Eagle eyed golf fans will have spotted many of the world's top players walking the fairways in a spikeless performance shoe.
This shoe, the FootJoy Pro/SL, is now being introduced to the public and combines a soft, comfortable, waterproof upper with a midsole/outsole utilising three distinct layers to deliver comfort, perimeter stability and performance spikeless traction.
This combination is made possible by FootJoy's proprietary polymer outsole material called Fine-Tune Foam (FTF). We first saw FTF in the groundbreaking FootJoy DNA with later versions of the compound used in the DryJoys Casual, HyperFlex, and FreeStyle shoes among others.
FTF is 10% lighter than conventional EVA foams and provides enhanced cushioning and shock absorption for added comfort.
The evolution and importance of FTF to FootJoy shoes is explained by Doug Robinson, VP of Golf Footwear Worldwide:
FTF is a material that took years to develop and even longer to determine what shoe construction could truly unlock the
benefits of the material. This Pro/SL category utilises two densities of FTF within the outsole construction and is married with an upper that features multi-material construction for a perfect balance of comfort and performance.
In the Pro/SL the FTF delivers comfort and stability to the shoe thanks to a three layered application. The top layer of FTF is a softer durometer, cradling the foot to provide all day comfort.
The lower/outer portion of FTF is firmer, giving perimeter stability around the foot for maximum support throughout the swing. Finally, TPU traction elements have been strategically placed within the FTF outsole material to give the golfer enhanced traction, lateral stability and more points of ground contact.
As ever, the games top players trusting the product in tournament play is the ultimate endorsement and since launching on the worldwide professional tours through 2016, many players have chosen to wear the FootJoy Pro/SL including Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Bernd Wiesberger and Lee Westwood.
Adam Scott testifies to the spikeless shoes high level of performance in all conditions:
I tested Pro/SL initially in the very dry, hard conditions of Chambers Bay then in the soft, wet conditions at St Andrews and the traction was fantastic on both surfaces. I also felt like my feet had more surface contact with the ground and for a longer time during my swing, so competing in this shoe is a no brainer.
The upper of the shoe is constructed from ChromoSkin leather by Pittards, a supple, full grain leather that is lightweight, thin yet durable and completely waterproof and the Pro/SL comes with a 1 year Waterproof Warranty.
The shoe will be available either laced (SRP £140) or using the Boa Closure System (SRP £155).