Over the past couple of weeks, FootJoy has teased the public with videos featuring technology in their latest golf shoe, the HyperFlex. We got a brief introduction to the new FTF 2.0 as well as FlexGrid technology. We got our first glimpse of the HyperFlex during the Ryder Cup when Hunter Mahan caused a bit of a stir by wearing them – the HyperFlex is not the typical look for a FootJoy shoe (Contour Series, City Line, DNA) and sports a more athletic design.
The design of the HyperFlex was inspired by the Leonard P. Zakim Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts and is definitely very progressive for the company. This inspiration led to the development of FlexGrid. It is perhaps a way for FootJoy to push into the sportier golf shoe market that seems to be dominated by the likes of Nike Golf (Lunar Control 2), PUMA Golf (TITANTOUR) and Adidas Golf (a golf shoe with BOOST technology).
The HyperFlex features the FlexGrid 2.0 exoskeleton upper – it is a functional, soft, lightweight, high-performance material that helps to control the foot during the golf swing and helps the shoe retain its shape over time. Basically, the purpose of this exoskeleton is to stabilize the lightweight waterproof mesh (guaranteed waterproof, 2 years) underneath.
The rear of the shoe features the Optimized Performance Stabilizer (O.P.S.), which provides support and motion control to the heel during the golf swing. A Next Evolutionary Outsole (N.E.O.), which comes with nine SoftSpikes’ Tornado Cleats, is made with thin TPU to provide flexible, yet durable, underfoot traction. Lastly, the next generation of Fine Tuned Foam, FTF 2.0, is now softer and lighter than previous models. This new EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate, a sort-of rubber) blend delivers super charged cushioning and a Hyper-Flexible forefoot.
FootJoy’s HYPERFLEX is available Feb. 15 and comes in four laced styles (Navy/Electric Green, White/Grey/Blue, Black and Grey/Orange) for $190. In addition to the laced version, the shoe will also be available April 15 in three colorways (White/Grey/Blue, Grey/Orange and Black/Red) with the Boa Lacing System ($210).
Source: FootJoy
