FootJoy’s Tour offerings are always designed to be the most stable shoe in their line-up. So what is the Tour Alpha delivering for 2022? I’ve roped in professional golfer Nick Marsh to tell us how he got on with the Tour Alpha shoes.
FootJoy Tour Alpha review: First impressions
How smart do these look? The sporty styling makes these look fast and powerful and I love the high tech look of the double BOA.
FootJoy Tour Alpha review: The technology
The aim of this shoe is to deliver unrivalled stability. It perhaps comes as no surprise then that the main new technology is called an ‘Optimised Performance Stabiliser’ – or OPS – which is a three-piece underfoot technology to hold the foot in place for the best traction so you can optimise power generation.
The first component of the OPS is a 3D-moulded heel counter. This gives the heel of the shoe its unique shaping whilst providing support to the lower Achilles as well as holding your heel in place during the swing.
The midsole uses dual materiality, the core is a soft midsole to offer comfort while the firm heel centres the back foot for optimal balance during the loading phases of the swing. Talking of comfort this shoe has 12.7% more walking cushioning than we saw in the Tour X. This is thanks to a thicker FitBed in the sole.
When we look at the deconstructed image below, the darker areas are designed to deliver stability, whilst the lighter area provide more comfort.
Externally this whole structure is held together by a A-Frame support system. This is a TPU structure that fuses the heel counter and the midsole together giving you stability at every stage of the swing.
So far, this technology is a huge hit on tour:
“This golf shoe delivers pure power with every shot. It has that solid base that allows me to lock in and swing away with full force”
PGA Tour player Kevin Kisner
If you want stability, it’s important to get the shoe to fit right. Tour Alpha takes BOA to new levels with BOA and dual BOA offerings.
FootJoy have done extensive testing and pressure mapping off feet throughout the golf swing. The locations of the Boa on the Tour Alpha not only enhance fit but also alleviate significant pressure from the top of the foot.
If you’re after the ultimate fit the Wrapid 2.0 fit system is one to look out for. It offers a BOA dial on the heel and the side of the shoe giving you next level precision fit, alleviating more pressure from the foot, and keeping you more connected to the ground.
The sole features a FTF+ Dual Durometer midsole with soft spikes to follow the stability and traction story.
FootJoy Tour Alpha review: The line-up
FootJoy Tour Alpha Double BOA
FootJoy Tour Alpha BOA
FootJoy Tour Alpha Laced
FootJoy Tour Alpha Laced
FootJoy Tour Alpha Laced
FootJoy Tour Alpha review: NCG verdict
“These have to take the award for the most stable golf shoes I’ve ever worn,” Nick says. “The grip is seriously impressive and the shaping also holds your foot really well. This is especially helpful for me as my home course is very hilly.
“It almost feels impossible to slip in these, which makes them perfect for wearing no matter the conditions. I think they would also be a perfect option on wet ground in winter, but maybe in black rather than bright white!”
“FootJoy have nailed it with the comfort levels too. The fit was perfect in the laced model I tested, and was identically sizing to the Pro SLs. I would love to try these in the BOA as I think the fit would be even better.
“The sporty styling is great and I love how smart this all white colour way looks. If you’re thinking of trying these I would 100 per cent recommend. They’re just so good.”
FootJoy Tour Alpha review: The details
Available: Now
RRP: £169.99 (laced); £194.99 (BOA); £209.99 (Double BOA)
More info: FootJoy website
Hannah Holden
