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How does the latest top of the range offering from FootJoy perform? Our resident Footjoy shoe expert Jonathan Taylor got his hands on a pair to find out.
The Pro SL range from FootJoy first appeared back in 2016 and rapidly became a top seller, popular with tour players and recreational golfers alike.
The range topping Pro SL Carbon was one of your writer’s favourite shoes from last season. So, I was excited to test the very latest Pro/SLX Carbon model.
This really is all the golf shoe you will ever need. FootJoy has surpassed itself with a great-looking shoe that is lightweight, extremely comfortable and offers unrivalled grip and support. Packed with technological advances, it comes highly recommended.
PROS
CONS
Out of the box, these immediately looked more interesting than the previous model. This may have been partly due the colour version tested which is named ‘white/black’ but has some interesting splashes of bright blue and lime green around the mid and outsole. The overall appearance is a sleek, technical and sporty look.
There are a few obvious developments from the previous model. The heel piece is now sat on the outside of the shoe. The midsole looks thicker, and the ankle collar rises higher. And finally, the outsole looks significantly different with the grippy bits (nubbins and foils) positioned around the periphery of the sole, with a black X in the middle, which FootJoy calls a 3-D Carbon X-Wing. I am feeling a bit like a superhero! The Chromoskin leather upper retains the premium look and feel of the shoe and offers a waterproof guarantee.
The shoe weighed in at 415 gms which is slightly heavier than the previous version, but not noticeably so. It comes in just two colours; the one tested here and a plain black. The latter may be more suited to winter/wet weather golf.
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 simply fine.
The first thing to say is that these shoes are supremely comfortable. I couldn’t tell you whether this is due to the Ortholite Impressions footbed or the Stratofoam midlayer, or both. My whole foot felt securely held in place from heel to toe.
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A word about the outsole. FootJoy calls it a Race Trak outsole with grippy elements situated around the perimeter of sole. The central ‘X’ visible in the photos is a carbon fibre 3D X-Wing which is designed to distribute energy to the periphery (where the grip is). This all looks novel, but the bottom line is that it performs superbly.
On testing in damp conditions underfoot, I experienced a great feeling of stability with no loss of grip on sidehill lies or in fairway bunkers. I did notice that when looking down at the shoe, the outsole is clearly visible, but this appearance adds to a sense of grip and security.
I have worn this shoe on two 18-hole rounds at my home heathland (but wet) course. My feet have remained dry and comfortable throughout. Although I have not yet worn them for 36 holes in a day, I am confident that they would be fine.
This latest shoe from the FootJoy Pro SL range is an absolute winner!
It offers a combination of looks, comfort, grip and stability that, for me, makes it one of the best shoes I have ever tested.
If you are in the market for a new pair of shoes this year, then you really should consider the Footjoy Pro/SLX Carbon.
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: 9/10
Available: Now
RRP: £189.99 / $219.99
SIZE: 6-12 UK / Medium and Wide
COLOUR: White-Black-Multi / Black
More information: FootJoy UK / FootJoy US
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