What a sad time in golf. Footjoy IS golf. Footjoy has walked with me almost everytime I've played golf in the last 52 years. I remember when it was Footjoy, Bowen and Joyce and Etonic. All were worn by those who wanted to be in the best, most comfortable shoes money could buy. Even my street shoes are Footjoy. You've never let me down, and Mr. Connor I know this was not the way you wanted your business to go, nor supporters of your brand name to end up. If you could somehow let your employee's know that I will continue to support Fooyjoy. My best to all of you, for you and your employee's have made walking more than just slipping on a pair of shoes. You enhanced my golf game and enhanced my wardrobe. I've traveled a long way and you have been with me,all the way.  God speed!

It comes as a great sadness to learn of your decision to close the Classics plant. I guess it is partly becauseI recently purchased a pair of Classic Dry Premiers. This is the first pair ofClassics and joins my  other pair of DryJoys. I have golfed for over 45 yrs. and FootJoy has been my silent partner for all those years. Please  extend to all  those who strove to give us a great product our best and

let them know how much we golfers appreciated their dedication to giving us a great product.

I personally will remain a customer and supporter of FootJoy as long as I golf.

A sad day indeed....

The end of an era!

I love the Classic line. In the past 10 years I have owned more than 50 pair of them, and worn them all. My very first pair were all white with pebble grain leather. My wife always thought I was nuts with my shoe collection. While I will miss the classics line, I look forward to what FJ will offer in the future.

Too bad. I had a pair of Classics 30 years ago when I was 16. Saved a lot of money for those. Played hundreds of rounds in those shoes. The spike anchors ended up rusting. Tried getting them re-soled by a cobbler - never the same. Wish I could afford to buy one last pair. Still wear nothing but FJ to this day. Good luck to those losing their jobs...

Seeing the decline of Classic sales in my shop in recent years I can understand the descision. While i never like to hear of plant closings and job losses, I think Footjoy can better invest their dollars in other areas.

Dear Mr. Connor

It is with deep regret that Foot-Joy is closing out the Classics.  I have been a golf professional since 1969 and the only shoes I have worn have been Foot-Joys.  My feet won't know how to react without that Classic feel.  Hopefully the quality and the product will survive and future generations will continue to enjoy your fabulous products.

It is most regretable to hear of the demise of Footjoy Classics made in America!  I do understand your reasoning, but when are N. American consumers going to wake up to the fact if you don't support your local industry, you are going to lose everything!

I've worn Classics from the Brockton plant since I was a kid. My father wore them, my brothers wore them. I also wear the dress shoes. These products helped to create the equity the FootJoy brand enjoys today...

Poor move from a brand halo effect...

The reasons for the decline were self imposed in my opinion...

1) Your lower end shoes (DryJoys, GreenJoys, ect.,  cannibilized the volume from the Classics. You traded the consumer down with good, not great, much lower priced product.

2) You never really marketed the Classics beyond greenside shops and country clubs. Never marketed the traditional "Made in the USA" shoe.

3) Dress shoes....never looked for distribution beyond a proshop catalog. Increased volume from doing this would have helped to absorb overhead.

4) Creativity...should have promoted the Classics with the dress shoes...creating an appealing offer... conservative, American, traditional...non duplicatable by the knock off artists.

Don't believe the numbers that Classics Made outside the US will sell as well...you can lower the price, but then you'll be no different from the rest.

You should reverse the decision.

Some thoughts....

Mike

YOU CANT DO IT. OPEN IT BACK UP.

It's akin to redesigning St Andrews.

Classics are golf.

The new shoes are great, but they are not Classics.

DO SOMETHING...!

Everybody who reads this order 2 pairs right now, and we might save a craft and the craftsmen who ply a trade that should never be allowed to die.

GOVERNMENT BAILOUT...!

Something must be done...

What am I supposed to be buried in now?

From my European point of view, a wrong and sad decision - I don't like and don't buy faceless brands and products, and the Classics have been the face of FootJoy...

I have been a 25 year Golf Professional, learning the business from the elder statesmen of our industry at true classic golf clubs such as The Royal Ottawa and Mount Bruno C.C. It is unbeleivable to think that I will not be able to continue wearing Classics.I currently own 40 pairs including customs, Ostrich and Eel skin, my members and those that I play with in Pro-ams and such, are attracted to the FJ brand because of the Classics I wear, true they do not purchase many Classics(premium price point)but when they see the styling of these shoes they want something from FJ shoe line. Bad call Foot Joy!!!

You're basically saying someone in a third world country outsmarted you and closing the plant means you gave up.  I'll always love FootJoy shoes and my heart goes out to the workers who put everything they had into making a product that was being led down the wrong road all along.

What a sad day to hear of the closing of the Brockton Plant.  I'll never forget the plant tour I took in the 80's and still talk about until today.  They cut shoes with their eyes, nail with a mouthful of small nails, and craft like artists.

How many steps have I taken in FJ Classic dress, teaching and golf shoes?  All of them.  Daily, I can't think of anything I wear that is more important then my shoes.  I will walk where ever Foot Joy takes me.

What next, concrete over the old course to build a supermarket? Maybe build a new airport on top of Augusta? Some things are more important than the bottom line, Footjoy Classics are a fundamental part of the game. So the profit margins are not high enough, fine put the prices up, we will still buy them. Please reconsider this decision. From a long term English customer.

I must say I was sad to hear that the Brockton Craft Shop will be closing its doors. It is truly a piece of American History, and I was lucky enough to see the work that was done there a few years ago when I was able to take a tour of the shop, and meet the fine people that worked there. I bought my first pair of Classics almost 10 years ago and still wear them and they perform like they are brand new. The "MADE IN THE USA" labor that went into these shoes was the reason that I bought them. I know it is cheaper to make a product overseas these days, but I took pride in wearing shoes that were made by hard working Americans. I guess I can only hope that the Classics that I now own can last me until another great American shoe is made because I feel that I need to support companies that support American workers at this time.

Best of Luck Footjoy and I hope you reconsider you plan.

DON'T CLOSE!

I am going to tell every guy i know to go and buy 2 pair this upcoming weekend! Please... everyone pass it along.. go buy a pair of classics! I'm buying 3 pair online right now!

If we get everyone to buy out the current stock is there any chance you might stay open?

any plans to offer classics in the future? I'm going to do my best to help! I wish you all the best.

I am sad to see the Classic shoe from FootJoy go away. The product was so good they would last for years. I guess that is part of the problem. Every tournament I played in and every tournament I won, I won in FootJoy Classics. The Classic shoe was the only shoe my father wore. Raise the price, I will pay it. Remember fads come and go. Remember the orange ball? Its gone. Please don't let the FootJoy "Flagship" go away.

Hear, hear!!

I just mailed two letters, one to FootJoy the other to Acushnet, expressing my sadness and disappointment with this decision.  I also pledged to buy two new pair this summer.  These shoes have been there with me for, literally, every step taken in more than 2000 rounds of golf over the last 20+ years including meeting, first date and proposing to my wife on the 18th during a round, and my two holes in one!  FootJoy Classics are an iconic American product, please find a way to keep this from happeneing!

I just happened to come to the web site this afternoon to look for a new pair of classics. When I read the news I felt like a family member had died. I am sitting in my office in complete stunned disbelief. I would rather play in bare feet than not have my classics. I am now praying for a miracle and hoping that this is an early April Fools joke. Say it aint so! I too hope that you will reconsider.

Anybody home upstairs?

In my mind there can be no soul in FootJoy if there are no Classics.

Even if you would sell half of the shoes you do today, take the money from your marketing budget. Without the Classics, the whole FootJoy brand will deteriorate into a mediocre shoe manufacturer that sells golf shoes like all the others. How do you distinguish yourself?

I wonder how I will play golf on a hot summer day in 20 years? I can not dream of wearing any other shoe than a pair of Classics. I hate plastic shoes and there is no alternative to a pair of Classics. The craftsmanship behind the shoe is so superior I would pay double the price for the shoe.

There are many products that call themselves "classic," but there is only one product in golf that deserves the attribute. Sad that you do not appreciate what managers and employees have been establishing over such a long time.

I was in shock when I read the announcement the first time. Good luck to the employees that have produced a dream of golfshoe.

All the best to the classics people. I will try to get my fingers on several pairs this year.

For people with class there is only one golfshoe.

Certainly sorry to see these products discontinued.  I have genuinely loved the craftsmanship that FootJoy gave the golfing world with these shoes.  I have two pairs of Classics Dry Premiere / Tour in the locker, eight pairs (that have never been on the ground) in boxes in the closet at home and three pairs of Country Club Casuals in boxes at home .... I bought ahead out of fear that this day might come, and I am sad to see that it's here.  The style, quality, and workmanship associated with these shoes was the best I've ever seen.  To those who have moved on to other shoes, you don't know what you left behind.  To the people who sat at the bench and made them for me, thank you!

Mr. Bertucci:  You raise some interesting points.  Let me try to respond to them as best I can.

Your comment regarding the brand halo effect is of concern to all of us here.  While Classics categories were of very small volume, they had a disproportionate impact in terms of brand image and use on the world tours.  While other FootJoy categories such as DryJoys and Contours have their own devoted following, our Classic franchise was a very loyal and influential group of golfers.

I don't agree with your indictment of the Classic decline as "self imposed" (nor would you expect me to, would you?).  Here's my rebuttal to your comments on that subject:

1.  If we had not developed new products such as DryJoys, Contours and other lighter weight, waterproof footwear in the '90's, FootJoy would not be the category leader that it is today.  We may not have survived into this century.  While there is a devoted following for what Classics delivered, there is an equally loyal golfer community that demand what our new performance categories deliver.

2.  We marketed Classics with a far greater budget than their sales volume would support.  We attempted extensive stocking programs with our green grass customers and largest off course golf stores alike; subsidized their costs to both the trade and consumers; and carried extensive inventories and styles that were far beyond our sales needs to attract new customers and keep our small, loyal following.  Our offerings exceeded 30% of our total styles, while generating less than 3% of our business --- not a successful business model in any industry.

3.  For years we chased the mens dress shoe business in channels of distribution far from the pro shop.  But since we didn't offer the extensive collections and price points of dress shoe competitors (we could only make one category of dress shoe construction), we lost shelf space and sales to those who were focused on it.  We were a golf shoe company and had to focus on that business in a highly competitive world.

4.  As late as last year, we promoted our dress shoes with every pair of Classic golf shoes.  A brochure was included in the box, highlighting our limited offerings of dress shoes.  This strategy did not produce results.

5. We have no plans to make a Classic welted golf shoe in another country.  We don't believe that kind of craftsmanship can be replicated elsewhere.  When we close the factory, we will move on to other designs and construction to produce the finest golf shoes in the world --- but there will be no more Classics as we know them today.

I wish there were answers to this dilemma.  We have worked hard for the last twenty years to find a solution to rapidly declining sales and costs that outpaced our meager profit margins.  We tried many techniques and plans to reverse the trend (including all those you suggested in your post), but were not successful.  It is that simple and that sad.  I'm sorry.

I am sad to hear the news that the factory will be closing.  I, too, had the privilege of touring the factory a year or two ago, meeting folks on the floor and witnessing these hand-crafted shoes.  I will not forget the experience and was very proud to be American on that day.

For anyone who has not had the opportunity, you can see a virtual tour here:

www.footjoy.com/factorytour

I know this decision wasn't entered into lightly.  There is much to admire in Jim Connor for taking personal responsibility for such a difficult decision at a time when so many hide behind committees.

I also trust that if the pendulum swings back where consumers recognize the value of American-made, hand-crafted products, FootJoy will heed the call.  After all, the decision wasn't really made by Jim Connor or FootJoy at all, but by  golfers who took Classics for granted.

This must be a sad day for you, because I know it is for me.  I currently have 2 pair of Classics and one in the mail as we speak.  I had to jump all over the opportunity to have another pair of the best golf shoes in the world before this day came...Seriously...if you don't have a pair of Classics, order them now...you don't know what you're missing...Thanks for the great work and I'm looking forward to the new products that are going to be introduced, though I know they'll never be the same!

I have a pair of those new shoe designs, they

suck.

There is no shoe like the Footjoy Classic. The

stablity of the heavier sole is nowhere to be

found. Why don't you "see" and market the

unique features of this shoe.

To all the "Classics" fans that took the time to post here - I work at the Brockton plant. I lace and top spray your shoes. At least I will for a few more days. I wanted to thank you all so much for your devotion to Classics and shoes made in the USA. It is extremely difficult for all of us to get through this tough time. Those of us still working have a great many years invested in FootJoy. Our futures are very shaky now - like so many others, we don't know how we will get by. It is important to me to take this time to thank you all so very much for your concern and kind words. Thank you all!

Mr Connor,

It truly is devastating that due these trying times,you have to close the Brockton plant.  Since 1969 I have been a PGA golf professional and the only shoes that have graced my feet have been Foot-Joys.  All the people who have done such a magnificent job all these years, THANK YOU.  Hopefully, in the not to distant future, the Classics will return.

Good luck to all and again Thank You

Thank you and your colleagues Deborah.

If there is anything we can do to support your cause and to revoke the (mis-)management decision, please let the community know. There must be a place in the world for such a top notch product.

I must admit when i found out, i was very sadened to hear this news. I cant help but to think about all of the great people who made these great shoes for me. I have purchased one pair of Classics every year for as long as i can remember as a treat for the start of the golf season.  It will be a very empty feeling on the first tee this year without my Classics. Good luck to all of the craftsmen and women in the Brockton Plant.

I only wear Classics, your other shoes are not my cup of tea.  I will have to look for another shoe I guess.

Thank you for sharing more information with us.  As many others I was saddened with the news.  Not only with the loss of a great product but also with the loss of 103 jobs.  Best of luck with the new product.  Hopefully you will be able to do customs in the new product like you did with the Classics.  All of my Classics were custom made for size, PLEASE continue to offer this on the new shoe.

I am sorry to hear about the Classics line. The higher end shoes at FJ are exactly what made FJ what they are today. I would rather see the lower end DryJoys and SYNR-G shoes go away. I had my first pair of FJ's given to me by a friend 15 years ago who wanted me to start golfing with him and I have never owned  anything but a Classics shoe since. I am now forced to explore other styles and thats not going to be an easy thing to do. Are the consumers going to have a chance to order their last custom shoes or at least place orders for what they need to take them through the next 40 years? Is there still time for me to order 15 pairs of my shoes? I have to special order size 14's so is that going to be a problem? What if I did not come to the site to read this? How would I have known? Please tell me you are going to warn the entire world of this tragedy??? Thats would be the right thing to do. Also, can you please tell us now (!!!) about the new shoe coming out?! The ones that the pros are testing that's supposed to be the best thing yet?

Jorg, I wish I could tell you that there is something we could do. Acushnet Co. is our parent company and they are content to let China take over the FootJoy manufacturing (much cheaper I assume). We at the Brockton plant took many a day and weeks off unpaid to help the cause, but we were not given the chance to do so again. I think the last nail is in the coffin.I will pass your comments on to my coworkers. I'm sure it will help to know that others care. Thanks again!

Hi Sean,

Thank you for your comment. As Jim mentioned above, this was not an easy decision nor one we ever wanted to make.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept new orders for Classics at this time. Only orders placed as of February 26 are being manufactured. However, knowing this day might come, we ramped up production towards the end of last year to increase inventory so hopefully you can find the shoes you're looking for through authorized retailers. Again, we apologize for this situation. We assure you we will provide information on the new shoe line as soon as it's available.

Regards,

Chris

I am sorry to hear the news of the discontinuance of the Classics line.  I have two pairs of spikeless that I wear to the office and a couple of pairs for the course.  They are timeless in my mind.  Not many pairs of shoes are as timeless and classy as Classics.

For this future line, it probably won't be the same, but don't stray too far from the look and style of Classics. Additionally, please continue to offer a spikeless "shop-shoe" version that can be worn away from the course.

Jorg-will you please let me know is my post appears? I am only writing the truth and my company knows this.I will always have pride in my work at FootJoy!

Jorg,I responded to you earlier,but now I find my post deleted-imagine that!!What I will keep on trying to say even if I have to call the Brockton Enterprise is that our parent company is the Acushnet Company and they are content to let FootJoy shoes be manufactured in China-the cheap way.We were told that the China plant is only working four days a week. Sorry,I can't sympathize.We at the Brockton plant took many unpaid days and weeks off to help the situation.We were not given the option now.So it seems the nail is in the coffin.I wish to thank you very much and will pass along all the kind words and wishes to my co-workers. It means a lot to all of us!

My post was here,then missing,then it was back! So sorry if two similiar posts appear!Thanks again to all you!

Jorg, I wish I could tell you that there is something we could do. Acushnet Co. is our parent company and they are content to let China take over the FootJoy manufacturing (much cheaper I assume). We at the Brockton plant took many a day and weeks off unpaid to help the cause, but we were not given the chance to do so again. I think the last nail is in the coffin.I will pass your comments on to my coworkers. I’m sure it will help to know that others care. Thanks again!

I really can still not believe that the BIG manager from Acushnet are not able to market a superior product and the product that is preferred by all tour pros around the world. If they ever have been able to spell the word marketing this must have been an accident :-(

Since I would like to know more about the situation please feel free to contact me directly through the facebook mail. I simply use my name as prfilname there.

I really would appreciate a dialog.

Thanks in advance and all the best to all of you.

Sincerely Jorg

If you are closing the Brockton factory, exactly where are your other factories located?  In the USA?  I can not seem to find this information on your website.

Tonight I saw a very sad story about this town on ABC News and could not believe that your factory will be closed.

Will any of your shoes be made in the United States of America?

I am so sorry for the employees that are losing their jobs.  Unless I see made in the USA on my next golf shoes I will not buy them.

Susan

I pray you keep the look of the "classic" golf and the spikeless kiltie and tassel style, there "classics" !!

Hi my name is Steven Samaniego and I am a salesman for the PGA Tour Superstore. I am so sorry to hear that the classics are no longer going to be available for consumer purchase. I know from a business aspect that the course taken is a correct one because at store level we did not sell very many due to the fact that our customers are more about wanting to puchase and take home on the same day. Today I had to tell a customer that we were not able to assist him in a special order for a pair classic premier's he had a letter from achusnet to go to any footjoy retailer and have us order his replacement pair. When I explained the situation about the classics to him he was not to happy about it. We tried to call the 1-800 number but it was already after hours because it was 3 oclock Arizona time when it was already 6 oclock Mass. time. He said he wou;d call tomorrow during the day to Footjoy's 1-800 number. We support your decisions during these times as we have to tighten down ourselves on the retail store level as well as we do not have any classics for the store to even display.

Sincerely

Steven Samaniego

Golf Shoe Sales Associate

ThePGATourSuperstore

Chandler,AZ

I have been using FJ Classic shoes since I started playing golf and I used to purchase them at the FJ store in Manhattan. In my whole golfing life I have only used FJ shoes and among them all I have always found Classics the best ones, since they are the most breathable and comfortable ones on the market.

It is very sad to hear they will not be available anymore. I am not interested in any new "lightweight, flexible, and most importantly, highly waterproof golf footwear." FJ Classics are not lightweight - and not vey flexible the first time you wear them -  but they are breathable and the more you use them the more comfortable they get. About the waterproof, it's true the old Classics were not, but the Classic Dry before and the Classic Dry Premiere after, ARE WATERPROOF, and as far as you provide a proper maintenance with FJ lotion and weatherproofer, in terms of overall performance, they are better than any other shoes on the market.

At the end, my thoughts are for all the men and women who have worked all these years at the Brockton FJ facilities. Thanks for your fine work! Thanks for letting me enjoy the game I love the most, while walking with the most comfortable and fine shoes (FJ Classic)!!!!

This is really sad to read about.

I feel bad for the staff and hope some of them are able to be utilized in other departments.

Classic's are the shoe ALL other Co.'s were measured against, and no one EVER came close to their quality, comfort and style.

Dear Mr. Connor,

    After reading your comments, I'm sure this was a gut wrenching decision.  I can really tell that you value the employees and their craftsmanship.  I know that I have enjoyed wearing the Classics Dry Premiere and the Classics Tour line for the last 15 years.  I currently have 6 pairs of these shoes and all are well cared for and in excellent shape.  Four of the pairs were purchased in the past year and a half.  I am by no means a businessman (34 years in public education).  However, I do wish you would rethink your position and somehow shift the manufacturing of these fine shoes to another facility.  You could project sales based on the past 5 years or so and still find some way to make a profit, even if you manufactured these shoes on a smaller scale.  You know that you can still sell them.  Thank you for your time.

Jim,

After hearing this, I immediatly went to

purchase some Footjoy Classics.

Too bad, a little longer notice before closure

would have let those of us who cannot go

to the course without these fine shoes get

stocked up.

When I heard from my best friend who still works at the Brockton plant that Footjoy was closing, it was a sad day indeed.  I too worked at the Brockton plant.  You will not find a better golf shoe than the classic.  It really is a shame that Footjoy couldn't find a way to keep making their golf shoes in Brockton.  God bless and good luck to all my friends who still work there and to all the employees there.

Mr. Connor,

I applaud you for coming on here and interacting with these loyal, crusading, Footjoy loyalists.  Not many executives these days are "down in the trenches."  Despite the impact on the plant and it's employees, I hope they can serve the company in another role, or help Acushnet in general.

Of course we are disappointed that American jobs are lost here, but it still is an American company.

I've tried other brands here and there.

Nobody makes 'em like Footjoy.

Excuse me,Mr.Crysler-you may think we can be of service to Acushnet Company,but that is not the case.We who crafted the shoes that some are loyal to and "crusading"about are DONE,OUT OF WORK. Because most of us  have worked many,many years at FootJoy (in Brockton,not China)we have no experience in other things that may help to find employment.Most of us are also too old to compete with a 25 year old for work.It is easy for you to say "despite the impact on the plant and its' employees"-because you are not one of us-the craftspeople and  our managers.Also the city of Brockton is very disappointed-as you may or may not know Brockton,Massachusetts was "Shoe City" with 39 shoe factories employing over 13,000 people in the 1900's.That is not counting  the companies that were in support roles to shoe making and their employees.FootJoy on Field Street in Brockton is the last to close.A once proud industry is no more. Also,I can tell you with certainty I am sick and tired of American jobs being lost to cheap labor overseas.FootJoy shoes will now all  come from China(the cheaper ones already do) and eventually maybe everything produced for Acushnet Company will be. So your comment "still an American Company" is misleading and not entirely true. One last thing-and it is something that has been on my mind since I first read this blog.Jim Connors-yeah he is here on the blog,BUT if this closing was his decision WHY didn't he make the trip up route 24 and come into our facility and tell us?? Why did he leave it someone else ?Was that dirty job was delegated so he wouldn't have to face us? Mr. Crysler, your post led to a boiling over of feelings I was trying to suppress.I wish you would  have thought about the effects your words might have on the employess who are jobless and feeling pretty rotten right now and struggling with emotions.We at the Brockton plant are not just coworkers-we are family! And we HURT-every few days more of us leave.We are losing a little piece of themselves every time someone has to say goodbye.Soon my deparment-the last one to go,will be saying goodbye to each other.It will be one of the hardest things I have to do in my life. You could NEVER be as disappointed as we are that OUR  USA jobs are lost.

Jim,

I wanted to say I appreciate you heartfelt perspective on the demise of the FootJoy Classic Shoe.

I am a 42 year old Boston native, you probably know the weather here takes a toll on shoes- especially leather welted shoes.  This said, I am proud to say that I am a bit of a shoe junkie- and leather welted shoes are by far my favorite.

I own 14 pair of cordovan shell Alden shoes.  Alden's, simply put the best shoes made.  I have always considered the FootJoy Classic the second best shoe made- yes, better than Allen Edmonds. Frankly, I would buy these shoes even if they were made in China, but the fact that they are made in Massachusetts makes them more special (Allen Edmonds are made in Wisconsin- maybe that is why they are a close third :).

While I am disappointed that you have decided to discontinue the Brand- and that is what the Classics are- a Brand- I understand that you have a responsibility to your shareholders as well.  You will be happy to hear, to get over my disappointment I went shoe shopping- I bought 4 pair last week to bring my total up to 10- crazy I know, but God willing I have a lot of golf left in me and I don't want to be without the best shoe in golf!

Jim, I remain a customer because of the quality of the "Classics".  I had a situation last year where I hit a shot into some thorny brush (believe it or not) and a pair of my shoes were damaged.  I wrote and called your customer service to see if I could get them repaired (under warrantee or not) and I must say I was disappointed with your companies ability to resolve a customers issue.  The only solution your people gave me was to take my shoes to a cobbler- I told the customer service person that "I just became a Nike customer" to create some urgency.  Her response, "I am sorry to hear that, good luck".  Good news for you that the product outweighed the service your company provides so I did not keep my word and kept buying FootJoy, but a word to the wise (I believe you are that) stay on top of the service you provide your customer as the next move you make might be shutting down more than just a legendary part of your business!

Best of luck and thanks for letting me share my story.

Regards,

Bob Forman

As a PGA Golf Professional, I believe Footjoy as made a terrible decision to close out the Classic Line.  That shoe made FootJoy.  Your competition are all jumping for joy.  By closing out that line you have nothing to say "Footjoy is Different".  Your Classic shoe was the most confortable shoe on the market. You can't replace leather.  When FootJoy came out with the Classic Premier, a all leather shoe that was water proof, I thought you hit a home run.  You never had any advertising on TV, i.e. PGA Tour about the shoes.  What happened to the marketing department.  They dropped the ball.  I know times have gotten tough, but golfers that wore your Classic golf and dress shoe will not wear any other kind of shoe. I hope I am wrong but I don't think so. It's going to be hard to replace the Classic, I have tried but nothing can compare to feel and comfort.  I could take the shoes out of the box, lace them up and walk to the first tee, not one blister.

I have been wearing Classics for the past 10 years since they were the only shoes made in a 15EEE.  Will you provide wider shoes in your other styles someday?

Reading this article is like reading an obit for a life long friend.  I am only 35, but FJ Classics have been a part of my life since I was able to fit into my first pair (age 10).  I have owned many pair over the years and currently have 3 pair in rotation.  They are the ONLY shoes I wear and do not know what I am going to do without them.  Please, please reconsider.  The FJ Classic was the last golf shoe made with the quality and makemanship of a fine dress shoe.  There will never be another classic.

It is unfortunate that the world has come to this.  Quality and Makemenship is being sacrificed due to the massive amounts of imported goods with cheaper prices! We as a country have ourselves to blame.

$15,000 on golf shoes?

Mr. Connor,

    I had the good fortune to meet you a few years back and have seen the Brockton plant with my own eyes, both of which I must admit were amazing in their respective humility. I have ordered multiple pairs of Classics (Original, Dry Premiere, and Dress) in past years and luckily, Edwin Watts Golf has a great selection of them still in stock in my 12D size.  I wanted to take a moment to write this note to thank those who put their time and labor into both the production and management of the Classics line. While it is the passing of an era, it has been memorable and the effects have had an indelible impact upon my own journey through the game, and no doubt that of many others.  All this to say.... thank you.

    I have two questions for you:

1.) I am curious whether or not I will be able to obtain soles for these shoes as I have 9 pairs of classics dry premiers, 6 pairs of classics, and 4 pair of classics dress that I plan on keeping until I no longer have feet to fit them over.  In the past I have always sent them to you to be resoled when need be for the respectable price of $120 but with this plant closing I am wondering how this may change.  Please let me (and the collective "US") know.

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

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.

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.

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

i think FJ should make new dryjoys..

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.

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!

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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.