Whilst FootJoy might be known for their traditionally-styled golf shoes, the #1 shoe brand in golf are also keen to ensure that they cater for the modern day 'golfer-athlete' too, and that is exactly where the HyperFlex comes in.
This shoe has been around for a few years now and is in it's fourth generation, providing a spiked option with a combination of performance and athletic styling.
George tested the technology-packed HyperFlex Carbon earlier this season, and I headed to the golf course with the standard HyperFlex.
The Tech
The FJ HyperFlex is built to give athletic comfort as well as helping you maximise your power through the golf swing thanks to three major technologies: Hyper Power, Hyper Control and Hyper Fit.
Hyper Power
There's a new OptiFlex outsole design which adds multi-directional stability in the areas where you need it most during the golf swing, whilst also giving you more flexibility to walk with comfort thanks to cutouts which are matched identically to the shape of the foot.
The difference between the standard model and the HyperFlex Carbon is that the Carbon features a moulded carbon fibre plate on the outsole, said to provide an extra layer of stability and performance.
Hyper Control
The Power Stabiliser outsole helps to extend the connection to the ground for better energy transfer, controlling lateral movement throughout the swing and offering a secure foundation.
The FTF+ midsole is wrapped with a thermoplastic strap which wraps round the foot for greater lateral and medial support.
Hyper Fit
StratoFoam cushioning absorbs shock on every step for more energy return, reducing walking fatigue. Added ankle padding and the absence of seams locks in the heel to improve comfort and support. There's also a back pull tab and extra stretch across the opening of the foot which makes it easier to get the shoe on and off.
Additional underfoot cushioning also comes from the OrthoLite Impressions FitBed, giving golfers step-in comfort which moulds to the shape of your foot over time for a more comfortable, customised fit.
The HyperFlex comes with a lightweight performance knit and added coated layer delivering 100% waterproof protection, breathable comfort, and added stain protection with an easy to clean upper.
There are three different colourways available in the standard HyperFlex - White/Blue, Charcoal/Grey/Lime, Black/White.
FootJoy HyperFlex 2023 Golf Shoe Review
Looks
This year's HyperFlex is a huge improvement on looks for me compared to the previous version. They look like a high-end running trainer with contemporary design and the sole shaping is really cool. FootJoy don't always get the 'athletic' look right in my opinion but these are great looking shoes.
Three colour options are available and the white/blue that I tested was my favourite. The HyperFlex Carbon comes with extra flashes of pink and lime but I actually think the White/Blue of the standard HyperFlex is better as it provides a cleaner look.
Whilst FootJoy do promise that they provide waterproof protection, I would still reserve these for dry rounds in the summer as I think it'd take some effort to get these white mesh uppers clean!
Once on my feet the shoes had a relatively large footprint, bigger than a normal pair of trainers for example, and this is exaggerated by the fact that the 'power stabiliser' midsole is visible each side, whilst the lack of a traditional tongue gives the appearance that the top is wider.
Comfort
There's a slightly larger fit at the top of the shoe, due to the sock liner rather than the traditional shoe opening. However the actual upper of the shoe seems to wrap around the foot nice and snugly which makes for a secure, comfortable fit.
If you're going to buy these online it may be worth ordering them in a couple of sizes, or at least in a medium and a wide fit, to make sure that you get the right pair for your feet.
This kind of 'boot' fit can divide opinion amongst golfers but I do like it, and it avoids any rubbing from the tongue section which is always a bonus.
FootJoy have added more ankle padding this time around which was thick and felt fantastic. It helped to lock in the foot and also provided plenty of cushioning in an area which can often be prone to discomfort for lots of golfers.
The combination of the StratoFoam and FTF+ on the midsole and outsole makes walking easy and comfortable, with just the right level of stability and softness. You can feel that the spikes were there whilst walking and swinging but they weren't too firm or intrusive, which is exactly how I'd want it.
Performance
Playing 18 holes with the HyperFlex Shoes on was so easy and enjoyable, and my legs and feet still felt very fresh after the round. I recently undertook a challenge to play 72 holes in one day for charity, and if I'd had the HyperFlex at my disposal on that day I definitely would've worn them. The lightweight, comfortable upper combined with the stability underneath is a great combination.
The traction was pretty good thanks to the Softspikes Pulsar LP cleats. I don't actually wear spiked shoes that often these days because the technology that has gone into spikeless models has been so good in recent years, but I did feel as if I was getting a little extra grip particularly on some of the more unusual lies.
My feet felt pretty locked in all the way through, and I could actually feel the shoe moulding more to the shape of my foot as the round went on so I can only imagine that they're going to get better as I wear them in.
The shoe also helps you to feel athletic and swing with freedom, thanks to the stability of the outsole and the thermoplastic saddle.
Surprisingly my main gripe with the shoes was actually the breathability - I found that the shoes were much less breathable than I was expecting them to be considering there's plenty of mesh on the upper. Whilst it was a relatively warm day (around 19 degrees) I would've expected my feet to stay cooler than they did.
FootJoy HyperFlex 2023 Golf Shoe Verdict
The 2023 HyperFlex shoe is lightweight, comfortable provides all the stability that you could need out on the course. I'd probably suggest that you'd be better off going with the standard HyperFlex and saving yourself the £30 extra that the Carbon costs - unless you particularly like the colourway of the Carbon.
I tested the HyperFlex 3 a couple of years ago and I think these are a massive improvement in looks with the performance being just as impressive, perhaps with a bit more stability too.
They might not be suitable for all conditions and you'd probably have your work cut out to get them clean if you pick up any dirt on the fabric section, so they may be best saved for fair-weather golf if you want to keep them looking box-fresh.
Would I Use Them?
Absolutely, these will become my new go-to pair of spiked shoes - unless it's muddy!
Who Are They Aimed At?
FootJoy aim these at the 'golfer athlete' but they are suitable for just about anyone, particularly those who like a more modern, trainer-like look in their golf shoes but don't want to compromise on stability and traction.
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