It is quite clever how the BOA lacing system on the Powerbands pulls the whole upper of the shoe around your foot for a nice snug fit.
Adidas say the Powerbands have a 6-spike TPU outsole construction with strategically placed secondary lugs for added grip and stability.
The Tour 360s are designed to keep your feet nice and stable with the 360 wrap technology. There’s added traction with a 10-cleat outsole.
Both shoes carry a waterproof guarantee.
Adidas Powerband vs. Tour 360 – The results
There was impressive comfort right away with the Powerbands. They seemed to be a bit of a wider fit than what I’m used to with Adidas golf shoes which was a welcome surprise.
They seem to be particularly wide around the toes but I was able to get my foot nicely locked in by doing the BOA laces up quite tight.
These shoes are nice and light but when I made my first few practice swings in them I felt really well rooted to the ground. They feel quite low profile and made me feel nice and stable through the swing.
I particularly felt my left foot digging nicely into the ground when hitting driver.
After nine holes I switched to the Tour 360 and could tell right away that these might need a little bit more ‘breaking in’.
The shoe just feels a lot firmer and it was a bit of an effort to get them on my feet.
Once on, they weren’t uncomfortable but I just wanted them to be a bit softer – something which I’m sure would come over time.
The traction was equally excellent – there was no slipping and sliding about which is a problem I can have out on the course.
After a while I started to feel the higher heel rubbing a little bit and I became a bit more conscious of the shoes rather than forgetting about them which would be my preference.
Adidas Powerband vs. Tour 360 – NCG verdict
Adidas have a fantastic heritage in running shoes and football boots and elements of each are apparent in these golf shoes.
The Boost technology (first featured in running shoes) is fantastic for comfort and really helps take the strain out of a round of golf.
One problem I do have with it is that once it gets dirty, it can be difficult to clean and can look a bit grubby.
I’m someone who leans towards a more stable golf shoe and from the outset I did prefer the looks of the Tour 360.
But if I was going to play a round tomorrow, it would be the Powerband Boa Boosts which got the nod.
They are lighter and more comfortable than the Tour 360 but don’t compromise on traction and stability at all.
I’m not a huge fan of the looks but performance and comfort are the only things I’m really bothered about in a golf shoe.
I am a huge fan of BOA which is another reason why I’d be plumping for the Powerbands.
Spikeless golf shoes do have their merits but if you’re after maximum traction I think it has to be spiked all way.
And if you’re after a decent pair of top-performing spiked golf shoes that can be worn all year round, I think both these models are well worth a look.
But it’s a victory for Sergio Garcia over Dustin Johnson on this occasion. Sorry DJ.
SRPs
Adidas Powerband Boa Boost: £149.95
Adidas Tour 360 Boost: £149.95
More information can be found on the Adidas website.
