FJ Premiere Series Wilcox: The most polarizing shoe in golf is unmistakably FootJoy
17 Feb 2023
by Todd Mrowice of AmateurGolf.com
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by Todd Mrowice, AmateurGolf.com Equipment Team
When it comes to a traditional-looking golf shoe, the Premiere Series from FootJoy is at the top of the list. The classic styling and unmistakable swag that comes with these kicks are part of what makes FootJoy the best-selling golf shoe brand on the planet.
For 2023, the Massachusetts-based company is taking the Premier line to a new level with the Premiere Series Wilcox. Every design in this collection is going to garner attention from two fairways over, but don’t believe for a second that these are your grandfather’s old saddle shoes. The Wilcox models boast all of FootJoy’s modern comfort and traction technologies to go along with the pop of style.
“You’re going to see a lot of the pros in these,” said Patrick Trubiano, Director of Product Management for FJ Footwear. “It’s the most polarizing golf shoe in the game.”
Once you see the Wilcox designs in person, you’ll be hard-pressed to disagree. And with staff players that include names such as Justin Thomas, Max Homa, and Will Zalatoris, seeing the FootJoy Wilcox being worn by a champion on a Sunday is practically inevitable.
“Players at all levels have adopted the Field and Packard styles at unprecedented rates, and the new Wilcox and Issette (women’s) patterns are sure to energize the classic category even more,” added Trubiano.
We interviewed Patrick at the PGA Merchandise show in Florida, as the FootJoy booth was flooded with golf professionals from around the world trying to get a glimpse of the latest shoes, apparel, and gloves his company was displaying. Check out the video below.
So what can you expect from the FootJoy Premier Series Wilcox? We’re glad you asked.
First, the money is in the detailing. Other Premiere Series shoes will have a similar base which includes premium full-grain leather. The Wilcox goes a few steps further by bringing leather detailing to the heel, saddle, and toe of the shoe which makes it an instant eye-catcher. That detailing coincides with the outsole and even the laces to make it a complete beauty.
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Speaking of, the VersaTrax+ outsole is designed to bring you superior traction no matter what conditions you’re playing in. From dry Bermuda to the dew of Kentucky Blue, FootJoy has you covered. The multiple TPU durometers (some hard, some soft) are also a key factor in reducing slippage.
If you’ve worn clunky, uncomfortable saddle shoes in the past, just know that the Premiere Series is a far cry from those old spikes. An OrthoLite EcoPlush FitBed is standard in these FJs, so whether you’re walking or riding, you’re in for a day of ultimate comfort.
The FootJoy Premiere Series Wilcox will hit retail shelves on March 17, 2023, and will cost $240. FootJoy will offer them in white, white/navy, and black.
It’s a fitting design to launch in 2023, seeing that FootJoy is celebrating its centennial this year. For a company that’s dominated a category for the majority of its 100 years, FootJoy doesn’t seem interested in slowing down in either the design or innovation categories.
“We’re pushing forward with trend and style, and it’s always anchored to performance and always making sure the best players on tour are wearing it,” said Trubiano. We want to make sure you look good, because if you look good, you play good, then you feel good.”
In 1945, FootJoy became the #1 golf shoe on the PGA Tour because of the company’s singular commitment to the game. The title has yet to be relinquished and the company once known as Field and Flint Company in 1923 continues to lead the field.