Rory McIlroy's latest golf shoe, the Nike Lunar Control Vapor, sees the Northern Irishman move away from spikes for the first time in favour of Nike's Articulated Integrated Traction outsole.
The revolutionary traction system, first seen in the Nike Flyknit Elite was put through its paces by McIlroy and his performance team in the Bahamas where he deliberately hit shots from all possible angles - side-hill, down-hill lies, bunkers and rough - pushing the shoe to its limits.
This level of testing was necessary for McIlroy to make the switch:
For as long as I can remember, I've played golf in spiked footwear, and up until two years ago those spikes were metal. Through its drive to innovate and bring the sport to new places, Nike has created a new traction system that provides me with a stable base to push off the ground and deliver the distance I need off the tee.
A unique system, developed via research and athlete testing, Articulated Integrated Traction aligns with the golfing movement and helps to facilitate better footwork.
The articulated channels found on the sole allow for better balance throughout the golf swing as well as keeping the player lower to the ground.
A unique TPU tread features a protruding series of tooth-like tracks allowing for more points of contact for maximum traction that continuously engage with the ground as weight shifts from heel to toe.
Gentry Humphrey,VP Nike Golf Footwear outlines some of its advantages:
Nike Articulated Integrated Traction’s geometry provides great traction on any surface and disperses stud pressure. Not having to place receptacles on the outsole means more room for extra foam underfoot to provide amazing cushioning.
In the Lunar Control Vapor golf shoes the traction system is paired with a full-length Lunarlon midsole and the Nike Flywire stability system. These combine to help keep the foot stable, and cushioned, through the swing. The shoe is finished wtih a lightweight premium microfibre upper that comes with a 2-year waterproof guarantee.