shoes are the best of the best .
joepz
Dec 29, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Don’t know if you walk on the Moon with ’em, but it definitely FEEL like it. They have a cloud-like softness when walking, and the wider front of the show is a winner for my foot. I never thought I’d wear shoes as comfortable as True Links, but these are very close. Too bad the colors aside from black look like they were designed to appeal to teenagers.
Jim
Dec 20, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Another nice looking shoe from Adidas, but as usual it comes with a pretty high price tag. Wouldn’t be interested in the BOA lacing system however. And hopefully these aren’t as narrow and ‘pointy’ as the original Powerband shoes. The new Tour 360 shoes are much nicer but also too expensive. I just wait for the end of the model year and buy them at substantial discounts. Hope they come out with a normal laced shoe version too.
Egor
Dec 20, 2016 at 2:21 am
It’s written just like an advertisement.
Sparty
Dec 19, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Jeez. They need to make that adidas logo on the back bigger. Good grief that’s big.
Charlie
Dec 19, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Just picked up last year’s model for $76.00 shipped. Price isn’t a factor when you don’t need the absolute latest and greatest gear. And if you do, you’ll gladly pony up the money.
Ccshop
Dec 19, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Adidas has the most overpriced shoes. All synthetic leather. I can get a great Contour shoe that’s real leather and one of the most comfortable in the FJ line for $110.
Adidas also makes the worst boa shoes. Locks so low on the tongue, heel keeps slipping out. Can’t stay tight enough. They should stick to their non golf shoe lines.
Frans
Dec 19, 2016 at 10:38 pm
Ya girly mahn
Boobsy McKiss
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:36 am
I agree. I have the super overpriced adi zero and they are the worst golf shoe I’ve ever worn. Incredibly uncomfortable, the tonque slides around a lot, and no crappy support around the ankles. Thanks for the advertisement disguised as an article though.
joepz
Dec 21, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Agree. I think the various versions of the 360s are still the best shoe, but those AdiZeros were *cripplingly* tight in the toe. Glad to hear that the “competition last” will provide more room at the front of the shoe.
Boobsy McKiss
Dec 19, 2016 at 3:33 pm
More overpriced gimmick shoes. Wonderful.