Cost: $339.95 (laced), $379.95 (BOA).
Tested by: Callum Hill, Golf Australia writer.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: As the saying goes, first impressions are lasting impressions, and I loved what the Footjoy Pro/SLX Carbon shoes looked and felt like when I got them on my hooves. These are a high-quality set of kicks.
The colour combinations are subtle and classy. If you plan your outfits before heading to the course, there is no need to worry about a clash; the Carbon Pro/SLX are versatile.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a model of Footjoy shoes that has missed the mark, and these new wheels are undoubtedly no different. As most golfers could attest, getting a brand-new pair of golf shoes and wearing them on the links straight out of the box can typically lead to at least 36 holes of some discomfort and, perhaps, dreaded blisters.
I have had my fair share of golf shoes and tried a variety of makes and models, and I could probably count on one hand the number of pairs that haven’t initially given me some form of discomfort.
That wasn’t the case with this model. I took the shoes out of the box in the golf course car park. I put them on and started strolling to the 1st tee and it felt as if my feet were wrapped in a sponge, largely due to the Stratofoam that helps absorb shock. It was like wearing a trusty sneaker that had been worn for years; a perfect fit, light though incredibly stable.
HOW THEY PERFORMED: If metal spikes were still widely accepted, I would probably wear them. I have a tendency to pivot and slip, especially on the tee. Think of Scottie Scheffler but if he were a mediocre golfer. So, nowadays, I usually sport plastic spikes or moulds.
The Pro/SLX Carbon sports a CARBON PWR TRAX system that uses the ‘Race Track’ outsole to provide a ‘no-slip grip’ on each swing regardless of lie. At first glance, it does not look too dissimilar to the bottom of a hockey shoe, and I was a bit sceptical about this, given my active feet and the slippery autumn morning.
They produced what they promised; the teeth-like tread was superb, and I had complete confidence in my stability and balance by the time I reached my third hole of the day.
RIGHT: PHOTO: Supplied.
The two most important aspects for me are to be comfortable and mobile. The comfort factor was ticked off almost immediately. Noticeably contributing were the custom-fit insoles. The moulded X25 with Ortholite Impressions FitBed is designed to mould to your feet over time for a ‘truly custom fit’, and now that I am a few rounds in, I can certainly attest to that.
In terms of mobility, this is more of a feel thing for this writer. Nothing is worse than feeling slow, lethargic, and like you are dragging your feet by the 12th hole because your shoes are too bulky. I just felt light on my feet, and the perfect fit and wider sole gave me the confidence that I could be agile regardless of the tricky lie I found myself in.
FOOTJOY SAYS: Regarded as one of the most successful product franchises in golf, Pro|SL has set a high standard for delivering comfort, traction and performance for Men, Women and Junior golfers at all levels of the game.
The next evolution of Pro|SL is here with the all-new Pro/SLX and Pro/SLX Carbon. Incorporating the most advanced materials and construction processes, Pro/SLX and Pro/SLX Carbon will advance your game with revolutionary traction, comfort and control features.
Like its predecessors, Pro/SLX golf shoes are sure to be popular at every level of the game, including on the professional Tours. They have already been worn in practice and in play by the likes of Sahith Theegala, Sungjae Im, Corey Connors and many more.
“Golfers are going to be excited about the performance of the new Pro/SLX. It’s very comfortable, it’s very stable and it looks phenomenal. We know the game is evolving and we need to make sure that we are evolving with a modern golf shoe for the modern golfer. Pro/SLX will feature cutting edge, never-before-seen performance innovation that will truly advance your game,” FJ Footwear Director of Product Management, Patrick Trubiano, said.
Visit www.footjoy.com.au to find out more.
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