Equipment
Q&A: FootJoy on the importance of shoe fitting
Golf is difficult sport, maybe even “painful” at times. Your golf shoes shouldn’t add to the discomfort.
FootJoy is leading the way in the golf shoe fitting space, and has for some time with a wide variety of styles and sizes of golf shoes. Recently, the company has created new fitting technology that can not only help golfers find more comfortable shoes, but actually improve their on-course performance. Learn more in our Q&A with FootJoy’s Mike Foley, the company’s director of footwear product management.
Q: Golf footwear has changed tremendously in the last two decades, as has golf fashion, often with the promise of better performance. What has been the biggest change in golf shoe design, and how is it helping golfers play better?
A: I would have to say the biggest change is one that has happened very recently, and that is the research results proving that certain players will perform better with specific types of shoes – structured or mobile – depending on their unique swing trace. We build golf shoes for every different type of player, which includes not only the critical performance aspects of stability or strategic flexibility, but also covers the vast styling tastes of players at every level.
A close second to this would be FIT. Our research corroborates that nearly 70 precent of players are in the wrong size shoes. Further research shows that wearing an improperly fitting shoe – especially one that is too long and wide – will lead to reduced distances due to unstable footing and subsequently the inability to put a solid, balanced swing on the ball. This is why we are out fitting as many people as we can to help spread the Word of Fit. Our goal is to enhance a player’s enjoyment of the game, and determining the proper fit is the first step.
Q: By now, most golf fans have probably seen the commercial that describes the new FootJoy Freestyle shoe as a “launch pad that can give you extra yards.” How long has the FootJoy team been studying the relationship between golf shoe design and distance, and what has it learned?
A: Short answer: Many, many years. Again, an improperly fitting shoe can sacrifice distance. A properly fitted shoe — not only in size (length/width), but the proper type (structured/mobile) as determined by our FJ Performance Fit System — will allow a player a much better opportunity to experience better quality swings and as a result, distance gains.
At FJ, we have our own research lab called “The Shoe Box” where we have state-of-the-art simulators complete with force-platform technology, as well as our latest iteration of the FJ Performance Fit System that was developed in partnership with the BodiTrak team. This lab is always humming with players testing footwear and technicians analyzing their results. These results then lead us to better-educated engineering and design concepts within our new shoe developments.
Q: Two of the most talked about FootJoy shoes in recent years on GolfWRX have been the Icon Black and the D.N.A. models. Has anything changed in their design for 2016?
FootJoy’s Icon Black (pictured in White/Dark Brown) are worn by Ian Poulter, Billy Horschel, Luke Donald and many other PGA Tour players.
A: In the Icon Black category, which features luxurious leathers and exquisite high-end detailing, we have added a few ultra-traditional saddle styles. These styles deliver the classic styling that many of our brand loyalists are looking for at the top of our line.
FootJoy’s DNA 2.0 golf shoes have been updated with TourLock spike receptacles and SoftSpike’s “Tornado” cleats.
In DNA, the second generation continues with the same feature-laden performance package with a new, fresh look in the upper. In addition, we decided to update the cleat/receptacle components in the outsole, choosing to go with the new TourLock receptacles because of their super high-ranking retention properties and brought in the Tornado cleat because it delivers tremendous green-friendly traction elements. We have also added D.N.A. to our popular custom MyJoys program, which gives players more than 14 million possible custom combinations.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake golfers make buying golf shoes, and how can they avoid it?
A: This goes back to what I said earlier, and I would definitely say FIT. Customers have to realize that, unfortunately, there is no set sizing standard in footwear, so just because your running shoes in one brand are a size 10M doesn’t mean your golf shoes from another brand will also be a 10M. In addition, it continues to amaze us that so many consumers don’t even realize that multiple widths are offered. At FJ, in our top-selling models, we offer 47 different sizes in one style of shoe. That is how much we believe that a proper fit can be beneficial to you as a player. So to players out there planning to buy golf shoes soon, try and get fit on a Brannock Device first.
If that is not available, work with an associate in the shoe department to try on several sizes/widths surrounding the size you normally wear and chances are you will land on a size that you are not used to wearing, but delivers the comfort and fit you have been looking for.
Remember, it’s OK if your running shoes are one size, your basketball shoes are another size and your golf shoes are even a different size from those two. The important thing here is proper fit; the size is merely a number.
From FootJoy: Signs you might be wearing the incorrect size golf shoe.
Odyssey Golf announced Tuesday that the already popular Damascus Milled putter lineup is getting more options.
Initially launched back in April, only in a Damascus Milled #7 head (in plumbers or double bend configurations), the family grows to four with a One Wide, Two and Rossie S shape, all available in the second limited-edition drop at retail on June 6th.
“Damascus Steel is a beautiful material, and the patterns tell the story, because every one is different” said Odyssey General Manager, Jacob Davidson. “But what stands out is that as beautiful as these putters are, the feedback from Tour has been the exceptional feel of these putters. We wanted to deliver the most premium performance-driven putter we’ve ever done at Odyssey. When you look at this product, we have so much confidence because there is not one thing we’d do different. On this one we really took our time over the last couple years to try to perfect the design.”
Created from a layered construction of multiple steel alloys, this Damascus Steel insert is forged, folded and pressed to create a unique, striking pattern in every piece. Think of it like a fingerprint. Each Damascus construction comes with its own 1-of-1 style pattern. No offerings will ever look the same.
The layered structure, combined with a specialized heat treatment, delivers a finely tuned, highly responsive feel different from other insert materials. The Damascus steel is audibly different compared to other inserts, potentially with slightly more feedback. Odyssey also uses AI-designed back contours to maintain consistent ball speed across the face, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tech.
Each head in the line is precision-milled from stainless steel and features a blasted silver finish to complement the Damascus insert and sole plates.
With Tour feedback, Odyssey has also developed, in collaboration with Golf Pride, a grip featuring meticulously crafted edges, pistol shaping and a classic modern tour feel.
L.A.B. Golf has been the pioneer when it comes to Lie Angle Balanced putters for years now. When you talk to another golfer and zero torque putters comes up, as it will since it is the hottest thing in golf, the first brand out of their mouthes is L.A.B. Golf. Currently their putter line up has something for every golfer, wether your like blades or mallets. But the company has a new creation for golfers that we saw out on tour just a few weeks ago and is now available to us, the VZN.1i putter.
One of the big stories with the new VZN.1i putter is alignment in the form of the shape. L.A.B. has always given us plenty of alignment options in their putters with different line formations and shapes that can be laser etched onto the top of the putter. With this new design they used the shape of the head and the open cavity in the middle to help enhance the alignment for players. These shapes help players lock into their intended line to improve accuracy and concistency.
“VZN.1i was approached formulaically by combining everything we’ve learned from the success of previous L.A.B. Golf models into a familiar mallet shape that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to putt with,” said Cameron Day, Senior Vice President of Product at L.A.B. Golf. “Every L.A.B. putter is engineered to roll the ball on its intended line through Lie Angle Balance technology. With VZN.1i, we took things a step further by simplifying another critical aspect of putting: alignment.”
Like most of the other L.A.B. mallet putters the VZN.1i is machined from a solid block of aluminum and features a 303 stainless steel face insert. Steel face inserts on all L.A.B. putters not only enhance the sound and feel but they improve ball speed for better distance control. The new shaping also offers two ways of picking up your ball, using the sole or the rear flange can scoop up the ball. The company is offering the VZN.1i with a 1.5 degree forward shaft lean or a vertical shaft option in order to fit more golfers. Each VZN.1i is hand balanced and 10 other stages before it is complete and ready to ship. L.A.B. has its custom program where the golfer can select their length and lie but also head color, shaft upgrades, and grips to make their VZN.1i fit them perfectly.
The VZN.1i is available now starting at $499 for stock models and $599 for custom.
In our forums, one user has asked a question sure to interest all sorts of golfers. What’s the most comfortable walking shoe of 2026?
@RobDMB posed the following question:
“Looking for suggestions/recommendations on the currently available most comfortable walking shoes – preferably waterproof. Essentially looking for something comfortable like a running shoe, but with some stability and waterproof for golf. Decent room in toe box as well. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!”
Our members in the forum have been sharing their own recommendations on the best walking shoes that can also survive a number of golf rounds. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- SheriffBooth: “To check all your boxes I’d vote for whichever of the current Nike lineup fits your feet the best. Obviously the Victory Pro 4 and Victory Tour 4 are good enough for the two best players in the world, but the new Pegasus, Next% Tour 3, and Tempo all look really good too.”
- i*windows: “when I had issues with my feet I played in Asics running shoes they were a little bit like the hoka’s above, very comfortable, now I’m back to Ecco shoes which are great.”
- mshills: “Everyone’s feet are different so this will be a long list of lots of different shoes. For me, anything from Ecco’s Biom lineup. Nothing else comes close.”
Entire Thread: “2026 Edition: Most Comfortable Walking Shoe?”
If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!
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Shallowface
Mar 10, 2016 at 7:01 am
Breed did have a good point the other night about the wrong shoe costing the golfer distance. When they took my metal spikes away, I lost at least 20 yards overnight. I didn’t know I was using the ground back then (never heard of such a thing), but I used to turn the base of the spikes over into the soles of the shoes, particularly in the heels. But the greens are better today. I’m usually in the first group, and we weigh about 225 apiece. Now, instead of leaving those little holes, when we’re finished the area 6 feet around the cup looks like a green cheese grater. But the floors of the carts and the carpet in the clubhouse looks better that it used to. Which is nice.
Buster Cheiry
Mar 10, 2016 at 12:22 am
Footjoy needs to go back to their old styling. They have release some very ugly shoes in the last couple years.
Shallowface
Mar 9, 2016 at 6:17 pm
When I see Michael Breed, a 50 plus year old man who is trying to appear much younger, wearing those multicolored monstrosities on TV every week, all I can think of is George Carlin saying “that’s not cool that’s chilly, and chilly never was cool.”
Pat
Apr 1, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Amen. Dude tries too hard to be cool when in fact he’s the biggest dork on tv. Him being old doesn’t help either.
Boyo
Oct 10, 2016 at 8:51 am
Thank you very little.
SV
Mar 9, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Wearing a EEEE width I have a problem finding golf shoes wide enough. Footjoy has given me the most choices over the years. I echo Phillip’s comment about stores only carrying one width. Again I have had better luck with Footjoy, but still hard to find the right size.
golfraven
Mar 9, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Saddly I was measured wrongly once with the FJ system but luckily did it another time again and got the right size which I continue to buy for any new FJ model. Cannot wait till the Icon Black can be customized. Was not particular keen on Blacks 2015 models but very excited about the 2016 line – all white tips are my favourite. Icons all the way.
Steve
Mar 9, 2016 at 9:57 am
It sucks for folks like me with a very narrow foot. Try walking into any golf store in existence and finding any shoe brand in ‘narrow’ size. Not gonna happen. I end up trying on Adidas most times as some of theirs run more narrow. Or I have to custom order a Footjot in narrow size. Which you can’t even try on until it comes in and you’ve already bought it. I end up in improper fitting shoes a lot because finding one that fits a narrow foot is about impossible, as there are none to try on…… Footjoy offers more shoes in narrow sizing than any other brand, but nobody stocks them.
Philip
Mar 9, 2016 at 10:10 am
Adidas is definitely the most narrow (though they say standard on the shoe) – I really wanted to try them out.
golfraven
Mar 9, 2016 at 3:46 pm
fully agree with Adidas. Comparing the FJ with Adidas now in same size, I really get sick putting Adidas on those being so narrow.
MyJoy is really you only option if you want a narrow model.
Chris
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:27 am
That’s why they have their comfort warranty. If they don’t fit, send them back and try a different size. Sure, it may be a hassle to find the right size if you have to keep “guessing” at the size/width, but at least it is possible to do with just about any shoe company.
Philip
Mar 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm
I don’t care how many widths Footboy has; it is irrelevant when many stores only tend to carry one width in most designs and sizes, forcing people to get the incorrect larger size. The most comfortable shoes I ever wore was a leather dress shoe with a wooden sole that fit me perfectly. I would love to try other companies, but GolfTown only has them in narrow, standard widths and shoes are too particular to purchase online.
Jerry Curl
Mar 8, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Footjoy might make the worst shoes in the business these days. I was strict Footjoy customer for years but they lost me a handful of years ago when a pair of Icons and Dryjoys didn’t last 1 golf season. Their shoes don’t fit consistently and fall apart. What was once a quality brand has gone down the crapper.
CcShop
Mar 8, 2016 at 6:22 pm
If you read the article not all shoes fit the same. Yours probably broke down cause you were in the wrong size
Jerry Curl
Mar 8, 2016 at 10:42 pm
No it’s because they make poor quality shoes. If you play a 100 plus rounds a year their shoes just don’t last. I wore footjoy shoes for 15 plus years same size and style without problems before I had multiple pairs crap out.
Blair
Mar 9, 2016 at 12:21 pm
I will disagree with you here. Been using FootJoy’s for over 10 years, current shoes going on their 3rd season. I play 100 rounds a year. Best and most comfortable shoes TO ME. You may not like them but that doesn’t mean they are of poor quality. With them being the number 1 shoe in golf, they can’t be all that bad!
Pat
Apr 1, 2016 at 7:36 pm
You do realize that the quality of golf shoes has gone down the toilet ever since China started making them. Jerry Curl is correct. Golf shoes these days are garbage and don’t last very long.
golfraven
Mar 9, 2016 at 3:51 pm
Icons should last you if you keep maintaining/cleaning those regularly and use shoe trees – even those cheap one from FJ. Likely would be the case for the Dryjoys but cannot speak from experience – only have the casuals and those lasted 3 years till now.
Shoe Snob
Mar 8, 2016 at 1:37 pm
I don’t see how the Icons and Classics (when they last made them) are the same price, with the Icons being made of crappier materials in China.
CcShop
Mar 8, 2016 at 6:31 pm
1. What shoe isn’t made in China?
2. Inflation- if you understood that concept you would know why products in general aren’t as cheap as 10-15 years ago.
3. Name a golf shoe with a better leather
golfraven
Mar 9, 2016 at 3:33 pm
I had the chance to buy last pair of Classics but opted out and bought the Icons instead. Saddle those are made in China which is a shame. However the Icon shoe is more technically advanced just speaking of the sole and much lightet then the Classics ever were. Also I don’t think Classics were as durable as Icons – looking at me pair that I had already 5 seasons. Love me Icons and looking forward to buy a new pair of Icon Blacks that are the next gen Classics.
Michael
Mar 8, 2016 at 1:36 pm
Cool typo, guys. “Q&A: FootJoy on the importance shoe fitting”
Greg V
Mar 8, 2016 at 11:11 am
It would be nice if Footjoy would indicate what type of golf swings benefit from mobile shoes, and what type benefits from structured shoes. I doubt that my local golf store will have any knowledge on this, or the necessary equipment to help me determine which type would be of benefit.
Walker
Mar 8, 2016 at 1:29 pm
Just buy both types and see which ones you play better with. Its the GOLFWRX way.
Double Mocha Man
Mar 8, 2016 at 10:26 am
I’ve been wearing FootJoys for years. I accidentally nailed the proper fit on my first pair so now, when I need new FootJoys, I reorder the same size. The shoes never need breaking in. FootJoy did not pay me to say this. But if they want to send me some money that’s fine.