When FootJoy released their new Premiere Series line of golf shoes last year you already know I lost my damn mind. Branded as a modern representation of the classic golf shoe, all three Premiere Series styles surpassed my every expectation for comfort and performance.
I thought the Packard, Tarlow, and Flint shoes were all I'd ever need from the FJ Premiere Series. I was wrong. Say hello to the newest thoroughbred in the Premiere Series stable, the Field.
The Field is a derby style shoe, which is pretty much characterized by lace eyelets being set into two side flaps that close over the tongue. This iconic style of shoe is the original format most sneaker designs follow to this day. It's a fundamental style that looks fantastic as a formal or casual option.
One of the great things about all shoes in the FJ Premiere Series line is they're structured enough to give you fantastic balance and stability, but you don't get that heavier stiff feel of traditional looking golf shoes. Premiere Series shoes are extremely lightweight with insole cushioning that delivers a perfect balance of soft feel and ground awareness.
The new FootJoy Field are designed with essentially the same performance innovation as the other three shoes in the Premiere Series line. And since I already reviewed these other shoes, I'll focus this Field review on subtle differences between this newest style compared to the others. What they all have in common however are exquisite details, hypnotizing beauty, and unrestrained performance and comfort.
If I'm not mistaken the Premiere Series has actually become more popular than even the renown FootJoy Pro SL. And you saw me post yesterday that Tiger was wearing the FJ Premiere Series Packard during a practice session at Augusta National. Now I don't know if Tiger's going to wear them during actual competition at The Masters. But if he does (coming back from the horrific accident that nearly took his leg, and life really) that speaks volumes to the Premiere Series comfort.
And that comfort starts with the leather. FootJoy uses a premium Pittards leather in all the Premiere Series shoes that's substantial enough to provide all around stability but also soft and supple enough for incredible comfort all around the foot. It's almost like some kind of Kevlar fiber lightweight strength thing going on with the Premiere Series leather. However you're doing it FJ, just keep doing it.
From a fit perspective the FJ Field feel lighter than any shoes in the Premiere Series line-up. The Tarlow and Packard are spiked so that makes sense. But Field feel a tad lighter than even the spikeless Flint. Padding around the ankle is sublimely soft and similar with all four Premiere Series shoes.
Traction with the Packard and Tarlow are flat out spectacular. All Premiere Series shoes use use FootJoy's VersaTrax+ outsoles that have traction elements of different sizes positioned at different angles to maximize grip from any possible lie. Field traction is excellent for spikeless shoes and will give you all the grip you need in most conditions. However the cleated Packard and Tarlow give you just a little bit more grab.
Field insoles use the same OrthoLite cushioning as all the Premiere Series shoes, and can tell you this is extremely high quality. The Packard, Tarlow, and Flint I've been wearing since last year feel as cushioned still as the first day I laced em up. Premiere Series shoes aren't merely about comfort, they're about comfort that lasts. I'd describe OrthoLite as a soft insole that's firm enough for great ground awareness but still enough cushion that's soft enough to feel like memory foam.
Of all the shoes in the Premiere Series line-up, Field probably has the most subtle elegance. Meticulously constructed but a very minimalist approach where even the pebbled grain leather is soft in appearance. With clean lines and a sporty heel tab, Field are charming and rugged at same time. And with the right outfit Field's vibe can be savage beast or perfect gentleman.
The new FootJoy Premiere Series Field are high performance dependable golf shoes with bonafide all-round comfort. And that alone would be plenty good enough. But they're even more to me. Field are a state of mind. They evoke feelings of honor, nostalgia, and an utter thirst for competition and how the game should be played. Against every soul on the golf course, against all elements. FootJoy Field are both destination and journey.
I've always worn FJ's from day one. Now they have the Premier series? Say it ain't so!? The classic traditional design is what I've always liked about FJ's. I've never been a fan of the sport, tennis style shoe that most adhere to these days. Call me a traditionalist I guess ;)
ReplyDelete