Carbon really is everywhere in the golf equipment market, isn't it? Apparently, not only should it feature in your clubs, but on your feet too.
Built on 2021's HyperFlex III and the many other HyperFlex models before it, this is FJ's latest iteration of their high-performance shoe offering.
There are three models in the new HyperFlex range: Laced, BOA and Carbon - in this review I will be taking a closer look at the FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon golf shoes, FJ's most recent 2023 golf shoe geared for the 'modern golfer athlete'.
The Tech
With FJ throwing around words like: athlete, modern, fine-tuned and (you guessed it) carbon - there's clearly a bunch of new tech packed into these golf shoes. Let's take a closer look...
The main piece of new tech to get excited about is the custom moulded carbon fibre power plate said to maximise energy transfer whilst adding extra stability in the golf swing. It's all about maximising stability and torsional flex which increases ground leverage and contact.
The carbon plate then wraps around the FTF+ midsole it and adds targeted stiffness realised through the swing. StratoFoam and FTF+ then combine to deliver comfort and support alongside a 100% waterproof mesh upper.
This breathable performance mesh is a vacuum formed engineered mesh with moulded ribbed knit saddle for structure and support.
An enhanced range of motion is delivered through OptiFlex zones which ensure maximum ground contact.
HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon are equipped with Pulsar LP low profile spikes that deliver stability and support on-course.
As we've become accustomed to see in FootJoy shoes in recent years, the HyperFlex Carbon also feature an OrthoLite Impressions FitBed that moulds for a custom fit over time.
Right, plenty to dissect. I made my way to the excellent Prestbury Golf Club in Cheshire to play 18 holes and really put these shoes through their paces.
FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoes Review
Looks
The FootJoy Hyperflex Carbon shoes look great - they share the same overall design as the regular HyperFlex, with the help of some flashes of bright colours (blue, pink and lime green) on the outsole and heel areas.
These small additions keep the shoe from paling into insignificance on the pro shop shelf whilst not putting too many golfers off either. Personally, I think you would struggle with matching the rest of your outfit to these colours, but thankfully they're not too garish.
I think they are a huge improvement on the previous HyperFlex model, which to be honest were not to my taste at all. I much prefer the cleaner upper mesh design and I also think laces just improve the aesthetic of a golf shoe. I found the old tongue, BOA and mesh combo a little harsh on the eyes.
One thing that has remained however is the sock liner at the top of the shoe. This I'm not the biggest fan of, but it does have it's benefits in the comfort and performance departments and the contrast of it against the TPU upper adds to the overall modern design.
Comfort
FootJoy have got it right in the comfort department once again here thanks to the softness of the StratoFoam and firmness of the FTF+ midsole. This shoe strikes a brilliant balance between being soft in all the right areas, and firm in the areas where you'd expect stability.
When it comes to comfort in a golf shoe, it's different to how you would measure a normal shoe as it's not all about just being super soft, otherwise you're going to lose performance. With this in mind, you get the feeling that this shoe has been designed by serious golfers, for serious golfers. FootJoy are good at that.
The Ortholite Impression Footbed is one of the highlight pieces of the HyperFlex technology; it's benefits are noticeable from the off as it supports your foot like a memory foam mattress after a long day. The footbed is said to mould to your foot over a number of rounds giving you a personalised fit - not only is it super comfortable but it also locks you into the shoe during the swing.
There are a tonne of comfortable performance shoes on the golf market at the moment including: the Ecco H4 Biom, Adidas Tour360 22, and the Under Armour HOVR Tour shoes and for comfort, the new HyperFlex is right up there.
Performance
To start with, I found the HyperFlex to be a little on the heavy side when compared with other modern shoes I have tested recently like the FootJoy Fuel, however this is a spiked shoe which may make a little difference. If you're after something really lightweight for the summer months, the HyperFlex may not be for you.
Another new feature unique to HyperFlex Carbon is the carbon fibre used in the outsole. We first saw this used in the original Pro|SL Carbon a few years back, but this seems to be a little more thought out three years on. The carbon fibre section visibly wraps around the bottom of the shoe to increase stability in the swing.
Although it's hard to test the benefits of this on the scorecard, you can certainly feel the difference from the regular HyperFlex - I suppose then it's just down to preference on how firm you like your golf shoes.
I found the traction to be excellent too, I didn't feel like I could slip at any point during testing which gives you the confidence to play golf the way you want. However, I did find all this technology under the foot to raise the profile of the shoe - I prefer to feel a lot lower to the ground which is something I'd change.
Finally, the added ankle padding and seamless design really gave my foot that 'locked-in' feel. A helpful back pull tab, like the one in the Under Armour Charged Phantom SL meant the shoe was easy to get on with little faff.
FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoe Verdict
Overall FootJoy has produced yet another great golf shoe with this latest HyperFlex model. Plenty of golfers will feel the benefit of this shoe in 2023, and I'm sure the historic success of the HyperFlex plus the improved aesthetic from the previous model will lead to this being one of FJ's most successful shoes of 2023.
Did I mention it's 100% waterproof and comes in black too? Oh yeah, there's that, so there's an option for the wetter months too. Happy days.
Would I Use Them?
Although I'm not a huge fan of the pink, lime and blue flashes of colour, I think the performance of the shoes will sway me to wear these on a regular basis.
Who Are They Aimed At?
The younger generation of golfers, looking for something bright, very comfortable and very stable.
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