Equipment: FootJoy FreeStyle – behind the tech

There’s a lot of new technology and some really cool design inspiration behind the new FootJoy FreeStyle golf shoes.

So rather than just trying to explain it ourselves we spoke to FootJoy designer Jon Bacon, developer Mike Feeney and product manager Mike Foley.

To see how FreeStyle performed for us CLICK HERE

What are the main performance benefits and what type of golfer will FreeStyle suit?

Mike Foley:  “The primary performance benefit is that these shoes will allow players to move freely through the ball during their golf swing.

“There are players who want and need ultra-structured, incredibly stable shoes to help quiet their lower half and maintain control throughout the swing – and then there are those who want to be able to roll through uninhibited throughout their swing – these are the players who will love FreeStyle.

“These shoes will also suit the casual player who is seeking cool, athletic-infused footwear and those players who simply want incredibly comfortable shoes.”

Where did the concept for FreeStyle come from? 

Jon Bacon: “After kicking around lots of different ideas (including inspiration from a tree frog), I was pretty fired-up to get started on the initial sketches.

“We discussed the goal of a super flexible, mobile product with great gripping features on the outsole.

“I immediately went to work firing off sketches of outsole concepts featuring large flex-zones, exposed soft EVA, rubber nubs wrapping up the perimeter.  It came together pretty quickly.”






What led you to it? Was it performance trends, consumer feedback or just your own research?

Jon Bacon: “To be honest, with virtually every project we work on, any and all inspiration is welcomed.

“We are always shopping the latest trends – both footwear specifically and fashion in general.

“Our product guys keep us in the loop with our consumer feedback so we definitely take that into consideration – as well as the feedback from our Tour staff and the players themselves.

“Once the initial ideas start flowing we will continue our own research and collaborate with our team’s collective research to really blow out the ideas in full.”
we wanted to have fun with this project and offering a few eye-catching colour-ups certainly adds to the overall flair of the shoes” – Mike Foley How long had FreeStyle been in the making?

Jon Bacon: “While we have a number of projects that are in the concept/ideation phase for months if not years at a time, FreeStyle came along pretty quickly – and right on the heels of HyperFlex.”

How did you go about researching the technology that was needed to make FreeStyle as you wanted it?

Mike Feeney:  “With FreeStyle, ultimate flexibility and mobility was key, so we relied on our scientists on staff to help develop materials such as SoftMax: a translucent rubber compound as well as our softest and lightest eva formula to date.”

What did your research results show in terms of performance?

Mike Feeney: “After a few iterations/tweaks along the way, our research clearly shows that FreeStyle is the most mobile shoe we have ever created – an interesting bi-product however is that it may very well be the most comfortable shoe we have ever made as well.”

So did the Frog inspire the design and performance characteristics or was this something that was realised after?

Mike Foley: “The Red-eyed Tree Frog was there from the very beginning.  In fact, the initial project name was ’FROGZ’ so it definitely had a bit of influence on the design from the outset.

“It’s amazing to see creatives translate this type of inspiration into functional, performance products and our design team does that as well as any design team in the industry.”

The cleats appear very soft – will they perform in all weather conditions?

Mike Foley:  “Yes – definitely.  We worked closely with one of our cleat partners to pair these shoes with the right type of cleat.

“The low profile Pulsar cleat is incredibly dynamic – meaning it is soft and flexible, yet provides great green-friendly traction.  But in addition to the cleats, designer Jon Bacon was careful to ensure additional traction elements were engineered – not only throughout the bottom of the shoe, but due to its flexibility – up the side of the front of the shoes as well.”

The look is very distinctive – are you worried it may be a bit too distinctive for some?

Mike Foley:  “I suppose that is a risk – especially in a pretty conservative sport like golf, but we wanted to have fun with this project and offering a few eye-catching colour-ups certainly adds to the overall flair of the shoes.

“HyperFlex has already shown us that not only the younger consumers, but many young-at-heart older consumers are willing to venture out in some non-traditional looks so we think FreeStyle will garner a similar response.”

Would you recommend the BOA option to get the most out of the performance benefits? Or will the laced option be just as effective?

Mike Feeney: “The laced version will certainly perform extremely well, but there is no doubt that the BOA technology offers some additional benefits.

“The BOA lacing system virtually eliminates any type of hot spot from the top of your foot by delivering an even distribution of pressure along the lace guides.  In addition, the system works to pull your feet down and back into the shoes – locking them down and keeping them secure throughout the round.”

For full release details including pricing and colour options CLICK HERE