Nike Golf's new Lunar Swingtip for on and off course

• By Global Golf Post
• Sep 10, 2012 12:08 PM ET

The footwear category in golf continues to expand in a variety of ways, toward shoes that are more casual – and can be worn on and off the course – and also those that are highly functional from an athletic standpoint. With the introduction of its Lunar Swingtip, Nike Golf offers a product that company officials say is a little bit of both. A mash-up, if you will, of street-style golf shoes and a performance product.

The performance part of this package comes from the traction pattern of the outsole, which was derived from a pressure mapping study conducted on multiple categories of Nike athletes through the company’s Sports Research Lab.

Findings from that effort directly influenced the stud configuration, geometry and height of the lugs in Lunar Swingtip, so they give golfers, in the words of Nike engineers, “traction on demand.” In other words, traction when and where players need it.

The idea is for the lugs, which come in different colors, is to engage with the ground throughout the golf swing, providing a secure grip with hidden traction. The rubber rim around the bottom of the shoe is weight activated and is designed to work with the movements of the foot to create increased stability, while concealing the traction lugs below. In addition, a full-length Nike Lunarlon sock liner is made to provide comfort as well as ground feel and support.

Interestingly, the same lugs that Nike employs to provide traction with these shoes also make it possible for golfers to go right from the car to the course, while wearing them. The company also utilizes a wingtip design to give these a classic look, and the uppers are available in multiple colors and materials, including leather, which boasts a one-year warranty, suede and canvas.

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