So I’ve been dealing with foot pain after my weekend runs lately, right? My old cross trainers felt like bricks strapped to my feet. Was browsing the mall last Thursday when these adidas Tour 360 XT SLs caught my eye at the outlet store. Figured I’d give ’em a shot since my arches were screaming for mercy.
First impressions out the box
Slipped ’em on straight away in the parking lot. That BOOST foam – dude, it’s like stepping on memory foam pillows. Wiggle my toes? Plenty room up front. Heel area hugged my ankle snug without choking it. Walked around my car three times just listening to that soft pfft pfft sound from the spikeless soles.
Real testing on the course
Took ’em to the municipal golf course Saturday morning. Was pouring rain but those waterproof uppers? Solid. Didn’t get that gross squelchy sock feeling even on the 14th hole swamp patch. Best part? Zero break-in time. Usually new shoes murder my pinky toe, but I walked 18 holes without a single blister. Even chased after a stray tee shot through gravel – those torsion rods under the arch? Felt like springs pushing me forward.
- Stability win: Leaned into my driver swing on the 9th tee box. Normally my old shoes would slip sideways but these soles suctioned to the wet turf
- Forgot I was wearing shoes: Seriously. Around hole 15 I realized I hadn’t thought about my feet once – that’s when you know
- Breathability surprise: Afternoon sun came out and I braced for sauna feet. Those mesh side panels actually let air through
Daily wear confession
Wore ’em grocery shopping Sunday because I’m lazy. Aisle 7 epiphany: they’re actually decent walking shoes too. The BOOST cushioning ate up concrete floor vibrations. My lower back didn’t ache pushing that overloaded cart. Saw my reflection in the freezer door – gotta admit they look slick with jeans.
Downside? Price tag stung a bit. And after two days of non-stop wear, I noticed some creasing on the toe box. But for comfort that makes you sigh when you take the first step? Totally worth it. My plantar fasciitis hasn’t pinged since switching. These beat my old shoes like Tiger Woods at his prime.
