FJ Hits the Gym with new Training Collection

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried:

FootJoy’s Training Collection. Consisting of a new HyperFlex TR shoe and a host of training apparel, the training collection is FJ’s first foray into golf fitness.

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Soft Goods Testing and resident sneakerhead. I’ve been working my tail off to ensure I stay at the top of our office Whoop leaderboard so some new gym apparel is never a bad way to keep me motivated!

Warming Up

FootJoy is no stranger to off-course apparel and shoes. I mean, they do make a mean loafer. However, this is the first time the brand has really dove headfirst into fitness. 

And why the heck not? The bond between golf and fitness is only growing stronger. PUMA, NIKE, adidas and Under Armour all excel in the training space. This seems like a logical next step for the brand as they try to broaden their horizons and reach a market that’s getting bigger by the second. 

When I heard FJ was dropping this training collection, I knew I needed to put it through its paces. I’m a pretty regular gym goer and have worn countless different training shoes, shorts and shirts. If there ever was a perfect fit for a review, this is it!

Let’s take a look at the collection, piece by piece.

HyperFlex TR

The HyperFlex TR is the piece de resistance of the entire training collection. While eerily similar to the traditional FJ Hyperflex, this shoe has a few upgrades that make it more gym-appropriate. Namely, the upper is made of a breathable mesh. This, coupled with the comfy Stratolite midsole and slip-resistant rubber outsole, give the new HyperFlex TR legs to stand on in the gym. 

My time with the HyperFlex TR was largely positive. At first, I felt like the midfoot section was a little tight and “pinchy” but it broke in nicely after a few minutes.

Seeing as the HyperFlex TR is not a golf shoe, the mesh upper is the perfect blend of breathability and comfort. This, and the Stratolite midsole, make it great for more explosive workouts (like box jumps or burpees). The foam is more on the stable and responsive side of things, which lends itself well to things like squats. 

I put the HyperFlex TR through its paces in a variety of ways. From standard weightlifting exercises to functional crossfit moves, the HyperFlex TR gets the job done. It can even handle a little cardio. 

All in all, it’s a well-done training shoe. If I could do it over again, though, I would have gone a half size down. The fit was a little too roomy for my liking.

Training Shirt

A good training shirt should be light, breathable and sweat-resistant. This one from FootJoy fits the bill. The antimicrobial finish is a must and the overall fit and feel are plenty comfortable. 

I love a shirt with ample stretch. If I had one gripe, it’s that I’m not sure how durable it’ll be. Thinner polyester shirts like this tend to wear out quickly in my experience.

Training Shorts

I’m a big shorts guy. Never been much of a pants fan. Whether it’s 32 or 82 degrees outside, you’ll probably catch me in shorts. So I know a thing or two about a good pair of gym shorts. 

The FJ Training Shorts can’t quite compete with my current favorite lululemon Pace Breaker shorts (man, they are good). Having said that, the thick waistband provides a very comfortable fit. This, coupled with the zippered pockets (a must on gym shorts), makes them functional and comfortable. 

I would have liked the zipper pulls to be a little easier to hold on to but that’s just being nitpicky. 

They are only offered in an eight-inch inseam so if you’re scared to show a little thigh, you’re SOL.

Training Hoodie

The last piece in the FJ Training Collection is the Training Hoodie. I won’t sugarcoat it: It’s really just a full-zip hoodie with a little extra stretch. 

While it ain’t special, it gets the job done. It’s plenty stretchy, pretty cozy and features the same antimicrobial finish to keep you fresh. 

This is a piece that’s more versatile than anything. I’ve found it’s just as easy to throw on for my walk to the gym as it is to wear to the grocery store. 

If I had a gripe, it would be that the pockets should be zippered. I don’t need my headphones falling out of my pocket while I’m on the bench!

Cooling Down

Wasn’t that a great workout? Thanks for sticking with me as I walked (or ran) through FootJoy’s new Training Collection. 

Is FJ’s Training Collection worth your cash? If brand loyalty is what you hang your hat on, sticking with FJ is an easy choice. However, I’m of the opinion that you can find similar workout gear for better prices from most any brand, including someone like lululemon. 

Are you interested in learning more about golf fitness and fitness gear? Let me know.