The Loop

Nike's latest shoes have Rory McIlroy's footprints all over them—literally

November 17, 2015
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As Nike worked with Rory McIlroy in the development of its newest version of its Lunar Control shoe during the past 18 months, there was a common request to his feedback.

Stability, stability, stability.

That's the theme of Nike's Lunar Control 4, which McIlroy will debut this week at the European Tour's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The former world No. 1's influence on the new design is clear. McIlroy was one of the last of the young tour pros to switch to plastic spikes, so he seeks even more stability than most—especially given his aggressive driver swing.

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This shoe is designed to stay tight to the ground through the swing. At just 376 grams (320 grams in the women's shoe), the Lunar Control 4 uses a cabling system—Nike's self-labeled Flywire technology—in the shoe's body to increase control and lateral support.

A huge graphic change in this shoe is an enormous Nike swoosh on the front.

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The shoes ($170) will be offered in three colors and available on Nike's website Nov. 27 and in stores in December.