FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Ratty Poopdeck — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:40:27 GMT

Okay, I'm late to the game, but have to throw out my two cents. I just bought a pair of Footjoy Classics (Style 51123)on Ebay (never worn) for $92.00 (great steal!). Slapped them full of neatsfoot oil, and it's like slipping my feet into warm butter. I also, purchased a pair of 2012 close outs (new) for $110.00. Both pairs arrived within a week of each other (personal Christmas gifts to myself). One pair (flawless construction) says "Made in the USA", the other pair (same construction) says "Made in China". Question: Do you manufacture any Footjoy Shoes in the USA anymore? I'm sorry, but there's something to be said about the quality of workmanship and as a consumer, knowing they were hand made in the USA vice on some machine across the Pacific. The "new" shoes I bought fit fine (albiet they would need to be broken in a little more and surely didn't have that "warm butter" feel, than the Classics), but I already know, I'll be wearing my "new but never worn" classics before I'll put back on the other pair. Sure wish I wouldn't have known years ago you'd be closing your plant. I would have ran out and bought more than just one pair. Now I'm relegated to Ebay to find what WAS, "the best shoe in Golf". Now you're just like all the rest (and Nike has been working with China a lot longer than you...) Maybe I'll go with Allen Edmonds, at least I know I'm getting a quality handmade leather shoe.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

BostonBuzza — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:09:44 GMT

What a great write up from the man who had to make one of the toughest decisions in FJ's history. I am glad to know that FJ is still #1 and I can't imagine seeing another brand on my feet.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:53:38 GMT

I have been wearing the same pair of classics for nearly 8 years. Unfortunately I did not realize that they are no longer being made. I had a pair of dry joys before and they didn't come close in comfort and performance to the classic. I have been searching Ebay, the internet, and golf shops for the past 2 years. Does anyone know where i can purchase new or slightly used classics? Are any left? If so i would be willing to pay money for enough classics to last the rest of my life along with a couple pairs for my future children. Thanks for any help. If this isn't possible does anyone know of an alternative shoe made of leather not plastic. thanks for any help.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:45:38 GMT

I reside in South Africa, I been wearing classics for many years and very sad to hear that they no longer available.is there anyone who has classics availabe as discontinued stock or closeouts that I could purchase, please send resonse to tmiller@multichoice.co.za.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:05:17 GMT

Footjoy was an AMERICAN icon. I've seen this a hundred times. Bean counter calculates an increased profit margin by moving manufacturing overseas. Said bean counter fails to calculate that by doing so makes the product no different than the competition. CEO cannot understand why sales continue to fall; company is purchased by competitor and is flushed down the toilet; gone!

What do you call a Classic style footjoy made in another country? A PHONY!

No offense Mr. Connor, I'm sure this decision comes down from Acushnet and I believe that you are just as saddened as us.

I have friends that are deeply saddened by this news and they DON'T EVEN GOLF let alone wear your product. What does that tell you?

Good luck and may god help us all.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:04:54 GMT

Mr. Connor,

I wanted to echo the comments from many other Classic lovers and add a point I hope you take note of: I am a relatively young Classic enthusiast - 34 years old. I have worn nothing but Classic Dry premiers for the last 10 years. I feel like there are many other golfers like me who have grown up seeing our fathers wear Classics and when we get to a stage in life where we can afford the best we graduate to Classics ourselves. Style and welted construction are really what make Classics unique. How about sending all the comment contributors in this forum an invitation to come to Brockton and buy the remaining inventory at prices for loyal enthusiasts?

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:04:41 GMT

If you limited the number of shoes given to Tour pros, perhaps these products would be more cost effective.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:04:52 GMT

This is a very sad day when the best shoe in golf will no longer exsist! I'm very sad..... Tim

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:04:12 GMT

As one of the laid off workers,I can tell you it will take more than your"THE NOW SOUND" from your book(sold at Amazon.com ,right?)to reduce my stress and enable sound sleep.Mr.Shingleton,I am sure you mean well,but are you trying to profit from what happened to FJ Brockton? I certainly hope not!

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:04:19 GMT

Dear Jim:

I read with great interest your decision-making process vis-a-vis the FJ Classic and the lament expressed by your loyal customers at its demise. One constant is the reality that this change is causing stress. I honor the empathy you have for your employees in Brockton and their families and the understanding you expressed for the opinions of your customers. The FJ Classic story is a microcosm, a wave of change in an economic sea change that is happening throughout the world.

We are all experiencing the effects of destructive stress due in no small part to these changes. The FJ products have always been associated with an emotion incorporated in its name: "Joy". What if you could increase joy by providing the buyers of your shoes with an ancient technique that enhances pleasure, reduces destructive stress and enables sleep? I call this technique "The Now Sound". My book, "Peace and Par - Enjoying Golf in the Now" (www.amazon.com) describes The Now Sound and how it brings the mind away from its proclivity to go to stress producing thoughts of the past and the future and into the present. (aka "the zone")in a few breaths during a round and in life. Not only will laid off workers, and present customers benefit from the Now Sound but FJ could attract a burgeoning demographic called LOHAS, "Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability" which is estimated to be 26% of the population of the US and of course includes golfers. It would be my pleasure to share "The Now Sound" with you to assess its relevance.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:04:29 GMT

i think FJ should make new dryjoys..

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:03:38 GMT

mr.connor

rubbish!there was no marketing plan for classics hence no buyers. why make an expensive classic in the USA when you can make a shoe overseas where production costs are lower so profits are higher. this was a decision made for $$$$$$$$$$$ pure and simple.I have purchased 11 pair of classics in the last 4 years.

george dahl

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:03:47 GMT

Mr. Connor,

Has FJ explored a contract manufacturing relationship with other companies (i.e. Allen Edmonds) that manufacture high quality shoes of similar construction? Such a relationship would relieve FJ of the overhead associated with maintaining the MA facility, while at the same time satisfying the loyal customer base of the Classics line.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:03:51 GMT

So what is this "new flagship product?"

The Classics are amazing, if you expect me to replace mine with something from your existing list on the website, you are very sadly mistaken! If there's something else coming, please let us know so you can temper our disappointment......

I'm not adverse to progress, but this strikes me as a very negative move for FJ.

FJ Classics Update from Jim Connor

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:03:45 GMT

Hi Mathew,

Thank you for your comment, kind words and loyalty to the FJ brand. In response to your question about repairs...yes, we will continue to offer a repair service for Classics shoes. Contact our customer service department (1-800-224-8501) for more information. I hope this helps.

Regards,

Chris