The Nike brand is dedicated to working with their athletes and gaining their insight on to innovate new products to help them perform their best. This is particularly true with the golf division of Nike, which has the feedback of World Number 1 Rory McIlroy as well as Tiger Woods. Not only do they provide insight on golf clubs (Vapor Irons, Vapor Metalwoods), but also golf apparel and the new Nike Lunar Control 3 is no exception.
The Nike Lunar Control 3 was designed to be the ultimate lightweight performance golf shoe that is more stable and comfortable while maintaining lightweight control. McIlroy gave feedback on the design and will debut the new shoe, along with fellow Nike Golf athletes, at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, UAE. Because McIlroy has such a power golf swing, stability and power from the ground up was critical. This is where the designers began – the end product is a shoe that provides better traction, prevents slipping and retains the control needed to generate power and speed. An extra spike in the medial forefoot on the outsole and secondary traction elements provide these added stability.
The Lunar Control 3 also features a wider base for increased stability and to allow the golf athlete to maintain contact with the ground for as long as possible through impact. A carbon fiber midfoot shank also delivers lower, lighter and more stable control. The shoe will still utilize Nike Flywire technology to lateral support while using more robust cables to secure the foot effectively. The upper of the shoe is made from a microfiber synthetic to offer water resistance, better durability and a great fit right out of the box. In the midsole, the Nike Lunar Control 3 features a lighter and softer full-length Nike Lunarlon foam to deliver lightweight, responsive cushioning.
“It is the Nike Flywire in conjunction with the extra traction that help athletes maintain control,” Madore said. “With Rory, he creates so much torque that we are leveraging the Flywire in the midfoot to contain his foot. It is basically the symbiotic relationship between the outsole and the Flywire that is the key to the whole design of the Nike Lunar Control 3.”
The Nike Lunar Control 3 will be available January 1, 2015 (Black/Pure Platinum, Pure Platinum/Bright Crimson, White/Pure Platinum and White/Volt colorways; White/Lyon Blue colorway in March) and will also be on NIKEiD for customization starting January 12, 2015. A limited offering of the white and volt colourway will be sold online for four days starting November 28, 2014. The Lunar Control 3 will have a street price of $170.00.
Source: Nike Inc.
