adidas S2G 26 Golf Shoes Review: A dependable all-rounder

Since its introduction a few years ago, adidas's S2G golf shoe has become one of the most ubiquitous models in the crossover between street fashion and golf culture.

With do-it-all styling, ample cushioning underfoot and just the right amount of tech for it to count as a serious golf shoe in its own right, the S2G has quickly ascended to become the Three Stripes do-it-all model for players who don't quite know what they want out of a golf shoe.

Now, for 2026, it's had an update, with subtly revised looks, a re-engineered platform and a few other tweaks aimed at putting it among the very best golf sneakers around. At just £90, it could also also a contender among the budget golf shoes money can buy.

But how does it perform, how does it look on-feet, and is it really the perfect golf sneaker for players who want to keep a more casual look without sacrificing performance? Let's find out.

Let us know what you think of the new range in the comments below, and check out our guide to the best golf shoes of 2026 here.

Looks & features

Most players are familiar with the look of the S2G by now, and will likely be relieved to hear that not a lot has changed looks-wise in the 2026 version. 

Debuted back in 2024 as a sneaker-style shoe that packed in a ton of performance yet drifted well under the £100 price point, the S2G instantly became one of adidas's most popular golf models. Two years on, the S2G 26 refines this package even further while adding more nods to the brand's unrivalled sneaker heritage.

The S2G once again draws its main inspiration from the much-loved sneakers adidas released throughout the '70s and '80s, with the addition of a new waterproof fabric variant to the line-up styled with the famed T-toe synonymous with models like the Samba and SL72 running shoe. A tumbled full-leather version is also available for those who want a bit of extra structure and practicality.

Pops of colour are going to be a big theme with the S2G this year, with plenty of funky colour ways planned to drop over the coming months, inspired by the colour schemes of athletic shoes from the '70s and '80s.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I must admit that I've never quite clicked with the S2G. I suspect its generally trainer-like silhouette will prove popular, but I've never been a massive fan of the way the midsole juts out from the rear of the shoe, and there's something about the way adidas have mashed together blends a low-profile upper with a chunkier midsole that doesn't quite sit right to my eye.

While both the leather and textile versions are waterproof and well-made, it's worth noting that on the textile version the upper and suede-effect T-toe are both liable to scuff up pretty quickly. If you want to keep your kicks looking clean as they age, we'd recommend the leather version.

All this being said, the S2G certainly isn't offensive to look at. It's more than casual enough to pass for a sneaker on the golf course, but I'm not sure I'd go so far as to wear them down the pub. It just looks a little too golf shoe-y, but if you want a golf shoe you can really wear out on the town, there are options aplenty in the adidas Originals golf range.

Underfoot, the S2G delivers the steady traction and comfort that the 2024 edition was so well-received for, lightening the entire package and adding more comfort. 

A softened version of the S2G 24's Lightstrike platform provides a more cushioned sensation, and while the amount of foam underfoot isn't huge, the S2G proved more than comfortable enough to wear to the course, out on a full 18 holes of walking, and back home again.

Performance

In terms of traction and stability, I'd would give these shoes a solid 7/10, which is more than what we've expect from a sneaker-styled shoe while still leaving room for improvement.

The rubber nubs on the sole provide suitable traction for dry conditions, with the sole also benefitting from a good level of flexibility, which allowed us to remain steady-footed on hills or slopes.

While adidas have beefed up the upper to provide the wearer with a bit more support, the relative lack of tech within the shoe means that you're likely to experience a bit of movement within the shoes during the swing. Once again, however, this is something we've long come to expect from more casual-style shoes.

While the Adiwear outsole some of the best durability and traction we've experienced in a golf sneaker, we still feel that these shoes are probably best suited to spring or summer golf.

As such, if you really want to feel tour-level lockdown and stability through the swing, we'd recommend springing for a more performance-focused shoe. For its price, however, it performs admirably.

Should you buy the adidas S2G golf shoes?

All in all, the S2Gs remain a very solid, versatile offering from adidas, and stack up among the best sneaker-styled golf shoes money can buy.

If you're looking for a pair of golf shoes that don't scream "I've just played 18 holes" while still providing bags of on-course performance, then the S2Gs could be just what you're looking for. 

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say they're good looking enough to routinely wear off the course, but they provide just the right amount of looks, performance and traction to serve as a reliable go-to for casual rounds, dry climates and practice sessions.

The real selling point here, of course, is the price. At just £85 for the textile version and £90 for the leather upgrade, you also won't have to break the bank to look good and play great here, making this a perfect entry-level shoe for the developing player.