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How does the 2026 Pro/SL from FootJoy perform? Our resident Footjoy shoe expert Jonathan Taylor got his hands on a pair to find out.
The FootJoy Pro SL golf shoe was born in 2016, and rapidly became a top seller, popular with recreational golfers and tour players alike. Having tested the Pro SL Carbon in 2022 and the Pro/SLX Carbon in 2024, and been impressed with them both, I was keen to review the latest version of the Pro/SL, a full decade after it was initially released.
So let’s take a look at the updated model for this year with our FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 golf shoe review.
With regard to FootJoy footwear, the Pro/SLX Carbon was a favourite of mine from 2024 and is still part of the FootJoy stable, currently available at the sale price of £129.99. What I particularly liked about that model was the blend of looks, performance and comfort.
FootJoy tells us that the Pro/SL 2026 represents a complete revolution of #1 spikeless shoe on tour. The spiked Premiere model remains the most popular shoe, overall, but tour pro input from the likes of Sahith Theegala has provided the Pro/SL with a bold new look and first rate performance.
The previous Pro/SLX Carbon offered a traditional ‘golf shoe’ appearance with a premium Chromoskin leather upper. The updated version is constructed from a synthetic multi-layer Z-TEC (Zonal-Targeted-Engineered-Composite) upper which provides stability and flexibility. It all looks pretty streamlined and offers an athletic, sporty look. The latest shoe is also significantly lighter, coming in at a very lean 355 gms per shoe. This is about 30% lighter than the previous iteration.
The Z-TEC upper is waterproof (2-Year Waterproof Warranty in the US and 1 year in the UK/EU) and breathable. There is plenty of soft padding around the entry to the shoe and tongue. There is a new Ortholite X25 fitbed, which promises all-day comfort. The 3D moulded ankle collar feels soft and padded, but still supportive.
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The ARCTrax/SL outsole has 48 nubbins or cones and 26 traction fins on each shoe. These are said to offer not only multi-directional grip but also walking comfort.
I rather liked the subtle branding, with a modest FJ motif over the outer heel, and a similar logo on the tongue.
I tested the white/blue/red model, which is one of four colour options available. I thought the shoe looked striking and athletic. As the accompanying pictures show, it’s white at the front, and blue around the heel, with some red stitching on the outside of the shoe and a red/white and blue sole. There are also grey and black options which may be more suited to winter golf. All in all, it is clean and good looking shoe.
Sizing
Previous experience has taught me that you should almost certainly drop down half a size when choosing FootJoy. I’m normally a UK 7.5 (wide) but the UK 7 in medium width fitted just perfectly in this model.
Another development that I noticed is that there was a lot more room in the toe box, courtesy of an updated Vantage last (shoe shape).
NCG Verdict
Such has been the progress made in golf shoe design and construction that I cannot recall the last time I put on a shoe that was not comfortable within an hour of being on my feet. The Pro/SL 2026 is no exception and it delivers outstanding comfort. My foot felt securely cosseted and well supported throughout, even with the noticeably roomier toe box.
I have worn this shoe on several rounds at my home heathland course in typical spring conditions. My feet have remained dry throughout, and although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to wear them for 36 holes in a day, I am sure that they would be fine as they are definitely one of the lighter shoes I have worn.
And on those uneven lies, including fairway bunkers, the Pro/SL 2026 offers secure stability and traction, with no hint of slipping.
The Pro/SL is also easy to care for; a simple wipe clean with a damp cloth keeps your shoes looking pristine.
So, the re-imagined Pro/SL for 2026 from FootJoy delivers yet again, offering first-class comfort, traction and stability. If you are in the market for new footwear this season, you really should take a look at the Pro/SL.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual Out of Box Comfort: 10/10 Stability: 10/10 Value for Money: 10/10
