Golf shoes have changed so much in the last 5-10 years and they aren’t all created equal either.
Some are low-priced, but leave your feet in pain and you can’t wait to take them off after your final putt on the 18th green. While other pairs of golf shoes are so expensive you nearly have to take out a second mortgage just to pay for them.
Luckily, FootJoy makes a new golf shoe that is both affordable and comfortable. Not to mention, it looks great and feels very modern in their design.
If you’ve read our definitive “Best Golf Shoes” post, you know we’re a big fan of FootJoy. Keep reading to learn more about one of their best shoes ever, the Pro SL Golf shoes.
Editor’s Note: The Footjoy Pro SLX shoes have been released. You can read all about them here.
FootJoy Pro SL Golf Shoes Review
So what makes these golf shoes such a hit?
A lot of reasons…
First, they’re stylish and functional. This pair of golf shoes is made of genuine ChromoSkin leather. This is a lightweight, durable, and 100% waterproof type of leather that will keep your feet protected even in tough conditions.
Second, they’re comfortable, like really comfortable. Not to mention, spikeless so they can last a long time. Let’s get into details about the comfort and durability of these shoes.
Comfort Above All Else
Comfort is arguably the most important factor when it comes to buying a pair of golf shoes. If your feet aren’t comfortable, it’s going to make for a long day on the golf course. Luckily, FJ is known for making some of the most comfortable shoes in the golf world.
As they said on their website, “Pro|SL’s comfort has been fortified considerably with the introduction of Stratofoam in the midsole. The StratoFoam cushioning system uses a proprietary blend of materials to provide optimal support and comfort for conditions encountered while playing golf – swinging, walking and everything in between.”
StratoFoam is a game changer and is sure to keep your feet comfortable and stable throughout the round. FJ later went on to say they are, “Designed to absorb shock for max walking comfort and also maximizes energy return to reduce walking fatigue.”
These shoes also have “laser Plus” which has a full rounded toe shape, standard fit across the forefoot, and a more narrow heel. So if you’re the type of golfer who likes to walk and carry or push a cart instead of ride, these shoes are a great option. You will keep your energy levels high and never worry about your feet having aches and pains.
Spikeless Design With Tons of Traction
More and more players and companies are making golf shoes without spikes. While I’m sure it pains the Golf Gods to see this, it’s good for a lot of players. Most players can play with spikeless shoes and not even notice, plus they are more comfortable as well.
But not all spikeless shoes have the same amount of traction. I was in a PGA Tour Superstore earlier in the year and saw several pairs of shoes that looked like they provided zero traction. That’s definitely not the case with these FJ shoes.
The SL golf shoes offer superior traction thanks to the infinity outsole with 189 points of traction!
Plus, they have 17% more surface area in the heel to help you generate power with your lower body during your swing. Never forget, power is generated from the ground up and these shoes have enough stability and traction to help you max out distance.
Paired with the Integrated Power Harness, these shoes allow maximum comfort and control. Your lower body will stay stable and create tons of speed in your swing.
Four Color Options
Another reason we’re huge fans of the Pro SL shoes is the great color selection. You can choose from four unique styles:
- White/navy. This is a great color option as the shoe is mostly white with navy blue accents.
- Gray. The all gray shoe works anytime of year and matches pretty much anything.
- Black/white. These are great for winter weather and have very little white on them so they should last a few seasons no problem.
- White/white. This color is ideal for playing in the summer and goes great with any outfit (even a white belt).
They’re a very traditional golf shoe and don’t offer quirky color combinations like Adidas and other brands.
Alternatives
FootJoy makes no shortage of golf shoes. If these don’t suit your eye or want extra features, here are three other great choices that we recommend from the company.
FootJoy Fuel
These shoes are even more athletic looking and cheaper than the Pro SL shoes. They are super lightweight and ideal for summer golf with their breathability and color choices.
Footjoy Traditions
If you are a traditional player, you’ll love these shoes. They offer spikes, are comfortable and have the traditional look. Go here to read our review of these shoes.
FootJoy Originals
If you need spikes on your golf shoes, you can’t beat the FootJoy originals. They’ve had the same classic look for years and are one of my all-time favorite golf shoes.
The all white is ideal for fair weather golfers and the all black is perfect for wet, winter conditions. They’re a little heavier and not as athletic as other golf shoes, but still easy to walk 18 holes. If you want a classic with real spikes, you can’t beat the originals.
FootJoy Premiere Series
The final alternative is the Premier Series from FJ. While they’re not cheap, they’re great looking and you will see the best players in the world wearing them on TV.
These are more of an old-school saddle golf shoe that are a nice throwback to the past. Despite the saddle design, they’ve been updated to meet the times and are very comfortable. As they say, “Inspired by then, supercharged for now.”
These timeless shoes have VersaTrax+ technology for maximum stability without traditional golf spikes. No matter what the conditions, these shoes will help you avoid slipping and provide tons of traction.
Like others from FJ, these are 100% waterproof with a 2-year warranty. Choose from four colors including an all white on white design.
New for this season, Footjoy added the Hyperflex Carbon and Wilcox golf shoes. Make sure to give each a look.
If you would like to explore other brands:
FAQs
Do you have more questions about the latest shoes from FootJoy? If so, we have answers below to help make your buying decision easy.
Are FootJoy Pro SL shoes waterproof?
Yes they are waterproof, not just water-resistant. So if you are one of the committed golfers who goes out to the course in tough conditions, these shoes will keep your feet dry.
To make these shoes even more appealing, they have a two-year waterproof warranty. Most companies have a one-year warranty (at most). Another great feature of these awesome FJ golf shoes!
Are there multiple width options?
Yes, FootJoy offers four different width options; narrow, medium wide, and extra-wide. Paired with the color combinations and sizes from 7-15, you’re bound to find the right ones for your feet.
How much does FootJoy SL weigh?
The newest shoes from FJ weigh 400 grams. They’re a moderate-lightweight shoe and not as heavy as others since they’re spikeless.
Do pros wear spikeless golf shoes?
Yes, tons of PGA Tour players opt for spikeless golf shoes vs. traditional soft spikes. It’s very different from the past when most players used metal spikes and could hear them clanking when walking on concrete or the cart path.
Do FootJoy golf shoes run big or small?
Every golfer is different when it comes to sizing, but fellow players have reported these to be quite similar in terms of sizing. They don’t necessarily run big or small and instead, are pretty much true to size.
What’s great about these shoes is that they have four width options as well. Unlike a lot of competitors, multiple width options make it easy to fit your feet perfectly.
Do all FootJoy shoes fit the same?
According to the company, yes, the same size regardless of the model.
As they said in their golf shoe fitting guide,
“Once you are properly fit, any shoe of the same size across the FootJoy line should fit you, but different shoes afford a different feel. Shoe shapes, determined in part by the lasts they are created on, will vary with the design of the shoe. For example, a shoe with a ‘V’ throat may feel snug around the toes and over the top of the foot.
Some people will prefer a snug feel. Conversely, a shoe with a U-throat or Blucher opening will afford more room in the in-step area of the shoe, best for those with high arches. Both may fit equally well, but feel is subjective. Listen to what your feet are telling you. You know what feels good to you.”
How tight should golf shoes fit?
If you’re like a lot of golfers, chances are you’ve wondered, “How much room should you have in a golf shoe?” It’s a great question as I just learned firsthand the importance of having the right size shoe for sports.
I decided to start running and signed up for a half-marathon but realized I should probably get real running shoes. After going to a running store, they broke down the importance of having space for your feet to move around and not damage your toenails. Turns out, it’s just as important with golf shoes too.
Here’s what FootJoy recommends based on their golf shoe fitting guide:
- “Leave about ½” of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
- The opening at the top of your shoes should be about a thumbs width apart. Other factors, like arch height can affect this, but it is a good place to start.
- When flexed, the break of the shoe should fall perfectly with the flex of your forefoot.”
Finally, make sure to stimulate your golf swing and walk around with them while wearing your normal golf socks.
Final Thoughts
The FootJoy Pro SL golf shoes are a great all-around golf shoe that is a no-brainer investment in your game.
They look good, will keep your feet comfortable, and supported as you swing the golf club. Paired with their spineless design and multiple color options, they should last you a lot of rounds of golf.
Click here to learn more about these golf shoes now.
Also, make sure to read our comprehensive guide on Best Golf Socks as well. With the right socks and shoes, your game will be better than ever and more importantly, comfortable every single shot.
