As the undisputed number one shoemaker in golf, FootJoy has every reason to rest on their laurels. However, this iconic brand has shown no signs of complacency. If anything, FootJoy has proven that they’re willing to take risks such as releasing the visually-striking, and very non-FootJoy-like Hyperflex.

Perhaps for some other companies in the golf industry, the Hyperflex would be just another cool shoe. But this is FootJoy, a brand that’s been in business nearly as long as golf has been played in the United States. FootJoy has a signature style and the Hyperflex clearly follows a different script. It’s fresher, it’s hipper and it resonates with golfers who might otherwise look past FootJoy in favor of brands that have always catered to a younger demographic.

Compelling as all that is, FootJoy’s big push to freshen up their image wouldn’t amount to much if the Hyperflex wasn’t a very good tour shoe that’s on par with their other flagship products.

Inspired by the architectural design of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, the shoe upper on the Hyperflex is reinforced with a high-performance mesh pattern called FlexGrid that provides tremendous support without being rigid. It also gives the shoe a very technical look that sets it apart from any other golf shoe in the marketplace.

FootJoy's FlexGrid upper is lightweight and durable

As someone who has worn a pair of Hyperflex shoes the past six months, I can honestly say that FlexGrid isn’t just a clever way to make the shoe standout on the course. The material wraps around the foot like a second skin offering the wearer a level of stability during the golf swing. As durable as it is, FlexGrid is extremely lightweight. As a matter of fact, the entire shoe weighs noticeably less than the two pairs of FJ Sport shoes that I own. Overall, the Hyperflex is simply a more comfortable shoe.

Of course comfort isn’t the only criteria by which to judge a pair of golf shoes. You also have to consider stability and traction. Remarkably, I can’t ever recall purchasing a FootJoy product that has failed to deliver outstanding turf interaction. The Hyperflex aren’t just another great pair of shoes that maintain FootJoy’s haughty standard - they exceed it.

FootJoy paired the innovative upper and a very comfortable midsole with a thin TPU outsole equipped with “Tornado” cleats by SoftSpikes. The sole itself is divided into two traction pods - one positioned precisely where you put pressure on the ball of your foot, the other towards the heel. The pods help spread the weight evenly across the base of the shoe. With the help of a set of aggressively designed cleats, the Hyperflex outsole can handle a variety of course conditions. This makes the Hyperflex a vastly superior all-weather golf shoe.

The Hyperflex is paired with Tornado cleats by SoftSpikes

About the only thing negatively I can say about the traction support is that the shoe refuses to give an inch laterally. I suppose this feature can be spun into a huge positive by FootJoy - the Hyperflex can actually help you maintain your weight on the instep of your foot as you make your backswing. But personally, I don’t like to feel that “locked in”.

I also find the design of the midsole a little questionable. As I already mentioned briefly, the FineTunedFoam midsole constructed from a softer and lighter EVA blend does contribute to a more comfortable walk around the golf course. When compared to the kinds of cleated golf shoes that were available only a few years ago, the Hyperflex is a major upgrade. But then again, several competing brands unveiled some truly innovative EVA- alternatives this year that makes me feel that FTF 2.0 is lagging just slightly behind. It’s also a little puzzling why FootJoy would design such a chunky midsole when most footwear brands are engineering golf shoes (cleated or otherwise) to bring your foot in closer proximity to the ground. This is not to say that the design of the midsole is a deal-breaker for me. Instead, it feels like a lost opportunity to create something that’s nearly perfect in both comfort and performance.

Overall the Hyperflex is a very well- designed, traditional (in function only) golf shoe. That I’m not over the moon with it is merely a reflection of the sort of high standards I expect from any tour shoe ($190 MSRP) bearing the “FJ” emblem. It comes in five distinct styles including a bold navy / electric green combo that is sure to turn heads. The Hyperflex is also offered in a BOA precision fit model that doesn’t require lacing.

I can’t imagine that the cutting-edge styling and technical advancements of the Hyperflex will be enough to lure a Dry Joys or FJ Icon enthusiast to add a pair of these into their shoe rotation. But then again, FootJoy has never had to worry about staying relevant with its core customers. It’s all about convincing the next generation to lace up a pair, and the Hyperflex is a bold step in the right direction.

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