Bond, Sreesanth launch Air Zoom Yorker footwear for pacers by Nike

Mumbai, Aug 31 (UNI) Pace bowlers Shane Bond of New Zealand and India's S Sreesanth today launched Nike's Air Zoom Yorker footwear for bowlers at a function here.

Senior developer at Nike Inc Chris Cook said a lot of research has gone into making the Air Zoom Yorker. The shoes have been developed after a high degree of research spanning different cricket playing countries. ''Our research spanned many key areas such as comfort, cushioning, flexibilty, traction stabilty and shoe weight,'' he added.

Terming the making of the shoe as equivalent to making of the 43rd law in cricket, Cook said that New Zeland bowlers Shane Bond and Paul Wilson were invited to the Nike Sports Research Lab in Beaverton where they underwent a number of tests and also they gave their suggestions on what they feel they would like before the shoe design was made.

We also invited South African Shaun Pollock for his feedback and tests, Cook added.

Some of the characteristics of the shoe are that it has increased durability, superior touch and feel and less water retention. In addition, Cook said, Air Zoom Yorker is reinforced with the Zoom Air cushioning at the heel and forefront to reduce cleat pressure and increase responsive cushioning.

Shane Bond said that these were the best shoes which I have ever worn. The lightness was very good and before I needed a couple of weeks break-in time for any pair of new shoes, but with these there is absolutely no break-in period and I can wear them immediately into a match and feel confortable.

Sreesanth said that he felt great to be associated with Nike.

''Before I had difficulty in getting used to any shoes, but these shoes feel great from the moment I have worn them. I have used them in a couple of practice matches and have felt very good with the lightness and overall comfort level of the shoe,'' he added.

Apart from shoes for a pace bowler, Nike also said that Air Zoom Opener for the batsmen was available in this series. Furthermore Nike is also introducing a range of performance apparel and accessories, including Indian cricket replica jerseys, training gear, kit bags, backpacks etc. designed exclusively for cricket.

The shoe will hit the market on September 15, 2006 and will be available for a price of Rs 8900.

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