Tiger Woods Launches First Post-Nike Golf Shoe

In January 2024, Tiger Woods announced the end of his historic 27-year partnership with Nike, a collaboration that began when he turned professional in 1996. Since then, Tiger has kept his foot in the game, launching his very own performance brand, Sun Day Red. After dropping a numerous range of active apparel, Tiger is now unveiling his very first footwear drop, the Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress.

Undergoing nearly 20 prototypes and design alterations, the Pioneer Cypress is crafted with a classic derby shape and full-grain waterproof leather construction – with supple calfskin leather used for the liner. Among the significant performance engineering is the 6mm heel drop, strategically placed to enhance power generation during swings. Additionally, the shoe offers dual interchangeable inserts, allowing golfers to customise comfort to their preference. The Red Pioneer Cypress also boasts a high-density TPU full ground contact plate with a nine-cleat configuration for superlative traction in all conditions.

‘It was clearly like a Blue Sky project where, you know, we just had to satisfy one individual and our mentality was like if we can satisfy that individual, we would satisfy the entire Community,’ said Sun Day Red Executive Creative Director Charley Hudak. ‘Building from those four pillars, we got to work with [Woods’] physio, his trainer and, we did all the research and got him going through the rehabilitation process at the same time.'

The Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress is currently available in three core colourways – white/grey, black/grey, and grey/navy – for $250. Additionally, two limited edition models, including an eye-catching ‘Bred’ iteration, are also available online for $275. At the time of writing, all models are exclusively sold on the Sun Day Red website.

For more on Tiger Woods, make sure to check out his odyssean 27-year journey with Nike.