Hunter Mahan’s Prototype FootJoy Shoes

Hunter Mahan broke out a new pair of prototype kicks from FootJoy at the Ryder Cup. Mahan, may have fidgeted uncomfortably next to Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Team press conference as Lefty and Tom Watson sniped at each other, but he looked comfortable throughout the matches in his new FootJoys.

Mahan has never been one to shy away from testing new FootJoys. Over the last few years, he has worn the brand’s Icon, Superlite and D.N.A. models, and now these. There is no word from FootJoy on Mahan’s shoes, so we can only assume that they are a prototype at this point.

As Twitter follower @Scheps14 accurately pointed out, these new FootJoys, with a pillowy outsole, look a little bit like Adidas’ Crossflex shoe. I think the outsole also has a similar aesthetic to Skechers’ GO GOLF Pro shoe that Matt Kuchar has been sporting.

Mahan’s prototype has an athletic look. The uppers appear to be constructed of a lightweight material (mesh?) with the FJ logo on the outside of the mid-foot area and a well-defined heel cup. I would have to assume that the upper is waterproof. I don’t think any professional golfer would step foot on a course in Scotland without a waterproof shoe. That would have been the second biggest gaff of the 2014 Ryder Cup next to playing Mickelson twice on Friday and zero times on Saturday, but I digress.

The eye-catching features of Mahan’s prototypes, though, is clearly the outsoles. Damn, those look comfy. Maybe too comfy. They also have a traditional spike system with nine soft spikes on a contrasting plate.

Although Mahan sported a light grey/white/blue colorway during the matches, earlier in the week he wore a black/white colorway.

Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.