Every so often a piece of golf equipment gets delivered to Golfalot HQ and we get excited. Today is that day.
2021 is a biggy for FootJoy. It is celebrating 75 consecutive years as the number 1 shoe on the PGA Tour, which I'm sure you'll agree is an impressive streak. Fair play FJ, you deserve a pint... Oh, wait.
This year has already seen the launch of the new Stratos and HydroFlex III shoe ranges from golf shoe pioneers FootJoy, now it's the turn of their headliner for 2021. Said to be "inspired by then, and supercharged for now", FootJoy has unveiled the jaw-dropping new Premiere Series.
As usual, FootJoy have designed the new range in collaboration with several of their PGA Tour players. The result is three new upper designs with names inspired by FootJoy family legends, a respectful doff of the cap to what you would call traditional golf shoe design for eye-catching aesthetics, whilst using modern technologies to offer the ultimate in performance.
The Tarlow
First up, The Tralow collection has been inspired by Bill and Dick Tarlow, who are big names in the FootJoy family. They bought the business in 1957, decided to focus it primarily on golf and well, the rest is history.
The Tarlow features a modern interpretation of the timeless cap toe design using a natural grain leather in the vamp and quarter, which is complemented by a croc print in the heel, cap toe and eyestay.
Don't be surprised to see the likes of Ian Poulter and Adam Scott taking to the fairways for the foreseeable future in these beauties. I have to say they look stunning, but make sure you check the weather forecast before rocking up to the course in them - they're not the type of shoes you'll want to be getting dirty.
“They feel super comfortable the moment you put them on. They don’t need breaking in which is a massive plus, and I also obviously love the fact I can customise them!”
Said Poults
Available at an RRP of £169.99 in White/Navy Cap Toe and White/White Cap Toe.
The Packard
Inspired by Frederick Packard, FootJoy's founder and a shoe pioneer who drove the adoption of many modern manufacturing innovations still used today. The Packard features a pebble grain leather in both the vamp and the quarter. The collection uses a calfskin croc print accent in the saddle area, complemented by a natural leather welt and contrast stitching.
Available at an RRP of £159.99 in Black/Black Speed Saddle and White/White Speed Saddle.
The Flint
Inspired by Perley Flint, a Harvard graduate and avid golfer who designed FootJoy's first golf shoe in the 1920's. This is a spikeless only collection which features the simplest design of three uppers. A ChromoSkin leather is used in the upper, highlighted by embossed detailing on the saddle area, a refined FJ ornament as well as piping on the side.
Inside the shoe its all about comfort, where you will find premium lambskin linings and a new fitbed for exceptional comfort.
Available at an RRP of £159.99 in Black, Navy/Red and White/Navy.
When I first got a glimpse of the new models I couldn't help but think: "Ouch! They may look great, but they're going to hurt." But thankfully whilst the focus of the new Premiere Series is clearly on design and heritage, FJ clearly haven't forgotten about comfort and performance.
The technology features are by the VersaTrax+ outsole feature in all three models. This new tread pattern is said to be 'anti-channelling and is engineered to provide grip for any lie. VersaTrax+ utilises multiple TPU compounds to grip any surface – a harder TPU for on-course grip and a softer TPU for traction on harder surfaces.
Comfort comes in the form of an Ortholite EcoPlush FitBed that is said to deliver perimeter stability in the heel as well as super-soft and comfortable custom underfoot cushioning.
Other features and benefits throughout the three models include everything you'd expect from a golf shoe in 2021.
- Luxurious, soft and supple sheepskin linings inside Tarlow and Packard. Flint utilises super soft microfiber linings in order to achieve a distinctive pop of colour
- Soft, supple, waterproof Pittard’s leather uppers featuring patterns that are modern interpretations of classic style
- Laser Street Last (Men): Full rounded toe character, standard forefoot and instep with a slightly narrow heel. Refined toe shape for a classic profile
- Performa Last (Women): Full rounded toe character, fuller fit across forefoot, narrower fit in heel
- Estane TPU provides enhanced traction on all surfaces
- Ortholite EcoPlush FitBed for enhanced stability and comfort
- Pulsar Low Profile Cleats by Softspikes
Available from the 15th March 2021, each new shoe comes with the reassurance of a 1-year waterproof warranty as well as the MyJoys customisation being available.
A Women's model is also available through MyJoys in both spiked and spikeless options, laced and BOA fit systems and an additional shield tip style.
I cannot wait to get out on the course and put the Premiere through their paces. Stay tuned.
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