FootJoy is a name that is synonymous with the words golf shoes for quite a few people out there. The name and logo are both instantly recognizable to most people that spend any time on the golf course. Aside from gloves, I’ve never owned a FootJoy product. In preparation for this review, I did a little research and learned that FootJoy has been around since 1857, was the footwear of choice for the 1927 Ryder Cup team, and won its first PGA Tour shoe count in 1945. Those are some pretty cool stats! I don’t know about you, but when I think FootJoy, I think classic style. One of their new products, the DryJoys Tour shoes, definitely fit that description. However, along with classic style, the DryJoys Tour are packed with technology to make them comfortable, waterproof, and stable. I had the chance to test these shoes for the THP readers and below you can find out what I thought about them. If you are shopping for golf shoes, or just an enthusiast like me, please read on!
Information on the DryJoys Tour from FootJoy
- ECL™ Leather System by Pittards® – ECL™ or “Extreme Comfort Leather” is a proprietary waterproofing system developed with Pittards® of England. It is a membrane-free leather with a 2-year waterproof warranty. ECL Advanced Waterproof Leather is 30% softer than previous generation FootJoy performance leather.
- 2-Year Waterproof Warranty – FootJoy warrants that this golf shoe will be waterproof in normal use for two years (U.S. Warranty).
- Full Leather Linings – Leather linings provide superior comfort, slip resistance, and in-shoe breathability.
- Comfort Plus PU Fit-Bed® – The Comfort Plus PU (poly urethane) Fit-Beds provide super cushioned underfoot comfort.
- Laser Plus Last – Full rounded toe character, standard fit across forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. The Laser Last is a composite of thousands of digital scans of the FootJoy Laser Fitting System.
- Fiberglass Composite Support Bridge – Strategically positioned to provide tremendous mid-foot stability.
- Cyclone™ Cleats by Softspikes® (black/gold) – The Cyclone golf spike offers superior traction throughout the entire golf swing. This golf spike also provides stability and support from the moment you step foot on the course. Unlike traditional spikes, its spring-flex traction makes the Cyclone extra friendly to the greens.
- TPU intergrated EVA Midsole – This TPU intergrated EVA midsole provides lightweight underfoot cushioning. EVA will not allow a foot impression to set in, which translates to increased stability throughout the golf swing.
- Maximum OptiFlex™ technology – OptiFlex is softest density TPU (thermal plastic urethane) used in tri-density TPU outsoles. The DryJoys Stability PODS outsole features Optiflex technology throughout all non-PODS areas, creating one of the most flexible outsoles ever developed.
- Tri-Density TPU Stability PODS™ Outsole The Stability PODS outsole now features 9 individual TPU Stability PODS surrounded by dramatically enhanced OptiFlex™ zones to ensure maximum ground contact.
How did they perform?
As you can see by the list I provided, there is a ton of technology packed into these shoes. In the end, I’m usually looking for just a few things out of a golf shoe: I want style, comfort, dry feet, and stability on the course. Let’s start by looking at the looks of the DryJoys Tour.
The DryJoys Tour shoes that THP received for testing came in the White/Slate Croc print color scheme. They are a unique twist on the classic saddle style with a crocodile skin pattern that wraps around the heel area. These shoes just ooze class to me. They are a perfect complement to many outfits, whether you choose to wear shorts or pants. I took a look at FootJoy’s website and noticed about eight different patterns to choose from, so if these aren’t exactly your style, there may still be something out there for you. I have a growing collection of golf shoes and when it comes to looks, I have to say that these are quickly becoming my favorite. They are just a sharp, classy looking shoe. Kudos to FootJoy!
There are not many things more important to a golfer than a shoe that fits well and is comfortable. Comfort is such a personal thing when it comes to footwear. First off, let me say that buying shoes is best done after trying them on. I can talk all day about the comfort of a shoe, but my foot isn’t your foot. After a thorough test, including the dreaded walking round, I was mostly satisfied with the way the DryJoys treated my feet. There wasn’t much in the way of ‘wearing them in’, so I was able to enjoy them right away. I felt no foot fatigue or pain in the heel, which is common after walking the hills of my home course. The only real negative that I found was that during a walking round I really felt a decent amount of rub on my pinky toes. It became pretty uncomfortable by the time the round was over. Please keep in mind that FootJoy has a fitting system and it is quite possible that I may have been testing a shoe that wasn’t the exact match for my foot. As I said earlier, nothing replaces a good shoe fitting and I recommend taking the time to get a shoe that is right for your foot. On a final note, I was pleasantly surprised by the softness and pliability of the leather. For some reason, classic style shoes always appear stiff to me. I’m happy to say this wasn’t the case with the DryJoys.
The first time I wore the DryJoys was a hot afternoon in Florida. Those of you that are familiar with Florida will understand what I’m talking about when I say that rain can happen at any time. Even though the sun was shining all around us, we ended up getting rained on around the 7th hole. Not just a little rain either. It was pouring enough that we took shelter in the golf cart. After it slowed down, we were left with a pretty soggy course to finish our round. Simply stated, my feet stayed dry in the DryJoys. That’s all I ask for and that’s all I can really say about it. Dry feet are a necessity as I play early on dewy grass all summer and I appreciate a shoe that makes sure I’m not worrying about a wet foot. Foot Joy backs up their claims with a 2 year warranty, which should be a comfort to those that purchase them.
Those people who’ve had the pleasure of playing golf with me will understand that I take some shots from odd positions. I can end up just about anywhere on the course and really need a shoe to give me a stable platform to work from. I found the cleats on the DryJoys provided sufficient grip when I needed it without being overly aggressive. Also, the construction of the shoe itself gave me enough stability to feel safe taking some pretty awkward shots, whether they were off of pine straw, a steep incline, or the rare fairway shot.
In Summary
In many ways, this shoe was a surprise for me. Since I started golfing, I’ve always gravitated towards the ‘sportier’ looking golf shoes and didn’t see how classic looking shoes could perform as well or be as comfortable as them. Once again, I’ve learned that perception is nowhere close to reality when it comes to golf equipment. The DryJoys Tour are a solid shoe that I look forward to wearing. The looks alone are spectacular. For a riding round, they are more than comfortable enough to keep me happy. While I didn’t love them after walking a long 18 holes, I truly feel that a bit wider pair would have been perfect for me. Again, I was really amazed at just how well a shoe that looked so elegant could perform so well when it came to grip and water resistance. For more information on the DryJoys Tour, please visit FootJoy’s website at www.footjoy.com. Thanks for reading and I wish you the best of luck out on the course this year.
Ryan H.
Great review! I have had a pair of Dry Joys for over two years now and still love them. I do love some of the new designs they have out there on the website.
Great review Ryan. I’ve always felt there was a little break-in period with Footjoys in general. I really liked the photos of these and when I saw them in person, I’ve added them to my list of “shoes I want”!
Nice review Hawk, I agree, I love the look of these shoes. they just scream classy.
Nice review Ryan. So the FJ’s are great at keeping moisture out, how do they fair with letting moisture out? With the heat in Florida summers a shoe that breathes is almost essential.
Nice review Hawk. I really love the look but totally agree with your comment about rubbing and pain in the pinky toe. As much as I loved the look and the style of the shoes, I just couldnt make them work for me out on the course.
Excellent review! This line had me cracking up, yet is so true and so important! “Those people who’ve had the pleasure of playing golf with me will understand that I take some shots from odd positions. I can end up just about anywhere on the course and really need a shoe to give me a stable platform to work from.”
I agree with you on the look, very classy and extremely nice. Sounds like a person who rides more often than walks would really be ok with these but the hardcore walker might want to consider a different shoe. Great work!
Great review Ryan!!!!!!! I’m starting to come around to the classic look some and these definitely catch my eye in the store.
I’ve been wearing a pair of Dryjoys for about 2 years as well and have been very, very happy with them. I’ve only just had to replace the original spikes (I was only playing every other week during the summer months) and the only time I got wet wearing them was when I went shin deep into a ditch when trying to recover a ball – no shoe will protect you from that.Otherwise they’ve put up with some terrible English rain storms without problem. Very comfortable as well and I’ll definitely be getting another pair when these need replacing, although that may be some time off as these are holding up very well.
SW – I found them to be sufficiently cool when I played them in the Florida heat in April. I beleive it was in the high 80’s to low 90’s.
Regarding any discomfort, I truly feel that a wider pair of these would have been a better fit for my foot. It’s nearly impossible to arrange a proper fitting in a testing environment, so please keep that in mind. Aside from the very fixable issue, I found them to be very comfortable.
I love my DryJoys as well as my other FootJoys. Been wearing them since I first got into golf. They keep coming with some great looking shoes. Great review.
Excellent write up Ryan. I had no idea that much technology went into making these shoes. I have been wearing FootJoys for years, and am thinking a pair of DryJoys are on the horizon.
Great write-up Ryan! I like my shoes to be a bit sportier looking but the tech behind these shoes must be recognized! That’s an impressive list. I never knew there was so much going on at FootJoy. Next time I’m looking for shoes, I’ll definitely have a look at FJ.
Great review Ryan, i have been looking at these for awhile now, i have the FJ Contours but I’m wanting to add another pair for nicer courses, I’m taking a good hard look at these and your review just made my decision a little easier
I have had a few pairs of FJs, and enjoyed them as you have in your review. Excellent review.
I own these exact shoes. I have a left achilles heel problem and stability is the only way I can walk and use golf shoes and these WORK!!!! They are very stable, look great and I am ordering my second pair this week. A terrific shoe for a reasonable price…!!!
These shoes really do look great! Thanks for the review!
Great write up! I’ve always liked the shoes but started gravitating toward the sportier look about 7 years ago. I think I may have to invest in a good pari of FJ dryjoys…They do look classy
Great review Hawk, I’m the same way as you normally wearing sportier shoe model, but after reading this I might have to try out a classier shoe line.
I don’t remember ever buying FootJoys either.Do you think these dressier pairs go better with long pants than shorts? Because 99% of my golf is done in shorts, and I also like the ones that look like sportswear (READ: tennis shoe look).
Smallville – I’ve worn these with both pants and shorts and loved the way they looked with both.
Outstanding review Hawk. These are sharp looking shoes!
Excellent review Hawk! Great analysis of walker vs. rider needs
Great review Hawk. FootJoy definitely makes some classy looking shoes.
Thanks for the review. Great writeup.
Footjoy has always evoked thoughts of conservative and traditional from me. With the ’11 line, they still do. But, they have also stepped out of the box and now have some additional designs the will catch the eye of those looking for something a little flashier. I really like some of their newer designs and am really interested in their BOA lacing system.
They look sharp. I’m adidas guy myself, however these look good. Nice review.
FootJoy makes the best golf shoes in golf as far as i am concerned. When i saw this new line of shoes from FootJoy earlier this year on TV i went out and bought a pair immediately. They are classy and comfortable.
I was desperate to get golf shoes my size (13) here in Taiwan, so was very happy when I found a size 13 DryJoy pair. I immediately bought them but realized they were way to wide, that’s when I noticed they were 2W (double wide!). So, I grudgingly took them back and had to choose between size 12 Pumas or size 10.5 Dryjoys Tour BOA models that were (surprisingly!) long enough for my size 13 feet! The Pumas were slightly too short, so I had to go with the 10.5 DryJoy Tour BOAs. Beautiful shoes and the BOA cable system is SO cool. However, I have experienced a LOT of pain in my little toes for the 2 rounds I played with them (gets really bad around hole 9). I’ve read up about stretching leather shoes and guess I’ll have to spray them with an alcohol/water mix and try to stretch them out. QUESTION!!! Does anyone here have experience in stretching out ECL waterproof leather? For instance, is the spray-and-stretch technique safe with this kind of leather?