50 Words or Less
The FootJoy HyperFlex golf shoe brings replaceable spikes to the knit shoe market. Fantastic comfort and cushioning. Waterproof.
Introduction
Typically, when FootJoy releases a new shoe within a given line, it shares quite a bit with its predecessor. A quick look at the previous HyperFlex [full review HERE] will tell you that FootJoy has completely reinvented this line for 2021. By pairing a knit upper with a traditional spiked sole, FootJoy is offering golfers all the benefits of a knit shoe without any of the compromises.
Check out FootJoy’s uber-stable Tour Alpha HERE
Looks
Based on the social media reactions from our readers, the FootJoy HyperFlex is a very polarizing shoe.
Overall, I like the look of the HyperFlex, but it is a mixed bag. On the plus side, I dig the gradient color scheme, and I think FootJoy picked great colorways. I also like how the shoe is visually busy due to the material but doesn’t have a lot of different pieces to it. It’s undeniably unique and eye-catching.
My one aesthetic complaint is that the “flap” that tightens the shoe looks like something from a Velcro shoe. If you share my feelings, you can opt for the laced version.
The FootJoy HyperFlex is available in charcoal (seen here) and black with BOA closure. A laced version is available in charcoal, grey, and navy.
Feel
You can quibble with the look of the FootJoy HyperFlex, but, once you put them on, there’s no arguing that they’re extremely comfortable. FootJoy pulled out all the stops here. That starts with StratoFoam cushioning, also found in the FootJoy Stratos [review HERE]. Inside this shoe, your foot feels supported and just slightly removed from the ground, lessening the impact of each step.
The knit upper is light and flexible, allowing your foot to move naturally without impingement. Also, the sock-like opening feels great, especially for those that prefer low socks or going barefoot.
In terms of fit and structure, the HyperFlex favors mobility and comfort over support. There’s ample room in the toe box, and the BOA Fit System holds your foot in place without creating pressure points. Both Matt Meeker and I found that the HyperFlex sizes true to FootJoy standards, which is slightly larger than some other makers. Be sure to try these before you buy them, and pay attention to the fit in the heel.
Performance
The FootJoy HyperFlex makes a simple, enticing pitch: all the comfort of a knit shoe without sacrificing any performance. That starts in the sole, which is home to seven “real” spikes. As someone who plays most of his golf in spikeless shoes, I sometimes forget just how much traction you can get from spikes. If you play in sloppy conditions or just want to get really grounded in the turf, you’ll love the HyperFlex.
Another unusual thing that FootJoy is bringing to the knit shoe is a two year waterproof warranty. I gave the HyperFlex my usual bathtub test, and they performed very well. If rain or dew has kept you out of mesh shoes before, it’s time to reconsider.
There are two areas where the HyperFlex differs from most knit golf shoes. First is weight. In size 13, the HyperFlex weighs 15.1 ounces. This is lighter than most traditional shoes but heavier than many knits. Subjectively, the HyperFlex feels lighter than that measurement, but if you need the lightest weight possible, this isn’t it. The other difference is in its height. The HyperFlex is quite tall throughout – likely due to the spiked sole – where many knit shoes are low to the ground with zero drop heels. As always, whether or not this is good is a matter of preference. If you’ve always played in traditional golf shoes, the HyperFlex will feel much more natural than a low, zero drop shoe.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the BOA closure ($180) or the laced version ($150), the FootJoy HyperFlex is a fantastic golf shoe. FootJoy has blended many of the best things about knits – comfort and breathability – with the traction of a spiked sole and excellent waterproofing.
Visit FootJoy HERE
Matt Saternus
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I can’t say I love the looks, but I do like the idea of the knit with spiked traction. Do you think they would be a bit cooler to wear in the summer vs the leather FJ offerings? I have a pair of spikeless knit golf shoes and they are much more comfortable to wear on hot humid days, but there is a big sacrifice in grip and stability.
Kevin,
Yes, I think the HyperFlex will be much cooler than a leather shoe.
Best,
Matt
Check out the Adidas tour 360 prime knit. They are similar to this concept but they have laces and aren’t ugly.
Just checked the golf town web site are these shoes coming to Canada soon love foot joy golf shoes
Well…. they certainly missed the “beauty” part of their new design..
It looks like a shoe that my 9 year old would look for in the budget aisle at Walmart…
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Do you have size 14/15
I love the look but on the lace version what colors are the laces on the gray model shown in your article. I really enjoy your write ups!!!
Thanks, Matt. Good review.
Wow! They’re hideous.
Would love for these to be in spikeless!
Hopped over the the FJ site and I really liked the blue lace model. I would totally wear them comfortable shoes on the course are a priority for me.
I bought the blue, lace version and loved everything about them. But once I got the BOA version on my feet, they were instant favorites and had to have them even at $180+. (Who would have ever guessed we’d be looking at $200 for golf shoes, and hardly think twice about it? Ugh, they’re killing us slowly.) I want to be able to look at my shoes and like the way they look—aesthetics matter. However, more important is function. Like my clubs, golf bag, glove and ball, I don’t want to have to think about my shoes once I’m playing. I just want to be able to finish my round and know they did their job, my feet didn’t hurt, they still look good and they clean up readily. So far the HyperFlex meet those criteria. They feel great on my feet, during and after walking 18, and have plenty of bite on those slick tee boxes and on compact, wet fairways where feet can slip out during more aggressive swings (and hurt the back or tear a groin muscle—ew). As far as aesthetics, it wasn’t much of a stretch, my bicycle shoes look just like these as do some of my climbing approach shoes—once you realize how form fitting and adjustable the BOA system is, you get right past the unusual look. Adidas, Puma and previous FootJoy versions all have some variation of the BOA, some better than others in the looks department, and this version is one of the most comfortable—PUMA is right up there. The lacing used in this BOA is a very fine gauge, and I just hope it lasts. The HyperFlex BOA, may be my choice for 2021 golf shoe of the season. Hope FJ comes out with more colors in this model.
Just bought a pair .have trouble with shoes due to curved back. These are the real deal even though they don’t look stable. The high profile puts me in good golf posture. Here’s a tip .set up with club when you buy shoes. Tried 2 other fj models had terrible posture (bent over).
BOA VERSION–EXCEEDINGLY BULKY AND UNCOMFORTABLE. RETURNED THEM WITHOUT GAMING AND WENT BACK TO THE BEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES EVER MADE–TRUE KNIT LUX
There are VERY few times when I read a review and DON’T need to be at LEAST SOMEWHAT wary about the review just pumping some product up and OVER hyping it! This has often led me to looking at many OTHER reviews to look into more objective analysis or point of view!
BUT, this review is SPOT ON no hype the shoes are that good!
I NEVER, EVER thought I would go to a BOA system, it seemed like a “look at me” product or lazy don’t want to tie my shoes!
I tried hard NOT to buy these, I tried the laced version and they were EXCELLENT, then I put on the BOA version and repeated this process over and over, trying to convince myself ” they cost too much and I don’t need them”!!
I was very wrong, the BOA system works just like this review says, it is VERY stable, and so comfortable!
I did a long range session in them hitting 150 balls, short game practice and putting– a good long session, my feet were never tired or hurting! Then I PLAYED 18 holes on aa long course of ALL kinds of up and down terrain— my FEET felt great, stable during shots and NOT tired at the end!!!
I used Adidas 360 boost for long time, the stability was excellent, but I NEVER realized how clunky and really restricted ny feet were, just like most of use, tired feet at the end of a round!
NOT so — at ALL with these shoes in the BOA system– this is my first BOA system and I don’t think I will be ever able to go back to the”typical” tie golf shoe!
The materials just felt great, the BOA just cradled my feet just the right prressure and most of all, in just the right places!
I was very surprised and happy with my purchase!
There is ONE complaint; COMPARED– to the the cleats in my adidas 360 boost– those cleats were STURDY, dependable and took a long time to wear out; the Hyperflex don’t FEEL as sturdy, they are good, but time will be the real judge!
If you get a chance just feel the difference between adidas cleats and the footjoy hyperflex.
What a great shoe!
Are they designed to be used without the spikes as well?
Sal,
They’re not designed for that, no.
-Matt