The FootJoy Pro|SL is the most popular shoe in golf, and FootJoy have decided to expand the line with a new Sport option, seeking to attract a wider range of golfers who prefer more of a trainer-like model.
Huge numbers of new golfers have taken up the game over the last couple of years, especially younger people who aren't always interested in 'traditional' golf style and instead are looking for something which blends performance with contemporary looks.
The Pro|SL Sport, as well as the FJ Fuel, marks FootJoy attempting to tap in to this new market by providing more options for golfers who want to be a bit more casual out on the course.
The Tech
The Pro|SL Sport features the same Infinity Outsole as in the standard Pro|SL, providing 189 points of traction with the ground and a 17% larger surface area in the heel. This is designed to improve both grip and ground contact regardless of the weather and ground conditions.
The main difference in the new Pro|SL Sport is the upper material, with a performance mesh and ultra-thin TPU hotmelt on the top layer which provides more breathability along with the more athletic look.
FootJoy claim that this is their most comfortable spikeless shoe thanks to StratoFoam midsole cushioning, which combines with an FTF Foam to add more stability around the edges of the shoe, as well as giving plenty of cushioning underfoot.
The shoe also features a 'Power Harness' which is built-in underneath the shoe's mesh layer to offer extra media and lateral support, allowing golfers to swing with confidence.
FootJoy Pro|SL Sport Golf Shoe Review
Looks
On the face of it, this does just look like a Pro SL with a mesh upper - and that's because it's exactly what it is.
FootJoy have introduced this shoe as a lighter option which looks more trainer-like and whilst the design is a little more contemporary than a traditional Pro|SL with its Chromoskin leather upper, I still think FootJoy have some way to go to catch the likes of Adidas, Nike and Under Armour in this category.
One area where the Pro|SL Sport does pick up points is that the upper is waterproof, which gives it more of a year-round appeal than those other spikeless options.
One of the reasons that the Pro|SL has been so popular over the years is because the styling has such a wide appeal, you'll see teenagers and pensioners alike teeing it up at your local golf club whilst wearing a pair.
The Pro|SL Sport in my opinion isn't quite as smart in looks as the standard Pro|SL although there are a couple of different colourways available for both men and women.
Comfort
FootJoy shoes have always been among the most comfortable out there for me and the Pro|SL Sport was no different during my testing.
It felt like there was a perfect balance between cushioning on the midsole and a secure locked-in feel, without feeling so soft that you don't get any feeling on the ground whilst walking and during the swing.
The shoes have quite a large footprint when you look down on them, with a rounded toe box and the Infinity Outsole adding a little more bulk, although they are still nice and lightweight which makes it easy to walk around.
One small aspect which I did like was that the tongue of the shoe was thick and comfortable, which does make a difference as it means you can't feel your laces digging in on the front of your foot even if you like to tie them quite tightly.
Performance
Sometimes with golf shoes, a sign of good performance is that you don't really notice them, and that's pretty much what I felt with the Pro|SL Sport during my testing.
It's pretty rare to find a pair of shoes that don't offer 'out of the box comfort' these days, and after just a couple of holes with these shoes it felt as if I'd had them for months, so much so that I almost forgot that I was testing them.
FootJoy don't actually state how much these shoes weigh in comparison to the standard Pro|SL but I would say that they feel a little lighter and probably a little more breathable too.
During my testing I played shots from a variety of different lies and stances and found the traction from the Infinity Outsole to be excellent, with a secure footing throughout.
The shoe comes with a year's waterproof warranty and despite some wet weather conditions during testing, my feet stayed perfectly dry whilst also remaining breathable thanks to the mesh upper.
FootJoy Pro|SL Sport Golf Shoe Verdict
The Pro|SL Sport was comfortable and very stable, but £160 means that it is right at the top end of the market and competing with some pretty big sporting brands.
I already have a pair of Pro|SL Shoes which I love and I can't really think of any situation where I'd pick the Sport model to use instead, because the performance is essentially identical.
Having said that, there will be plenty of golfers who prefer the slightly more casual mesh upper and for those people the Pro|SL Sport could provide the best of both world - contemporary looks with excellent year-round performance.
Would I Use Them?
Whilst I couldn't fault the performance, I think I'd be more inclined to go for something from the likes of Adidas or Nike if I was looking for a spikeless, trainer-style shoe.
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