When you have a golf shoe model (let alone brand overall) worn by more of the world's top players than any other shoe, you don't mess with that. And last year the 2020 FootJoy Pro SL carried over into 2021 without any changes.
So when FJ announced this year they would be releasing new Pro SL shoes for 2022 it was exciting news, because I knew this would mean a real evolution from the previous model. And I'm happy to report these new Pro SL's feature subtle changes that make FJ's best spikeless design even better.
Let's start however with what hasn't changed or hasn't changed very much first because... well, some things are better left alone. And I'm talking about the FootJoy Pro SL Infinity outsole.
FootJoy says these soles have 189 points of traction, but for the record I counted 180 nobs and another 17 vertical traction ridges. That's 197, just saying. The outsole also flares out a bit by the balls of your feet and heels for more surface area you come into contact with.
And all this means you're getting a down deep dig into the ground and an incredibly balanced stability on all sorts of lies, in all kinds of weather conditions, for every type of swing. Pro SL traction is the damn mountain goat of spikeless design.
The 2022 FJ Pro SL shape also appears to have not changed, but there's a lot of subtle innovation going on here not readily visible that elevates fit, comfort, and even stability to another level. And as soon as you put these on the first time these improvements are noticeable and felt immediately.
FootJoy's stratofoam cushioning system (used in the Stratos and HyperFlex models) has been introduced into the new Pro SL, and that result is a softer, more comfortable feeling with more rebound. And again it bares repeating, you feel this immediately.
Your feet feel more massaged in the underfoot and lower to the ground. Stratofoam is softer but also more compressible, so you get more bounce in your step. And FJ adds another firmer layer of FTF foam to balance this comfort with stability. It's very obvious the new Pro SL are designed legitimately for both golfing and walking, and these are remarkably enjoyable to wear.
The new FootJoy Pro SL also feel more structured all around the ankle. The material is less hollow feeling (like in the previous model where I think the intent was to create an airy feeling), and that makes the fit around the ankle and heel more snug, more stable. It's not a night and day kind of difference, but (again) definitely noticeable, and appreciated particularly if your ankles need as much support as possible.
What I found most interesting about the new Pro SL is they feel softer and lighter all around the foot (from heel to toe) compared the previous generation. And yet at the same time also more stable in the mid-foot saddle area. It's surprising because these new shoes use the same waterproof pebbled ChromoSkin premium leather as the 2020 FJ Pro SL (and I believe are the same stated weight).
The leather in the saddle area of the new Pro SL is firmer, more reinforced than the previous generation, and no doubt that's part of the reason for greater support and stability in this area. But I can't explain the new Pro SL softer, lighter feeling. I'm guessing the new lace design has something to do with it. It's a snug, very secure tie but with less pressure on top of your foot.
There are four color options available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide sizes and fit runs true to size. Mine are red, white, and navy, and for a standard color option these look a lot like something that would be a limited edition.
The new FootJoy Pro SL golf shoes are going to be on every 2022 best spikeless golf shoes short list around. FJ has taken the proven performance and comfort of the Pro SL model and simply made it better. And that's no small accomplishment. These are exceptional golf shoes by any standard or measure.
I've always worn FJ's. I just wish with this model they would use more color ... similar to the old traditional saddle shoes. I miss the classics!
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