What we tried:
FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA – the latest version of FootJoy’s premier spikeless golf shoe.
Who tried it:
Tony. Editorial Director at MyGolfSpy and a firm believer that spikes are the way to go.
aesthetic
Since this is a BOA design, let’s get that out of the way first.
Honestly, it’s silly that we even have to talk about these things, considering that golf shoes serve an actual purpose. (FYI, this isn’t meant to make you feel like you’re fashionable AF, Connor.) That said, for those who are often offended by the modern design and superior performance of BOA-enabled models, I suspect the FootJoy Pro/SLX will be among the least objectionable.
The Pro/SLX offers a single BOA dial and a simple design that looks more like a lace-up than the flap systems found on many recent models. Honestly, if FootJoy and BOA had seen fit to tie the TX6 textile lace underneath or maybe even through a traditional lace regardless of the heel, Jacques Slade wouldn’t have noticed either.
So if you’re inclined to feign anger about something, don’t be style. If anything, be angry about the fact that FootJoy Pro/SLX is only available in a single color (white) while the laced version is available in four.
Let’s all stop to shake our fists in anger.
The carbon version (connector only) is available in three colors.
No spikes?
The other thing that I suspect some will be fooled by is that while the Pro/SLX is technically a shoe without spikes, that’s all. I suppose this opens the door for some debate as to whether FootJoy is completely missing the point, but the fact that the Pro SL (and now SLX) doesn’t feel or perform like most other studless shoes is exactly what I like.
so yeah Pro/SLX it will be heavier than most studless models, but it will also be more durable. You won’t hear anything about its ability to seamlessly transition from the office or brewery to the golf course, but it will provide the kind of structure that many golfers need from their shoes.
All that said, despite my favorable history with past Pro SL models, I had some concerns.
A little too spikeless?
Past iterations of the Pro SL have featured a series of short, narrow knuckles that reminded me a bit of old-school metal spikes (in form, not so much function). The new one Pro/SLX the design is slightly different.
You can still find some of the joints in the toe and heel area, but they are now part of a new PWR TRAX system.
There’s a lot to this, so I’ll just copy it straight from the FootJoy website.
“The Pro/SLX is designed with the PWR TRAX System, transforming golf shoes with the innovative 3D X-Wing, effectively redistributing energy during your swing for greater stability. The Race Trak outsole, with Radial Disc traction, extends into the ground to optimize overall traction, addressing various course conditions and riding needs.
So, first, George Lucas might want a word, and, second, where did the spikes go?
Seriously, all the attraction elements are now on the perimeter and speaking as a devout guy in spiked shoes, I thought there was no way this was going to work. That said, I assumed the Pro/SLX would perform no better than most other non-spike models.
Go to the course
A few weeks ago, we were hit with heavy rain just before my weekly golf league. So I did what any smart golfer would do. I swapped out my T grind wedge for a V grind, grabbed my spikeless FootJoys and headed to the court where I figured I’d slide all over the place, hit sharp wedges and prove myself and whoever was on I hear that my sharp golf shoes and single wedge observations were in place.
To my credit, I landed a few hard shots but, to my surprise, my legs stayed under me throughout the round.
of FootJoy Pro/SLX handle wet conditions better than any studless I’ve worn. To be sure, I’m not advocating spikeless shoes in a rain, but in mild, possibly slippery conditions, the Pro/SLX far exceeded my admittedly low expectations.
Several rounds later in a variety of course conditions, while I’ve had more than a few unfortunate swings, none of the results can be reasonably traced to the shoes.
The X-Wing pull stuff seems to work.
FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA comfort
One of the things I appreciate about FootJoy is that you pretty much know what you’re going to get. Sizing is consistent across models, so you’re safe enough to assume that what fits you in one will likely fit you well in another. I say this (again) because a good part of what golfers experience as comfort starts with wearing the right size shoe.
It’s not hard, folks.
This is not to say that this is the whole or that there is no element of preference involved. For example, I prefer stability and comfort over skating down the road in a pair of street-style fails, but if you want that feeling of walking on kittens, you’re not going to get that from a Pro/SLX. Looking at it, maybe something like the Quantum, Flex or Contour Casual will get you there,
Simply put, the FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA feels more like a comfortable shoe with spikes than a comfortable shoe without spikes.
Some final thoughts
The FootJoy Pro/SLX surprised me. The previous Pro SL BOA was the shoe I wore on dry days when I wanted to mix it up a bit. The Pro/SLX BOA is a shoe that I can wear every day when I feel like mixing it up a bit.
If there’s one knock, it’s that while the Pro/SLX meets the standard definition of without spikesit dresses more like a hybrid. Again, there’s more bulk there than with most studless models.
The advantage is that you’re getting better stability and traction than most studless models can offer, and that without actual studs (soft or otherwise), you’re unlikely to experience any of the pressure points that can sometimes occur with studded models. . There is appeal in this.
However, if you’re someone who wants their golf shoes to meet style demands beyond the confines of the golf course, I can see where the Pro/SLX, even with the undeniable appeal of the BOA Fit System, could be a hard sell.
Retail price for FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA it is $219.99. This is the same price as the BOA version. The standard laced version retails for $189.99.
For more information, visit FootJoy.com.
Post FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA Golf Shoe Review appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
