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.