New FootJoy Fuel Golf Shoes FIRST LOOK Review: An Entirely New Model that Goes ALL IN

I've worn just about every style of FootJoy golf shoes over the last handful of years.  You might even say I've become an unofficial official connoisseur of the brand.  And when I saw the new 2022 FJ Fuel shoes for the first time I suspected there was a lot going on with these.  When I tried them on for the first time, I knew immediately.

This is a FIRST LOOK at the new FJ Fuel shoes, but it's also a review of sorts.  FootJoy has basically taken some of the best features and technologies of other shoes in their line, and combined, adapted, and enhanced them to create an entirely new model of FJ golf shoe.  Which is why I say FJ went ALL IN with the new FJ Fuel.

Let's touch on some of the features of the new FJ Fuel golf shoes first, and then I'll give these more context by telling you what my first impressions wearing them were like, and how they compare to other shoes in the FJ line  And yes, they also come in BOA models.

Fuel Features Overview

Durable Construction

Waterproof, performance synthetic uppers provide a comfortable fit and added durability.

Lightweight Cushioning 

Stratolite foam delivers lightweight cushioning and ensure ultimate comfort and max walkability round after round.

 

Power Stabilizer Outsole

The all-new Power Stabilizer outsole features tour-proven traction with an all-new Stability Bridge to provide optimal support and control.

Flex Last Technology

Athletic profile with a full rounded toe character, full fit across forefoot and instep, and a slightly narrow heel providing added toe spring for maximum performance. 

 

  

Now here's what makes Fuel such a great shoe to me.  They clearly have aspects of the FootJoy Pro/SL, the HyperFlex, the Flex LE, and even the Stratos incorporated into them.  So yes, Fuel is a new model, but it's also a familiar face.

Starting with the fit, Fuel has a snug molded fit like the Flex LE but with more stability both in terms of traction and all around the foot (and in this sense it's more like a Pro/SL).  So let's say you've loved the comfort of Flex, but wished it had a bit more stability and advanced traction?  Well Fuel gives you everything you want now.  You could also call Fuel a lighter weight option to Pro/SL.

 

In terms of cushioning, the Fuel insole is softer than Pro/SL and even Flex, but not quite as cushiony as the HyperFlex.  And here again we're talking about FootJoy giving you more options to find a shoe that meets more of the performance aspects you want.  So if you want a stable shoe with great traction but a firmer feel than HyperFlex (and also a lower to the ground sensation), well Fuel gives it to you. 

 

Even the new material Fuel uses is designed to give you the best of all worlds.  It's not leather, but the synthetic upper is fully waterproof like Pro/SL.  More flexible than Pro/SL it's very soft, though not quite as plush as Stratos.  And it gives you a more lightweight waterproof option than either of those shoes.  Say you're deciding between Pro/SL and Fuel?  Well Fuel uses very similar outsole traction technology, but its a lighter shoe with a slightly softer insole.  Again, FootJoy giving you all kinds of options like some kind of glorious golf shoe buffet.

These are just a few examples of why I call Fuel an ALL IN model for FJ.  In general, Fuel gives you traction similar to the Pro/SL, fit similar to the Flex LE, cushioning similar to HyperFlex (albeit firmer but still softer than the other shoes), comfort like Flex LE (and to a degree like Pro/SL but where your foot sits deeper in the shoe), and waterproof plush upper similar to Stratos.

 

Fuel isn't necessarily a better or worse shoe than any of the other models I just compared them to.  They are however a shining example of FootJoy striving to continually design high performance golf shoes that give us options to choose combinations of comfort, fit, traction, and stability that's best for our games and our swings. Well done FJ.