Saturday, December 21, 2024
Best Feature:
Excellent traditional style shoe, a favorite of Tour players
Worst Feature:
Pricey & reportedly not true to size (narrower than DryJoys)
Best Uses:
Tour-caliber comfort and performance for men
Pricing:
$199.95 - $229.95 (2-year waterproof warranty)
Overview
FootJoy has been in the golf apparel business for more than 150 years and has manufactured the leading shoe on the PGA Tour for the past 55 years. It is an iconic brand associated with tradition, comfort and performance. When FootJoy discontinued the bestselling FJ Classic a few years ago, the decision was met with an uproar from loyal fans. However, the Classic has become a distant memory for most with the introduction of the FJ Icon in 2010. The FJ Icon is the culmination of FootJoy's 100 years in footwear design, and it has become FootJoy's highest performing golf shoe yet using the latest technology and top-of-the-line construction. Despite its high price tag, the FJ Icon is a favorite among both professional and recreational golfers alike due to its traditional style, durability, comfort, breathability and performance. From a company that set the standard in waterproof technology with the DryJoys brand, it's not surprising that the Icon was designed for play in all weather and ground conditions. Additionally, if you are a fashion-conscious golfer, the FJ Icons are also available in MyJoys, so you can customize the style and color combinations however you like.
You can purchase the FootJoy Icon on FootJoy.com or other online retailers for $260 (or about $300 for MyJoys).
Product Report Card Grade
We give FootJoy’s FJ Icon golf shoes an A because the Icons are truly the ultimate, traditional-style golf shoe. They are the preferred shoe of many Tour players and are known for their exceptional durability, comfort, breathability and performance regardless of weather conditions or terrain. If you can afford them, we would definitely suggest making the Icon’s your go-to golf shoe.
Date Reviewed
April 2013
April 2013
March 2013
Pros
High quality construction materials; Tour-caliber performance; waterproof; very comfortable and break-in time is reportedly minimal; removable fit bed allows for use of custom inserts or orthotics; great traditional style with many options for customization; wide range of sizes and widths with the option to purchase 2 different size shoes if your feet are different sizes
Waterproof; break-in time is reportedly minimal; classic but stylish shoe with great options for customization; good customer service and very responsive to complaints; wide range of sizes and widths with the option to purchase 2 different size shoes if your feet are different sizes; removable fit bed allows for use of custom inserts or orthotics
Reportedly comfortable and only need minimal break-in time; water and stain-resistant; Ecco claims it is 100 grams lighter than typical golf shoes; offer good traction and stability; ability to easily change out spikes
Cons
Expensive; FootJoy says the Icons run true to size, but some reviewers felt they were narrower than the DryJoys, so you may want to get fitted
Relatively expensive; some complaints that sizes were off, so you should definitely get yourself fitted before purchasing; some complaints that construction materials didn't hold up well against normal wear and tear; some complaints that the cleats seem to capture more grass, leaves, trigs, etc. than other shoes
Expensive; short warranty; no customization options
Price (MSRP)
$260 or about $300 for MyJoys
$180 or about $220 for MyJoys
$235
Warranty
2-year waterproof warranty, 90-day quality warranty and a 30-day comfort warranty
2-year waterproof warranty, 90-day quality warranty, 30-day comfort warranty
1-year limited quality warranty. Unworn shoes bought on eccousa.com can be returned for a full refund within 60 days.
Uppers
The Icons are designed with premium full grain leather uppers and rich calfskin detailing. The uppers are completely waterproof and resistant to stretching, but they also still allow air to circulate throughout the inside to keep your feet cool and dry.
The DryJoys have full leather uppers made with ECL™ or "Extreme Comfort Leather", which is FootJoy's proprietary waterproofing system developed with Pittards® of England. ECL™ Advanced Waterproof Leather is membrane-free and is also 30% softer than the company's previous generations of performance leather.
The BIOM Golf Hydromax's uppers are designed with a combination of Hydromax™ and Yak leather. Yak leather is 3x stronger than other leathers, and Hydromax™ leather provides water and stain resistance. The combo offers lightweight comfort and durability, while still maintaining the breathability of the shoe to keep feet cool and dry.
Lining
For a comfortable, secure fit, the inside of the Icon shoe is lined in a breathable leather, the tongue and collar are lined with memory foam and the heel counter is covered in a soft, slip-resistant microfiber.
The DryJoys are lined in leather, which helps to prevent slippage, as well as increase the overall comfort and breathability of the shoe.
The inside of the BIOM Golf Hydromax shoe is made up of the Ecco Comfort Fibre System (CFS), polyester padding and EVA shell. Ecco CFS is a breathable leather lining that wicks moisture away from your foot and works to increase air circulation inside the shoe. The polyester padding and EVA shell contribute to the shoes' overall comfort, fit and support system. The linings also feature allergy-friendly materials treated with AgION® to control bacteria and odor.
Insole/Midsole Technology
The Icons have a dual-density PU Fit-Bed that is designed to imitate the foot's natural shape in order to provide more cushioned support, comfort and a better overall fit. Underneath the PU Fit Bed is the ABS Insole Board, which is a pre-molded board that is exceptionally flexible in the forefoot but gets firmer towards the heel. This design makes walking comfortable while still providing support and additional stability in the hitting platform.
The DryJoys have a Comfort Plus PU Fit-Bed® that is designed to imitate the foot's natural shape in order to provide more cushioned support, comfort and an overall better fit. The midsole is made with EVA and TPU, which offers lightweight cushioning but prevents the foot from sinking into the shoe. Combined with a fiberglass composite support bridge, this design creates an exceptionally stable hitting platform.
The BIOM Golf Hydromax shoes have a unique direct-injected polyurethane insole, which is extremely flexible and offers cushioning that lasts up to twice as long as EVA foam (traditionally used in athletic footwear). As such, it provides exceptional comfort and flexible midsole arch support.
Last
The Icons feature the ICON Laser Last design, which has a slightly square toe box and a slightly narrower heel. It has a standard fit across the front of your foot and your instep.
The DryJoys feature the Laser Plus Last design, which has a fully rounded toe bed and a slightly narrower heel. It has a standard fit across the front of your foot and your instep.
The BIOM Golf Hydromax shoes are designed with an anatomical last that was based on scans from 2500 athletes. If you look inside the shoe, you'll notice that it appears almost like a 360° mold of a foot.
Outsole Technology
The outsole of the Icon incorporates 3 different densities of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to create a more stable platform, as well as increase flexibility and walking comfort. Additionally, it is designed with Dual OptiFlex™ Zones in the forefoot, which also use TPU to offer enhanced flexibility and walking comfort. Finally, to boost midfoot stability and support, the shank area of the outsole features a perforated alloy called a Torque Bar.
The DryJoys feature FootJoy's Tri-Density TPU Stability PODS™ Outsole. OptiFlex™ technology surround nine individual TPU Stability PODS and offer exceptional flexibility in order to maximize ground contact.
The outsole of the BIOM Golf Hydromax has a low profile design and features a unique TPU/PU direct injected, dual-density construction that provides flexibility and shock absorption. It is a durable design but also lightweight and comfortable. In the heel, it has a three-cleat configuration with stability bars in between each cleat to improve your balance.
Turf Traction
The Icons have Stinger™ cleats by CHAMP®. Stinger™ cleats offer exceptional traction without damaging greens thanks to their spring-flex design.
The DryJoys have Cyclone™ cleats by Softspikes®. Cyclone™ cleats provide excellent traction but have a spring-flex design, so they won't damage the greens.
The BIOM Golf Hydromax shoes feature 8 cleats with a Q-LOK System (completely threadless spike fastening system).
Style
The Icons are more traditional looking golf shoes and are available in 13 different styles and color combinations.
The DryJoys are more traditional looking golf shoes and are available in 8 different styles and color combinations.
The look of the Ecco BIOM Golf Hydromax is between a sporty and traditional golf shoe. Currently, there are 8 different color options available.
Customization Ability?
Yes, the Icons can be customized as MyJoys and come in 7 different styles including FJ ICON Traditional, FJ ICON Shield Tip, FJ ICON Asymmetrical, FJ ICON Wave, FJ ICON Sport with BOA, FJ ICON Pyramid Saddle Laced and the FJ ICON Pyramid Saddle BOA.
Yes, the DryJoys Tour can be customized as MyJoys.
No
Sizes
The Icon comes in half sizes ranging from 7 to 15 and in all widths ranging from Narrow to Extra Wide (3E). FootJoy also allows you to purchase 2 different sized shoes if your feet aren't the same size. Non-customized Icons won't come in every size, but alternative sizes are available in the MyJoys.
The DryJoys come in half sizes ranging from 7 to 15 and in all widths ranging from Narrow to Extra Wide (3E). FootJoy also allows you to purchase 2 different sized shoes if your feet aren't the same size. Non-customized DryJoys won't come in every size, but alternative sizes are available in the MyJoys.
The BIOM Golf Hydromax comes in full sizes ranging from 5 to 13. It doesn't come in different widths, but it is designed with Ecco's Freedom Fit, which gives your toes room to spread as you walk, and so it should feel comfortable on almost any foot.
Runs True to Size?
Yes (however, some reviewers did feel that they were narrower than DryJoys)
Yes (however, some reports that sizes were slightly off)
Yes
Tour
Icons are a popular choice among PGA Tour players such as Webb Simpson, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Luke Donald, Bill Haas and KJ Choi.
The DryJoys Tour are worn by pros such as Zach Johnson, Ben Crane, Steve Stricker and Jonathan Byrd.
Fred Couples is a fan of the BIOM Golf shoes.
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- High quality construction materials
- Tour-caliber performance
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable and break-in time is reportedly minimal
- Removable fit bed allows for use of custom inserts or orthotics
- Great traditional style with many options for customization
- Wide range of sizes and widths with the option to purchase two different size shoes if your feet are different sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- FootJoy says the Icons run true to size, but some reviewers felt they were narrower than the DryJoys. You probably want to consider getting fitted in person at a local dealer
Key Features
Uppers
With rich calfskin detailing and premium full grain leather uppers, the Icon is not only a beautiful shoe but also a durable and comfortable one. The uppers are completely waterproof and stretch-resistant, but they still allow air to circulate through the inside to keep your feet cool and dry.
In-Shoe Technology
All aspects of the interior of the Icon are designed with the highest quality fit, comfort and support in mind.
- For a fit that feels comfortable and secure, the inside of the Icon is lined with breathable leather, the collar and tongue are padded with a memory foam, and the heel counter is covered in a soft microfiber.
- For cushioned support and an enhanced fit, the base of the insole has a removable, dual-density PU Fit-Bed (covered in leather) that is designed to form to the natural shape of your foot. Under the PU Fit Bed is the ABS Insole Board, which is basically a pre-molded board that is exceptionally flexible in the forefoot but gets firmer towards the heel. The construction provides additional comfort, as well as support and a stabilized hitting platform.
- FootJoy has their own Laser Fitting System that designs lasts based on digital scans of thousands of athletes. The Icon features the ICON Laser Last, which is described as a "contemporary" fit. The toe box is slightly square and it has a bit of a narrower heel. The fit over the instep and forefoot is standard.
Outsole Technology
To enhance the Icon's stability, flexibility and walking comfort, the outsole is designed with three main components. First, it is made up of three different densities of thermoplastic urethane (TPU). Second, it features Dual OptiFlex™ Zones in the forefoot (flexibility channels). Lastly, it has a contemporary-looking perforated alloy shank called a Torque Bar in the instep.
Turf Traction
The Icons have Stinger™ golf spikes that offer excellent traction but won't damage the greens thanks to their spring-flex design.
Style
The Icons are definitely more traditional style shoes and you can purchase designs by FootJoy or you can get customized MyJoys.
- If you don't customize, you can choose from 13 styles and different color combinations (limited color options include brown, black and white).
- For customized MyJoys, you get access to a much wider range of colors and you can choose any combination of colors/prints for the shoe (base, saddle and accents) and between a black, brown and white lace. You can also have your initials or a small icon placed on the side of your heel. There are 7 style options including: FJ ICON Traditional, FJ ICON Shield Tip, FJ ICON Asymmetrical, FJ ICON Wave, FJ ICON Sport with BOA, FJ ICON Pyramid Saddle Laced and the FJ ICON Pyramid Saddle BOA.
Sizes
Depending on the style you pick, the Icon comes in half sizes ranging from 7 to 15 and multiple widths, including Narrow (A, B, C), Medium (C, D, E), Wide (E, 2E) and Extra Wide (3E). Non-customized Icons won't come in every size, but alternative sizes are available in the MyJoys. One great feature is that FootJoy will allow you to purchase two different sized shoes if your feet aren't the same size. Sizes run true, so, if you are ordering online, you should stop in to a shoe store first to measure both of your feet on a Brannock Device.
Warranty
2-year waterproof warranty, 90-day quality warranty and a 30-day comfort warranty
Reputation
It seems as though the FootJoy Icon has replaced the Classic as the ultimate shoe in golf. Despite being more expensive than your typical golf shoe, the Icons have received excellent feedback from customers online who were impressed by the quality of materials, comfort and performance. They received a 5/5 on FootJoy.com (119 reviews), a 4.9/5 on Golfsmith.com (96 reviews) and a 4.7/5 on TGW.com (27 reviews). In an April 2012 footwear report from GolfDigest.com, the Icon was named as one of 24 models that "will change the way your feet feel and your swing moves". It is a popular choice among PGA Tour players such as Webb Simpson, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Luke Donald, Bill Haas and KJ Choi. While the FJ Icons won't necessarily put a green jacket on your back, they will help to stabilize your hitting platform and keep your feet comfortable, dry and blister-free no matter how long you are out on the course. Whether you are a professional or recreational golfer, it doesn't sound like you will ever regret treating yourself to a pair of FJ Icons if you can afford them. It's also a perfect gift idea for a dad or any avid golfer in your life. After all of my research on golf shoes, I've decided to get my own dad a pair of customized FJ Icons for his birthday this year. He's planned a golf trip to Ireland and some fun Icons with maybe an embroidered shamrock could be the perfect way to commemorate the trip!
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