Fairhaven, MA — FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf and #1 Shoe on every Tour worldwide announces today the launch of its third completely new performance golf shoe model in 2009: FJ SPORT.
Following the introduction of the ultra-stable SYNR-G™ and elegant, high performance FJ ICON, FJ SPORT has been designed and developed for the player seeking bold, athletic-inspired performance golf shoes. FJ SPORT delivers a sleek, fresh new category to FootJoy’s performance line-up.
Utilizing striking patterns and color, FJ SPORT integrates proven performance attributes and premium materials. “The bold styling of FJ SPORT appeals to the new generation of golfers who want to make a statement on the golf course with sleek, fashion-forward footwear but also demand high-performance features to maximize their athletic, powerful golf swings,” said Mike Foley, Director of Footwear Marketing – FootJoy.
“While the upper patterns and colors featured in the FJ SPORT line may be new to FootJoy, the technology, materials and Tour-proven features come from our long heritage of producing the #1 shoe in golf.”
FJ SPORT Features and Benefits
– Premium Full Grain Leather Uppers – offers outstanding waterproof comfort, breathability, and durability.
– Athletic mesh linings – positioned around the interior of the shoe, provides breathable comfort.
– EVA midsole – EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) provides soft, lightweight cushioning underfoot.
– Molded TPU outsole – The molded TPU (thermal plastic urethane) outsole provides a durable and stable hitting platform during the golf swing.
– Two-year limited waterproof warranty
– Stinger III cleats by CHAMP – superior traction throughout the entire golf swing.
Pricing: $135 MSRP. Available February 2010 in five different color options.
To download an image of the FJ SPORT collection: click here for option 1 and click here for option 2.
FJ SPORT supports industry leader’s Design/Development Philosophy
FootJoy’s product design and development process begins and ends with the consumer. With over 60% of all PGA Tour players trusting the performance of its footwear, feedback can often vary regarding style but is consistent on a performance basis. “Regardless of the model, players should lace up their FootJoy shoes and enjoy the style, comfort, and have every bit of confidence that their shoes will deliver exceptional traction and stability” said Jack Erickson, FootJoy Vice President of Golf Footwear Worldwide.
PGA Tour players agree. “This game is played from the ground up” said three-time Major champion and SYNR-G enthusiast Padraig Harrington. “What your feet are doing during the golf swing hugely determines the power output of your golf swing. Sure, it’s also nice that a shoe be stylish, but the #1 priority is the shoe does the job.”
From a technical perspective, “doing the job” means optimizing platform stability. FootJoy’s advanced development team works with its massive worldwide network of Tour players, leading biomechanical experts, and staff at the Titleist Performance Institute. The goal is to continuously develop and reestablish new standards for performance footwear product. “A key indicator of platform stability is force platform testing, which effectively measures the amount of ground force created by the right foot in the direction of the ball flight during the golf swing,” said Doug Robinson, Vice President of Design & Development Worldwide, FootJoy. “Higher results indicate that more power is transferred by the back foot from the top of the backswing through impact and follow-through.”
Utilizing an outside biomechanical expert and low handicap test subjects, FootJoy recently completed an extensive test of several leading footwear products used on the PGA Tour. The force platform test results indicate that the SYNR-G, DryJoys and soon-to-be launched FJ SPORT golf shoe models outperform other shoes on the market by a statistically significant margin.
“We’re very pleased with the results of the force platform test” said Erickson. “It’s gratifying to validate our relentless efforts to satisfy the best players in the world. They look to FootJoy to constantly lead, innovate and make the best performing product. Using Padraig’s words, our shoes clearly ‘do the job’ better.”
Introduced in January 2009, SYNR-G golf shoes became an instant success on Tour. Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson, Heath Slocum and Jerry Kelly all won wearing SYNR-G shoes. In addition, dozens of others, including Padraig Harrington, enjoy its performance and comfort every week. SYNR-G is constructed with an ultra-supportive tri-density TPU outsole and an exclusive tri-lateral stability frame. Comfort is enhanced with memory foam around the collar and under the tongue, which also optimizes fit and stabilizes the foot inside the shoe.
“FootJoy’s sole passion is the game of golf” said Foley. “Our entire organization wakes up every day with a unified focus and commitment to serve the best players in the world with advanced, comfortable and stylish products. Being the longstanding leader on all the worldwide professional tours gives us pride, but we do not take this position for granted. Today’s players are bigger, stronger, and place greater demands on their footwear. Our responsibility is to continuously innovate and provide players with advanced products that enable them to perform at their best.”
FootJoy. The #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf
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FootJoy, headquartered in Fairhaven, MA has become synonymous with comfort, fit and performance products. The FootJoy brand combines an unmatched heritage and tradition of excellence with scientific materials and design technologies to provide superior and comfortable products to the world’s most discerning golfers. The Titleist, FootJoy, and Cobra brands comprise Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE-FO). For more information on FootJoy, please visit our web site at http://www.footjoy.com.
Contact:
Chris Garrett
chris_garrett@acushnetgolf.com
(508) 979-3036
www.footjoy.com
