The golf was ragged but Tiger’s prototype Nike Free golf shoes (pictured) represented an interesting development for Nike Golf, as the manufacturing giant follows in the footsteps of brands such as Ecco and True Linkswear – the brand owned by PGA Tour golfer Ryan Moore – in bringing what Nike and Ecco both call ‘Natural Motion’ technology to the golf course.
Ecco introduced its Biom shoes this time last year, and Nike is planning to launch Nike Free in 2012. The shoes are based on the theory of minimalist footwear, with evidence from fields of biomechanics, physiology, hormonal health and nutrition showing that populations growing up barefoot develop better arch formation, lower injury rates and improved athletic performance.
Nike Free shoes are designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot, while providing lightweight protection and traction.
“This gives Tiger greater stability as he addresses the ball,” says Nike’s R&D expert Tobie Hatfield. “The freedom of movement that natural motion technology delivers will also allow more power to be released through the swing rather than through the body – which can happen when your feet are too static.”
