“We’re informed by our history.”
That’s the take of Ken LaRose, senior vice-president of brand and experience, for FootJoy. History is important to the shoe and apparel company. After all, the name “FootJoy” was developed 100 years ago when a female employee in the Field and Flint Co. suggested it. For the next century, FootJoy would be one of the dominant brands in golf, and one of the few that have lasted that long.
“We’ve had relentless focus on innovation at FootJoy,” LaRose says. “It is a brand that is hardwired to the trust of its customers—the people who play the game every day.”
Premiere Series
FootJoy’s Premiere series is a shoe that has one foot in the past and one looking forward. It is where classic style and current technology meet. “It is about performance meeting style,” says Patrick Trubiano, FootJoy’s Director of Footwear. “For us, there’s never a case where performance isn’t first for us. Can you think of any other shoe that represents our heritage more effectively?”
Premiere has its fans—count Justin Thomas and Billy Horschel as two of the PGA Tour’s best who love the shoes, as well as Jessica Korda on the LPGA Tour. “It has a dress shoe look to it, but it doesn’t feel like a dress shoe,” says Trubiano. “You can put them on and wear them right away.”
That’s why Premiere is billed as using premium construction, performance innovation and unmatched comfort and support with a distinctly modern interpretation on a classic design. Its full grain leather outer, which looks classic, is one of the key draws.
“This is about bringing more style to the game,” says Trubiano. That’s why there’s two new versions of the shoe for 2023, mainly tweaking the design as opposed to the function.
New versions
FootJoy is introducing the Wilcox version for men and Issette for women. Both continue the design from 2022, including great stability, lightweight construction, and a refined, modern twist on a classic silhouette. The Field and Packard styles that were in the initial Premiere line continue as well.
Wilcox
Available in three colours with the classic wing tip detailing, this is a classic look with all the technology of a modern shoe.
Issette
The women’s version of Premiere is clean and classic, with a removal kiltie to cover the laces. Saddle versions and different color combinations make this a perfect complement for any apparel on the course.
Key technologies
VersaTrax+
This technology delivers stability and traction, regardless of whether you’re playing in dry or wet conditions.
360° of traction
Multi-directional traction elements create an impermeable defense against swing forces from any angle.
Grip
Using durometers of TPU and Pulsar cleats by Softspikes, traction is assured.
Supercharged
Premiere uses a firmer density cup on the heel to offer enhanced stability, while the latest OrthoLite EcoPlush FitBed offers a custom cushioning system designed to make walking a six-mile golf course a breeze.
Waterproof
Of course, as a leader in the footwear category, Premiere offers two-year waterproof warranty.