Serious golfers know the importance of traction in the golf swing. The ability to stay connected to the ground from a stable base is the foundation for all good players, with a flat stable front foot and a torqueing back foot contributing to enhanced power, accuracy and consistency.
It is this unique movement which has inspired the Nike Flyknit Elite golf shoe, the first to incorporate Nike's Articulated Integrated Traction system which decouples the medial heel and lateral forefoot areas.
A unique system, developed via research and athlete testing, Articulated Integrated Traction aligns with the golfing movement and helps to facilitate better footwork, as Gentry Humphrey, VP Nike Golf Footwear explains:
When our team of designers started creating what would become Articulated Integrated Traction we factored in foot performance through every aspect of the swing. We also considered the various surfaces and angles a golfer has to play through each and every round and worked harder to create traction that performs in every condition.
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. Nike has also replaced traditional spikes with a TPU tread design that offers continuous traction without sacrificing grip.
On the Flyknit Elite the traction system is paired with a full-length Lunarlon midsole for responsive cushioning and a lightweight, breathable one-piece Flyknit upper.
The Flyknit Elite is the first golf shoe to utilise this Nike upper technology that gives targeted support in key areas to keep the foot locked down and stable. The familiar Dynamic Flywire, which features across a range of Nike performance shoes, controls the midfoot throughout the full range of the swing and a mid-height collar wraps around the athlete's foot to help prevent grass and other debris from getting in. A TPU skin for dew protection has also been added along the upper's edge.
The Nike Flyknit Elite is available in either Pure Platinum/Cool Grey or Black/Clear Jade and is available from www.nike.com from June 16th and at select retailers from July 1st.