FootJoy has reported a strong start to 2024 in the UK golf footwear retail market, with the brand’s models annexing the top six places in on-course sales by value according to the latest figures from Golf Datatech.
According to the latest on and off-course data from Golf DataTech (January-April ’24), FJ’s Premiere Series leads the way as the top-selling shoe this year, with the brand’s Traditions and the new Pro/SLX also among the top-five models.
In the on-course channel, FootJoy has maintained a market share lead (49.4%), while also offering a large premium performance range to suit all preferences.
One of the key areas FootJoy has invested heavily in is its shoe fitting programme after recognising the importance correctly fitted footwear has on performance. Data shows that playing in a correctly fitted pair of performance golf shoes can increase club head speed by 2-3mph equating to an increase of 7-9 yards of distance.
FootJoy has had three full-time product specialists on the road since the start of 2022, who have fitted around 6,500 golfers across the UK and Ireland to date. FootJoy is also one of the only footwear brands in golf to offer half sizes and multiple width options. This is demonstrated in the FJ Traditions spiked franchise where there are styles that feature up to 52 different sizing options covering men, women and juniors, all to ensure every golfer has a properly fitted shoe that will help improve performance on the course.
In the professional game, FJ continues to top the weekly shoe counts, with on average at least 50% of players at tour events across the DP World, PGA and Ladies European Tours wearing a FootJoy shoe model.
This is reflected in the elite amateur game also, where at the recent Brabazon Trophy, 75% of the players at the event opted for an FJ shoe model with the nearest competitor coming in at 7%.
Russell Lawes, FJ Brand Director, said: “We are very proud of our position in the UK footwear market and realise that in order to keep our place at the top we have to keep on innovating to meet the needs of dedicated golfers and our valued retail partners.
“The latest results underline that the demand for FootJoy shoes remains strong and with the top six selling models in the on-course channel, it gives our retail partners confidence that our products will continue to perform well. With new and exciting products like Pro/SLX and FJ Quantum, along with updates to some of our already popular models, it made this year’s catalogue the most extensive and compelling yet.
“After a strong start to the year, I would like the opportunity to thank all our retail partners for the vital part they have once again played in promoting our current FootJoy performance line to their customers.”