As we get set for the first World Golf Championship of the season in Shanghai at the WGC-HSBC Champions, Rory McIlroy is making some headlines. Aside from making an equipment change to a Taylormade M2 driver and fairway woods, Rory will also be debuting the new Nike Lunar Control Vapor.
Buy the LUNAR CONTROL VAPOR here.
Despite exiting the golf equipment industry, Nike is still as driven and innovative as ever with its apparel and shoes. The latest release is the Lunar Control Vapor that was tested rigorously by Rory during this off-season. The Nike Lunar Control Vapor features a new spike-less traction system known as the Articulated Integrated Traction outsole. Its design was inspired by the tread on a snowmobile and it was was first introduced in the Nike Flyknit Elite.
During testing of the shoe, Rory pushed it to the limit, hitting shots from all possible angles. Whether it was side-hill, down-hill lies or bunkers, the traction system provided an exceptional stable base for Rory to push off the ground and execute his shots. The new traction system allows this to happen because it “decouples the medial heel and lateral forefoot area to help propel the athlete through the swing.” In addition, there are articulated channels that also allows for better balance while keeping the golfer lower to the ground.
The traction of the Lunar Control Vapor is also enhanced by an unique TPU tread that “features a protruding series of tooth-like track.” This provides the “shoe with more points of contact for maximum traction as it continuously engage with the ground as weight shifts from heel to toe.” Although the focus of the shoe has been its traction, the Lunar Control Vapor features a full-length Lunarlon midsole and Nike Flywire for maximum comfort. In terms of design, due to the fact that there is no room to place receptacles on the outsole, this means there is more room for extra foam underfoot for more cushioning. There is also a 2-year waterproof guarantee on its lightweight premium microfiber upper.
Four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy will debut the Nike Lunar Control Vapor this week but the shoe will be available in the United States in limited colorways via the Nike+ App on November 22. Additional colorways will launch on Nike.com a few days later on November 25. You can also purchase the shoe now through local retailers.
Source: Nike Inc.
