When it comes to golf shoes, few brands carry the same weight as FootJoy. In fact, there’s none that come close.
They’ve been the go-to for decades – from your Saturday Stableford all the way up to major championships, FootJoy are the benchmark and the Premiere Series line-up sits right at the top of their broad range.
So I ask the question, how do you improve on the seemingly perfect golf shoe? Well, if FJ’s boundary pushing past is anything to go by, they’ll have a pretty good go.
This isn’t a shoe trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it leans heavily into FootJoy’s heritage – classic saddle styling, premium materials and a slightly more “tour” aesthetic – but with more modern tech under the hood than ever to justify its premium price tag. FootJoy describe this as “Inspired by then. Supercharged for now.”
I’ve been testing the new Packard shoe out over multiple rounds now, and while it absolutely delivers in some areas, there are a couple of things worth considering before you part with your money.
Who Are They Aimed At?
The Premiere Series Packard is very clearly aimed at a certain type of golfer. If you like a modern, trainer-style golf shoe like the Under Armour Halo Tour SL or G/Fore MG4+ O2, this probably isn’t for you.
This is for the golfer who wants to look like they belong on the first tee at a links championship. It’s classic, it’s premium, and in the white coloured upper – it definitely makes a bit of a statement. Therefore, I’d suggest that these shoes are going to attract:
- Mid-to-low handicap golfers
- Players who prioritise stability and structure
- Golfers who walk a lot and want durability
- Anyone who appreciates a more traditional aesthetic and is a stickler for style.
It’s also worth noting that at an RRP of £200 this sits firmly in the premium shoe category, so budget golfers, look away now.
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The Tech
The main reason I think the Premiere Series has excelled so well in the last five years is because they’ve managed to pack a lot of tech into shoes with traditional exteriors, therefore not looking that ‘techy’.
The upper is made from hand-selected premium full grain leather. It’s soft, durable and fully waterproof, and it gives the shoe that high-end look and feel straight out of the box. One for the shoe nerds here too – it smells bloody great.
Beneath that, you’ve got the newly redesigned VersaTrax+ outsole, which is said to maximise traction in all conditions. It combines multiple traction elements to give grip in different directions.
There’s also the Ortholite EcoPlush FitBed, which is a fancy way of saying it’s designed for long-lasting cushioning and comfort over 18 holes (and beyond). New for 2026 is secure, contoured comfort from the OrthoLite TruFit tongue system.
One of the key features is also the stability frame, which runs through the midfoot and heel. This is what gives the Packard that solid, planted feel – and it’s something I think better players will really appreciate.
FootJoy Premiere Series Packard 2026 Shoe Review
Looks
This is where the Packard will divide opinion. Some golfers won’t go near it as they don’t feel like they are ‘good enough’ to pull them off. Personally, I couldn’t care less and really like the new different Premiere Series designs, especially the Packard.
The shaping, the materials, the overall attention to detail and simplicity, all float my boat.
The untrained eye however will probably say the 2026 model looks the same as previous iterations. They’d be correct on the whole, though there are some subtle changes.
The saddle design is the standout feature. It gives the shoe a bit more character than some of the plainer options in the range, and I think it works particularly well in the two-tone colourways. I really like the small addition of the new snake-skin/lizard-skin (reptiles never were my strong point) detailing on the larger panel.
I tested this shoe in the white / grey / white colourway which I think hits the spot of softening what would be a very bright all-white shoe whilst giving it a little character. It’s still then easy to match with a variety of outfits, especially beige pants – which seem to be making a comeback as of late.
If you’re used to wearing something like a spikeless trainer-style shoe, this will feel like a bit of a shift. It’s chunkier, more structured, and more “golfy”. But for me, that’s very much the point. I’ve never been on board with the ‘wear your golf shoes to office and gym’ movement anyway.
Comfort
Comfort is always a big talking point with more traditional golf shoes, and but to be honest I had no reservations before putting these on as I’ve never had any issues with my previous FJ Premiere Series Tarlow shoes.
Out of the box, they do feel quite firm, but that’s more in the upper than underneath the foot. There’s a slight bit of a break-in period (I’m talking nine holes max) required, which might not suit everyone. After that though they really start to come into their own.
The cushioning from the FitBed is noticeable without being overly soft – it strikes a good balance between comfort and support which I think is important. It might sound crazy, but I think some golf shoes can be a little too comfy.
Walking 18 holes, I found them to be very comfortable overall. They’re not the lightest shoes on the market, and you do feel that slightly more substantial build without feeling heavy or cumbersome. Being slightly wider actually gave me a little more confidence with full shots.
An area I was a little disappointed however was with the moulded Ortholite tongue. For me although it definitely locks your foot in more, it just made the shoe feel quite tight and less forgiving.
The first few holes I felt a little ache across the bridge of my foot. Tongue comfort was never an issue with previous Premiere Series models, and I just wonder whether this addition is a tad unnecessary.
Performance
This is where the Packard really earns its keep. The standout for me is stability and grip, which was easily as good as the new Pro/SL which I also tested recently.
Through the swing, they feel incredibly solid. There’s no slipping, no unwanted movement – just a really secure base to play from.
In softer conditions, the traction from the VersaTrax+ outsole is excellent. You feel properly locked in, even when you’re going after one off the tee.
Where they differ slightly from more modern designs is in flexibility. For some golfers, that will be a positive. For others, it might feel a little restrictive it’s all down to personal preference.
FootJoy Premiere Series Packard 2026 Shoe Verdict
The bottom line here is that the FootJoy Premiere Series Packard is a very good golf shoe – it knows exactly what it is.
It’s not trying to compete with lightweight, trainer-style shoes. It’s built for golfers who value stability, durability and classic styling above all else and its success on tour and in the amateur game proves that.
The materials are excellent, the performance is strong, and the comfort is right up there too. I just hope the Ortholite tongue softens slightly in my next few rounds to offer a little more give.
Then there’s the price. At an RRP of £200 this is clearly priced as premium shoe. For some avid golfers, that will be justified. For others, it might feel like a stretch.
For me I’m of the opinion that no modern golf shoe collection is complete without a pair of FJ Premiere Series, and the new Packard model is going right to the top of my shoe rack.
Would I Use Them?
What do you think?!
