Hyped Up for the FootJoy HYPERFLEX

GolfThreads

11 years ago

Get hyped! FootJoy released its much-anticipated HYPERFLEX shoes on Thursday and, to put it bluntly, these are not your father’s FootJoys.

2015_US_Hyperflex_Hero_Q_720x601_72_CMYK Over the years, FootJoy has become synonymous with classic-looking brogues and saddle shoes, but the HYPERFLEX breaks the mold of what we are used to seeing from the #1 Shoe in Golf. This is easily the most athletic, technologically advanced and distinctive looking shoe we have seen to date from the brand.

As we told you last week, the upper of the HYPERFLEX features the brand’s new, eye-catching FlexGrid™ exoskeleton, which provides lightweight support and cushioning. FootJoy’s R&D teams pulled inspiration from the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston when designing the upper. Similar to the bridge, the idea behind the FlexGrid was to create strength and support through a grid of cables, while at the same time, maintaining a sleek, lightweight and technical appearance.

While most ultra-lightweight shoes have improved comfort, they have been a bogey in terms of the lateral support needed to maintain stability during a golf swing and keeping players’ feet dry.

The FlexGrid exoskeleton on the HYPERFLEX, however, is designed to combat both of these issues. It is strong enough to keep the foot from rolling laterally during the golf swing, while also allowing it to conform to the foot and allowing it to flex. The base layer that supports the exoskeleton consists of a tight-knit, lightweight, soft, flexible, waterproof mesh, which allows for maximum comfort, breathability and flexibility. Combined, the layers are designed produce a golf shoe that provides the comfort of an athletic shoe with the additional support of a high-performance golf shoe.

“Our designers have carried out research in civil engineering and construction to create the distinguishing aesthetics of HYPERFLEX which are also fundamental to its performance. Every area of this shoe has been carefully considered, incorporating exceptional craftsmanship and innovative componentry to create an incredibly flexible and lightweight, yet stable, platform from which to swing.” — Doug Robinson, FootJoy Vice President of Design and Development Worldwide

The technology built into the HYPERFLEX doesn’t stop with the FlexGrid upper, though. FJ’s next-generation midsole, FineTunedFoam™ 2.0 (FTF 2.0), is constructed of a softer and lighter EVA blend in an effort to deliver top-shelf comfort and cushioning. Towards the heel of the shoe, FJ has included an Optimized Performance Stabilizer (O.P.S.™). The grid-like structure of the O.P.S. fits perfectly with the aesthetics FlexGrid design and provides support and motion control. From a traction standpoint, the outsole of the HYPERFLEX features SoftSpikes’ Tornado Cleats, which have been specifically designed to work with a thin TPU that is flexible and durable.

From an aesthetics standpoint, the HYPERFLEX is a very technical-looking shoe. While other brands, hide the technology built into shoes, FootJoy has made most of it visible. In addition, FootJoy’s typical understated branding has been amped up with a large “FJ” logo on the side of the shoe.

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Hunter Mahan has been sporting the HYPERFLEX since it was an unnamed prototype at the Ryder Cup back in September. Since then, other FootJoy players like, Jimmy Walker, Graham DeLaet and Zach Johnson have also put the shoe in play.

“I’ve been a big fan of the HYPERFLEX ever since I put them on before the Ryder Cup. The comfort I get when I’m on the golf course all day combined with the stability as I swing the club is fantastic. I really enjoy wearing this shoe and also really like the progressive, edgy styling of it.” — PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan

Look for the HYPERFLEX to be available February 15th in four laced colorways: navy/electric green; white/grey/blue; black; grey/orange; and green/lime green, which will be available in limited quantities starting on March 15th.