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The FootJoy Pro SL Sport is a perfect summer version of the most-loved shoe in golf. Breathable upper is cooler but still waterproof. Great comfort straight out of the box.
Introduction
In 2020, FootJoy took their most popular shoe, the Pro SL, and gave golfers more ways to enjoy it. The standard Pro SL [review HERE] kept everything that golfer’s loved but provided a fresh look with more traction. The Pro SL Carbon [review HERE] was a step forward with more cushioning and stability.
For 2022, FootJoy is adding a third Pro SL to the mix: the Pro SL Sport. With a mesh upper for breathability, this might be the perfect summer golf shoe.
Looks
The idea of a lighter, breezier Pro SL comes through the moment you lay your eyes on the FootJoy Pro SL Sport. In every colorway, the material on the front half of the shoe has an airy appearance.
This focus on “light” is also reflected in the design, which is much cleaner than the other Pro SL models. The FootJoy branding is very minimal, and there’s not much in the way of added color. While the Pro SL Sport isn’t nearly monotone or boring, it is thoughtful in how it deploys its contrasting elements.
The FootJoy Pro SL Sport is available in three colorways – white (shown), grey/reef blue, and white/blue fog.
Comfort
One of the things I remember best about the 2020 Pro SL was the comfort out of the box, and that’s been retained in the Pro SL Sport. These shoes don’t require any break in; I was happy to start walking and swinging in them immediately.
The Pro SL Sport uses FootJoy’s Laser Plus Last which means a full, rounded toe, standard midfoot, and narrower heel. I enjoyed the extra space in the toe box, especially in a shoe that doesn’t look clownish. Interestingly, despite FootJoy promoting a narrower heel, Matt Meeker found that the heel was a little loose and was concerned about the potential for rubbing and blisters. This should be obvious, but you should always try on shoes before you buy them to make sure they fit your feet.
Overall, I found that the Pro SL Sport offered a good blend of space and stability. My foot wasn’t smothered nor was it unsupported.
Sizing on the Pro SL Sport is in line with previous FootJoy shoes that I’ve tested. For me, a size 13 is always spot on. I do find that FootJoy tends to be a little large-to-size; I wear a 14 in Nike and some other brands.
Performance
The FootJoy Pro SL Sport uses the same infinity outsole as the Pro SL which offers a ton of traction for a spikeless shoe. It creates 189 points of contact with the ground so that you can dig in and swing away whether the turf is firm and fast or muddy after a summer rain.
Additionally, the wider base and supportive structure of the upper made my foot feel stable within the shoe. Despite the different material, I got the same feeling of support and structure that I had with the Pro SL. This is not an overly structured, high stability shoe, but it provides enough support for the majority of players.
Where the Pro SL Sport differs from the standard Pro SL is in the breathable upper. If you find that a leather shoe is too hot for the summer, this could be a perfect solution. The Pro SL Sport isn’t a featherweight shoe, but the combination of lighter weight, breathable material, and roomy fit at the ankle make it an ideal warm weather counterpart to the Pro SL.
Despite being a lighter, more breathable shoe, the FootJoy Pro SL Sport is waterproof. FootJoy guarantees the waterproofing for two years, and they easily passed the kitchen sink test.
Conclusion
If you, like so many golfers, love the FootJoy Pro SL but find it too hot for summer rounds, the Pro SL Sport is the perfect solution. This latest version is lighter and breathable but it doesn’t give up the comfort, traction, or waterproofing that make it so popular.
Visit FootJoy HERE
Matt Saternus
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Great looking pair of golf shoes!! I like my one pair Pro SL and and I am thinking of adding a pair of these.
These sound pretty nice and bonus that you get a 2 yr waterproof guarantee on a “summer” shoe. My only concern is that sole as I had the Pro SL shoes a few years ago with that same design and the small nubs wore very quickly which greatly reduces the traction.
Price please.
Don’t expect to walk through wet grass and keep your feet dry If mine are anything to go by. Worn 3 times now on wet (not rainy) autumn mornings and my feet were soaked. I think its coming through the uppers where the laces are. Will be taking them back asap