Nike Naftikos (Greek for “Navigator”)
For the sport of Sailing, the sturdy, lightweight Nike Naftikos sailing boot was developed to specifically enhance the performance of the crew’s helmsmen. As navigator of the sailboat, the efficiency of a craft’s course and safety of the crew (in doublehanded events) often depends on the feet of this athlete, who steers from the back of the vessel and secures feet under toe-straps to hike out. One of the most noticeable features of the Nike Naftikos boot is the nubby rubber material that runs from the top of the toe to the ankle strap. Combined with a layer of padding, this traction panel provides the best grip possible on boat straps and reduces the pressure on a helmsman’s feet during critical hiking maneuvers. A waterproof neoprene upper manages moisture and temperature inside the boot, while a medial zipper and Velcro brand closure at the ankle provide a streamlined fit for easy on-and-off of the shoe. The outsole of the Nike Naftikos incorporates a high-traction herringbone pattern made from Nike’s most effective wet-surface rubber compound. Increasing traction from the helmsman’s seated position, the outsole wraps the heel of the boot, adding grip and reducing wear to the boot.
In conversations with US, Puerto Rican, Chinese and Ukrainian sailors about colorways for their team footwear, designers discovered that the athletes could only wear colors that do not clash with their predominantly black wetsuits. Using this request as a guide, Team USA’s and Team Puerto Rico’s Naftikos boots are built from two subdued blues (Moonlight and Dark Obsidian) with a white Swoosh and Dark Obsidian outsole. The Chinese team selected a black bootie with a Comet Red liner and outsole, and a Varsity Maize (yellow) Swoosh. Ukrainian helmsmen are an exception to the understated sailor’s dress code, wearing a half black, half Yellow Zest boot that includes a Royal Blue liner and a Yellow Zest Swoosh.
Key Features
-Light, protective footwear designed for the demands of world-class sailing
-Water-resistant, neoprene upper
-Nubs and padding on top of foot helps improve traction and reduce pressure from toe straps
-Stable, supportive herringbone outsole design
-Rubber wrap in heel reduces wear and helps improve grip
-Outsole compound formulated for maximum wet-surface traction on fiberglass hulls
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