Nike unveils next-generation tennis shoe
03/01/2014
"Our primary objective was to design a revolutionary tennis shoe that makes players faster to the ball," said Michael Hui, senior designer of Tennis Footwear at Nike. "It wasn't about making a shoe lighter at all costs. We wanted to add to the superb durability, support and cushioning that existed in our tennis footwear to create a shoe that would improve our athlete's ability to compete and win."
The design team borrowed the upper style from football and basketball designs, using a “synthetic leather” and mesh upper to reduce weight. Flywire technology wraps the mid foot and arch for an adaptive fit that is customisable using the lacing system of the shoe.
The midsole features a soft, resilient foam core encased within a proprietary foam carrier. A TPU mid foot shank delivers stability.
Extensive foot pressure and performance data was used to create the outsole. Outrigger technology on the lateral side of the shoe enhances launch for quick sprints across the court and flex grooves deliver better articulation and flexibility to allow the foot to move more naturally, according to Nike.
The Nike Lunar Ballistec will be available from January 2, 2014.
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