FootJoy Premiere Series Tarlow Golf Shoe Review

We test out the Tarlow golf shoes, the traditional design from FootJoy's Premiere Series line.

FootJoy Premiere Series Tarlow Golf Shoe Review
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf Monthly Verdict

A golf shoe worn by some of the world's best, the Tarlow is an outstanding golf shoe that performs at the highest level, whilst also offering a modern take on a classic golf shoe design. If you have an important or special round of golf coming up, these are the shoes to wear for it.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Combination of tradition and modern golf style

  • +

    High level of performance in stability

  • +

    Completely waterproof

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Traditional aesthetic won't be for everyone and does limit versatility

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FootJoy Premiere Series Tarlow Golf Shoe Review

Part of the immensely successful Premiere Series range from FootJoy, you will undoubtedly have seen several top professionals in the world of golf wear the Tarlow golf shoes. Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Billy Horschel are four players who have worn the golf shoes when competing so we decided to get our hands on a pair to test them out for ourselves. Here is how they got on...

footjoy tarlow

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

First the Tarlow collection comes in three colors, an all-white, all-black, and a cap-toe design pictured, all of which provide a traditional look. In short it is FootJoy's modern interpretation of the timeless cap toe design, made with a natural grain leather in the vamp (the middle part of the upper above the foot) and the quarter (the back part of the upper), complemented by a coordinated croc print in the heel, cap toe and eyestay (lace area). This combination of traditional and modern is inspired by Bill and Dick Tarlow, who bought the FootJoy business in 1957 and focused the brand primarily on golf. What is interesting about the aesthetics is how they seem to divide opinion, a Marmite shoe if you will. There will be some who love it, and some not so much, but you could probably say that about many of the best golf shoes on the market. 

As you would expect, and much like the Flint and Packard models which round out the Premiere Series range, the shoe is not just about looks. We found the shoe to be excellently comfortable thanks to the soft, supple sheepskin linings, and importantly it didn't cause any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters either, which has often occurred when we have taken shoes right out of the box and onto the golf course.

The Tarlow has a cleated sole, with the VersaTrax+ pattern combining well with nine Pulsar low profile cleats to provide impressive grip and stability in a variety of lies. At no point did we feel limited despite testing in different conditions over several rounds. Speaking of different conditions, the shoe's waterproof leather construction performed very well indeed when we got caught in a couple of downpours, as our feet felt nicely cocooned against the elements. 

Another big plus point is just the overall quality of construction. The shoes really were durable and sturdy in our testing, whilst every single piece of the shoe felt of a very high-quality. 

tiger woods golf shoes

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We love the subtle details on this shoe, like the FJ logo in the heel area and the quality of the stitching. It’s this attention to detail that elevates it above a lot of other shoes in this category, comfortably becoming one of the best FootJoy golf shoes money can buy. As we mentioned above there are three colors available and there are lots of sizes too so if you are looking for a shoe that combines premium performance, craftsmanship, and looks, then the Tarlow is definitely a model to consider. Admittedly the cap-toe and traditional design will put some off and a couple of the Golf Monthly team acknowledged they would prefer a more sporty and versatile kind of design, but others in the team loved these shoes and noted how they are the perfect pair of golf shoes for special rounds of golf.

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Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer