FootJoy dropped two of my favorite shoe collabs in 2021 that bookended the year’s Major Championships and featured its Premiere Series Packard. First was the FootJoy x Todd Snyder collab with hits of new-school blue camo on the midsole. Then FootJoy teamed up with Harris Tweed and adorned the saddle of the shoe with an old-world Black Watch Tartan. In between the two releases were limited editions for the PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
No doubt, the combination of the Premiere Series’ traditional good looks, modern vibes, and killer collabs contributed to the brand’s nearly 40% increase in net sales in 2021 vs. 2020.
This year, FootJoy is getting an early start on its limited-edition collaborations with the launch of the FJ x Buscemi Collection of shoes just in time for The Players Championship. The Premiere Series Packard and Tarlow models in the collection were designed in partnership with west coast streetwear fashion icon Jon Buscemi. Word is that Justin Thomas, the defending champ of Golf’s Fifth Major and a close friend of Buscemi’s, was also closely involved in the design.
Featuring gold-colored accents and premium materials, the shoes offer a nod to southern gentlemen in a unique and luxurious package. Dubbed “The Player’s Shoe,” the gold hardware not only modernizes the classic silhouettes of the Premiere Series but also provides a not-so-subtle tribute to The Players Championship trophy.
”I’m really digging all of the small details put into this collection and the touches of gold throughout,” said Justin Thomas. “The combination of creative street style and golf performance is perfect, and I can’t wait to put these into play.”
Buscemi, who had stints at Oliver Peoples and DC Shoes before co-founding Gourmet and starting the Buscemi brand, is no stranger to using gold accents to elevate the look of a shoe. Over the years, he has designed and crafted premium leather sneakers with 18K gold hardware that have sold for as much as $132,000.
“FootJoy has had some really cool energy around the Premiere Series collection which I have loved since the inception. I was also a huge fan of the 1857 collection for years as well,” said Jon Buscemi. “The cross section of centuries old style with modern twists is spot on and I was excited to play with those dynamics.”
Buscemi and FootJoy teamed up with Pittards of England to hand-select the finest premium full grain leathers. While the look and feel of the shoes are amazing, they are more than just showpieces. They are loaded with all the performance features of the Premiere Series, including a VersaTrax+ outsole, OrthoLite EcoPlush Fit-Bed, Pulsar Low Profile Cleats, and a two-year waterproof warranty.
Look for Justin Thomas and other FJ ambassadors to lace up the Tarlow and Packard models at The Players Championship this week. The rest of us golfing mortals can grab a pair or two starting today at FootJoy.com while supplies last. The line starts behind me, and I suggest you get there early.
I would prefer it if they called it the “Steve”. haha.
I dig the shoes, but would prefer they not be paired with white hats.