FootJoy
An American golf-performance brand specializing in golf shoes, gloves, apparel, and accessories.
Last updated November 4, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
FootJoy is an American golf-performance brand best known for golf shoes and gloves, with additional businesses in golf apparel, outerwear, socks, headwear, bags, rainwear, and other accessories. The brand traces its origins to the Burt and Packard Shoe Company, founded in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1857. That business later became the Field and Flint Company, a Massachusetts shoemaker that expanded into golf footwear during the early twentieth century. The FootJoy name first appeared on a golf-shoe line in the 1920s and gradually became the company’s principal identity before Field and Flint was formally renamed FootJoy, Inc. in 1970. FootJoy’s early development was closely connected to competitive golf. Its shoes were selected for American Ryder Cup teams in the late 1920s, and the brand states that it became the leading shoe at the U.S. PGA Tour shoe count in 1945. This long association with professional golfers helped establish FootJoy as a specialist performance brand rather than a general-purpose footwear label. The company built its reputation around fit, stability, waterproofing, traction, leather quality, and the ability to provide styles suited to both traditional and modern golf wardrobes. Ownership changed several times as FootJoy expanded beyond shoes. The Stone and Tarlow families acquired the company in 1957. General Mills subsequently purchased a controlling interest in 1975 and full ownership in 1977. Under General Mills, FootJoy entered the golf-glove market in the late 1970s, launching products that included the StaSof leather glove and later WeatherSof synthetic gloves. Gloves became a second major pillar of the business, supported by materials development, moisture management, grip technology, and relationships with specialist leather suppliers such as Pittards of England. Acushnet Company acquired FootJoy from General Mills in 1985. The acquisition placed FootJoy alongside Titleist and other golf brands in a company focused specifically on golf equipment, clothing, and accessories. Within Acushnet, FootJoy has remained a distinct brand centered on the golfer’s interface with the course: footwear, hand protection, clothing, and weather protection. The brand’s portfolio has included traditional leather golf shoes, lightweight spikeless models, performance shoes with replaceable or integrated traction systems, women’s and junior products, and apparel designed for different climates and levels of play. Major FootJoy product families have included DryJoys, Classics, Contour, M:PROJECT, Pro/SL, HyperFlex, Tour Alpha, FJ Fuel, Traditions, Premiere Series, StaSof, WeatherSof, RainGrip, and WinterSof. The Premiere Series represents the brand’s premium and heritage-oriented footwear, combining classic golf-shoe silhouettes with contemporary construction. Pro/SL, HyperFlex, Tour Alpha, and related lines emphasize lightweight comfort, support, stability, and athletic performance. FootJoy’s glove business spans premium cabretta leather, synthetic materials, weather-resistant designs, and specialist gloves for wet or cold conditions. The brand operates internationally through direct e-commerce, golf specialty retailers, professional shops, distributors, tour relationships, and Acushnet’s broader commercial infrastructure. FootJoy has historically been especially strong in the United States but maintains a global presence in major golf markets. Its marketing relies heavily on professional-player endorsement, tour visibility, product fitting, heritage storytelling, and partnerships that connect traditional golf craftsmanship with contemporary fashion and lifestyle culture. FootJoy remains an active Acushnet brand. In recent years it has continued to refresh footwear and glove ranges, expand women’s and performance categories, develop premium collaborations, and adjust its manufacturing footprint. Acushnet reported that FootJoy shifted substantial footwear production volume from a joint venture facility in Fuzhou,…
History
FootJoy's history begins in Brockton, Massachusetts, a major American center of shoemaking. The Burt and Packard Shoe Company was founded there in 1857 and was later renamed the Field and Flint Company. The business initially operated as a conventional shoe manufacturer, but its later identity was shaped by the expansion of golf in the United States and by the demand for footwear that could provide traction and stability on turf. The FootJoy name appeared on a Field and Flint golf-shoe line in the 1920s. The brand gained early competitive recognition when FootJoy shoes were selected for an American Ryder Cup team in the late 1920s. This association helped connect the label with elite golf and gave it a platform beyond regional shoemaking. FootJoy states that its shoes first achieved the leading position in the U.S. PGA Tour shoe count in 1945 and that the brand has retained that distinction in subsequent years. Whether used as a formal market statistic or as a marketing expression, the claim reflects FootJoy's longstanding dependence on professional-golf visibility. The company's ownership and corporate structure changed during the second half of the twentieth century. The Stone and Tarlow families purchased Field and Flint in 1957. Production was consolidated at the Stone/Tarlow plant on Field Street in Brockton in 1959. In 1970, the company formally adopted the FootJoy, Inc. name, reflecting the growing importance of its golf brand. General Mills acquired a controlling interest in 1975 and full ownership in 1977. FootJoy broadened its business beyond footwear under General Mills. It entered the golf-glove category in the late 1970s, introducing the PowerStrap glove and StaSof. StaSof became an important premium leather product and was associated with the use of water-repellent cabretta leather treated through a relationship with Pittards of England. The company later added WeatherSof, RainGrip, WinterSof, and other products that targeted durability, moisture management, cold-weather play, and wet conditions. Socks became another core category, while apparel and outerwear expanded the brand's role from shoe maker to full-line golf-clothing supplier. Acushnet Company acquired FootJoy from General Mills in 1985. Acushnet, whose principal golf brands also include Titleist, Scotty Cameron, and Vokey Design, gave FootJoy a parent focused almost entirely on golf. The acquisition supported broader distribution, professional-tour relationships, product development, and international expansion. FootJoy remained a separate consumer-facing identity while benefiting from Acushnet's golf-specific commercial organization. During the late 1980s and 1990s, FootJoy introduced several products and technologies that reinforced its performance position. DryJoys was introduced as a waterproof golf-shoe platform. The company developed non-membrane waterproofing, temperature-responsive fit-bed concepts, laser-based fitting, specialty gloves, women's footwear and apparel, performance outerwear, customized products, and updated traction systems. The brand also introduced the Classics Dry Premiere, Dry I.C.E., WeatherSof GTX, and other products aimed at combining traditional styling with technical construction. In the 2010s, FootJoy pursued a more complete apparel and lifestyle strategy. Contour Casual helped popularize spikeless golf footwear, while the company expanded men's apparel in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and Australia. M:PROJECT represented a minimalist footwear direction, and HydroLite rainwear addressed lightweight weather protection. Later footwear families, including Pro/SL, HyperFlex, Tour Alpha, FJ Fuel, Traditions, and Premiere Series, balanced different combinations of athletic performance, stability, waterproofing, comfort, and heritage styling. In the 2020s, FootJoy continued to operate as an Acushnet brand while developing premium collaborations and expanding digital retail. The Premiere Series increasingly served as a platform for heritage silhouettes and fashion partnerships, including projects involving Harris Tweed, Smathers & Branson, and Aimé Leon Dore. The brand also continued community and professional-golf campaigns such as #FJThanksaPGAPro, which recognizes PGA Professionals nominated by golfers. Acushnet's recent disclosures show that FootJoy has been adjusting its supply chain. During 2024, the company shifted footwear production volume away from Fuzhou, China, toward a third-party facility in Long An Province, Vietnam; the Fuzhou joint venture ceased production in January 2025. FootJoy therefore enters its current phase as a mature but active global golf brand, combining a nineteenth-century Massachusetts shoemaking origin with modern direct-to-consumer commerce, international sourcing, technical product development, and professional-tour marketing.
- 2024
Footwear production shifted toward Vietnam
[5]Acushnet disclosed a shift in FootJoy footwear production volume from Fuzhou, China, to a third-party facility in Long An Province, Vietnam.
- 2013
M:PROJECT and HydroLite introduced
[1]M:PROJECT provided a minimalist footwear direction, while HydroLite introduced lightweight performance rainwear.
- 2012
Contour Casual and full-line apparel expansion
[1]FootJoy launched Contour Casual and expanded men's golf apparel across North America, the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
- 1999
Classics Dry Premiere and Dry I.C.E. launched
[2]The brand expanded its waterproof and fit-focused footwear range with premium and technically constructed models.
- 1997
Performance outerwear and women's fashion categories expanded
[2]FootJoy introduced performance outerwear and the women's Europa Collection while continuing to develop specialized gloves.
- 1996
Laser fitting and specialty glove expansion
[2]FootJoy introduced its Laser Fitting System and added products such as WinterSof and RainGrip for cold and wet playing conditions.
- 1994
WeatherSof became a leading golf glove
[2]FootJoy reported that WeatherSof became the number-one-selling glove in golf.
- 1990
WeatherSof glove launched
[2]WeatherSof extended FootJoy's glove range into synthetic materials designed to provide durability and leather-like feel.
- 1989
DryJoys golf shoes introduced
[2]DryJoys established a major FootJoy platform focused on waterproof golf footwear.
- 1985
Acushnet acquired FootJoy
[2]Acushnet Company acquired FootJoy from General Mills, bringing the brand into a dedicated golf-company portfolio.
Products and positioning
A specialist, performance-led golf brand combining professional-tour credibility, technical footwear and glove innovation, traditional shoemaking heritage, and increasingly fashion-conscious golf apparel. FootJoy spans premium heritage products, mainstream performance products, women's and junior categories, and weather-oriented equipment.
Premium golf footwear
Premiere Series
FootJoy's premium heritage footwear platform, combining traditional golf-shoe silhouettes, leather or leather-inspired uppers, contemporary comfort systems, and modern traction. The range includes models such as Field, Packard, Wilcox, Marquis, Bel Air, Madison, Issette, and related variants. Premiere Series also functions as a design platform for limited editions and collaborations with fashion, textile, and lifestyle partners.
Performance spikeless golf footwear
Pro/SL
A performance-oriented golf-shoe family built around lightweight comfort, underfoot cushioning, stability, and spikeless traction. Pro/SL products are offered in multiple constructions, including Carbon and BOA variants, and are positioned for golfers who want athletic styling without giving up course grip or support.
Athletic performance golf footwear
HyperFlex
HyperFlex is an athletic golf-footwear platform emphasizing flexibility, support, cushioning, and dynamic movement. The family includes standard, Carbon, BOA, and women's versions. It represents FootJoy's effort to address golfers who prefer contemporary training-shoe aesthetics and a more mobile feel during the swing.
Tour-performance golf footwear
Tour Alpha
Tour Alpha is designed around high-level stability and traction for golfers seeking a locked-in platform. The range includes models such as Tour Alpha Triple BOA and uses advanced closure and support concepts to serve competitive and performance-focused players.
Lightweight golf footwear
FJ Fuel
FJ Fuel is a modern, lightweight golf-shoe family aimed at everyday golfers who want comfort, easy wearability, and contemporary athletic styling. It is available in men's and women's versions, including BOA closure models, and occupies a more accessible performance position than the premium Premiere Series.
Traditional and lifestyle golf footwear
Traditions
Traditions brings classic golf-shoe styling to a broad range of golfers. The family includes knit, Blucher, wing-tip, cap-toe, junior, and weather-oriented variants. It uses heritage visual cues while offering modern outsole and comfort features for regular recreational play.
Waterproof golf footwear · 1989
DryJoys
DryJoys is one of FootJoy's foundational performance footwear platforms. It was developed around waterproofing, comfort, stability, and golf-specific fit. The family helped establish FootJoy's reputation for weather protection and has included both tour-oriented and everyday models over its history.
Premium leather golf gloves · 1979
StaSof
StaSof is FootJoy's signature premium leather glove franchise. It uses cabretta leather and has been developed through successive generations of leather, grip, moisture-management, and fit technologies. StaSof is sold in men's and women's versions, seasonal packs, and special colorways.
Synthetic golf gloves · 1990
WeatherSof
WeatherSof is a synthetic glove family designed to deliver a leather-like feel with enhanced abrasion resistance and dependable grip. It broadens FootJoy's glove offering beyond premium leather and is positioned for durability and regular play.
Weather-specific golf gloves · 1996
RainGrip and WinterSof
RainGrip and WinterSof are specialist glove categories for wet and cold playing conditions. They reflect FootJoy's strategy of extending golf participation across changing weather and seasonal environments through grip, warmth, and moisture-management features.
Golf apparel
FootJoy Apparel and Outerwear
FootJoy's apparel business includes shirts, polos, shorts, trousers, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, performance layers, rainwear, socks, hats, belts, and other accessories. The range combines technical fabrics for movement and weather protection with traditional golf styling and increasingly fashion-led collaborations.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025FootJoy x Aimé Leon Dore
United States · Global fashion and golf markets
FootJoy collaborated with Aimé Leon Dore on a bespoke Premiere Series Field LX shoe, combining FootJoy's golf-footwear heritage with Aimé Leon Dore's contemporary fashion identity.
Outcome. The collaboration broadened FootJoy's cultural reach beyond conventional golf channels and positioned the Premiere Series within the growing golf-fashion crossover.
- 2025#FJThanksaPGAPro renewal
United Kingdom
FootJoy and The PGA renewed the campaign for a fourth year, inviting golfers to nominate head and assistant PGA Professionals who had helped them improve.
Outcome. The renewal maintained FootJoy's relationship with PGA Professionals and emphasized service, coaching, fitting, and local golf-community participation.
- 2024Smathers & Branson collection
United States · Golf lifestyle markets
FootJoy collaborated with Smathers & Branson on limited-edition needlepoint products inspired by FootJoy's classic golf-shoe silhouette, including belts and small accessories.
Outcome. The collection extended FootJoy's heritage into giftable golf-lifestyle merchandise and reinforced its emphasis on craftsmanship and classic design.
- 2024Harris Tweed Premiere Series collaboration
United Kingdom · United States · International golf markets
FootJoy used Harris Tweed-inspired materials and styling in special-edition Premiere Series footwear associated with the Open Championship period.
Outcome. The partnership connected FootJoy's heritage positioning with a recognizable British textile tradition and supported premium limited-edition storytelling.
- 2022#FJThanksaPGAPro
United Kingdom
FootJoy partnered with The PGA to recognize PGA Professionals who help golfers improve through instruction, equipment guidance, and fitting.
Outcome. The campaign was renewed in later years and became an annual platform for celebrating golf professionals and the service role of pro shops.
- 1945PGA Tour shoe leadership
United States
FootJoy began promoting its leading position in the U.S. PGA Tour shoe count, linking tour adoption to product performance and brand trust.
Outcome. The claim became a central pillar of FootJoy's professional-golf marketing and remains part of its current brand storytelling.
- 1927American Ryder Cup team footwear
United States · International golf
FootJoy shoes were selected for the American Ryder Cup team, giving the young golf-shoe label an early association with elite competition and professional endorsement.
Outcome. The partnership strengthened FootJoy's credibility in competitive golf and became part of the brand's heritage narrative.
Brand decisions
2025
Launched the Aimé Leon Dore Premiere Series collaborationProduct launchBackground
Golf footwear increasingly overlaps with fashion and lifestyle culture, creating an opportunity to give FootJoy's heritage products broader cultural relevance.
Action taken
FootJoy and Aimé Leon Dore introduced a bespoke Premiere Series Field LX design.
Aftermath
The release supported FootJoy's premium, heritage, and golf-fashion positioning.
2024
Reconfigured FootJoy footwear manufacturingStrategyBackground
Acushnet was adjusting its manufacturing footprint and supplier structure for FootJoy footwear.
Action taken
FootJoy shifted footwear production volume from Fuzhou, China, to a third-party facility in Long An Province, Vietnam. The Fuzhou joint venture ceased production in January 2025.
Aftermath
FootJoy currently contracts substantially all of its footwear production at the Vietnam facility, according to Acushnet's 2024 annual report.
2012
Expanded into full-line men's golf apparelStrategyBackground
FootJoy had established credibility in shoes, gloves, and socks and sought to capture a larger share of golfers' apparel spending.
Action taken
The brand entered or expanded its full-line men's golf apparel offering across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Aftermath
FootJoy developed a broader apparel and outerwear identity while continuing to anchor the business in footwear and gloves.
1985
Acushnet acquired FootJoy from General MillsM&ABackground
Acushnet was building a focused golf portfolio around equipment, clothing, and accessories.
Action taken
Acushnet Company purchased FootJoy and integrated it into its golf-brand portfolio alongside Titleist and other specialist brands.
Aftermath
FootJoy remained a distinct brand while gaining access to Acushnet's golf-specific distribution, tour relationships, and operating infrastructure.
1975
General Mills acquired a controlling interest in FootJoyM&ABackground
FootJoy was expanding from a regional and specialist golf-shoe business into a broader golf-products brand.
Action taken
General Mills purchased a controlling interest in FootJoy and completed full ownership in 1977.
Aftermath
FootJoy expanded its glove, sock, apparel, and outerwear categories under larger corporate ownership.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
FootJoy introduces women’s HyperFlex BOA golf shoe[10]
Reported:
FootJoy introduced the HyperFlex BOA into its women’s range. The shoe is available in Black & White and Grey/White & Silver.
FootJoy and Harris Tweed collaborate on golf shoe[11]
Reported:
FootJoy collaborated with Harris Tweed on the limited-edition Premiere Series Black Watch Packard golf shoe.
FootJoy announces Black Watch Packard shoe availability[11]
Reported:
FootJoy announced that the limited-edition Premiere Series Black Watch Packard golf shoe would be available on footjoy.co.uk on July 8, 2021.
FootJoy releases Pacific Sunset Collection shoes[12]
Reported:
FootJoy released its limited-edition Pacific Sunset Collection shoes, inspired by Southern California sunsets and the US Open at Torrey Pines. The shoes were available to the public through the FootJoy website.
FootJoy unveils Pro|SL Carbon BOA golf shoes[13]
Reported:
FootJoy unveiled the Pro|SL Carbon BOA, a golf shoe combining the Pro|SL Carbon design with the BOA Fit System. The article says it is available now.
Sources13 sources
- 1FootJoy Company Historyfootjoy.com
- 2FootJoy Brand Historyfootjoy.com
- 3Acushnet Companyen.wikipedia.org
- 4FootJoy History PDFmassgolf.org
- 5Acushnet 2024 Annual Reportsec.gov
- 6FootJoy and Aimé Leon Dore Collaborationfootjoy.com
- 7FootJoy Renews #FJThanksaPGAPro Campaigngolfbusinessnews.com
- 8FootJoy and Smathers & Branson Collectionfootjoy.com
- 9Harris Tweed Premiere Series collaborationgolfmonthly.com
- 10FootJoy推出女款HyperFlex BOA高尔夫鞋bunkered.co.uk
- 11FootJoy与Harris Tweed合作推出高尔夫球鞋bunkered.co.uk
- 12FootJoy推出Pacific Sunset系列鞋款bunkered.co.uk
- 13FootJoy推出Pro|SL Carbon BOA高尔夫球鞋bunkered.co.uk
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/footjoy · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled