FootJoy Pro/SL Boa
I’ve had my FootJoy Pro SL golf shoes since the end of summer when they were released. After playing more than 20 rounds while wearing them it’s time to write a review. As usual, I opted for the BOA no-lace system, as I’ve said in previous reviews I love the BOA system and absolutely dread wearing golf shoes with laces. Before my pair of Pro SL’s arrived, my anticipation level was very high. After watching Adam Scott and other tour players wear them on the PGA tour I was convinced that FootJoy mastered the spike-less design. I can’t imagine the best players in the world sacrificing one ounce of traction on the course, so I was anxious to see for myself how FootJoy’s spike-less design would perform.
You’ll notice Adam Scott wearing a pair of FootJoy Pro S/L on course
As with any FootJoy shoe the Pro SL line comes in various colors, however the BOA model was only available in 1 color, white. Despite the lack of color options the BOA option was the only way to go. When the shoes arrived, I was a little surprised by just how chunky the shoe itself is, I wear a size 12 so most shoes tend to look big on my foot but the Pro SL makes my foot look even bigger. To be honest, the first time I wore the Pro SL model my mates all got a chuckle and gave me a hard time about wearing basketball shoes. It was a typical hot Florida day and I was wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, aside from the ribbing I got I did feel the Pro SL was a little much.
Before slipping on the Pro SL, my normal golf shoe had been a pair of FootJoy FreeStyle. The FreeStyle and Pro SL are very different, the FreeStyle is a spiked shoe with tons of flexibility and very lightweight, and in my opinion a shoe that goes best with shorts. The Pro SL is a spike-less shoe made of high quality leather and designed with both comfort and performance in mind. Like all FootJoy shoes the Pro SL is designed with comfort in mind and they are extremely comfortable, and you’ll have no problem walking your rounds on the course.
As we entered the winter months and the weather started to change from shorts to long pants season, I found myself wearing the Pro SL golf shoes all the time. As awkward as they might look while wearing a pair of shorts they look absolutely stunning with a pair of pants. Whenever you see tour players wearing the Pro SL it’s always with pants and they always look great, I’m not saying you can’t wear the Pro SL with shorts because I’ve done it several times I just think it’s a much better look with golf pants.
So enough about looks and whether or not you should wear them with shorts or pants. After all the performance of the shoe on the golf course is what matters most. The Pro SL earns the greatest compliment you could ever pay; they provide as much traction as a traditional spiked golf shoe. I was actually shocked by just how good the traction is on the Pro SL. I’ve owned several different spike-less golf shoes over the years and none of them ever came close to providing this type of traction. To give you an idea of the traction, typically the first round with a new pair of spiked golf shoes, or shoes that have had new spikes installed you end walking around the course all day pulling off leaves or other debris because the spikes are fresh and sharp. I never thought I would be doing that with a pair of spike-less shoes, but nonetheless the first few rounds I was having to pull off leaves.
A close up of the FootJoy traction system on the Pro S/L
FootJoy Pro SL Golf Shoe Rating 4 out of 5 Stars
In terms of performance and the traction that is provided by the FootJoy Pro SL it’s a 5-star rating. You won’t find a spike-less golf shoes that provides you more traction while out on the course. In fact, when you’re on the course you’ll never think about being spike-less. As far as style points and the fact that Pro SLs are so chunky and feel a bit out of place when worn with a pair of shorts it knocked the shoes down to a four-star rating. If you’re looking for a pair of spike-less shoes you won’t find better performance, but you will find better-looking options on the market. In the end, it’s up to you to make the decision to buy based on performance or looks. After more than 20 rounds the shoes have held up extremely well, every round still provides great traction and I’ve yet to have one swing where I’ve slipped or questioned the shoes. If you opt for the white pair like I did, make sure you have a shoe cleaning kit, like anything in white leather it’s a challenge to keep them clean and spiffy.