Nike's ultimate foul-weather shoe

• By Global Golf Post
• Sep 25, 2012 9:22 AM ET

Nike officials say they have long looked to make golfers more comfortable when they play and practice in inclement weather, and better able to perform at those difficult times. They do that through the outerwear they produce and also with accessories such as rain gloves and waterproof bag covers. And with the introduction of the Nike Lunar Bandon, they are taking on footwear in a whole new way.

Named for the grand golf resort on the southern Oregon coast, where players often tee it up in rain and wind, Lunar Bandon is considered by Nike technicians to be the ultimate mudder, because the shoe is made to work in even the wettest conditions.

Start with the fact they have crafted a shoe with a higher silhouette than traditional low-profile footwear designed to keep water from entering over the collar. A booty tongue construction is expected to catch any water that breaches the upper when putting on the shoes. So-called speed lacing with an easy-to-utilize toggle simplifies the fastening process, and a notched-out heel maximizes comfort for walking.

In addition, a bright, asymmetrical zipper across the top of the shoe provides a waterproof shield without adding pressure to the foot. And the upper boasts seam-sealed construction that is designed to keep water out and feet dry. Integrated traction of the outsole is engineered to help eliminate clogging and increase ground contact, to ensure greater stability. And Lunarlon cushioning in the heel is made to make the Bandon as comfortable as it is dry.

“In some climates, if you waited for fair weather days, you wouldn’t have many options to get out and play,” says Lee Walker, product director of Footwear for Nike Golf. “With the Lunar Bandon, golfers have a shoe that allows them to practice and play in any conditions.”

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