I’ve got over 50 pairs of golf shoes but this is my new favourite

Discover why Joel Tadman ranks this new golf shoe as the very best in his oversized collection

FootJoy Pro SL Carbon 2022 golf shoe review
(Image credit: Future)
Golf Monthly Verdict

FootJoy has managed to improve on near perfection by updating key areas that enhance comfort while maintaining the grip and premium look and feel golfers loved. Yes it sits at a premium price point, but it’s worth every penny.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exceptional stability

  • +

    Midsole provides a spring in your step

  • +

    Impressive grip from different lies

  • +

    Suitable for all-year wear

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Only two UK color options

  • -

    Some may want a softer feel underfoot

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Much to my wife’s disgust, golf shoes tend to accumulate in my house. By my own admission, I’m somewhat of a hoarder although with golf shoes this goes up a notch or two - I’ve got at least 50 pairs. I like to call upon old models depending on the weather, occasion or how I’m feeling and to do that I don’t throw many pairs away. I have some that I favour over others, like anyone else, but the new FootJoy Pro SL Carbon for 2022 has just gone to the top of the pile.

Last year’s version was undoubtedly one of the best spikeless golf shoes at the time and the subtle tweaks FJ has made to this new version cement its position as one of the best golf shoes of 2022. I tested the white pair (it comes in three colors - white, white/navy (US only) or black) for a round at Burghley Park Golf Club. Sliding them on for the first time in size 9.5 (I come down half a size in FootJoy golf shoes) the feel was very snug. Pro SL is a relatively unorthodox shape that won’t necessarily suit everyone. I was worried it was pinching too hard on my toes and the side of my foot but it was amazing how this pressure relieved itself after 30 minutes as the leather upper softened and the Ortholite Impressions fitbed began to accommodate my specific foot shape.

Reassured that the fit and size was bang on, I strolled to the first tee noticing a new sensation. FJ has incorporated the Stratofoam that first appeared in the FJ Stratos shoe in the midsole of the new Pro SL Carbon. This provides a hint of softness underfoot but crucially, a subtle spring in your step as you walk. Make no mistake, this isn’t going to be the most comfortable golf shoe among FJ's expansive range. With the carbon fibre inlay that runs the length of the shoe, the overall feel remains firm to help with stability but the padded ankle collar really helps cushion every stride.

FootJoy Pro SL Carbon 2022 shoe testing

(Image credit: Future)

As someone that prefers a more structured shoe, the rigidity of the Pro SL Carbon was perfect and the spikeless outsole ideal for the firmer conditions I was playing in. You’re easily able to forge a strong connection with the ground in these shoes, which allows you to really go after every shot with full commitment. At no point did these shoes slip or slide - if you hit a bad shot, you’ve only got yourself to blame, not the shoes. I’d also be confident these would produce ample grip in damp conditions too based on my prior experiences with Pro SL shoes.

The look is near faultless, too. I love how clean the front half of the shoe is, so when you’re addressing the ball there are no distractions but then moving backwards, there are some design features that provide a modern, sleek look. Even the laces have more substance to them versus the standard Pro SL shoe - at this price point the details matter, and I appreciated this in particular. Visually, the only change that disappoints me is the removal of the white trim from the sole of the black version - I much preferred having this versus an all-black shoe.

Make no mistake, this is a premium golf shoe ($209.99£189.99) but most of the time in golf and life, you get what you pay for and should you spend a little more on a pair like the Pro SL Carbon, I don’t think you’ll regret it. I’d give them seven stars if I could.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x