2014 Nike Lunar Control Shoes

[SPY ZINGER]

 

Nike Lunarlon technology provides the ultimate in comfort, control and support  -

 

BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 7, 2014) – Rory McIlroy loves how lightweight his Nike Lunar Control shoes are. “They feel like you can wear them all day, they're incredibly comfortable,” he says.

 

Paul Casey says it's “the impeccable traction with the ground” that is key in his decision to lace up in Lunar Controls week after week.

 

And Kyle Stanley likes that he doesn't have to break them in. “They're ready to wear, right out of the box,” he says. “I wouldn't wear anything else.”

 

Nike Golf Athletes sport the Nike Lunar Control on Tour more than any other shoe because it offers the control and lightweight cushioning they need round after round – and now they have an expressive range of bold and confident colors to choose from.

 

“The shoe is designed to be in contact with the ground as much as possible and that enables me to push off the ground with more control,” Casey says. “For me, it's always incredible how Nike creates great shoes, and then improves on them in the next generation.”

 

Vibrant colors such as Venom Green, Military Blue and Challenge Red pop against white and black premium full-grain leather uppers and highlight Nike's proprietary full-length Lunarlon technology, a lightweight cushioning system that is highly responsive, resulting in a unique combination of comfort and support.

 

“Our Tour athletes are on their feet all day, every day – they know what they need out of a golf shoe to perform at their best,” says Lee Walker, Nike Golf Global Footwear Marketing Director. “We relied heavily on their insights to create a shoe that provides optimal control and comfort in a range of confident colors.”

 

In addition to Lunarlon foam cushioning, the Nike Lunar Control also features Nike Flywire, another proprietary technology, which wraps from the midfoot to the heel for targeted support and lightweight structure.

 

Underfoot, Nike Power Platform stabilizes the foot to provide better balance, smoother weight transfer and more control at impact. Power Transfer Zone technology works in conjunction with the Power Platform to allow for constant ground contact and a smooth transfer of power throughout the swing.

 

The new colorways of the Nike Lunar Control are available now in Black/Reflect Silver-Light Crimson; White/Team Red-Challenge Red; White/Black-Venom Green; and White/Military Blue-Venom Green.

 

Nike Lunar Control

 

Street Price: $160

 

 

[Paul S]

The yellow and black looks like it's taking dead aim at the adizeros.

[whiskey golf]

The yellow and black looks like it's taking dead aim at the adizeros.

 

It's also taking aim at the MGS logo colors.

 

Also, I wonder how these compare in comfort to the new TW 14 shoes. I may need to get a new pair of golf shoes soon.

[Tony Covey MGS]

 

Here's a few in-hand pics. Nike gave me a pair of these to try out while I was out at the Innovation Unleashed Summit in November. I wore them at the Vegas demo day, but haven't had any time on the course with them yet. I'm probably bringing 3 pairs of shoes with me to the PGA Show as it is, and with the Lunar Claytons already on the list, these will probably have to wait for spring to get put through their paces.

 

 

As indicated in the press release, the key technologies of the new Lunar Control are the Lunarlon outsole which provides lightweight cushioning, and the Flywire bracing that supports the upper. Flywire, to an extent acts like rebar in that it provides the structure that allows Nike to use a lightweight synthetic in the upper.

 

 

Comparisons between the Lunar Control and adidas adizero one are likely inevitable. While very different shoes, both are positioned as lightweight, close ground contact products.

 

While I haven't had a chance to play a round of golf in either, I've hit balls with both on my feet, and so here's what I think are the main points of distinction:

 

• The Lunar Control looks and feels more like a traditional golf shoe. The adizero one is almost a football boot/golf shoe hybrid.
• The synthetic upper that Nike uses feels (there's that word again) more like traditional material (leather). While I don't agree with the "cheap" characterization, I get where it comes from, so if that's the baseline you want to use, then the Lunar Controls feel less cheap. I don't believe durability - at least as far as the construction of the shoe itself goes - will be an issue in either case. 
• While the Nike looks larger size to size, the fit is actually quite similar. If you ALWAYS need a wide shoe you'll certainly need a wide in both. I'm right on the edge of needing a wide, but I'm able to get away with, and be comfortable in the standard size in both shoes.
• The Lunar Control is heavier, but is by no means a heavy shoe. We're talking ounces here.
• It has been my experience that neither will require a break-in period. I'm basically dismissive of any shoe that destroys my feet before it gets comfortable, and I have zero reservations about walking 18 with either straight out of the box.
• Obviously waterproof-ness is a concern. I wore the Lunar Controls in the rain...no issues. Given the adizero's primary material and general lack of seams (everything is thermal-bonded), I don't think that's going to be an issue either.

Both a very good shoes, and I expect you'll be happy with either depending on your personal sense of style.

[GolfSpy WD]

Thanks for the input T. I'll have to check these out.

[JohnBarry]

T we need to hook up at the show if you if time for a beer!

[GlobalGolf.com]

These shoes look awesome. I love the colors that will be available!