One story which may have passed you by, for obvious reasons, during the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles was the chosen footwear of a certain Hunter Mahan.
Don’t feel ashamed, it was the Ryder Cup, there were more important things at stake like whether or not Phil Mickelson would opt for one mitt or two to combat the Scottish autumn.
But for those of us inclined to notice what tour players wear on their feet (sorry, I can’t help it), Mahan’s sneakers actually caused quite a stir.
We knew he was a FootJoy ambassador but at first glance it was easy to think he’d been tapped up by a rival brand.
If FootJoy had aimed to create a buzz by encouraging Mahan to try out Hyperflex at the Ryder Cup then the plan worked a treat.
Four months and a few teaser marketing campaigns later, I’ve got a pair of said Hyperflex on my feet and am strolling around the office feeling rather pleased with myself.
This is an exciting development in the world of the golf shoe as it’s the first time we’ve really seen FootJoy try and crack the highly competitive golf-trainer marker.
If Hyperflex can be as successful as last year’s DNA, and the brand is optimistic that it can be, then it will be a huge victory.
So what’s the Hyperflex story? Where did the design come from and what are the features and benefits?
The distinctive shoe features innovative materials like the new FlexGrid exoskeleton, helping to deliver lightweight support and cushioning.Â
The very distinctive FlexGrid upper was inspired by the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts.Â
After wearing Hyperflex on the range and on the course, I found them to be extremely comfortable while offering excellent stability and control The FlexGrid exoskeleton is strong enough to prevent the foot from rolling laterally during a players swing, but also allows the foot to flex.
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The base layer is made of a flexible, lightweight waterproof mesh, which allows for breathability, flexibility and good airflow.
If you’re not a fan of the loud green and blue offering, Hyperflex are also available in white and grey, white and blue, black and white and an orange and black style.
Some colour options are also available with the BOA lacing system.Â
After wearing Hyperflex on the range and on the course, I found them to be extremely comfortable while offering excellent stability and control.
Although they are light, I wouldn’t say they are the lightest on the market but FootJoy believe some golf shoes compromise of performance benefits if too much is stripped away.
The heel sits quite high when wearing Hyperflex but the spongy fine tune foam sole helps the foot nestle nicely into the shoe.
Whether or not FootJoy Hyperflex will be as successful as DNA remains to be seen but the brand has definitely produced a product which satisfies the needs of the golfer who leans towards the trainer golf shoe and has a penchant for a bit of style.
SRP: £135/£150 BOA
Availability:Â March 2015
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