McIlroy Debuting New Nike Kicks at Players

It seems Rory McIlroy has a thing for shoes, and Nike seems willing to oblige. McIlroy is debuting his third different style of shoe this week at the Players, the Air Zoom 90 IT.

Built on the technology platform and silhouette of Nike’s popular Air Max 90 style that McIlroy likes to wear off the course, the Air Zoom 90 IT has been given a golf infusion that McIlroy says is “different and very cool but also performs well.”

A thin, lightweight material in the forefoot provides cushioning and downforce stability, while the upper is a one-piece, boot-like waterproof construction that’s designed to cradle the foot. The rubber outsole includes integrated traction elements, while Nike’s lightweight foam Phylon provides cushioning in the midsole. McIlroy says the Air Zoom 90 IT allows him to not change shoes as often during the day. “If I want to go straight from the course to somewhere else,” he said, “I can do it and not feel like I standout and look like a golfer.”

So far this year, McIlroy has worn Nike’s Lunar Control 4, the updated version of the shoe he wore when winning two majors in 2014, and the Flyknit Chukka, another street-style shoe which he debuted at Riviera in February during the Northern Trust Open.

The Air Zoom 90 IT will be available at nike.com and select retailers in black with white trim starting tomorrow. A white version with black trim will go on sale June 1. Price is $170.