There is a lot of cool gear in the golf world that doesn’t always fit into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What We Tried
FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA — the dual-BOA version of FootJoy’s 2022 Most Wanted-winning flagship golf shoe. We covered the single BOA version earlier this year but I’d be lying if I said the dual version wasn’t the one I’ve been most excited to review.
Your Tour360 22 BOA Tester
Tony Covey. Self-described BOA-enthusiast with slightly wide feet who really wants to know if two BOA dials are better than one. In case you didn’t know, laces are for suckers.
(Editor’s Note: In case you’re wondering, BOA is a patented system that replace traditional shoe laces with either steel wires or BOA’s TX4 Dyneema fiber connected to a knob. Turning the dial tightens or loosens the wires to ensure a proper fit.)
About the FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA
We glanced over the tech a little bit in the single BOA review so I wanted to take a minute to dig in just a little deeper. First, other than the additional BOA Fit System dial, the single and dual BOA (and I suppose the laced—aka “sucker’s—version) technology is consistent across the lineup. Features include:
- ChromoSkin Leather – Made by Pittards, the upper is waterproof.
- Performance OPS Outsole – FootJoy’s “Optimized Performance Stabilizer” is the structure that locks you into the shoe allowing you to swing like you mean it.
- OrthoLite ImpressionsTM FitBed – Proprietary cushioning material that molds to the shape of your feet over time.
- Laser Plus Last – The platform on which the shoe is built. The Tour Alpha features a rounded toe with a standard fit in the forefoot and instep with a narrowed heel.
- Dual BOA Fit System – The reason why we’re writing about the Alpha again. Two BOA Fit System dials provide superior fit.
FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA Options and Pricing
Apparently, your choice of colorways decreases exponentially with each additional BOA dial. The laced offering is available in four colorways. The single BOA version offers two. The FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA? Well, it comes in any color you want—as long as it’s white and navy. I’m fine with that, though I can’t help but think the options will increase once some of you “suckers” come around to BOA.
In my review of the FootJoy Tour Alpha single BOA, I noted that FootJoy upcharges its BOA offerings by $30. What we’ve learned with the dual BOA version is that FootJoy upcharges $30 per BOA. At $249.99, the FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA is an astonishing $60 more than the laced version. Look, I get bumping the price to cover the BOA but, man … couldn’t we do a two for fifty kind of thing? Bulk discount and whatnot?
Thirty bucks is already an obstacle for getting golfers into what is absolutely superior technology. Sixty is pretty much a roadblock.
On a positive note, unlike basically everyone else, FootJoy makes all of its BOA offerings in both medium and wide sizes.
BOA Fit System
Mounted to the heel of the FootJoy Tour Alpha Dual BOA you’ll find the same micro-adjustable performance fit system as the single version. Technically, it’s a BOA L6 dial. It offers turn to tighten and pull to release functionality but there’s no turn to loosen functionality. As noted in the single BOA review, FootJoy has exclusive rights to the heel mount position in golf.
The lace is BOA’s CS1, which is comprised of 49 strands of stainless-steel wire wrapped in nylon to protect the steel from abrasions and the elements.
The second dial, positioned on the side of the forefoot, clicks in either direction to tighten or loosen as needed. Unlike most (if not all) of the BOA dials you’ve used before, there’s no pull release mechanism. It’s twist only, which is fine given that the range isn’t as large as it is with the primary dial.
The Requisite Style Bits
With nearly any BOA offering we cover, a chorus of offended golfers weighs in on the look of the shoe. The consensus among that particular crowd is that flap designs are ugly and they look stupid. It’s a textbook example of demanding form over function and, well, if you’ve ever wondered why all golf clubs pretty much look the same, there you have it.
Many golfers want every new widget to fit into the mold of the status quo. Weird doesn’t sell. That’s half the reason why square drivers didn’t stick around long.
Don’t get me wrong. I get it. Shoes with the BOA Fit system look different. I’d argue that’s because many fundamentally work differently and, not for nuthin’, there’s some evidence to suggest that those differences might make for a superior golf shoe.
So let me ask you this: Wouldn’t laces look silly if BOA had been invented first?
The non-suckers among you immediately recognized that as a trick question. If BOA had been first, laces wouldn’t exist. I didn’t compose this story on a typewriter and I’m willing to be none of you will be ripping out your plumbing in favor of an outhouse.
There’s not much demand for obviously inferior technology and … strings.
FootJoy Tour Alpha DUAL BOA Comfort and Fit
In my review of the Tour Alpha Single BOA, I described the shoe as sort of a tweener. It’s generally comfortable though perhaps a tad big in the toe box. Guys with really wide feet will probably appreciate that anyway but I really had to crank hard on the dial to get a secure fit on my right foot. Ultimately, I came to love the shoe but it never felt entirely custom fit.
For me, the second dial is huge difference maker. It allows me to snug up the forefoot without the risk of over-snugging (that’s a word, right?) the shoe as a whole. Call it fine-tuning capabilities that ultimately result in a more balanced fit.
The Tour Alpha BOA is exceptionally comfortable in its own right. There’s no breaking-in period and walking 18 right out of the box wasn’t an issue.
FootJoy Tour Alpha DUAL BOA – The Takeaway
The FootJoy Tour Alpha DUAL BOA builds on that with a more precise fit. It’s not necessarily more comfortable but it definitely fits (me) better. Whether that makes it worth another thirty bucks (on top of the thirty bucks it costs to upgrade to just one BOA) really comes down to how well the laced or single BOA versions fit your foot.
While $60 above the laced model feels excessive, as far as the fit goes, the second dial is a difference maker for me. It’s the reason the Dual BOA version immediately surpassed the Tour Alpha BOA as my favorite shoe of 2022.
It’s a given that it will be on my feet for a healthy percentage of my rounds next season which is all the more reason why I hope FootJoy decides to expand the colorway options.
I’ll take a pair in every color you’ve got.
*We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
Nathan
2 months agoThis is a truly ugly golf shoe. We used to (decades ago) be able to count on Footjoy to offer classy footwear.. No more. These days, FJ’s design aesthetic is appalling..
Whitey
2 months agoLooks like something Marty McFly would wear…..
Mike
2 months agoTony, interesting article, but these are not for me. I just bought 4 pair of adidas for well under $200. Yep, you read that right. They’re light & comfortable. To be fair, they’re not waterproof but that’s ok because I do have waterproof golf shoes on those rare occasions when I play in the morning dew.
Crazy price point. I rotate among 3 or 4 pairs of shoes at any given time. So that’s potentially a $1,000 investment in shoes??? Not in this lifetime.
Scott
2 months agoI’m a BOA guy but putting the dial right on the heel is the WORST place to put the dial. It is hard to get to when you want to tighten but seems to always get hit and released when you don’t want it to release.
Dr Tee
2 months agoNo, the heel is the best place–you just kick up your heel and the BOA is easily reachable for either foot—bad is a forefoot location which many seniors with lack of flexibility cannot easily reach or adjust-especially the lt forefoot location for right handers.
P.J.
2 months agoI’ve been a BOA golf shoe guy for over a decade. I don’t even own a pair of laced golf shoes. I have Adidas, Footjoy, Asics, Puma and Skechers. I’ve had some issues the inside back of the heel on the Footjoys wearing far too quickly, some of the models have even pinched my pinky toe to the point of bruising it. Adidas felt a little too tight for me, Asics weren’t very comfy, same with Puma. As for Skechers, they are the most comfortable BOA shoes I’ve ever owned, but..I’ve had to replace them due to the cloth eye holes being ripped through by the cable – a really poor design. I’m interested in the FJ Dual BOA shoes, but will wait until they drop in price (or find a deal on eBay).. FJ is definitely losing market share, perhaps they’ll wise up soon? Yeah, I doubt it too…
RT
2 months agoAmen !!!!!!
are these left over from NASA ,MOON WALKING ?
bob evans
2 months agoyou can get a good golf shoe cheeper than that
gordon
2 months agoI do not buy footjoy on principle as they do not make my size without going down the custom myjoys rabbit hole.. If you SUCKERS want to buy BOA at inflated prices go ahead but in regional areas it would be very difficult to replace BOA if they broke whereas laces can be replaced in 2 minutes. Just bought full grain leather adidas for AUD $149.00 and they are amazing so who’s the SUCKER now?
Mike H
2 months agoI have several shoes with the BOA concept and have never had an issue with them breaking. However with the FJ heel BOA I always found the back of my shoe hits the area below the seat in the go,lf cart and then my shoe loosens up. Nobody else has this happen? I’m pretty sure I’m not spending the $250. bucks on them but I think they look great.
Larry
2 months agoLook.’s …no no , I have 6 paires of Hyperflex BOA different colors but 2 Boa’ s per shoe next will it be a crank start…
ISITOUR
2 months agoI’m a big fan of the FJ Premiere series. I thought the Tour Alpha was not very comfortable. I’ve had some Adidas Golf shoes with BOA and I liked the system.
Mike
2 months agoI’ve been sporting BOA on cycling and golf shoes for a long time. I’m sold. These shoes look great as well. $250 is $50 too much. I’ll wait for end of 2023 season for a Black Friday sale.
Hoppman
2 months agoWay overpriced, but I do like the looks and design, my guess is they are as overrated as Eccos, the only spikeless shoe I have slipped in multiple times. I would like to see the double BOA in more shoes though at a much less ridiculous price.
Ryan Smith
2 months agoPaying over $60 for shoes is for suckers.
UncleMookie
2 months agoAh, more “marketing of discontent” from the golf industry!
The only thing I find funnier is Squarez where the guy says “I’ve been studying this for 25 years…” and all he comes up withis a bigger toebox that will help you hit further (or is it farther?)!
My boa motorcycle and snowboarding boots are convenient, but they also require periodic tightening. I don’t find a single boa a better fit, but maybe two help.
Of course, if two is better, why not THREE micro adjustments?
Tom
2 months agoHow much do these shoes weigh? They look like you would be dragging your feet after the 12th hole.
Doug Hansen
2 months agoExcept at the top of the line, I find FJ’s to be very comfortable out of the box, but not very durable. Also, the fit across FJ product lines is inconsistent. I much prefer Ecco golf shoes, even if they are not quite as stylish as FJs. I still have my first pair, purchased 8 years ago and have purchased a half-dozen pair since. Interspersed with some FJ’s, of which one pair scarcely lasted two seasons.
Dr Tee
2 months agoI’m a big fan of BOA. Did not realize Footjoy had a patent on the heel position dial. My most recent pair-footboy Hyperflex BOA are “cousins” to these new Footjoys with a wrap over buy only a single heel dial. It took me a while to get used to the look mostly because I bought the less obtrusive dark blue color, but they are soooooo bedroom slipper comfortable that I can get over it. I do have an issue with side mounted (especially the left foot) or front mounted BOA dials which for less flexible individuals or anyone with back pain are non-starters.
The price of these shoes is a TOTAL non-starter for most.
Dick
2 months agoTruly an ugly shoe! Give me my Skechers .
Brian
2 months agoFootJoy are going for all this fancy gimmickry and ignoring the fact that the actual construction of their golf shoes are now substandard to what they were 20 years ago.
I have several pairs that have been bought and stored until needed and when worn for the first time, fall to pieces.
I have complained to the manufacturer and they aren’t interested. The warranty of the workmanship is from the date of purchase. The number of times you have worn them doesn’t seem to count.
I have had to throw away DryJoys , Aqualites and FitDogs where the uppers are in perfect condition, but the soles have deteriorated and become unwearable.
For example the FitDogs, all of the cleat housings came loose. That should not happen!
I have lost confidence in what used to be the Rolls Royce of golf shoes. For the premium price you pay, you should expect far better.
Bob
2 months agoOkay I’ve seen all the articles on the boa shoes. My question is what is the durability of the dials? If they break or they don’t work the shoes useless you have to throw them away and get a new pair. If a shoelace breaks you can go buy a shoelace for a buck and the shoes fixed.
Dr Tee
2 months agoI had the same question (I own 4 pair of BOA shoes-ECCO and Footjoy). I believe that they carry a lifetime guarantee thru BOA, for sure 2 years thru Footjoy. I have been My oldest pairs are 5 yrs old and I have had no breakage or signs of wear of the BOA mechanism or any of its components.
dwntwnatty
5 days ago2 yr warranty from FJ and lifetime warranty on the BOA. Wire on my older FJs just snapped and they sent me to boafit.com for a replacement kit
tscdave
2 months agoI like the leather, not the fold over design
Joe Domill
2 months agoalways had footjoy shoes ,always comfortable last long time. .I have two pairs of single boa,s and they are great. Iwould try the double even though they are expensive,because they should last a long time.
MrJJW
2 months agoClassic look is the best, no tennis shoes, no basketball shoes no moon boots.
Bryan Amos
2 months agoThe tech might be superior, but the shoe looks clunky and odd, nowhere near as classy as the Premiere Series shoes., which I would prefer every time. The Pro SL look much nicer too. Perhaps it’s just the Boa look isn’t appealing, especially given the price! Not for me.
Dennis Beach
2 months agoNo thanks!! I’ll keep my FJ Originals. In fact, going to buy another pair in case the discontinue that model. I don’t care for all this crap…
Kevin
2 months agoAs a dual BOA snowboard boot wearer I can say from personal experience that a dual BOA system absolutely gives more control and better snuggness than laces. Laces only go in 1 direction; dual BOA goes in 2. No question there. The questions now are: How much extra “zing” does a dual BOA give a golfer? And, is that zing worth the money? Your stance and connection to the ground are the base from which all power is generated. It’s absolutely critical (hence spiked golf shoes). And using your legs can generate more power. But let’s be real. The running, jumping, starting, stopping required in sports like basketball make the foot-shoe-ground connection there orders of magnitude more important. Golf is a relatively foot motionless sport. Run a test and see how much further or more accurately golfers hit the ball based on the shoe being worn (all shoes are comfortable and fit well). I don’t imagine any difference but I’d be interested to see the test results. With no zing then we’re left with more comfort. While probably true (and in my opinion the only reason to buy these shoes) many shoes exist allowing walking 18 holes in complete comfort.. Nobody who doesn’t walk already is going to suddenly start walking now just because of this shoe. To me that gives FJ a pretty small target audience. And at that price I think they’ll limit that even further. I love the BOA fit but the price is too high.
MIGregB
2 months agoAn absolutely superior, albeit unnecessary, technology.
Terence Clark
2 months agoBloody awful and overpriced shoe. See if the pros wear them??
Ron W
2 months agoThe Pros will wear anything if they get them for free and/or get paid to wear them…..
Prime example are the definitely inferior Nike shoes…..
Golfinnut
2 months agoI’ve been a FJ shoe guy since day one. But I would never put these on. SMH …. I don’t care how comfortable or form fitting they might be. At the point I can’t tie my own shoes, then I’ll consider it. Until then …. nope.
Leon
2 months agoPrice – out of my budget. I mostly ride anyway, so the “loosening while walking” thing doesn’t affect me. Never really got a comfortable fit in FJ heels, no matter what year or style. Laces may be for “suckers”, but this sucker with his Sqairz nubby laces that stay tight is happy. If Sir Nick Faldo and John Daly wear them, that’s all I need to see.
NH Golfer
2 months agoFJ has lost their mind along with their slipping market share. I will pass. Thank you.
Les
2 months agoJust No. They took ugly and made it uglier. If the two BOA thing catches on
(for more money) will someone come out with two sets of laces next? …or three BOAs, like happened with shaving blades? Where will it stop?
Dwayne
2 months agoYet again another shoe offering with no extra-wide option, based on the link provided in the article. So I’m out.
Just not hip or profitable to have wide feet. (Not economically viable?)
This must be how lefties feel.
Shams Ali
2 months agoDon’t appreciate the word you suckers in your article. We working class family golfers have the pressures of family/kids/job to make ends meet and put food on the table for us and the family.
Also very unprofessional, seeing your pet in the MGS no putts given Video’s.
Steve S
2 months agoSorry, those shoes are nothing but ugly and the price is stupidly high. Appears that Footjoy wants on the money train that Callaway and Taylormade are on !
Tom
2 months agoI’ve been a cyclist for 5O years and worked in the cycling industry for 25 years. Part of that time was spent at the leading brand of cycling shoes.using BOA dial systems. This system has been around in cycling for years and almost every professional and many amateurs use it. The top models sell for around $250. The BOA system may offer superior fit for some but to achieve the optimum fit custom footbeds are often required. because the configurations of their feet (arch, width, etc) don’t mesh with the footbed supplied with the shoe.. Custom footbeds will easily run you another $100.
High end BOA shoes and custom footbeds have been a success in the cycling industry for years, so it is no surprise that Footjoy would dip their toe in the water and see if the market exists in golf. After all, custom fitted clubs, once a rare commodity are solidly established as a successful category.
Given all of that, the design of this shoe appears “clunky”. Nothing svelte about it. It looks like it was designed by a committee. Footjoy can do better in this regard.
Simon White
2 months agoUgly and expensive, not a great combination.
Alan
2 months agoI”m a BOA convert and currently wearing this year’s version of these shoes. Love them. $60 upcharge over laces is a bit much however. Will they still make the single BOA or is that going the way of the dodo bird?
Larry Porter
2 months agoToo pricy, shoeless work fine for me
Adam A
2 months agoSo ugly. So overpriced. Look like orthopedic shoes.
Dale
2 months agoThose shoes are ugly as sin. $250 is ridiculous for golf shoes
Steve G
2 months agoI bought the single BOA version last spring and played about 70 rounds in them. Greatest shoe ever, comfortable and supportive. Would like more color choices but I will definitely buy another pair.
John
2 months agoThose of us with high insteps have a hard time with BOAs. I agree the technology is great but the BOA’s universal tightening makes them ultra tight at the top of a high instep and loser at the lower areas. Some of us need the flexibility of laces that can accomodate a high instep.
Kevin C
2 months agoI love the Boa system for fit, but this shoe looks the designer just went too far. I ‘m sure this shoe would last forever (just change spikes), but would also probably take 50 rounds to break in. Also how much does this Robogolfer shoe weigh?
John Pinola Jr
2 months agoJust like all shoes from Footjoy, if you have an extra wide foot you have to order a custom shoe in select models. Which are uncomfortable. Why is it they think if you have a wide foot it isn’t a long foot?
I have found that Ecco works for me. Even New Balance has changed their wide shoes to be more narrow than before.
I guess I can play barefoot, since companies continue to ignore the extra wide foot of golfers.
JV
2 months agoNice shoe but that price is just stupid….
Jim Wilkie
2 months agoI’m old fashioned, so I will stick with the lace up shoes and save my £60 not dollars
MikeB
2 months agoNot that it’s a big deal, but like other BOA shoes, if they need to be tightened every couple holes, that needs to be fixed somehow. Don’t know if it’s slippage within the BOA system itself, the “laces” stretching, or the shoe stretching. It’s not just a FJ issue, I have 2 pair of MIZUNO BOA, and the same there. Great looking shoe, very “techie” appearance but they look like they are extremely heavy.
Dr Tee
2 months agoI have had 5 pairs of BOA shoes and never experienced significant slippage or loosening. Normally shoes may need to be tightened a bit from initial setting due to stretching of the shoe material from walking and swinging.. It is a heck of a lot easier to give the BOA dial a little twist than it is to find somewhere to sit down and retie a lace-up shoe !!!
Bill Hendry
2 months agoThe shoes are ugly and expensive. You don’t need to spend $250+ to get a good pair of golf shoes. It is why Skechers is kicking everyone’s ass.
Jimmy
2 months agoSkechers seems to have cornered the market on ugly and inexpensive.
MarkM
2 months agoGood article Tony, you’re preaching to the choir about BOA – love it – BUT I’m not that in love with that I’m gonna pay $60 more and get no choice whatsoever on color. It would also help if the sole didn’t stick out all over the place too.
C’mon Footjoy get with the program!!
bob
2 months agoI would wear those to walk around the mall in the winter before the stores are open.
Tim McCarthy
2 months agoThey look like bad bowling shoes! I’m sure they are comfortable, but they aren’t good looking kicks!
Vas
2 months agoThe 1980s Kangaroo vibes are strong with this one!!!