Reader Test: FootJoy HyperFlex Shoes
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FootJoy’s new HyperFlex shoes are the most striking in the company’s history – but the innovation goes beyond the bold design.
The mesh upper is inspired by sports that require little lateral movement while meeting the key requirements of a modern golf shoe. This ‘FlexGrid exoskeleton’ is said to stop the foot from rolling over during the swing and is supported by a waterproof layer that offers comfort and breathability. Fine Tuned Foam 2.0 provides the cushioning. So does all this tech add up to better shoes that will improve your balance, and your ball-striking? We asked a regular fourball at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire to test them out.
Our Testers:
Matt O’Neill Handicap 14
Current shoes: adidas adizero
Chris Norman Handicap 17
Current shoes: adidas adicross
Chris Treadwell Handicap 5
Current shoes: Nike Lunar
Craig Richardson Handicap 13
Current shoes: adidas adizero
Q What are your first impressions?
MO They were light and I liked the styling.
CN I wasn’t sure about the mesh at first but they looked quality when I got them out.
CT I was worried they might be a bit garish, but they’re not far off a traditional golf shoe in terms of their shape and I prefer that to some modern shoes that look like trainers.
CR A modern look and they felt comfortable as soon as I got them on.
Q Were they light and comfortable?
MO You usually have to wear a new pair of golf shoes for a few rounds to break them in but not with these. No rubbing at all.
CN: Definitely light with a really soft feel.
CT: Very light and one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
CR: They felt great throughout the round and are surprisingly light.
Q Did you feel stable during your swing?
MO: I found some awkward lies and a few bunkers, but they handled them all easily.
CN: The mesh design works as my foot never rolled over once.
CT: I’ve got quite a quick tempo, but never felt off balance at any point.
CR: They gave me the confidence to go after a big drive with no loss of stability.
Q How did the rain affect performance?
MO: I had to play a few shots from the thicker rough but my feet stayed dry.
CN: No water leaked through and they cleaned up nicely after the round.
CT: My feet were bone dry when I came off the course even though I was in the rough.
CR: They gave good grip and I didn’t slip at all despite the wet conditions.
