FIELDREPORT
more to the technological enhancements that have gone into existing, well-established lines than to spanking, brand-new products. That said, there will definitely be a spanking
brand-new launch at the PGA Merchandise Show across the Pond in January, but Russell has sworn me not to reveal even the pioneering shoe's name because the media in Orlando have been promised a world (possibly Pullitzer Prize winning) exclusive. “We'll be targeting a slightly different
audience with the new shoe and we'll be shipping it to accounts in the UK from March 2015, after it's been unveiled to the trade,” is all he would allow me to quote him as saying. From a distance in excess of 3,000 miles
away, this blanket of secrecy seems a little excessive, but FootJoy's parent company is American and from time to time, as we all know, they like to do things a little conservatively over there. Meanwhile, Russell had plenty to tell me
about the rest of the 2015 'family', as FootJoy likes to refer to its offspring, all of which will be available from January. First up is the ICON Black, a luxury extension
of the premium FJ ICON which has a stacked leather look in the heel and features TPU (ThermaPolyUrethane), PU and leather inserts to enhance both traction and style. Its Fast-Twist cleat system, enabled by Golf Pulsar cleats from Softspikes, makes changing spikes easier than ever. The 16-component design reacts to all angles of force exerted by the golfer, offering unmatched stability. With an RRP of £300, the
ICON Black is available in two styles – the T-Toe Dress comes in black/black patent and tan/cappuccino patent while the Split Toe Saddle can be purchased in white/ivory and white/black.
Retailing from £160 will be the
D.N.A. (DryJoys Next Advancement), arguably FootJoy's biggest success story of 2014. Next year sees the addition of several new colourways (black/red, white/orange and white/ocean) and the introduction of a Ladies D.N.A. and a junior model. Its enhanced features include a
3D FoamCollar moulded to the ankle for comfort, fit and support, a SnugFit tongue utilising thin, soft and breathable materials, a NitroThin TPU outsole, cushioned FTF (Fine-Tuned Foam), and a ChromoSkin leather system by Pittards. “The D.N.A. gave great performance in 2014, as
good as any model we've ever brought to market, but next time round it will be lighter,” Russell says. “We took the midsole out and replaced it with some very thin TPU material that provides incredible traction. As there’s no midsole, we’ve fine-tuned the inner foam. We’ve made the perimeter harder while making the interior softer. “But our priority with the D.N.A. is that it’s the
right weight, not simply lightweight. You can always make shoes lighter but it should be remembered that can compromise performance.” Further improvements have been delivered
in the spineless DryJoys Casual, worn on Tour by the likes of Louis Oosthuizen, Victor Dubuisson and Lee Westwood, not to mention
several new colour options (white/navy, black/white, white/sky blue, medium brown/tan and white/lime). This time Pittards have contributed Super
Soft ECL (Extreme Comfort Leather) which is 30% softer than the previous generation FootJoy performance leather and carries a one- year warranty. With an FTF outsole, rounded toe character,
standard fit across the forefoot and slightly narrow heel, next year's DryJoys Casual will have an RRP of £130. Meanwhile, the best-selling Contour Series
(RRP from £120 and available in six colours) has been revamped. It's now a lighter, softer and (9%) more flexible shoe while retaining its renowned comfort and fit. The headlines here are a stability-improving
DuraMax rubber outsole, UltraSof full grain leather upper (suppler and 12.5% lighter), SofCollar foam (providing 4% more cushioning), a more breathable tongue and Zarma fast-twist cleats by Champ. The three- material, fast-twist design with an innovative soft cushion layer reduces spike pressure and softens impact while walking. Even more of a unique selling point than the
actual refinements is the research behind them, and the precision training the company offers its accounts. The current FootJoy sales team on the road includes a number of shoe-fitting experts primed to stress to the retailer/pro and, by extension, the end consumer the importance of being properly fitted. In this respect, it's heartening to know that on
That said, there will definitely
be a spanking brand-new launch at the PGA Merchandise Show across the Pond in January, but Russell has sworn me not to reveal even the pioneering shoe's name
18 SGBGOLF
its 10th anniversary the MyJoys line that gives the consumer so many options, including different size right and left shoes, is still going strong. “We still cater for avid core golfers who take
their golf seriously.,” Russell explains. “These aren't necessarily low-handicap players but they're people who spend a lot of time on their game and, for instance, play once a week during the winter. These people are seeking an enjoyable experience from their footwear through performance, comfort and styling. “We offer more sizes, widths and styles than
anyone else and, when all's said and done, our bottom line is to heighten and enhance golfers’ on-course experience.”
www.footjoy.co.uk @FootJoyEurope
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60