Equipment: FootJoy Pro SL golf shoe review

Our FootJoy Pro SL review took place at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal.

I learned a bit more about the shoe before playing 18 holes on the Faldo Course.

Then to get a bit more detail on the tech, I interviewed FootJoy’s director of product development Jeremy Baldwin.

FootJoy Pro SL review – First impressions

I first got a glimpse of this shoe on the feet of Adam Scott.

It didn’t take long for other tour players to start wearing them with many putting them into play at The Open at Royal Troon.

It seemed like a lot of players who had previously worn the DryJoys Casual were transitioning in the Pro SL.

To me, the DryJoys Casual was a top-performing spikeless shoe but it didn’t quite have the style you’d expect for the price tag.

The Pro SL look stunning and when you get them in your hands the leather feels super-premium. You’ll really feel like your getting your money’s worth.

Learning more about the new @FootJoyEurope ProSL this morning. Full details here >>> https://t.co/9y5bVsh8h8 pic.twitter.com/yQn1yoQ71s

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 2, 2016

FootJoy say the Pro SL is the number one spikeless shoe on tour because there’s no compromise on traction. Now there’s no compromise on style.

It can take a lot to convince spiked-shoe stalwarts to move into spikeless. The DryJoys Casual certainly did that and now with the Pro SL I’d expect to see even more moving in this direction.

Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston went from HyperFlex into Pro SL.

FootJoy Pro SL review – The technology

FootJoy have once again used outsole material called Fine-Tuned Foam (FTF) which provides enhanced cushioning and shock absorption for added comfort.

Some nice style options in the @FootJoyEurope ProSL. Leather feels really soft. Key technology in the 3-layer outsole pic.twitter.com/ItCZmXjJpl

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 2, 2016

The top layer of FTF, which cradles the foot, is a softer to provide all day comfort.

The lower/outer portion is firmer in order to deliver perimeter stability around the foot for maximum support throughout the swing.

Thirdly, TPU traction elements are strategically placed within the FTF outsole material to provide golfers with enhanced traction, lateral stability and more points of ground contact.

FootJoy Pro SL review – Results/NCG verdict

As soon as you put the FootJoy Pro SL on they feel more comfortable than the DryJoys Casual.

Fantastic day out on the course at Amendoeira testing the @FootJoyEurope Pro SL. A high-class spikeless shoe pic.twitter.com/aXeli3sDhp

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 2, 2016

The leather feels much softer and there seems to be more padding around the foot.

It also feels like there is a little bit more room around the toe area while feeling nice and snug around the heel and top of the foot.

But, as with all FootJoy products, performance is the most important thing and the Pro SL don’t disappoint.

I’ll wear spiked shoes whenever I can because my balance is quite poor and I find myself slipping and sliding all over the place.

But with the Pro SL I found the traction to be excellent and I felt like I could really use the ground to help me swing.

Here's a better swing. The @FootJoyEurope Pro SL really help a slipper and a slider like me get some decent traction pic.twitter.com/6t3SlNycGh

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) November 2, 2016

With some spikeless shoes I often feel like my whole body moves through impact and I don’t get any resistance from the ground to create lag and power.

I wasn’t all of a sudden swinging it like Adam Scott but the Pro SL were helping me to make confident swings.

For me, the Pro SL are the ultimate all-rounders as they give you the best of everything.

They have the comfort of spikeless but the traction and performance of a more structured spiked shoe.

They also look fantastic so you’d happily keep them on in the clubhouse or the pub after your round.

I’d probably wear them even if I wasn’t playing golf – something I wouldn’t have said about the DryJoys Casual.

When I wore the Pro SL to work for the first time, everyone was commenting at how good they looked.

I can’t swing it like Adam Scott but I can look just as good. Well, maybe not quite as good but we can wear the same shoes.

FootJoy have really fulfilled their brief on the Pro SL if they were looking to create a top-preforming spikeless shoe that looks cool and will have success on tour.

You really can’t fault it although it isn’t cheap at £140. But it will last and if you’re someone who struggles for a bit of traction, it will improve your golf so worth every penny in my eyes.

Details

In store: February 1, 2017
Waterproof warranty: 1 year
Colours: White/red/black, Black/red, White/blue/green
SRP: £140 Laced £155 Boa

For more information visit the FootJoy website HERE

[skylab_video id=”45571″]FootJoy Pro SL YouTube[/skylab_video]