Golf News for Monday, July 11, 2005 | Equipment

FootJoy packs performance technologies into all-new GF: II™ golf shoe

Fairhaven, MA - FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf and #1 Shoe on every Tour Worldwide, has announced the introduction of an all-new line of innovative performance golf shoes, GF:II. Vijay Singh won in his first week testing the new GF: II shoes at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The GF: II’s revolutionary tri-density TPU outsole features a Wishbone Suspension, providing the ultimate in durability, flexibility and tour-proven performance. A new Dual OptiFlex™ zone has been incorporated for flexibility under the toes, in addition to the current zone across the ball of the foot, increasing the golfer’s overall comfort. The true nature of the Wishbone Suspension system centers on the natural need for the forefoot and heel to rotate independently. Dual TPU Torque Rods connect the heel and forefoot at the Independent Rotational Axis - the exact point where the heel and forefoot begin to move and rotate independently. The benefits to the golfer are plenty:

a. Stable Foundation (regardless of the lie) – a must for all players, especially those with high swing speeds.

b. Increased comfort – the foot is allowed to move and rotate naturally, resulting in less stress and fatigue.

c. Supreme cushioning – delivered by GelRide™ Technology in the heel, which dampens heel shock with every step.

The upper technologies deliver a cool, dry and comfortable in-shoe environment for the foot. Several technologies are utilized in GF: II shoes to provide the player with an unparalleled experience on course:

a. New ECL™ Leather system by Pittards® of England. This Next-Generation leather improves upon the current industry best AQUAf.l.e.x.™ leather, another FootJoy exclusive leather. ECL (Extreme Comfort Leather) is the most advanced waterproof leather available in golf. This highly technical, full grain leather has the waterproofing properties of a membrane tanned-in during the manufacturing process. The result? A more breathable upper and now even 30% softer than the previous AQUAf.l.e.x. leather.

b. GelCollar – this visco-elastic gel offers two great benefits: A more exact fit around the collar and ankle, and a cooler environment.

c. Dryz® IntelliTemp™ – this technology offers three great benefits: It wicks away moisture from the foot, then turns that moisture into a gel state, providing cushioning in the Fit-Bed®. In addition, Dryz IntelliTemp acts as an internal climate control, keeping your feet cool during hot days on the course.

“GF: II represents the top-of-the-line category where we pack in all the relevant technologies in order to provide the player with the ultimate combination of comfort, cushioning, stability, and flexibility. Our studies have proven we have a true winner,” said Rob Kelley, Director of Brand Marketing for FootJoy.

“The new GF: II is a real breakthrough in the golf shoe market. The Wishbone Suspension outsole delivers both stability and flexibility like nothing we’ve ever seen,” said Jack Erickson, Vice President of Golf Footwear Worldwide.

GF: II shoes will be available to ship July 15, 2005 at a suggested retail price of $200. The shoes offer a two-year limited waterproof warranty. To support the launch of this new product, FootJoy is dedicating a specific print advertising campaign, interactive campaign, point-of-sale display, and a new microsite, www.footjoy.com/GFII

FootJoy®. The #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf

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FootJoy, headquartered in Fairhaven, MA has become synonymous with comfort, fit and performance products. The FootJoy brand combines an unmatched heritage and tradition of excellence with scientific materials and design technologies to provide superior and comfortable products to the world's most discerning golfers. The Titleist®, FootJoy®, and Cobra® brands comprise Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE-FO). For more information on FootJoy, please visit our web site at http://www.footjoy.com.