Tested & Reviewed: FootJoy Traditions Golf Shoes
FootJoy is the top-selling golf shoe brand for many reasons. From quality to comfort, warranty and familiarity, amateur and professional golfers stand by the tried and true brand. Among the most popular FootJoy shoes are the Traditions. These classic-looking kicks have a modern spin which makes them popular for all ages. We put FootJoy Traditions to the test to see how they stack up against other FJ shoes and the competition.
Spoiler Alert: FootJoy Traditions Verdict
Once you hit the course with a pair of FootJoy Traditions, you’ll understand why they’re so popular. These shoes are not only stylish, but also incredibly comfortable whether you’re a walker or a rider.
We tested the standard FootJoy Traditions shoe, which we think is the perfect indicator of how the rest of the lineup performs, given that the sub-models mainly differ in aesthetics.
Model | Shop |
Men's Original | BUY NOW |
Men's Shield Tip | BUY NOW |
Women's Original | BUY NOW |
Women's Cap Toe | BUY NOW |
With the standard men’s version running $140 and the women’s at $110, FootJoy Traditions aren’t the cheapest golf shoe you’ll find. If you’re bargain hunting, we advise looking elsewhere, like the Adidas Tech Response. After a few rounds in, the Traditions will be completely broken in and you’ll understand why they carry a more expensive price tag. Comparatively speaking, however, they are less expensive than shoes from ECCO and G/FORE.
Players who play regularly and appreciate serious style on the golf course naturally gravitate to the FootJoy Traditions. New and infrequent golfers, however, probably don't have the Traditions at the top of their list, but FootJoy offers other shoes under $100 with some of the same benefits.
If you question why FootJoy is the king of the castle in the golf shoe genre, consider the fact that the company has been producing shoes since 1857 and has been the most-worn shoe on the PGA Tour since 1945. Few companies have such a continuous, and impressive run of success as FootJoy.
Pros and Cons of FootJoy Traditions
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Comfort in walking or riding
- Lightweight
- Color and style options
- Materials
- Traction in all areas of the golf course
Cons:
- Price
- Narrow fit
FootJoy Traditions (Men)
We tested the standard Traditions from FootJoy, and were pleasantly surprised in just about every area.
When we first looked at this shoe, the idea of a traditional “tour-look” golf shoe didn’t thrill us. In the past, some FootJoy shoes had been a bit clunky and not ideal for walking. As soon as we slipped it on, however, we realized that this isn’t our father’s old saddle shoe.
The traditional shell has some hints of modern design on the exterior, but the comfort and cush you feel once you put them on tells you that the Traditions are as advanced as golf shoes come. You can easily walk 18 holes without your feet aching. They’re also waterproof with a one-year warranty to back it up. The full grain leather wipes clean and the seven-cleat traction holds up in long rough, wet or dry.
RELATED: The Best Waterproof Golf Shoes
All around, this is a fantastic golf shoe. The main drawback is that they are a bit narrow, so you may have to size up or find the right combination of size and width. After your first round, they’re good to go.
FootJoy Traditions Specs
Colors | White, black, white/brown, white/navy, gray/blue |
Number of Spikes (per shoe) | 7 |
Material | Leather |
FootJoy Traditions Shield Tip (Mens)
If you’re looking for all the benefits of the standard Traditions but fancy yourself a little more flare in design, check out the Traditions Shield Tip. They have some additional detailing over the toe, plus an additional strip of leather around the entire shoe to match.
The design is a nice contrast to the original Traditions, and is certain to catch the eyes of your playing partners. Just make sure you have the game to match the swag!
FootJoy Traditions Shield Tip Specs
Colors | Navy, white, gray, black |
Number of Spikes (per shoe) | 7 |
Material | Leather |
FootJoy Traditions Shield Tip by Todd Snyder (Mens)
This limited edition version of Traditions cost a few more bucks ($170), but you’ll be untouchable in your friendly Nassau. The body of the shoe is pebble-grain leather with a patent leather overlay to give them an incredible look. The Black Pebble is sleek, but for our money, the Gray Pebble is on another level of golf fashion.
FootJoy Traditions Shield Tip by Todd Snyder Specs
Colors | Black Pebble, Gray Pebble |
Number of Spikes (per shoe) | 7 |
Material | Leather |
FootJoy Traditions (Women)
All the great aspects of the men’s version are available in the women’s FootJoy Traditions. They are made from the same high-performance leather and they have super-cushioned foam, so whether you’re a weekend warrior or Jessica Korda, these shoes deliver.
They do have the same narrow fit, just like the men’s version, so we suggest you try them on at a golf retailer to make sure you walk out with the right fit.
Women's FootJoy Traditions Specs
Colors | White, white/rose gold, white/soft pink, white/black |
Number of Spikes (per shoe) | 6 |
Material | Leather |
FootJoy Traditions Cap Toe (Women)
For ladies who a little more pop in their golf shoes, check out the Traditions Cap Toe. With full-grain leather throughout the entire shoe, the toe and heel are capped by a super-subtle hound's tooth design with a dark finish. It’s the perfect balance between traditional and a flashy.
Women's FootJoy Traditions Cap Toe Specs
Colors | White, white/navy, white/black |
Number of Spikes (per shoe) | 6 |
Material | Leather |
Hit the Links in Style
Before testing the new FootJoy Traditions, we had been fully converted to more modern golf shoes that promote comfort with a casual look. But we fell for the FootJoy Traditions all over again. This shoe is the perfect balance of classy and modern, which makes it a great golf shoe.