FootJoy Pro SL Golf Shoes Review and Video
05 Feb 2017
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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When so-called "spikeless" shoes hit the
market, many better amateur players and Tour pros
scoffed at the idea of using them in their competitive
rounds of golf.
Sure, they worked fine in dry conditions, and
certainly offered the benefit of going directly from
car to course. But there was definitely a noticeable
difference in traction and support, especially as the
makers of removable non-metal spikes continued to
evolve their product.
Not anymore. Flip over the FootJoy's latest Pro
SL and you'll see a totally different look than the
first models of spikeless shoes. Maybe we should call
them "spike-integrated" because there is
a lot going on underneath.
As a matter of fact, they are the first spikeless
shoe that FootJoy staff player Adam Scott has
chosen to wear. FootJoy's Director of Consumer
Marketing Chris Garrett certainly wasn't upset about
that.
He told me that Adam Scott is the perfect
ambassador, because he likes to try all the new
shoes. And he really likes the Pro SL. So does
Andrew "Beef" Johnston, Louis
Oosthuizen, and more than a dozen other FootJoy
players.
In Scott's case, he first tried them at the baked-
out Chambers Bay in the 2016 U.S. Open. So far, so
good. Then he crossed the pond to the British, where
the firm conditions were wet on top, putting more of
an emphasis on traction.
"I had no problem at all," said Scott.
"And I go as far as to say I feel as stable as in
any shoe I've worn."
At an affordable $149.99 retail, with a 2-year
waterproof guarantee, I wouldn't be surprised if the
Pro SL becomes the most popular shoe FootJoy
makes.
They are built to be comfortable right out of the
box, and consumer reviews are five stars across the
board in that area, with one standing out, because it
comes from someone who suffers from foot pain
when playing multiple rounds in succession. Their
review said:
"The most comfortable FJ's I have ever
worn. They feel lightweight but sturdy. I get bad
plantar fasciitis when I play a couple days in a
row...my feet haven't hurt at all and I just played 4
days in a row in them. I will get them in every
color!"
Pro SL feature a ChromoSkin™ leather upper,
developed by Pittards® of England. (If the name
sounds familiar that's because it's the same
company that makes the leather in the popular
FootJoy StaySof glove). The leather is soft,
lightweight, and 100% waterproof. Underneath
you've got a perimeter weighted outsole, which
allows for extreme stability and added lightweight
comfort. A thicker insole provides extra comfort
underfoot. And a removable footbed is perfect for
airing out the Pro SLs after a long day of 18, or 36
holes.
Another thing that gives Pro SL a nice blend of
comfort and performance is their unique design with
a rounded toe (don't you hate it when shoes are tight
in the toe area?) a standard fit throughout the middle
of the shoe, and a slightly tighter fit in the heel.
FootJoy might have found the holy grail of shoe
design -- a lightweight, comfortable leather shoe
with great support and traction -- that you can wear
to and from the course.