FootJoy’s all-new Tour Alpha shoe, which is available at retail from March 18, promises to deliver ‘the ultimate stability option with the added benefit of supreme comfort’.
Among several new design innovations in this new model is what the brand is calling an Optimised Performance Stabiliser – a three-component innovation that locks in the golfer’s foot to deliver superior feel, unrivalled traction and optimise power.
The first element is a 3D Moulded Heel Counter which provides a stiffer yet lighter rear structure that provides lower Achilles’ support and locks the golfer’s heel in place during the swing.
The second element is a FTF Dual Durometer Midsole, which supports the foot with comfort while the firm heel centres the back foot for controlled balance during loading in the swing.
The third section is an A-frame Support System, an external TPU structure that fuses the heel counter and the midsole together and deliver stability at every stage of the swing.
The Tour Alpha is offered with a choice of three closure system – traditional laces, a heel-mounted BOA and a new dual BOA system that features dials on the heel and the toe.
The new WRAPID 2.0 fit system features a dial on the heel and on the side, alleviating pressure on the top and the sides of the shoe to further dial in a precise fit.
In tests comparing performance to FootJoy’s Tour X shoe, the Tour Alpha provides 12.7% more walking cushioning, 10% more mobility in trail foot eversion during the swing (preventing the backfoot from rolling, inviting increased power efficiency through the swing); and more balanced torsional support during the swing.
Guy Smith, FJ Footwear’s product manager, said: “Our Tour series has always been our most stable silhouette in the FootJoy portfolio, and the Tour Alpha is undoubtedly our most intelligent golf-specific innovation to date, which pushes the boundary of footwear technology with the OPS system driving performance at every step of the golf swing.
“With the innovation and golf-specific performance focus, the Tour Alpha is set to be golf footwear’s best-in-class and the journey to its launch is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit to innovate as we continue to deliver new products that support the golfer to perform when it matters most.”
Speaking about the performance of the Tour Alpha, PGA Tour player and FJ ambassador Kevin Kisner said: “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.”
The Tour Alpha is offered in three models for men:
Double BOA – White/Navy/Grey, RRP £209.99
BOA – White/Grey/Lime, RRP £194.99
Laced – White/Grey/Charcoal, White/Grey/Blue, Black/Charcoal/Red, RRP £169.99
For more details, visit www.footjoy.co.uk.