We recently participated in an interesting exchange with a consumer on GolfWRX and I thought you all might find it interesting....
QUESTION:
In my local muni., they are selling Footjoy Contours for $50. I really
prefer Dryjoys for the waterproofing. The salesman said that the
Contours are warranted for two years on the waterproofing. WHen I
researched the Dry Joys, they too have a two year warranty.
So
why do they call them Dry Joys if the Contours are waterproofed also? I
was under the impression that ONLY Dry Joys were waterproof.
RESPONSE (Mike Foley, Dir. Footwear Marketing):
While DryJoys were the first FootJoy golf shoes to carry a
waterproof guarantee (back in 1989), they are not the only shoes to
offer waterproof protection these days. Consumers over the years have
come to expect similar protection from not only DryJoys but several
other FootJoy models as well. Currently, FootJoy offers 4 men's
categories of shoes with a 2 yr waterproof guarantee (FJ Icon, SYNR-G,
DRYJOYS and CONTOUR SERIES).
To specifically answer your question about
the differences between DryJoys and Contour, it is important to
understand that these differences extend well beyond the waterproof
protection element.
DryJoys is a performance product that has been
engineered to provide stability and comfort for every type of player
from high-handicapper to elite Tour player. The ECL leather of DryJoys
goes through a proprietary tanning process by which the leather attains
its waterproof properties at a molecular level -- while maintaining a
breathable in-shoe environment- without the need for an additional
barrier (waterproof membrane). DryJoys also have full leather linings
which offer custom comfort (molds to your feet) and increased
breathability. In addition, DryJoys have been built with a tri-density
TPU Stability PODS outsole which provides the perfect combination of
stability and golf-specific flexibility (meaning it flexes where and
when it should) throughout the golf swing.
Contour is a tremendous
product as well -- and it has an incredible following. Contour shoes
are synonymous with 'out-of-the-box-comfort' and this is a result of
the slip-last construction and super-soft underfoot cushioning. The
construction is similar to a running shoe in that it is engineered
without a firm insole board which all of our other more
performance-based shoes incorporate. The absence of this board ensures
incredible flexibility and a much softer ride. It is important to note
that the majority of better players (while there are a few exceptions)
prefer a firmer foundation underfoot due to their faster/more powerful
swing speeds. Therefore they are often seen wearing FJ ICON, SYNR-G and
DryJoys models out on tour.
Hopefully this adequately explains
the differences between these 2 great products.
In short, if you are
looking for a performance shoe that is comfortable, stable, durable and
tour-proven, go with DryJoys. If you are looking for a sneaker-like
soft, cushy, amazingly-comfortable pair of golf shoes, go with Contour.
Regardless of which one you choose, rest assured you feet will be dry
coming off the 18th green.