50 Words or Less
The FootJoy Tour Alpha is built for stability, and it delivers. Great support and cushioning.
Introduction
If you track the golf shoe market, you’ve noticed a trend toward “do anything, go anywhere” shoes. Those shoes are great for a casual nine or a quick range session. But when you need to hit the fairway on #18, you want a shoe built for one thing: stability. The FootJoy Tour Alpha is that shoe.
Looks
If you asked me to draw a high tech, top of the line FootJoy golf shoe, I would draw the Tour Alpha. Looking down, they deliver the clean, classic look you expect from FootJoy. From every other angle, you see sharp modern lines done with a high level of restraint. As is their habit, FootJoy has infused a dash of color to pique visual interest in otherwise staid color schemes.
The laced FootJoy Tour Alpha is available in three colorways: white, black, and white/grey (shown). With the BOA Closure, it’s offered in grey and white/grey with neon green accents. Finally, the Dual BOA closure is available in only white/grey, but it’s slightly different than the laced version.
Comfort
Sliding into the FootJoy Tour Alpha for the first time, I equated them to a firm handshake. They’re not trying to squeeze the life out of you, but they want their presence known a bit. Despite their athletic look, the Tour Alpha is a leather shoe, so it is likely to get a bit more supple with wear.
As I wore them more, I found that the Tour Alpha sets a definite boundary around your foot. Within those limits, your foot has ample room to move. Notably, I found the toe box to be more spacious than expected. However, those boundaries are hard limits with a lot of structure and support.
Underfoot, FootJoy employs an OrthoLite EcoPlush Fit-Bed for cushioning. The advantage of OrthoLite is that it does not “set,” so the cushioning remains the same round after round. Meeker made particular note of how comfortable the cushioning is, and I enjoyed its “just right” firmness.
In terms of sizing, I found the Tour Alpha to fit well in my normal size 13. Matt Meeker found a slightly better fit in a 9 compared to his usual 9.5. This could be due to FootJoy’s use of the Laser Plus Last which is slightly roomier, especially through the toe.
Performance
Stability is the focus of the FootJoy Tour Alpha, and it absolutely delivers there. The replaceable spikes are set wide to create a powerful, secure foundation for your swing. For traction and anchoring to the ground, there may be shoes that equal the Tour Alpha, but I can’t think of one that surpasses it.
Of course, the sole is only the first part of creating a stable shoe. If your foot isn’t secured inside the shoe, all the traction in the world doesn’t matter. FootJoy keeps your foot locked in with a fitted, 3D molded heel and lateral stability elements. In all the swings I took in the Tour Alpha, I never once slipped, got “outside” my feet, or even thought about my footwork. These shoes 100% deliver on their claims of stability.
For all their virtues, it should be noted that the Tour Alpha is not for everyone. The heel of these shoes is fairly tall – the norm for FootJoy – so those seeking “natural motion” shoes may be uncomfortable. Also, the sole is very rigid. If you’re coming from a more mobile shoe, you might feel fatigue or discomfort until you adapt.
As noted earlier, the FootJoy Tour Alpha comes in three different closure systems. Matt Meeker and I tested the conventional laced version ($189). There is also a lace-free BOA Closure ($219) with the dial on heel. Finally, there is a Dual Boa version ($249) with one dial on the heel and another on the outside of the foot.
Conclusion
The FootJoy Tour Alpha is not the shoe you’re going to wear to the grocery store; it’s the shoe you’re going to wear to bomb it down every fairway without fear. If you put a premium on stability and traction, look no further. The Tour Alpha should be your go to for 2022.
Visit FootJoy HERE
Matt Saternus
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When will this shoe be available?
It’s on FootJoy’s website right now.
-Matt
Maybe this is what you were getting at, Matt, but geez, the soles of these shoes look so thick that my feet are a good inch — or more from the ground. Seems like they are 180 degree difference from the TRUEs that you always loved.
Had been wearing Ecco shoes for a few seasons and wanted to go back to a more stable shoe. Bought the single BOA version and love them. Comfortable and stable for the entire round. Feel like I have a much more solid ground connection. No need for custom insole, feels great all day.
I got a pair of these and I love them. Very comfortable and the soles give my feet the support I need
How can I get one –size (6.5 wide) or (6.0 wide). You make it always starting from SIZE 7.0.
Loved these shoes but I say a durability issue after 4 rounds the side of my shoes are blowing out.
Worst shoe of the footjoy range I’ve worn sore heels toes