how do footjoys fit?

[5ironkid]

hey guys. i got some new footjoys, my first pair. they were on sale and they were a size 9. i usually wear an 8 and a half. they fit fine and my toes are about an inch or so away from the tip. do footjoys fit small? also what is the best way to keep them comfortable and keep them wear-able? they are the contours thanks

[Fore Left]

What ones did you get?     Get some Shoe Trees....  that's my best advice for keeping them comfy.

[5ironkid]

i got the contour series.

[John King]

Originally Posted by Fore Left

What ones did you get?     Get some Shoe Trees....  that's my best advice for keeping them comfy.

i would go with the shoe trees and some polish.

[5ironkid]

ive heard i can use balled up newspaper. does that work?

[Tomboys]

Originally Posted by 5ironkid

hey guys. i got some new footjoys, my first pair. they were on sale and they were a size 9. i usually wear an 8 and a half. they fit fine and my toes are about an inch or so away from the tip. do footjoys fit small? also what is the best way to keep them comfortable and keep them wear-able? they are the contours thanks

I find FJs overall to fit true to size.  Unfortunately, there's no real standard in the shoe fitting world.  The reason for this is because the last (the form that is used to build the shoe) greatly influences the fit of the shoe.  The type/design of the lasts can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and sometimes can vary in different product lines within the same manufacturer.  The net result is varying fits amongst shoes with the same numerical size designation.  If you don't feel any pinching or heel slippage, then they're probably ok.  If you're concerned that they may be too big, you can always try to slip in an aftermarket insole (Dr, Scholl or equivalent) to take up some of the shoe's volume.  The downside of this is that there seems to be a big move in golf now to where the shoes are built "lower" or in a minimalist manner so that the player gains a greater sense of connection to the ground.  So, while adding an additional insole may help the overall fit, it may take out some of the "feel" of being connected to the ground.  As such, whether or not this works for you will depend on your personal preference.  Ultimately, you can get away with wearing shoes that fit less than perfect because golf isn't an action sport that requires running or a quick change in direction while running, unless you're prone to sneaking on golf courses without paying.

As far as keeping them comfortable as well as prolonging their life, I recommend the following:

1).  Use shoe trees.

2).  Storing your shoes in a cool, dry place (read: not the trunk of a car).

3).  Periodically use a leather moisturizer or shoe creme.

4).  Use polish sparingly.

5).  Don't use harsh chemicals to clean the shoes--plain water and a mild cleaner will usually suffice.

6).  Use a shoe horn.

#1 is important because when you wear your shoes, you'll develop creases in the leather.  If you don't "straighten" them out between wears, the creases will "set" and you'll end up with a tear in the leather sooner than later.  The primary reason for doing 2 through 5 is to prevent the leather from drying out.  Heat and solvents dry out leather.  Once leather dries out, it becomes brittle.  At that point, it's easier to crack and eventually tear through.  #6 is important because the heel counter rests against the achilles and holds the back of the foot in place.  If you distort it, you could end up getting blisters or an awkward feeling shoe because the fit will be altered.

Originally Posted by 5ironkid

ive heard i can use balled up newspaper. does that work?

Balled up newspaper is just to absorb the excess water from shoes that get soaked.  It speeds up the drying process without having to resort to artificial heat--which you want to avoid because it damages the leather.  Also, the longer your shoes stay wet, the higher the chance that mold may develop.  So, if your shoes get soaked, use the newspaper for several hours, take it out and place in your shoe trees.  Some say to just use cedar shoe trees because they absorb moisture.  Well, that's not really true.  Cedar (or any wood for that matter) can absorb some moisture, but given that they're really not that porous, the amount tends to be minute at best.  The primary use for (cedar) shoe trees is the aforementions shape retention and odor control.  Plastic shoe trees will give you the shape retention--to a lesser degree than cedar ones because they tend to be flimsy, but none of the odor control.

Lastly, your Contours are full-grained leather with synthetic linings, so they're actually pretty "bulletproof".  IMO, if you follow the above shoe care even on a somewhat regular basis, you'll probably out-grow or get bored with them long before you actually wear them out.

[TourSpoon]

Foot Joy used to sell Waterproofer and Leather Conditioner and later just called it Waterproofer. It was basically Mink Oil and did a great job keeping them clean, supple and waterproofed. I found a closeout tub and use it monthly on all 5 pairs of my FJs (DryJoys, Sport, DryJoy Classics).

[5ironkid]

i got cedar trees today. do i keep them in al the time or just for a little bit after i wear them

[newtogolf]

If they are wet place newspaper in them until they are dry then use the cedar trees.  Leave the cedar trees in the shoes until you're ready to wear them.

Originally Posted by 5ironkid

i got cedar trees today. do i keep them in al the time or just for a little bit after i wear them

[5ironkid]

ok. and one more question. i wore them twice and some creases formed. should i just leave them or try to work them out?

[Fore Left]

Leave them.....   I'm assuming the creases are where the laces start (closer to the toe)  and it's from you walking..... no way around that really.

[TJBam]

Creases in my FJ's show their character.

After practice or a round I usually just clean them alongside my clubs.  I use water with a bit of dish soap and a tooth brush for the shoes after I'm done with my clubs.  Then I put the shoes in the open to dry and return my girlfriend's toothbrush to the bathroom.