Best Golf Shoes of 2024 | Adidas Codechaos Review

How We Researched Golf Shoes

Our team is committed to bringing you objective, trustworthy, and fact-based reviews coming  from firsthand experiences. I was personally on a journey to find a new pair of golf shoes after my Footjoy shoes had been through 5-6 seasons. My preference is for walking when I play golf, so it's very important that I have a golf shoe that can support a walking style while also performing in moments that I need them most. Golf shoes make a difference in the game of golf because they allow you to take swings more confidently knowing that you're surefooted, assuming you buy the appropriate pair of golf shoes.

While selecting the best golf shoes for me, I was examining a few key details: durability, high quality materials, comfort, and choosing a reputable brand of men's golf shoes. Someone else on this same journey of finding a pair of golf shoes may prioritize other characteristics, details, and points of value. This game has players with a wide variety of preferences, and the following views represent mine as it relates to finding the best pair of golf shoes for my game which are suited to my needs. 

I considered over 25 pairs of golf shoes before selecting the Adidas Codechaos 22 as my favorite overall pair of golf shoes. I included searches for brands such as:

• Nike golf shoes
• Footjoy
• Jordan golf shoes
• Ecco
• New Balance
• Adidas
• Puma

I held myself to a high standard for selecting my personal pair of golf shoes. It was a fun and insightful process since there are so many variations of options available on the market.

The following pair of shoes, the Adidas Codechaos 22, is what I personally use in every round of golf I play. I absolutely love these as our Editor's Pick for Best Golf Shoes of the year.

Adidas Codechaos 22: The Best Golf Shoes We Tested

As far as golf brands are concerned, Adidas is relatively newer in the competitive market as compared to other legacy brands in the industry. Known mostly for their golf apparel and sports equipment, Adidas became a more prominent name in the world of golf when they acquired Salomon in the late 90s which included the esteemed brand TaylorMade. After this acquisition, Adidas and the TaylorMade brand had become a powerhouse in the world of golf with players like Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler,  Rory McIlroy, and more players featured on Team TaylorMade.

In 2017, Adidas sold TaylorMade, Adams Golf, and Ashworth to refocus on its core value propositions in golf apparel and golf shoes. Fast forward to today and you'll find some of Adidas' best shoe technology incorporated into their golf shoes such as Boost footbeds or Climacool. For me, the Boost technology brings Adidas into a whole higher level of experience for the golfer. I love the Boost technology within my own casual footwear or Terrex hiking shoes, so to be able to feel Boost underfoot during a round of golf feels both familiar and extremely comfortable. In this case, the Codechaos' spikeless technology also creates a very even, enjoyable golf shoe.

Adidas Codechaos 22 Design & Style

In the world of golf shoes, there is an evolution happening before our eyes where more sporty aesthetics and casual streetwear styles are permeating into a sport that can otherwise be called a bit stuffy. We're here for it! I absolutely loved and grew up envying people with Jordan brand shoes or the latest Nikes. Seeing Air Max golf shoes, Jordan golf shoes, and other sneaker-forward designs is something I do love. But what sets the Adidas Codechaos 22 apart from the others in terms of its design and style?

Personally, I see the Adidas Codechaos 22 as a hybrid golf shoe that incorporates traditional styling with sporty aesthetics and foundations that ultimately deliver one of the best golf shoes I've ever put on my feet. There is a multi-layered upper mesh section which is also firm in its flexibility, and I find that to be a very practical feature of these golf shoes. I prefer a more firm golf shoe in certain portions of the upper for enhanced stability in the lower part of the swing. Stepping into the Boost midsole and super comfortable footbed in these Adidas golf shoes is what sets them apart for me. I nearly opted for an Air Max golf shoe, but when I inspected a little more closely, it was essentially the casual version of the shoe. While I can appreciate casual wear on the golf course, I'm personally looking for form and function. To summarize my experience, these Adidas golf shoes deliver on form and function in more ways than one.

Let's dive into a littler more about the technology behind Adidas Codechaos 22 golf shoes.

Technology of the Adidas Codechaos 22 Golf Shoes

• Spikeless Design: I've used spiked golf shoes for a very long time, and these are the first spikeless golf shoe I've owned. I could not be happier because the Twistgrip technology of the outsole produces a similar effect to spikes, only I find them to be much more responsive and the gripping feels very secure.
• Adidas Boost Midsole: You truly must put the Boost technology on your feet to truly appreciate it, but to summarize, thousands of particles are interacting with pockets of air to produce the most responsive midsole I've ever worn. Adidas is incorporating more of its Boost technology into other forms of Adidas shoes such as their Terrex hiking line.
• Eco-Friendly: The upper of these Adidas golf shoes features a minimum of 50% recycled materials and the product packaging omits plastic, which is something I appreciate seeing from one of the largest apparel and equipment brands in the world. These also use a sustainable insole from Insite® Sockliner.

Adidas Codechaos 22 Product Specifications

• Model Number: GX2618
• Color: Cloud White, Collegiate Navy, and Bright Red (shown)
• Regular Fit
• Lace Closure
• BOOST Midsole
• Materials: 50% Recycled Content, Mesh, Insite® Sockliner, Gripmore® rubber outsole (Twist Grip)
  

Pros & Cons of Adidas Codechaos 22

Pros:

• Supremely high comfort with very little break-in period. These golf shoes are comfortable right away!
• Stability with style throughout the entire design
• I purchased these from Adidas.com for $55 + tax, and they retail for $140. I got a fantastic deal on a fantastic product!
• Durability and execution in many weather conditions, surfaces, shot conditions, and overall environment. These shoes hold a high degree of execution in many different conditions.

Con:

• If you are in the market for traditional spiked shoes, these are not for you
• $55 + tax is not always available, and depending on the style, these shoes can cost $140. That may not be within the budgets of all of our readers
• Some may find the Adidas Codechaos 22 too grippy in certain conditions, which is a highly subjective and personal preference
  

Adidas Codechaos 22 Are the Best Golf Shoes of the Year

We're HUGE fans of the Adidas Codechaos 22 golf shoes for their consistency, comfort, durability, and high execution in the many circumstances we've tried so far. Bonus points that these shoes have a stylish aesthetic that is eye-catching out on the course. Though, that may count as a negative for some of our readers out there. Regardless of whether the styling is important to you, we recommend the Adidas Codechaos golf shoes more than Nike golf shoes, Jordan golf shoes, FootJoy, and others because they keep you very comfortable and perfectly rooted in all of your golf shots. Here's a quick video from Adidas covering the Codechaos 22:

Other Things to Know About Golf Shoes

Here's an overview of the types of golf shoes, materials used, their legality in play, and notable players associated with specific brands so that you can deepen your understanding of golf shoes:

Types of Golf Shoes

• Spiked or Cleated Golf Shoes:
• Feature plastic or metal spikes on the sole.
• Provide excellent grip and stability, especially on wet or uneven terrain.
• Ideal for players needing extra traction during their swing.
• Spikeless Golf Shoes:
• Have a flat sole with rubber studs or dimples instead of traditional spikes.
• Offer comfort and versatility, suitable for use on and off the course.
• Popular among players looking for a more casual, comfortable shoe.
• Golf Boots:
• Similar to hiking boots in design.
• Provide extra waterproofing and ankle support.
• Suitable for playing in wet and cold conditions.
• Golf Sandals:
• Open design, suitable for hot, dry conditions.
• Offer less support and protection but are highly breathable.
• Golf Sneakers:
• Similar to casual sneakers for stylish comfort
• Provide little support for waterproofing, ankle support, or stability compared to golf shoes

Materials Used in Golf Shoes

• Leather:
• Most common material, known for durability, comfort, and waterproof qualities.
• Often used in high-end, traditional golf shoes.
• Synthetic:
• Lighter and usually cheaper than leather.
• Offers good water resistance and breathability.
• Gore-Tex:
• Used in waterproof golf shoes.
• Ideal for wet and cold conditions, providing excellent moisture resistance.
• Polyester and Other Fabrics:
• Used in lightweight, breathable golf shoes.
• Often found in spikeless and summer golf shoes.

Legality of Golf Shoes in Play

• Metal Spikes: Once common, metal spikes are now banned at many golf courses due to the damage they can cause to the greens. PGA Tour professionals are still able to use them in competitive play
• Plastic Spikes and Spikeless Shoes: Widely accepted and legal in all types of play. They are less damaging to the course and have become the norm in golf footwear.

Notable Golfers and Golf Shoe Partnerships

• Tiger Woods - Nike: Known for wearing Nike golf shoes, having a signature line with the brand.
• Phil Mickelson - Callaway: Often seen wearing Callaway golf shoes during tournaments.
• Jordan Spieth - Under Armour: Has a partnership with Under Armour, wearing their golf shoes exclusively.
• Rory McIlroy - Nike: Another top player who endorses and wears Nike golf shoes.
• Dustin Johnson - Adidas: Frequently wears Adidas, known for sporting their latest models.

Do golf shoes make a big difference?

Yes! We highly suggest every golfer find a decent pair of golf shoes because it helps reduce slippage, sliding, and ensures that your base (i.e. lower body) is well-grounded. In other words, golf shoes help to ensure that your lower body maintains stability throughout your swing to make great contact and produce your desired golf shot. Golf shoes have become very comfortable and durable because companies like Adidas, FootJoy, and Nike incorporate leather, Gore-Tex, and other materials to create an underfoot experience that can be just as comfortable as your favorite casual shoes or sneakers. Planet Divot highly recommends every golfer gets a pair of golf shoes because they make a big difference in the golfing experience as compared to normal tennis shoes, casual shoes, or others that do not offer tread, spikes, or spikeless systems that help maintain traction and proper footing.

Is it better for golf shoes to be tight or loose?

Golf shoes should not be tight or loose, but instead they should fit comfortably on the foot with enough room at the toe to fit the width of a thumb between the end of the shoe. Having sufficient room in the shoe is critical because the feet shift during a golf swing. A most extreme example is Scottie Scheffler who has more footwork during his swing than possibly any golfer ever. Scottie Scheffler may prefer a tighter fitting shoe so that his excessive footwork doesn't experience incremental and ineffective sliding. For someone with a more stable base without a lot of lower body movement, a looser fitting shoe may be most comfortable. Our official recommendation is to start with your regular shoe size and make sure you have a small amount of room around your foot for minor shifting. Lace your golf shoes up with the same level of tightness as you would for a long walk in your favorite pair of normal shoes. Comfort is everything in this game, so at the end of the day, only buy golf shoes that feel comfortable to you.

Do shoes affect your golf swing?

Golf shoes have a big impact on your golf swing in terms of stability, traction, balance, and comfort. Think about a time when you wore something uncomfortable and how that impacted your experience. In the very same way, uncomfortable or improper fitting golf shoes can negatively impact your game due to discomfort and the distractions that are welcomed as a result. Comfort isn't the only effect either, golf shoes ensure stability in your lower body during the golf swing. Being surefooted during sand shots, within playable hazard areas, pine straw, or other environments where footing is a little sketchy is absolutely critical. If a golfer's foot slides out from underneath her during her swing then the outcome of the shot could be detrimental and inconsistent. In an effort to be comfortable, consistent, and stable, buy golf shoes!

How much should I pay for golf shoes?

Planet Divot is dedicated to inclusivity of the sport of golf, and in that spirit, we suggest paying what you can for golf shoes. There is no correct price to pay for a pair of golf shoes because a variety of scenarios allow us to buy golf shoes new and on sale, buy golf shoes used at a lesser price, or buy golf shoes brand new. For a good pair of new golf shoes it is best to pay $80-$110 as a starting point with exceptions for when merchandise is on sale. If you're purchasing a used pair of golf shoes in good condition then it is best to pay $30-$60. It is also possible to spend less than $30 on golf shoes that are available in thrift stores, Goodwill, used sporting goods stores, garage sales, estate sales, and others. 

Conclusion

We love that time of year when it's time to shop for new golf shoes! We talk a lot about the importance of comfort on Planet Divot, and it doesn't get more important than the shoes we're wearing while golfing. It's super critical to feel comfortable in your feet, in your stance, balanced and grounded, so that you can focus on the fundamental golf swing tips that can lead to better performance. The Adidas Codechaos 22 is the best golf shoe we wore, and it is officially the Editor's Pick for best golf shoes on Planet Divot.

Thank you as always for reading our reviews and resources about golf equipment. Please reach out with questions or feedback!