It is no secret that the stress Tiger Woods puts his body under while hitting the aggressively powerful and athletic shots he does is to blame for many of his injuries.
Therefore, the World No 1 is always trying to minimise the stress on his ageing knees and achilles.
Last year he did so by wearing the trainer-like TW’13 shoes that, as you can tell by the name, he helped design.
They were incredibly light and comfortable – almost like slippers – yet stable enough for him to go full pelt at everything. However, they weren’t the easiest on the eye.
"I train with Nike Free technology all the time. I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, why can’t I play golf in it?” – Tiger Woods Last week at the Players, Woods was seen in what looked like the next generation in Nike’s lightweight shoe line, and it was confirmed by the company on Monday that this was the case.
The shoes are again based on Nike’s famous ‘Free’ running shoe and is extremely light and flexible, thus allowing efficient energy transfer, leading to more power and ensuring less stress on the joints.
“I train with Nike Free technology all the time,” said Woods.
“I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, why can’t I play golf in it?”
New features include more ventilation, stability, and customisable colour schemes. When the shoes are released (expect them around July), it is said customers will be able to choose between breathable mesh or waterproof leather.