The last time we saw the HyperFlex name was in 2023, in the shape of the FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon. I crowned it the best golf shoe that year, thanks in part to the mixture of superb comfort, support, and grip it offered. For those who follow the shoe choice of professional golfers, Justin Thomas, who has been wearing some form of Premiere Series or DryJoy shoe his whole professional career, has switched to the HyperFlex this year. Having worn these over a couple of rounds already, I can see why.
Starting with looks, FootJoy certainly hasn't altered the playbook here. This is about as typical as a golf shoe can get. It's neither a classic brogue style like the Premiere Series Field nor a sneaker style like the Ecco Street 720. If I was to be cynical, it's the kind of shoe A. I. would come up with if you asked it to render a generic 'modern golf shoe'. An athletic silhouette, yes, but one that certainly screams 'golf shoe'. It's inoffensive, but it doesn't make me excited to wear them. This, however, is just about the only thing I can criticise this shoe for. Looks, too, are a subjective matter - you may love how these look - and if you do, then discount all of the above and strap in for the rest of this glowing review.
FootJoy has nailed the performance aspect of the new HyperFlex. My feet sat beautifully in the shoes and felt well supported, yet comfortable, every time I put them on to play. Through the swing, it flexed in the areas I needed it to while supporting it in key areas through the swing too. Laterally, when I swung the club, it's some of the most support I've felt through my foot, and that gave me the sort of confidence I like to put through my swing. I'm far from a mid-swing speed golfer, but no matter how fast you swing the club, it's nice to have a pair of shoes under your feet that you have confidence to put your best movement on, regardless of how quick that is.
These shoes also feel powerful. The PowerPlate (which is the red area you can see in the middle of the outsole) works to transfer energy from the ground to maximise your speed, while the TPU Saddle on the upper takes any energy from your foot moving upwards in the shoe and transfers it back into the ground. This technology was all part of the confidence I felt in these shoes. By no means am I saying you're going to start swinging the club 5mph quicker in these, but I'm sure you'll be able to use what power you do have as efficiently as possible in these.
The outsole uses six Pulsar LP Cleats from SoftSpikes, and I found the grip to be superb. It's strange not to see a seventh or eighth spike added around the toe area - this is something I've seen on the Under Armour Drive Pro and Adidas Tour 360 24 - but I didn't feel as though I missed it. There are some secondary traction points added to the toe, which are useful, more for grip while walking than for anything during the swing. Speaking of walking, the OptiFlex outsole is built to bend naturally with your foot to reduce foot fatigue. I can vouch that these shoes certainly feel less stiff when walking than the old HyperFlex.
Some other additions have upped the comfort in some often problematic areas of golf shoes. The heel is a big stand-out here. There's been some additional padding added here, which stops any rubbing while also locking the heel into place nicely. The knit material around the ankle is also a neat touch, adding to the holistic feeling of comfort I had whenever I stepped into this shoe. A new insole has been used this year, not quite the same as the Ortholite Impression FitBed used in the Pro/SLX Carbon, but not far off. This time, it's called Ortholite Rebound and Recovery FitBed. It's super soft but full - as the name might suggest - of rebound. It puts a spring in your step as you walk on the course and is one of the best insoles in all golf shoes currently on the market, in my opinion.
So, while the looks don't do it for me, who cares when the HyperFlex performs this well? To blend performance and comfort in this way is something only a few brands can do. With all of its years of innovation in shoe design, leave it to FootJoy to make a shoe that is a joy to wear.
