FJ Stratos

[acemandrake]

FootJoy has begun selling the Stratos shoe on their web site.  The XW (extra wide) are already going fast.

 

I bought a pair to compare to the Pro SL shoes.  Also, I want to compare this leather shoe to the fabric/mesh shoes I've been buying lately.

 

At $200 they better be great 🙂 

[noodle3872]

Beefed up leather version of the Flex LE style shoe. 

[Bravcon]

5 hours ago, acemandrake said:

FootJoy has begun selling the Stratos shoe on their web site.  The XW (extra wide) are already going fast.

 

I bought a pair to compare to the Pro SL shoes.  Also, I want to compare this leather shoe to the fabric/mesh shoes I've been buying lately.

 

At $200 they better be great 🙂 

I tried them on today and they were wider than the latest Pro SL version.  The Stratos in wide was comparable and probably slightly wider than a Pro SL in extra wide.  

[Konklifer]

Wow.  A pretty blatant *cough* copy of the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3.

Edited December 7, 2020 by Konklifer

[Wall-E]

On 12/5/2020 at 12:21 PM, acemandrake said:

FootJoy has begun selling the Stratos shoe on their web site.  The XW (extra wide) are already going fast.

 

I bought a pair to compare to the Pro SL shoes.  Also, I want to compare this leather shoe to the fabric/mesh shoes I've been buying lately.

 

At $200 they better be great 🙂 

 

I agree about price. $200 seems high first a 1st gen run.

[BlkNGld]

On 12/7/2020 at 10:25 AM, Konklifer said:

Wow.  A pretty blatant *cough* copy of the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3.

 

From a looks perspective, I'm inclined to agree.   OTOH the BIOM lasts have never felt right to my feet.   So something that looks similar with a potentially better fit is interesting to me.

[B.W.]

I’m looking forward to checking them out. I think it’s a great step for FJ. 

[DeacLaw05]

Was able to get my hands on a friend’s new unworn pair of these today.  Can’t speak to comfort as they weren’t my size, but the thing that stood out was how soft the leather uppers were.  Don’t see these requiring any break in period at all—should be comfortable right out of the box.  I am also a fan of the VersaTrax tread pattern that is similar to the Flex line.  The grip in my Flex XPs has been great.

[cn34]

I've been an Ecco guy for a while agree with @BlkNGld about the Biom Hybrids. They're just not as comfortable. I'm really interested in these from Footjoy as I think they look really good, but man they better be good for $200. My experience with Footjoy through the years with quality has been less than stellar so these better hold up. 

[drn92]

There are some nice looking FJ options. These included. But, when I’ve asked FJ in the past they tell me all their shoes have a 12mm drop, which is a no-go for me. 

 

drn92

[acemandrake]

On 12/5/2020 at 1:21 PM, acemandrake said:

FootJoy has begun selling the Stratos shoe on their web site.  The XW (extra wide) are already going fast.

 

I bought a pair to compare to the Pro SL shoes.  Also, I want to compare this leather shoe to the fabric/mesh shoes I've been buying lately.

 

At $200 they better be great 🙂 

 

Initial impression:  Need better cushioning (or more cushioning?)

 

Overall, a good shoe.  More substantial/sturdy than knit, sneaker-type shoes.  Run true to size.  Don't need a breaking in period.  Looks are fine.

 

Cushioning could be better.  Not sure if better, rather than more, cushioning is needed.  FootJoy always seems to struggle with this.  Other shoe companies offer better cushioning.

[makaveli]

The cork insole has me wondering about the cushioning. At that price a decent insole shouldn't be an issue. I need a XW and the Lane Last sounds like a better fit than the Pro SL that I had to return. Is FJ not making the Pro SL like they used to? I guess theres always Powerstep for a better insole thats made in USA.

[makaveli]

On 12/7/2020 at 1:25 PM, Konklifer said:

Wow.  A pretty blatant *cough* copy of the ECCO BIOM Hybrid 3.

If only ECCO made a W or XW

[acemandrake]

3 hours ago, makaveli said:

The cork insole has me wondering about the cushioning. At that price a decent insole shouldn't be an issue. I need a XW and the Lane Last sounds like a better fit than the Pro SL that I had to return. Is FJ not making the Pro SL like they used to? I guess theres always Powerstep for a better insole thats made in USA.

The cushioning on the Stratos may be disappointing but I now buy insoles for all my shoes.  The replaced insoles vastly improve the Stratos.  

 

FYI...I have a wide foot & the XW Stratos is plenty roomy even with a replacement insole.

 

The more I wear this shoe the more I like it.

[Bob Cat]

I have a pair on order and will report back after a few rounds.

 

What insole do you prefer @acemandrake?

[acemandrake]

3 hours ago, Bob Cat said:

I have a pair on order and will report back after a few rounds.

 

What insole do you prefer @acemandrake?

Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics

This is my go to insole for any shoes.

FYI...I gave the insoles that came with the shoes another try & I like them more now (They make the shoe roomier than they are with the Dr. Scholl insoles).

Edited August 30, 2021 by acemandrake

[Bob Cat]

Maybe 4 rounds under my new Stratos.  Love them and just as comfy as my Eccos.

[Mob]

I wore these shoes for this past season, and I wanted to give my thoughts.  Toe box is nice and wide.  I need shoes with a wide toebox, but normal midfoot and heel.  The standard width is wider than most shoes I have tried in the past, and fits me well.  The leather is soft and fits like a glove.  One of the best feeling leather uppers I have ever worn.  Not enough cushion; I had to put my own insoles in, and now they are much better.  The grip of the sole is Ok, not great. They are supposed to be waterproof, but my toes did get wet when playing in wet conditions.  I emailed FJ and they are sending me a new pair.  I have seen this complaint from others, so it is likely a manufacturing issue that I may not get away from.