The Nike Golf Innovation Summit 2013 is being held this week at their World Quarters in Beaverton. At the Innovation Summit, Nike Golf introduced their full line of 2014 equipment and apparel. In this post, we’ll be focusing on the apparel that will be offered in 2014.
Lightweight Innovation Colour Polos
You may be familiar with this action – just before hitting a shot, you give a quick pull on your polo sleeve to adjust the shoulder seam. Nike Golf identified that action as a distracting habit and sought to address it. With their new Lightweight Innovation Colour polos, they use a new seam construction to allow for optimal movement for golfers. The shoulder seem is bonded rather than stitched to lie more closely against the body. Designers shifted the seam towards the upper back so it doesn’t run across the top of the shoulders, allowing maximized movement through the swing, free of distractions – a lighter, more athletic construction.
The Lightweight Innovation Colour polo also features armholes that are bonded for a smoother surface that is lightweight and lies flatter against the skin for a more comfortable fit. A sleek, bonded placket and laser-cut pocket help reduce weight by eliminating bulk. The Lightweight Innovation Color polo features bold color blocking designs and will be available in a variety of colorways launching January 1, March 1 and May 1, 2014.
Hyperadapt Wind Jacket
A couple of months ago, we’ve featured the Nike Hyperadapt Storm-FIT sweater and at the Innovation Summit today, Nike Golf has improved on their previous design with the new Hyperadapt Wind jacket. The Hyperadapt Wind jacket features the same four-way stretch technology and sweater-like feel as the Storm-FIT, but in a lighter, windproof and rain-resistant version. It is designed to fit and move with a golfer’s body and with the four-way stretch technology, the range of motion through the back, shoulders and upper arms is maximized, which the lightweight outer shell provides protection from the elements.
Furthermore, sustainability has been designed into this jacket – recycled coffee grounds were used in part to make the windproof coating on the outer shell to help reduce odor from perspiration and assists in UV protection. The Hyperadapt Wind jacket also features elastic cuffs to keep sleeves from moving up and down during a swing, as well as an adjustable waist and a back pocket for storage.
Lunar Clayton
Nike has always been known for their footwear, with their history in basketball and training shoes. They have now brought technology from those shoes, most notably the Nike Free technology, and incorporated them into their golf shoes. This started with the TW’13 and eventually TW’14 golf shoe. Their latest shoe for the athlete golfer is the Lunar Clayton, a shoe that celebrates the heritage and history of the sport of golf while providing athletes with superior comfort, supportive fit and an aesthetic appeal suitable for wear both on-and-off-course.
The Lunar Clayton was inspired by handmade, Italian leather shoes (Steven Alexander golf shoes?) and combines a handcrafted, waterproof leather upper with lightweight Nike Lunarlon technology on the outside for a classic look and modern functionality. A leather welt, often used in traditional shoe making methods, joins the upper to the outsole while protecting from the elements. Because the leather is handcrafted, it is built to last but ready to wear with no break in period required. A new Internal Dynamic Fit System provides secure fit an stability in the midfoot through a lacing system that Nike Golf designers moved to the inside of the upper. A molded rubber outsole (Integrated Traction) makes the Nike Lunar Clayton a versatile, wearable shoe both on and off the golf course.
Lunar Control
Finally, the Nike Lunar Control golf shoe was a new addition to the Nike Golf line up last year and has been a great hit with the Tour pros. It is the shoe that Nike Golf Athletes wear the most on Tour because of the control and lightweight cushioning offered. The shoe is designed to be in contact with the ground as much as possible to allow golfers to push off the ground with more control. In addition to Lunarlon foam cushioning, the Nike Lunar Control also features Nike Flywire, which wraps from the midfoot to the heel for targeted support and lightweight structure.
Underfoot, Nike Power Platform stabilizes the foot to provide better balance, smoother weight transfer and more control at impact. Power Transfer Zone technology works in conjunction with the Power Platform to allow for constant ground contact and a smooth transfer of power throughout the swing. For 2014, there is an expressive range of bold and confident colours to choose from!
Source: Nike Inc.
