At first glance the FootJoy HyperFlex II shoe does not look much different to the original version, but that just means you are getting more of a good thing.
The distinctive white sole continues and still uses the Fine Tune Foam or FTF 2.0 base which provides the walking comfort for the shoe which is very good.
The overall shape is still a longer and slightly pointy shape than most other FootJoy shoes, but it still accommodates most widths of feet well.
The sole continues the pods system for the spikes that protrude beyond the edge of the shoe to give the HyperFlex II great lateral stability in a toned down version of the ultra stable XPS-1 shoe.
Each of the nine Pulsar Tornado spikes is surrounded by a cluster of moulded sole spikes to spread the load and increase the grip to make walking on even the hardest surfaces a pleasure.
The broad sports style laces tie up over a generous and comfortable U shaped tongue that has lost the wrap around 'ears' of the original HyperFlex tongue that I was quite fond of, but it still does the job well. As before there is also a BOA version available too for an extra £15.
The removable insole uses a familiar FootJoy design and combines with the sole to provide running shoe like comfort.
The upper is made from the same lightweight mesh as the original and is similar to what you might find on a running shoe, but it is waterproof as well as being breathable. It is therefore also very soft and ready to go out of the box and I have had slippers that have taken longer to break in than the HyperFlex II.
However you also need lateral support from the upper and this is where the revised FlexGrid that lies on top of the mesh comes in.
As well as challenging for technical name of the year, the FlexGrid 3.0 Bio Morph design is a pattern of plastic 'ribs' that lies over the upper and this new version is designed to mimic the movement patterns of the tendons on top of your foot.
Short of having a Terminator style constitution that would enable me to peel back my skin to see how my tendons work, I will just have to take FootJoy's word for that.
From the outside the FlexGrid 3.0 morphs my bio very well and moves with the foot to give a good level support for what FootJoy has classified as one of their 'Athletic Performance' shoes.
This means that it will suit players who require a more mobile than a more structured shoe and you can find out which one you need by taking FootJoy's Performance Fitting Service using the BodiTrack sensor.
Combine this with an initial choice of four more restrained and classy looking designs that should have greater appeal and FootJoy look like having another success on their hand with the HyperFlex II.
