Adidas drapes golf shoes in American flag

You may have noticed that adidas has been on a roll lately. A bevy of pros have worn the company's golf shoes while marching to victory in recent months, including Tim Clarke (The Players), Adidas Kinderschoene`n Justin Rose (The Memorial), Tom Lehman (Senior PGA Championship), Jason Day (HP Byron Nelson) and Se Ri Pak (Bell Micro Classic).

The venerable brand isn't resting on its laurels, though. This week, Adidas Schoenen Dames made two announcements it hopes will boost its profile and profits.

First off, the company unveiled a limited edition of its TOUR360 4.0 shoe in a "USA Flag" design, which will be worn by its stable of American pro golfers at the 110th U.S. Open – June 17-20 at Pebble Beach Golf Links – and the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales.

The shoe features a red, white and blue color scheme and an American flag on the rear quarter. Only 3,500 pairs will be available for retail purchase at a manufacturer's suggested retail Adidas Sale (MSRP) of $180.

Players scheduled to debut the TOUR360 4.0 USA Flag shoe at the U.S. Open include Sean O'Hair, Kenny Perry, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Fred Funk and Matt Bettencourt. All Yanks, of course.

"Our team of designers and engineers wanted to make a bold statement and showcase to the world the style and innovation that exists behind every adidas golf shoe," said Dave Ortley, Senior Director of Global Footwear.

"Thanks to tremendous tour validation, the adidas golf TOUR360 4.0 is already revered as one of the most successful golf shoes in the industry and we believe this limited edition version will help to build the legendary franchise even more."

Adidas calls the TOUR360 4.0 "the lowest shoe in golf" thanks to its THiNTech cleat and attachment system. The company says this technology is 32% lower than conventional systems, improving stability, balance, power, footwork and feedback.

In addition, adidas has expanded its adiPURE line of apparel and footwear to include women's items. For now, the offerings are limited to shirts, pants, skorts and sweaters. No word yet if and when adiPURE golf shoes for women will be added to the mix.