Review: FootJoy Pro SLX golf shoes

FootJoy Pro SLX review

One of the most successful product franchises in golf has had an upgrade for 2024. Say hello to the FootJoy Pro SLX and Pro SLX Carbon.

The First Look

FootJoy shoes guarantee quality performance, and they have a great range of styles, too. The new PRO SLX shoes look seriously modern, with a clean aesthetic that is going to appeal to a wide range of golfers.

Personally, I love the blue and white colourway, where subtle inserts make a big difference.

You can also tell from the soles of these shoes that you’re going to get fantastic control, something that I really value in a golf shoe, particularly as I tend to play in some tricky conditions. Overall, these are great looking shoes and will definitely be in my rotation for 2024.

The Pro SLX in white and navy. (Credit: FootJoy) |

The Pro SLX Carbon in black. (Credit: FootJoy) |

The Pro SLX Women's in white, silver and multi. (Credit: FootJoy) |

The Pro SLX in white and navy. (Credit: FootJoy)

The Pro SLX Carbon in black. (Credit: FootJoy)

The Pro SLX Women's in white, silver and multi. (Credit: FootJoy)

The Tech

Pro SLX, FootJoy says, will introduce a game-changing new traction design called the ‘PWR TRAX System’.

It features a molded 3D ‘X-Wing’ that is engaged by swing forces to redistribute energy to the perimeter of the golf shoe, inspired by the wide base found in race cars to maximise perimeter stability and traction. The ‘Race Trak Outsole’ with radial disc traction harnesses and extends into the ground to increase the overall traction footprint.

Multiple traction elements target specific on-course conditions and around-the-course walking needs.

FJ’s own ‘StratoFoam’ remains in the midsole, offering exceptional comfort and is specifically tuned to absorb and return energy with every step. Around the ankle is a 3D ‘Molded
Collar’ that locks the foot in place for supreme comfort and a reliable, consistent fit.

The 3D X-Wing also provides increased stability as you swing and engage with the ground. An FTF+ foam surrounds the StratoFoam midsole for a stable platform when swinging. An exposed heel stabiliser and side wall TPU wrap help to control lateral and upper movement.

Other features and benefits include a premium ‘ChromoSkin’ leather as well as a ‘Laser Plus Last’ including a full rounded toe, standard fit across the forefoot and instep, and a slightly narrower heel.

“We know the game is evolving and we need to make sure that we are evolving with a modern golf shoe for the modern golfer. Pro SLX will feature cutting edge, never-before-seen performance innovation that will truly advance your game. Golfers are going to be excited about the performance of the new Pro SLX. It’s very comfortable, it’s very stable and it looks phenomenal.”

– Patrick Trubiano (Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear)

 The bunkered Verdict

I was lucky enough to test out a pair of the PRO SLX Carbon shoes on a visit to Royal Norwich Golf Club. After enjoying a presentation from the team at FootJoy focussed on the technology in these shoes, I was excited to try them out.

As FJ explained, there’s subtle differences between the PRO SLX and the PRO SLX Carbon model. The Carbon model offers more stability, particularly in the ankle and heel areas, and this is definitely something I would benefit from, so that’s what I went for.

This isn’t usually the style of shoe I would go for – my go-to shoe has been a Premiere Series for a while – but the performance benefit of these is plain to see. They were incredibly comfortable straight from the box, which is a big positive. Within a few swings, I could tell these were offering my loads of stability throughout my swing. For someone who can definitely sway too much in his swing, these did a good job in mitigating that.

On the golf course, I found the PWR TRAX system worked very well. I’m often skeptical about spikeless golf shoes, but had absolutely no issues while walking or while hitting shots in these. Even on a wet day, these gave brilliant traction underfoot.

By their own admission, it was a risk for FootJoy to deviate from the traditional PRO SL look, but I really think it’s paid off with these shoes.

FootJoy aimed to give traction, comfort and control with these shoes and I can safely say they’ve achieved that.

Want more on the latest new gear in 2024? Check out the bunkered YouTube channel for all the latest.

The Details

RRP: £159.99 (Pro SLX laced); £184.99 (Pro SLX BOA); £189.99 (Pro SLX Carbon); £139.99 (Pro SLX Women’s)
On sale: February 15, 2024
Available colours: White/White, Black/White, White/Navy, Navy/White (Pro SLX); White White (Pro SLX BOA); Black/Black, White/Black/Multi (Pro SLX Carbon); White/Silver/Multi, Black/White (Pro SLX Women’s)