FootJoy has launched a pair of limited edition golf shoes that feature Harris Tweed on the saddle.
The FootJoy x Harris Tweed Hebrides collaboration celebrates the heritage of both brands and gives golfers the opportunity to own a truly unique pair of shoes.
The latest limited edition Premiere Series Black Watch Packard features authentic Harris Tweed cloth – the only fabric in the world governed by its own Act of Parliament.
Launching ahead of the Scottish Open on July 8, the shoes complement the theme of links golf and will be sent to FootJoy ambassadors for wear at both this week’s Scottish Open at Renaissance Club and The Open Championship at Royal St George’s the following week.
The Black Watch cloth, from the Harris Tweed Hebrides Heritage Collection, has been chosen to feature on this limited edition Premiere Series Packard shoe. The Packard was inspired by Frederick Packard, FootJoy’s founder and a shoe pioneer who drove the adoption of many modern manufacturing and design innovations still employed today.
Watch cloth on the saddle with each pair having its own blend of the blue, black and green wool used. Each pair also comes with a unique shoe bag made from the same Harris Tweed cloth.
Governed by The Harris Tweed Act, the fabric must be handwoven in the homes of residents of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, to be able to use the Harris Tweed name and logo. This maintains the integrity and distinctive character of the fabric which is recognised globally for its quality. Unusually, the wool is dyed before being spun, allowing a multitude of colours to be blended into the yarn, creating a cloth of great depth and complexity. Harris Tweed cloth has been produced on the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra for generations using truly traditional methods.
Each year Harris Tweed cloth is exported to over 50 countries worldwide – with every metre handwoven on the islands and then inspected by the Harris Tweed Authority before being stamped, by hand, with the Orb Mark.
While timeless in design, the Packard is infused with performance innovation, led by the all-new VersaTrax+ outsole which utilises multiple TPU compounds to grip any surface – a harder TPU for on-course grip and a softer TPU for traction on harder surfaces.
The shoe also delivers on comfort, featuring an Ortholite EcoPlush FitBed with perimeter stability in the heel as well as super-soft underfoot cushioning. Each shoe features its own unique piece of Harris Tweed Black.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic brand. Harris Tweed was the original uniform of choice in the Outer Hebrides, an early innovation statement for golfers performing in challenging elements,” says Chris Tobias, FootJoy Vice President of Global Footwear. “The luxurious hand-woven wool is a strong complement to our modern classic footwear, both fuelled by authenticity, style, and performance.”
Harris Tweed Hebrides chairman, Brian Wilson, who joined FootJoy on their Hebridean journey, said: “Harris Tweed and golf are natural partners with a shared provenance that goes back to the earliest days of the game. It has been a pleasure to work with FootJoy since we represent the same standards of excellence in quality and design. The Black Watch Packard is worthy of the world’s finest players and courses.”
Available to buy from FootJoy.co.uk from July 8th. SRP: £199.99