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The Pro SL from FootJoy has been a top seller for a number of years. We got our hands on a pair of the top of the range Pro SL Carbon to see how they perform.
The FootJoy Pro SL golf shoe was born in 2016, and rapidly became a top seller, popular with recreational golfers and tour players alike. There are a number of different Pro SL models, all of which belong to FootJoy’s so-called ‘modern tech’ range. Here we test the top-of-the-range Pro SL Carbon.
This is a a premium shoe with good looks, exceptional comfort and grip, suitable for year-round wear.
PROS
CONS
On opening the box, I was met with the now familiar Pro SL shape. I tested the black model, one of just two colours available. While it is certainly a practical option for the winter months, I do think it looks a little less interesting than the previous Carbon model which had a contrasting white sole.
The Pittard leather upper offers a premium appearance and feel, and, of course, is waterproof. As with the Pro SL, it felt very light, particularly for leather shoes. This size 7.5 shoe weighed 370 grams which is just 10 grams more than the Pro SL, and still very lightweight. There was clearly more padding around the collar and heel of the shoe compared to the Pro SL.
This model comes in just two colour options in the UK – black and white. Both colours are available in medium and wide fittings.
The sole configuration at first glance seems the same as the standard Pro SL with 180 rubber lugs. But in fact, the Pro SL Carbon boasts a full-length carbon fibre insert into the midsole in order to provide, in FootJoy’s words, ‘exceptional stability and motion control’ and I did feel that the Carbon offered more torsional rigidity (or resistance to twisting) than the Pro SL.
A FootJoy measuring had confirmed my size UK 7.5 (Euro 41) in a wide fitting. It had also found that my right foot was slightly smaller than my left. When I first put these shoes on, just as with the Pro SL, my right foot didn’t feel as well supported as my left. However after a few holes this sensation disappeared and the shoes felt comfortable . But what I would say is that if you are between sizes then you may be better dropping down half a size.
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My testing was carried out in damp conditions over two rounds on my home heathland course. The shoe felt really comfortable and light. Although there is an enhanced footbed on the Carbon model, I did not notice any difference in underfoot comfort compared with the standard Pro SL.
Where I really noticed a significant difference in comfort was around the collar and heel of the shoe from the clearly visible extra padding in those areas. And the enhanced comfort did not detract from the performance of this shoe.
The heel piece of the Pro SL Carbon feels stiffer that the SL and, combined with the carbon fibre insert in the midsole, ensured that my foot felt really well supported and stable.
The outsole configuration is the same as the Pro SL. The 180 rubber lugs, allied to the perimeter weighting of the proprietary outsole with 17% more surface area in the heel, all makes this a very secure shoe. The damp conditions we experienced during assessment tested the performance of the sole and there was no slipping or sense of insecurity even on awkward sloping lies.
As with the Pro SL, there were no issues with breathability and this is a shoe that I could comfortably wear for 36 holes.
The low profile spikeless outsole means that this show is entirely at home off the course, in the clubhouse, to and from the course, just as the Pro SL is.
So there are plenty of similarities between the Pro SL Carbon and the Pro SL an advantage of the Pro SL is that it does offer a wider range of size and width fits for those with non-standard feet.
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There are also some significant differences between the two models. For me, the performance advantages offered by the extra comfort and stability of the Carbon, wins the day, even at a £30 price premium.
This is a shoe, particularly in this colour, that will be straightforward to care for over the winter months so as to keep your premium footwear in premium condition. It comes highly recommended.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow
Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual
Out of Box Comfort: 9/10
Stability: 9/10
Value for Money: 8.5/10
Available: Now
RRP: £189.99 / $159.99
Sizes: UK 6 -12 ( half sizes upto 11).
Colours: White, Black.
More info: FootJoy
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