My FootJoy Traditions Lasted Me 200+ Rounds of Golf…Here’s How I Replaced Them

If you’ve ever read any of my articles in the past, especially the ones on footwear, you’ll know that I am a big believer in FootJoy Traditions. Over the past year and a half, during my time at Golficity, I have been sent 20-30 pairs of shoes from various manufacturers. I have liked many of them and disliked a few, but nothing has ever come close to the FootJoy Traditions.

However, as they say, all good things have to come to an end. Unfortunately, after two years and more than 200 rounds of golf, it was time to hang them up for good.

They’ve been there for me through the high points and the low ones, too. They’ve lasted through rain, cold, warm, and every imaginable condition someone could put them through.

The $159.99 I spent on them in July of 2022 was well worth it, and while I believe another pair will be in my rotation soon, it was time to try something a little more premium.

How I Replaced My 200+ Round FootJoy Traditions

I was definitely still interested in the classy, more formal look. I tend to gravitate toward those types of golf shoes and I know that FootJoy has also always come through for me in terms of quality and appearance.

I did want to try something slightly different, though. I know what you’re thinking: “Joey, if you love the Traditions so much, why even try to wear something different?” 

Two reasons: One, I can always buy another pair of Traditions, and two, I think it’s worth trying new things. I have to say I was ready for something just a little bit different after wearing these for basically every round of golf I’ve played for the past 24 months.

It’s golf league Wednesday and we’ve got some new kicks this week courtesy of @FootJoy 😍 pic.twitter.com/0uaragjOC2

— Joey Klender (@KlenderJoey) May 29, 2024

I landed on the Wilcox, a shoe in FootJoy’s Premiere lineup that still encapsulates the look but has a few unique differences from the Traditions.

First, the appearance. The three-panel design features Chromoskin™, a premium and unparalleled beauty. It truly is the best-looking shoe around, in my opinion.

Next comes the traction. One thing I will say about my Traditions is the spikes are not as advanced as what I’ve felt so far on the Wilcox. I have had a handful of instances of slipping, which is normal and expected from time to time. The Wilcox, through about ten sessions, meaning rounds and range work, in the past two weeks, has not had any slipping.

This is due to the VersaTrax+ outsole that is “engineered with traction elements to create an outsole that is perfect for on course performance.”

It uses translucent rubber traction elements to offer a “high-end look and feel” while maximizing the grip you have through the golf swing.

FootJoy also employs Pulsar Cleats by Softspikes, which are a low-profile design that still provide world-class stability and support.

The Wilcox

So far, I’ve been really impressed by the Wilcox, and I think they’ll be as good, if not better, than the Traditions. In terms of comfort, they’re super solid. A lot of people are reluctant to wear dressier golf shoes, but these come standard with an OrthoLite EcoPlush Fit-Bed® that helps keep your feet supported.

Comfort in a golf shoe goes beyond your feet. A bad pair of shoes or worn insoles means your legs and back will suffer as well. Do yourself a favor and either invest in a pair of insoles or make sure your shoes come with something quality.

RELATED: REVIEW: VKTRY Golf Insoles: How They Can Help Your Game

In terms of grip and traction, they’ve been excellent as well. I have not slipped one time on these, and I’ve played two rounds in some pretty moist conditions. 

The break-in time was only about two rounds for these. I did feel some pain in my right side due to the upper digging into my ankle area. This leather has softened and I haven’t felt this since the second round I played in them.

How to Buy

Head over to FootJoy.com to pick up your pair. The sizing runs true and they also have Narrow, Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide options to choose from. The all-white is not your only option either. 

The Wilcox is able to be customized with the MyJoys feature, where you can build a pair completely from scratch using colors and materials of your choice.