If the 2010s was the decade that hybrid, trainer style golf shoes really came into the market, then it could be argued that the 2020s has seen the rebirth of the classic golf shoe, combining with more modern technologies to help with comfort and performance.
The leader in this category, which really drove the change, was the FootJoy Premiere Series, with new models still being released this year. But one of the other big names helping to drive this reconnaissance is Adidas thanks to their MC70 Shoe.
I took their latest MC70 model for 2026 out on the golf course to see how it performed.
Who Are They Aimed At?
Adidas are one of the best brands in the game when it comes to blending retro designs and aesthetics with more modern touches and technologies. Their Originals golf clothing line is a perfect example of that, reincarnating the iconic trefoil logo.
The MC70 Shoes are ideal for golfers who like the more traditional golf gear, but don’t want to compromise with poor performance or uncomfortable footwear. They still allow you to swing with confidence and play your best golf, whilst also looking great too.
With an RRP of £120 (although you can get them cheaper) they’re also really good value for a classically-styled shoe, especially when you compare with other options in this category like the FJ Premiere Series Packard or the G/Fore Gallivanter.
The Tech
The MC70 shoes are said to be inspired by Adidas shoes from the 1970s.
Despite the relatively low price tag, the shoes are still made from a genuine waterproof leather, adding a premium feel as well as providing plenty of comfort. They’re said to encourage an ‘ideal inner climate’ for all day comfort regardless of the conditions.
Like most Adidas golf shoes, you get that combination of both Boost cushioning and Lightstrike. The Boost offers energy return and extra comfort on each step, while the Lightstrike foam is light and responsive.
The torsion system helps to keep things stable during the swing, whilst a cast PU outsole has Traxion lugs to give you plenty of grip from a variety of different lies and conditions.
It’s available in both spiked and spikeless in a number of different colourways, including all-white, white and navy, and black. There’s also a wide range of sizes available, from 6.5 all the way up to 14.5 in the men’s models.
Looks
These are great-looking shoes that basically do exactly as described. They offer classic styling, but with a slightly more modern feel, especially when you look at the shoe’s midsole and outsole.
Compared to the previous MC80 shoes, they have a bit more of a basic design too, with a textured strip running up each side of the shoe rather than the wingtip design of the MC80.
I tested the white and green colourway, which was released in April just in time for The Masters. It adds a nice extra touch of detail compared to the other colourways in the collection, which are much more plain overall.
The silhouette has a nice thin profile when you look down at the shoe, and the overall quality feels premium.
I also like the detailing of the Adidas badge on the side of the shoe, as well as on the heel area.
Despite being a spikeless shoe, I really can’t see many golfers using these for much longer than just a round of golf, or maybe a quick drink in the clubhouse after finishing their round.
Classic styles like this aren’t quite as versatile as more modern options, and to be honest, I’m not sure they’re quite comfortable enough to keep on for too long either, especially when they do have the plastic spikes built in.
Comfort
In all honesty shoes like this are never going to be quite as comfortable as something more trainer-like, especially from brands like Ecco or the G/Fore MG4+ O2 that I tested a few months ago.
However, you still don’t have to go through quite the same level of “breaking in” as you might expect. I’d be lying if I said they were 100% comfortable straight out of the box, as they were a little firm, especially around the heel area.
By the end of the round, though, this had worn off, and on the whole I was impressed with the comfort they offered. There was a nice locked-in feel, and my feet didn’t move around within the shoe. The upper itself also felt comfortable, and I was impressed with the comfort around the tongue area, as this can often feel quite firm or unforgiving with more classical shoes like this one.
The laces are nice quality too. They weren’t too long, which is often an issue with modern golf shoes, but they also weren’t quite as thin as the Premiere Series shoes I currently own. Adidas also says the laces are water resistant, which helps to add a bit more versatility too.
As you may already know, Adidas shoes do tend to fit a little smaller, so I would consider going up half a size from your usual measurement.
Performance
It’s pretty rare these days that you wear a new pair of golf shoes and have any issues with performance. Usually once you’re happy that they are comfortable enough to wear, the technology that most brands put into their shoes does the rest.
In fact most complaints that you see from golfers really come from issues with durability, rather than actual performance.
Testing the MC70 shoes on the course I was impressed overall with how they performed, although I did have a couple of small areas for improvement.
Whilst the Boost cushioning and Lightstrike foam are pre-existing features from Adidas, I did find that the shoes were a little bit firm underfoot, so much so that I could actually feel undulations, stones, twigs and other bits of debris under my feet whilst walking or standing to hit a shot.
The other small gripe I had is that I did feel my foot slip on a couple of occasions, particularly off the tee, which is pretty rare for me. I didn’t lose confidence in the shoes, but if you’re someone who is prone to slipping it may be worth bearing in mind.
Having used these shoes for a couple of rounds now, I was impressed by the waterproof resistance the shoes showed, and so far the leather upper has also been pretty easy to keep clean too.
With shoes like this there can sometimes be a reluctance to actually use them because you don’t want to use them, but I would have no hesitation in lacing them up even in the slightly cooler months or in damp conditions.
Verdict
In terms of overall looks, quality and top-level performance, I’m not sure the MC70s are quite on the same level as a Premiere Series shoe. You don’t have to pay anywhere near the same amount of money though, so perhaps that’s to be expected.
They are an excellent entry into the classic golf shoe market, which should widen their appeal to a greater number of golfers too.
If you’re after all-out comfort or support, then there are better shoes on the market. Adidas themselves offer the ZG23 and Tour360 shoes, which you’re much more likely to see tour players using.
However, if style is what you’re after, then these shoes are a fantastic traditional option for golfers who still like wearing a knitted polo and sweatshirt, or chinos and trousers, rather than clingy golf “pants”.
Would I Use Them?
Not every week, but they’re a nice option to have for certain rounds of golf. I would be interested to see how durable they were over time though, because the price tag does seem extremely reasonable for a fully leather shoe of this style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Adidas MC70 golf shoes waterproof?
Yes, the MC70 shoes are made from genuine waterproof leather, which adds both a premium feel and reliable protection in wet conditions. They’re designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable regardless of the weather.
How do the Adidas MC70 shoes fit — are they true to size?
The MC70 runs true to size and is available in medium width only, in sizes 6.5 to 14.5. They can feel slightly firm around the heel area straight out of the box but this eases off within a round, after which the fit feels locked-in and comfortable.
Are the Adidas MC70 shoes spiked or spikeless?
Both options are available. The spiked version uses a cast PU outsole with Traxion lugs for grip from a variety of lies and conditions. There are multiple colourways available across both versions, including white/navy, black/grey and a limited edition white/green released in April 2026.
How do the Adidas MC70 compare to the FootJoy Premiere Series?
Both sit in the classic, traditional-style golf shoe category but the FootJoy Premiere Series feels slightly more premium in terms of overall construction and finish. The MC70 is better value at £120 RRP compared to the Premiere Series Packard, and offers a more modern midsole thanks to Adidas’s Boost and Lightstrike cushioning combination. For golfers on a tighter budget who still want a classic look, the MC70 is the stronger choice.
What’s the difference between the Adidas MC70 and MC80?
The MC70 has a slightly simpler design than the MC80, replacing the MC80’s wingtip detailing with a textured strip running up each side of the shoe. The MC70 sits lower in price and has a thinner, sleeker profile at address. Some testers preferred the bolder look of the MC80, though the MC70’s cleaner aesthetic will suit golfers who want a more understated classic shoe.
Are the Adidas MC70 shoes good value for money?
At £120 RRP — and often available for less — the MC70 represents solid value in the classic golf shoe category. You get genuine waterproof leather, Boost cushioning, a proper torsion system and Traxion grip in a well-made package that competes with options costing significantly more.
