FootJoy
FootJoy is based in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and has manufacturing and distribution centers throughout the world. It is a part of the Acushnet Company, which also includes Titleist and Cobra. Footjoy was originally founded as the Burt and Packard Shoe Company in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1857. It soon became known as the Field and Flint Company. In 1970, Field and Flint officially became known as Footjoy, Inc. General Mills bought controlling interest of Footjoy in 1975 and sold Footjoy to Acushnet in 1985.
ECL Leather System
The Extreme Comfort Leather (ECL) System was developed by Pittards of England and introduced to the DryJoy line in 2005. This membrane-free leather is a waterproofing system that carries a two-year waterproof warranty. The advanced leather in the ECL System is 30 percent softer than the leather in previous DryJoys.
Cushioning
The insole for DryJoys is made of poly urethane (PU) that is designed to provide extra cushioning. The interiors of the shoes are also lined with leather, which is designed to be comfortable while resisting slipping and providing breathability. DryJoys have midsoles made out of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). This is designed to not take a set, which means the midsole cushioning should remain constant as long as the shoe lasts.
Flextability
In 2007, the DryJoys line was re-launched with the addition of what FootJoy calls Flextability, which means DryJoys have flexibility and stability. This is achieved with seven individual Stability PODS on the outsole that are surrounded by OptiFlex zones. OptiFlex is an extremely soft thermal plastic urethane (TPU), which makes the DryJoys outsoles extremely flexible.
Midfoot Support
The outsole also includes a stability bridge at the midfoot that is made of a combination of aluminized fiberglass and TPU. This is designed to give support to the midfoot and control motion during a golf swing. More midfoot support is provided by a saddle on the upper. Bands of TPU on the upper at the midfoot are integrated as part of the lacing system.
Cleats
DryJoys come with Pulsar cleats. These cleats are made by Softspikes and are the most popular spikes on the professional golf tours. DryJoys first began featuring SoftSpikes in 1997. Pulsar cleats have a metal thread insert system, have radiused legs to make them more durable, and have webbing on the cleats to make them easier to clean.
About The Author
Darin McGilvra is a writer in Southern California. He has been a writer since 1997. He worked as a sports writer and copy editor for newspapers for more than 12 years before becoming a freelance writer. His articles have appeared recently in "The Californian" newspaper in Temecula, Calif. McGilvra holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics education from Northwest Nazarene College.
