Well now this is fun. A mystery box came in to day from FootJoy. Normally boxes which come from FJ are in the size of shoe boxes. This one was not. It was about three by five by five inches.
Inside was a mystery “object” which is about seven inches long and shaped somewhat like a bat. One side is textured, as can be seen in the photo.
FootJoy Mystery Box 1
A small card in the box says “We would like to invite you to experience the next innovation from FootJoy over the coming weeks… piece-by-piece from the inside out!”
Welcome to piece clue number one…
This is a suplemental review to my original FootJoy M:Project review which I posted a few months ago. The previous review was the spiked version while this one is the spikeless version. Let’s take a look at the FootJoy M:Project Spikless!
FootJoy M:Project Spikeless
M:Project Spikeless Overview
M:Project is a departure for FootJoy. FJ’s shoes have been for the most part conservative and classic in design. M:Project breaks that mold in style, materials and creativity. They don’t break the mold in the already fantastic performance level one expects from FootJoy. The M:Projects I’m sporting in this review are the spikeless charcoal/black mesh.
The upper portion of this model M:Project is a high performance mesh which is lightweight and waterproof, but provides breathability. There three mesh models of this golf shoe and two models which have a leather upper made out of “M:SPEC” leather. The M:SPEC version is also waterproof.
Speaking of waterproof… All M:Project shoes come with a 2-year waterproof warranty.
Protected Toe – click to zoom
The toe of the shoe is protected by FJ’s “ProTekt Toe Guard.” The toe guard helps prevent scratching and damage to the highest wear portion of the upper, the toe. The best way I can describe it, is like one of those clear bra finishes you see on nice cars.
The fit of this shoe is improved by the “MP:627 Last” (where do they come up with this stuff?). In english, the toe area is designed to allow the toes to spread while walking. That’s what happens naturally when we humans walk. Test it out. Walk around in bare feet and see!
The sole of the shoe is a very thin but durable rubber called “L.T.D.” L.T.D. is flexible, adding to the comfort of the shoe in action, but also provides stability and traction in the swing. Without stability, the golf swing is toast.
Spikeless Sole – click to zoom
Colors
White
White/Navy (Navy trim)
Charcoal/Black Mesh (pictured in this review)
White/Silver Mesh
Blue/Grey Mesh
On The Course
I’m preparing for a big, weeklong trip to the Home of Golf, St. Andrews. That’s coming up in less than two weeks. I’ll be playing up to 36 holes per day for seven days there. Last time I was there, wearing classic golf shoes, the hard ground took its toll on my feet and knees. I ended up switching to sneakers about half way through the trip. That’s why you see me wearing tennies in my photos as I walk over the famous Swilken Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course. I’ve been walking all my rounds here lately in preparation and testing out the M:Project Spikeless.
Looks like I have a go-to pair of golf shoes for the Home of Golf.
M:Project In Action!
From the first walking round with them, the M:Project Spikeless have been extremely comfortable. They might even be more comfortable than my spiked M:Projects, which is hard to believe. I’ve walked some very hilly and hard/dry ground here and the impact on my lower body and back is minimal. That’s a big deal for a guy with arthritis in the lower back.
The stability and traction of the M:Project Spikeless has been brilliant. I’ve only slipped twice due to very early morning wet grass combined with a spazztic, out-of-balance golf swing.
Critiques
I reserve a section for critiquing a product in all of my reviews. I’ve been racking my brain trying to find something which isn’t up to par with the M:Projects and I can’t. No complaints. Carry on!
Conclusion
The new $145 retail M:Project Spikeless golf shoes from FootJoy combine comfort, style and performance into a super-light shoe which can be worn on or off the course.
FJ Merino Tour Golf Socks - click for more
Where would you say the biggest advances in technology the last 1-2 years in the golf world have been? Adjustable drivers? Golf balls? Maybe. But I’d vote for golf sock technology. I’ve seen some very cool advances in the sock world from the materials to the way they are constructed with ventilation zones, support zones, moisture wicking etc.
FootJoy Merino Tour
FootJoy has joined the wool golf sock craze with their own line called “Merino Tour.” The FJ Merino Tour golf socks are made from fine, natural merino yarns. Specifically the sock is 64% Merino Wool, 34% Nylon and 2% Spandex.
The construction of these socks provides “moisture management” as well as special extra cushioning in high impact areas.
The socks are made with anatomically shaped left and right foot beds. In other words, each sock is specifically designed and shaped for the left and right feet.
Features/Benefits
- The wool of the sock regulates temperature and moisture, keeping the feet comfortable and dry
- Mesh inserts in key areas give the sock ventilation
- A special “comfort seam” toe enclosure provides a comfortable and smooth fit
- Heels are double reinforced, providing extra durability
- Individually constructed for right and left feet
- Targeted cushioning in the balls and heel of the feet for comfort and less impact
On The Course
I’ve just finished a test round with my pair of the Sport version (pictured below on my footsies) including 18 holes, a range session and a very sweaty workout at the gym after. The feel and fit is great. After so much physical activity in one day, my feet feel great. No stress or aches. After the sweaty gym session, my feet felt comfortable and noticeably dryer than standard cotton socks.
Styles/Colors
The longer crew version of the FJ Merino Tour is available in black or charcoal color.
The ankle high sport version is available in black or natural color. (more…)
Click for Titleist images
The largest Korean equity firm Fila Korea Ltd. and Mirae Asset Private Equity has agreed to by Acushnet, parent company of Titleist, FootJoy and Pinnacle for roughly $1.3 billion.
“The Fila Korea and Mirae group understands and appreciates our golf industry leadership, passionate associates, and unique and enduring culture. Together, with our new owners, our team is looking forward to strengthening and building upon the global success of the Titleist and FootJoy brands.” ~Acushnet CEO Wally Uihlein
No major changes to Acushnet’s management team are expect currently and its worldwide headquarters in Fairhaven, Massachusetts should remain just that.
“The acquisition of Acushnet transforms our platform with a stable of premier world class brands. We are equally excited to embrace Acushnet’s exceptional management team led by Wally Uihlein. With our extensive knowledge and reach in Asia, we believe that the Acushnet brands have incredible new opportunities for growth in the emerging markets in Asia.” ~Gene Yoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fila Korea, Ltd.
Back on December 8th I started up a petition to have HOG users chip in and buy Acushnet. Apparently the $19.60 we scraped up wasn’t quite enough. Maybe next time.
Masters Icons (but not Jack, Arnie or Seve)
If you like cool shoes, next week will be a good week for you. Starting at 8:00am ET on Monday of Masters week, my good friends and HOG Space Fantasy Golf sponsors at FootJoy will be offering 150 pair of limited edition Augusta-inspired FJ Icons.
FJ Masters Icons - Click for larger image
FJ Icons are awesome. I have so many pairs I lost count. It is like Christmas every time I go golfing, choosing which pair to wear.
There will be 150 of these pairs available with an exclusive Masters green croc print, the same one produced for the players at the tournament.
Giveaways Too
FootJoy will also be giving away a pair of these per day during the Masters, for a total of four. Stop by the FootJoy web site for that, but you’ll have to beat me to get ’em.
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