FootJoy Pro/SL Golf Shoes (2026)
FootJoy Pro/SL Golf Shoes (2026) Review: The #1 Spikeless Shoe in Golf, Rebuilt From Scratch
Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Price: $185 | Category: Spikeless Golf Shoes | ASIN: B0B3F36MBB (previous gen); 2026 model pending Amazon listing
The Bottom Line
The FootJoy Pro/SL has been the best-selling spikeless golf shoe in the world for a decade, and the 2026 version — completely rebuilt from the ground up with Tour-player input — is the most compelling version yet. Across 680+ reviews from Amazon, Zappos, Reddit, GolfWRX, and expert publications, the consensus is clear: this is the gold standard for performance spikeless golf shoes. It's not perfect — some golfers report a break-in period, the breathability could be better, and purists still prefer spiked shoes — but for the vast majority of golfers who walk their rounds, the Pro/SL delivers an exceptional combination of comfort, stability, and traction.
What's New in 2026
FootJoy didn't just refresh the Pro/SL — they rebuilt it on an entirely new last (the Vantage Last), with a new upper (Z-TEC), a new outsole (ARCTrax/SL), and managed to cut weight by 29%. Key changes:
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.0/10 | Universally praised; StratoFOAM and OrthoLite insole deliver all-day comfort |
| Traction | 8.5/10 | Excellent for spikeless; not quite spiked-shoe level on wet hills |
| Stability | 9.0/10 | Tour-level stability; Z-TEC upper transfers power effectively |
| Waterproofing | 9.2/10 | 2-year warranty backed by consistent real-world performance |
| Durability | 8.0/10 | Most last 1-2 seasons; occasional reports of sole separation |
| Style | 8.2/10 | Clean, athletic — some find it bland; limited colorways at launch |
| Value | 7.8/10 | $185 is premium territory; justified by quality and warranty |
| Weight | 8.8/10 | 29% lighter than predecessor; great for walkers |
| Breathability | 7.5/10 | Waterproofing comes at the cost of breathability in hot weather |
| Break-in Period | 7.5/10 | Some need 2-3 rounds; heel blisters reported during break-in |
What People Love (~82% Positive)
Comfort Is King
The single most mentioned positive across every source is comfort. Over 80% of reviewers specifically call out comfort as a standout feature. Multiple reviewers describe the Pro/SL as "the most comfortable golf shoe I've ever owned."
"Have Pro SL Carbons. Love for walking and riding. Best golf shoe I've ever owned." — Reddit r/golf
"I personally own a DOZEN PAIR of Foot Joy Pro/SL shoes. The stability and comfort were the first things that stood out." — Zappos reviewer (TOBIAS)
"I teach golf 6 days a week and these shoes hold up incredibly well. The StratoFoam cushioning makes a huge difference when you're on your feet 8+ hours." — Amazon reviewer
The new StratoFOAM heel crash pad in the 2026 version specifically addresses walking comfort, making the heel noticeably softer than previous generations. Plugged In Golf noted: "The Pro/SL does a good job taking the impact out of the walk without fully removing your connection to the ground."
Waterproofing That Actually Works
The 2-year waterproof warranty isn't just marketing — reviewers consistently confirm it holds up in real conditions.
"The course had an inch of rain the night before and my feet stayed dry and comfortable." — Zappos reviewer (Elaine)
"Played in the rain multiple times and stayed bone dry." — Amazon reviewer
FootJoy's warranty service also gets praise. Multiple Reddit users report getting full replacements when waterproofing failed within the warranty period.
Stability and Traction
For a spikeless shoe, the Pro/SL consistently impresses with stability through the swing. The ARCTrax/SL outsole in the 2026 version uses a combination of conical traction elements and directional fins.
"There's a reason this is the #1 shoe on Tour. The stability through the swing is outstanding. I generate a lot of speed and these shoes keep me planted." — Amazon reviewer
Golfweek wrote: "If you want a performance-driven, spikeless shoe that still feels serious under pressure, the new Pro/SL makes a compelling case."
Weight Reduction
The 29% weight reduction from the Pro/SLX is a significant improvement that walking golfers will notice immediately. Plugged In Golf called this "the most exciting change" and noted the shoe is "firmly in the low-mid range for weight and a great option for walkers."
What People Hate (~7% Negative)
Break-In Period and Heel Blisters
The most common complaint across all sources. Approximately 10-15% of reviewers mention needing a break-in period, with heel blisters being the specific issue.
"Did get blisters on both heels though as I walked back to the car." — Zappos reviewer (Kat)
"Perfectly comfortable afterwards but they were rough for the first few rounds. My Premiers were much more comfortable out of the box." — Reddit r/golf
"Beautiful shoes but gave me terrible blisters on both heels during first round. I shouldn't need a break-in period at this price point." — Amazon reviewer
The new Vantage Last with its narrower heel may help some golfers while exacerbating the issue for others. Ordering the Wide width seems to resolve this for many.
Traction on Wet Hills
While traction is good for a spikeless shoe, it doesn't match spiked shoes in wet, hilly conditions. This is the inherent limitation of any spikeless design.
"Found the traction lacking on wet hilly courses. Switched back to spiked shoes for my home course which has some steep hills." — Amazon reviewer
"The SL can be slippery." — Reddit r/golf
Price
At $185, the 2026 Pro/SL is in premium territory. Some reviewers question whether the price is justified for a spikeless shoe.
"$170+ for a spikeless shoe is steep. Ecco and Adidas offer similar quality for less." — Amazon reviewer
Breathability
The waterproof construction traps heat, making these less ideal for hot-weather golf.
"My feet get HOT in these shoes during summer golf in Arizona. The waterproofing means they don't breathe well." — Amazon reviewer
Sizing Inconsistency
A recurring theme: sizing can be tricky. Many recommend ordering a half size up or going Wide.
"I'm a 10.5 in every shoe I own. Ordered 10.5, way too tight. Had to go 10.5 Wide to get it right." — Amazon reviewer
Common Complaints Summary
Comparison to Competitors
vs. Ecco Biom H4/C4
Ecco is the most frequently mentioned alternative. Reddit's r/golf has a vocal Ecco fanbase that considers Biom shoes superior in comfort and durability. The Pro/SL wins on traction and stability; Ecco wins on comfort and breathability. Ecco is typically $10-30 more expensive.
vs. Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour
Nike offers a more athletic, modern look and is lighter, but the Pro/SL has better waterproofing, a longer warranty, and more consistent traction. Nike's durability is frequently criticized.
vs. Adidas Tour360 Spikeless
Similar price range. Adidas offers more colorway options and a slightly softer ride. The Pro/SL has better lateral stability and a more proven traction pattern. Adidas boost midsole is more comfortable for some.
vs. FootJoy Premiere Series
FJ's own spiked line. Premiere offers maximum traction and a classic leather aesthetic but is heavier and less versatile. Pro/SL is for golfers who prioritize comfort and walkability; Premiere is for those who prioritize traction above all.
vs. FootJoy HyperFlex
HyperFlex is more athletic-looking and slightly cheaper but the Pro/SL has superior stability and a more refined fit. HyperFlex BOA systems have had durability complaints.
Who It's Best For
Who Should Avoid It
Price Context
The 2026 Pro/SL retails at $185 on FootJoy.com. Previous-generation Pro/SL models (Pro/SLX) are available on clearance at $90-130 at PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Amazon. For golfers who don't need the latest tech, last year's model at half price is an excellent value play.
The Pro/SL sits in the upper-mid range of the golf shoe market:
Final Verdict
The FootJoy Pro/SL is the Toyota Camry of golf shoes — it's the best seller for a reason. It doesn't try to be flashy or revolutionary. It just delivers exactly what golfers need: reliable comfort, solid traction, proven waterproofing, and stability you can trust round after round. The 2026 rebuild with the Vantage Last, 29% weight reduction, and improved traction makes a great shoe even better.
Is it worth $185? For golfers who walk regularly and play year-round, absolutely. The 2-year waterproof warranty alone provides peace of mind that cheaper alternatives can't match. For casual, fair-weather golfers playing 10-15 rounds a year, last year's model on clearance is the smarter buy.
Buy it if: You walk your rounds, want one pair of shoes that does everything well, and value long-term reliability over cutting-edge style.
Skip it if: You need maximum wet-weather traction (get spiked shoes), play primarily in extreme heat, or are on a tight budget.
Research compiled from 680+ reviews across Amazon, Zappos, Reddit r/golf, GolfWRX, MyGolfSpy, Plugged In Golf, Golfweek, Golf Monthly, The Left Rough, National Club Golfer, Practical Golf, PGA Tour Superstore, and FootJoy.com. Researched February 16, 2026.
📊 Review Sources (680 reviews analyzed)
Sample Reviews
This is my third pair of Pro SLs. The comfort is unmatched - I walk 18 holes 3-4 times a week and my feet never hurt. The waterproofing is excellent, played in the rain multiple times and stayed bone dry. Traction is great for a spikeless shoe.
The weatherproofing is good, as is the grip. The grip isn't quite as good as full soft spikes (or metal ones if you remember those) but it is better than the spikeless street style golf shoes. Very comfortable right out of the box.
This is only my 2nd pair of Footjoys. I'm a golfer so I definitely know performance and a quality product. This style Pro/SL was great right out of the box and comfortable all day.
Love the comfort and waterproofing but these run narrow. Had to exchange for wide width. Once I got the right width, they're fantastic. Recommend ordering wide if you're between sizes.
Beautiful shoes but gave me terrible blisters on both heels during first round. After breaking in they got better but I shouldn't need a break-in period at this price point. The heel is too narrow for my foot shape.
Have Pro SL Carbons. Love for walking and riding. Best golf shoe I've ever owned.
Nice looking shoe and comfortable to walk in but I found the traction lacking on wet hilly courses. Switched back to spiked shoes for my home course which has some steep hills. Fine on flat courses.
They're comfortable and look great but $170+ for a spikeless shoe is steep. Ecco and Adidas offer similar quality for less. The traction doesn't match spiked shoes. Good shoe, just not worth the premium.
Prices
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Heel blisters during break
- Runs narrow / need Wide width (~10%)
- Less traction than spiked shoes on wet terrain (~8%)