FootJoy Tour Alpha 2024 Golf Shoe Review
Jeremy Ellwood takes the latest version of this eye-catching spiked FootJoy shoe for a test spin over several rounds
The visual appeal of this shoe is matched by its performance and it will be a particularly good option for those needing more stability than mobility as they swing. Very comfortable from the top down, although the firm soles may not suit extensive walking on hard surfaces.
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Eye-catching looks on the shelf
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Very comfortable leather upper
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One of the most stable-feeling shoes out there
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Not the most comfortable walk on hard surfaces
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You could argue that the latest 2024 version of FootJoy's Tour Alpha shoe is perhaps a smidgen ‘young’ for me, especially in the white/navy/lime version I tested, but I liked them straight out of the box, and age is just a number, right? They looked smart, sturdy where they need to be at the point of contact with the ground and had the air of a shoe that would be comfortable from the word go thanks to the soft upper and well-cushioned heel area. But are they one of the best golf shoes on the market? I tested them to find out.
Quite possibly on the evidence of my first time out wearing them on the hilly Palmerston course at Brocket Hall. Yes, there was very slight rubbing on the side of the big toes towards the end and a minor ankle rub on slopes one way, but these are not uncommon issues for me on a first outing and I had every confidence they would quickly be as comfortable as a pair of old favorites. That has been the case in subsequent rounds, as I’ve now pretty much forgotten I’m wearing a still-new pair of shoes, with the softness of the ChromoSkin leather upper really standing out.
Much talk in the shoe world these days is about the need for either mobility or stability as you swing, depending on your action. This shoe unashamedly focuses on the latter and you get the sensation from the relatively inflexible sole very early on that stability is what this shoe does best.
FootJoy’s own OPS system (Optimized Performance Stabilizer) uses three elements to provide this - the external 3D-molded heel counter, which is thankfully not uncomfortable, the A-Frame design and a lateral clip that works to lock your foot in so you can go at it with confidence. Additionally the spiked outsole, which features nine cleats, further adds to that feeling of stability.
Now, as someone who struggles to get his right foot off the ground through impact, you could argue that added stability is the last thing I need, but I liked the sensation it gave me even if my footwork is about as far removed from Scottie Scheffler’s as humanly possible.
Perhaps the downside of the firmer sole is that this shoe feels firmer on hard surfaces so bear that in mind if the courses you play require a lot of walking along hard paths or surfaces. Speaking of which, take a look at our guide on the best golf shoes for walking too...
Finally it is worth noting that the Alphas are 100% waterproof golf shoes and, depending on where you are in the world, often come with a waterproof warranty as well. Sizes go from 7-15 and amazingly there are four widths to choose from as well - narrow, medium, wide and extra wide golf shoes for those that need it. The shoe also comes in three colors - (white/navy/lime, white/white/silver, black/white/silver).
