Golf shoes have come a long way in the last decade. Whether you favour the comfort and versatility of a spikeless design or the traction and structure of a more traditional spiked model, the market is overflowing with options. But what if you could have the best of both worlds – comfort and stability, performance and style – all in one?
That’s exactly what FootJoy has aimed to deliver with the latest evolution of its HyperFlex model. With PGA Tour stars like Justin Thomas making the switch from the highly desired Premier line, expectations were high. So, I took them to the range and the course to see if they lived up to the hype.
First Impressions
I was already a fan of the previous HyperFlex model, but there’s no question that FootJoy has taken things up a notch. The knitted upper not only adds a sleek, modern aesthetic, but it’s also a practical feature.
The heel section has been re-engineered with the TruFIT system, which gives the shoe a premium, performance-focused appearance while allowing the foot to slip in comfortably and stay locked in place.
I was sent the white/grey colourway, accented with a subtle splash of orange, which strikes a great balance between sporty and stylish without being too bold. It’s a shoe that looks the part on the course but not as flexible as our favourite spikeless … which you can wear anywhere. Though, the Hyperflex is all about oncourse performance and giving you a scoring edge not a relaxed approach where you can jump out of your car and onto the first tee.
Under the Hood – The Tech
FootJoy has packed the HyperFlex with tech aimed at enhancing every part of your swing:
- ControlKNIT upper with a durable, easy-to-clean coating
- TruFIT System for a secure, locked-in heel fit
- StratoFOAM midsole, tuned specifically for the forces of the golf swing
- Carbon Fibre PowerPlate (HyperFlex Carbon) for enhanced energy return and swing resistance
- OptiFlex outsole designed to flex naturally with your foot
- Pulsar LP cleats by SoftSpikes for renewable traction
- OrthoLite FitBed for rebound and recovery with every step
It’s a powerful combination – and it all works together to deliver a shoe that supports both comfort and performance.
On-Course Verdict
After several sessions on the range and a few rounds under foot, it’s safe to say I’m impressed.
I wore FootJoy’s Pro SLX Carbon last year as my main course focused shoe and it was very stable, which is essential, as I tend to roll my feet through impact but I tended to need a little more grip on slightly damp conditions. That’s exactly what I get with the HyperFlex. The combination of spiked traction and athletic design of the HyperFlex appears to have resolved that issue and it was put to the test last month in the UK, where many would have opted for football boots, I felt planted on the wet tee boxes.
As Justin Thomas put it: “With the HyperFlex, I feel like I can go after it with the driver and not worry about losing my footing. That confidence in your base lets you swing freely.”
While I’m not generating tour-level clubhead speed, I know exactly what he means. The OptiFlex outsole does a great job of limiting lateral movement, keeping you grounded through impact.
The TruFIT heel system also deserves a special mention. It removes the risk of uncomfortable rubbing that can plague more rigid shoes. It’s snug, secure, and comfortable right out of the box.
Cleaning the shoes is another win – that knitted upper might look delicate, but it’s coated with a layer that wipes clean easily. No more worrying about grass stains or mud ruining the look. Not a problem for golfers in the Middle East but a winter trip around the links courses in England put that coating to the test.
Final Thoughts
FootJoy’s HyperFlex has taken a big step forward in blending the comfort of a modern, athletic shoe with the traction and stability of a tour-calibre model. It’s easy to see why Justin Thomas has made the switch and certainly a huge advantage for performance players that use the ground.
