When FootJoy announced the end of their Classic shoe line, I knew people on suicide watch. They were stocking up, like back when Coke changed their formula. Well fear not those of you standing on the ledge, the new FootJoy Icons are worth living for.
Icon Leathers
The Icons are made from fine calfskin and full grain leather. Calfskin leather is attractive and is highly resistant to stretching. Full grain leather is breathable, durable and is highly waterproof. FootJoy is so confident in the waterproofing that they warrant it for two years.
The leather “fit bed” (what your foot rests on) morphs to the shape of your foot and provides comfort.
Last but not least in the leather department are the linings, which provide padding and more comfort.
Memory Foam
“Memory foam” (can I get some for my brain?) in the tongue and collar of the shoe produce shaping and custom fit.
Other Technologies
Other technologies the FJ Icons employ include the “Dual Optiflex Zones” which produce walking comfort and the “Torque Bar” (the silver dotted thing pictured right, in the bottom of the shoe between the heel and front of the foot) which increases stability and just plain looks cool.
I could go on and on with all the tech stuff but I’m going to just move to the next and most important heading…
On The Course
My Icons are so good looking I don’t even want to wear them for fear of scuffing them up or getting them dirty. But I was a trooper this past season and did manage to play about 40 rounds with them. After 40 rounds, they look the same as new when I clean them up.
I still remember the first few rounds I played with the Icons. The pros and hot players around were all drooling over my shoes. “Are those the new Icons?!?!” Yup, they are. “Ohhhhh.”
I’m not much of a “dress shoe” guy. I prefer Vans. Actually I’ll take that a step farther. I’m not much of a shoe guy. In the summer the ONLY shoes I wear are golf shoes. Other than that it is typically bare feet or sandals. Yes I have FJ sandals.
The Icons took a few rounds to really break in, and for the memory foam to gain consciousness I suppose. But after that I’ve hardly been aware that I’m wearing golf shoes. They’re molded right to my feet and comfortable. Walking a full 18 holes is no big deal. I do need to air them out though, as my feet can get sweaty. Thats a good reason to own two pairs Icons, so you can alternate them every other day. 🙂
Conclusion
Though I’ve typically been more of a fan of the cushier types of golf shoes like the Contour series I reviewed here, I’m thrilled with the comfort and performance of my Icons. Most surprising of all perhaps, is their durability and the way they look so great even after so many rounds.
Related Links
FootJoy Web Site
FootJoy Gallery (Icon gallery inside)
MyJoy Contour Review
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
Hi,
Thanks for such a nice information related with golf shoes.