BEAVERTON, Ore. (April 19, 2009) – Nike today introduced the Nike LunarGlide+, a new lightweight running shoe with an innovative mid-sole design architecture called Dynamic Support, a patent-pending system which adapts to a runner’s gait with each step, providing superior cushioning and as-needed stability.

“Runners traditionally had to choose between stability or cushioning shoes based on their running style,” said Leslie Lane, Global Vice President and General Manager for Nike Running. “For the first time a running shoe will respond to the runner’s gait throughout a run as it varies between neutral and over-pronation.”

Dynamic Support
The Dynamic Support system breaks the myth that runners must compromise their needs by selecting between two industry-standard categories of Stability or Cushioning. In fact, most runners’ foot strikes will vary between neutral and over-pronation throughout the course of a run, impacted by fatigue and the running surface.

The Nike LunarGlide+ is the first shoe to deliver lightweight, custom performance with both top-tier cushioning and stability.

The Dynamic Support system in the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight LunarLite foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The LunarLite foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.

A neutral runner will not engage the wedge upon foot strike, but a runner who pronates, no matter to what degree, will engage the rear-foot wedge, receiving the stable platform they need upon foot strike. All runners will feel the deep, responsive cushioning of the LunarLite foam core.

“All runners are different and therefore need specific solutions,” said Phil McCartney, Global Footwear Category Director. ”The new Nike LunarGlide+ featuring the Dynamic Support system responds with cushioning and stability so runners will no longer have to compromise. Runners will experience a ride which is specific to them and how they run, even as their gait changes throughout a run.”

LunarLite Foam
Nike first introduced LunarLite foam in the summer of 2008 in Beijing as the mid-sole cushioning system of the Nike LunaRacer and Nike Lunar Trainer running shoes and in the Nike Hyperdunk basketball shoe. Traditional cushioning systems only absorb energy upon impact while LunarLite foam has proven to provide superior cushioning and significant energy return.

Flywire Technology
The Nike LunarGlide+ incorporates another Beijing innovation – Flywire technology. The integration of Flywire threads into the upper design of shoes from a variety of sports including running, basketball and tennis, has allowed designers to shed unprecedented amounts of weight without losing the necessary support and stability.

The use of LunarLite foam in the mid-sole and Flywire threads in the upper allowed designers to create the men’s Nike LunarGlide+ at a mere 10.6 oz., while the women’s weighs just 8.6 oz.

Women’s Specific Design
All runners are not......