KITCHENER, Ont. – Nov. 29, 2004 – Hi-Tec, the instantly comfortable lightweight footwear brand, is set to launch the worlds first game improvement golf shoe for 2005: Custom Directional Traction Golfing Footwear, featuring the CDT Launch Pad Outsole.
Two years ago Europe's number 1 player Padraig Harrington approached the Hi-Tec product development team with a challenge. What could they do to help him hit the ball longer off the tee, and give him better control and consistency off the fairway?
An intensive research period followed utilizing the biomechanical expertise of Dr. Paul Hurrion of the Quintic Consultancy. Using high-speed video anaylsis, the ideal outsole design and cleat configuration was created, now known as the CDT Launch Pad Outsole.
The biomechanical facts
It's amazing to see what has gone into the science of the CDT Launch Pad Outsole. Supported by the use of the analytical software, the Hi-Tec development team, Padraig and Dr. Paul Hurrion used biomechanical analysis of players, shutter speed of 500 frames per second and RSscan software to analyse golf swings in minute detail. Cutting edge technology and many long hours perfected the most stable base in golf.
They took particular interest in weight distribution and changing pressure patterns during a golfers swing. The end result of the base of this shoe makes the most of the force used to hit the ball and holds footing still during the golf swing.
Longitudinal Stability Index
The longer a player's center of gravity can continue towards the target, the more energy is directed there - improving confidence, efficiency and accuracy. This measurement is referred to as the Longitudinal Stability Index (LSI). Unfortunately most players deviate from this ideal line, thus reducing the energy flowing in the optimum direction. the results of Padraig hitting a 5 iron under three different test conditions were unquestionable:
Bare Feet- 65%
Hi-Tec Custom Comfort V-Lite Shoes - 78%
New CDT POWER SHOES - 94%
The result
Every year at the US Open the PGA of America measures a player's club head and ball speed. In the 2004 results, using the same club and ball as 2003 but wearing the CDT Power, Padraig's ball speed increased from 166mph to 173 mph. Padraig attributes this increase to the CDT Power Shoe.
Padraig Harrington, European Pro Golfer:
"I've always known there's an art to golf, but there's also a science. For over two years, I've worked alongside Dr. Hurrion and Hi-Tec to perfect the shoe's biomechanics. With the greater stability and traction that CDT gives me, I can swing harder while keeping my balance. Basically, the ball travels further because I get more club head and ball speed from my stance. But CDT isn't just about adding power and distance with a driver. Pick up a 5 iron and you'll feel that it's all about control too."
Dr.Paul Hurrion
"I am pleased to have been involved in the biomechanical analysis and development of the Hi-Tec CDT outsole. CDT Technology will enable all golfers, amateur to professional, to benefit from improved stability and balance during their golf swing."
