Hurley's new Phantom Elite sandals include Nike Free technology

Hurley has taken Nike’s shoe technology and blended it into its latest line of sandals, while adding leather for a bit of extra elegance. The new Phantom Elite

Hurley has taken Nike’s shoe technology and blended it into its latest line of sandals, while adding leather for a bit of extra elegance.

The new Phantom Elite Leather sandal from the Nike affiliate combines the Nike Free technology used in the mega-company’s minimalist running line, a natural fit for a sandal.

With surfers the world’s ultimate barefoot athletes, Hurley wanted offer up a beach-ready footwear option to support the natural barefoot movement its athletes employ while competing. The new Phantom Elite features the Nike Free flex-groove sole, a technology that uses hexagonal flex to allow the foot to move more naturally.

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“The number one reason a person wears a sandal is so they can feel like they are walking barefoot,” says Bruce Moore, vice president of innovation at Hurley. “The Phantom sandal provides that sensation while also protecting someone from the varying terrain often found at the beach.”

The upper of the Phantom uses spacer mesh, allowing for a sandal that has breathability where the strap touches the skin. Plus, it is washable.

For the elegance, Hurley opted for “soccer-boot leather” over the soft EVA foam that results in a moldable foot bed and heel cup.

With the freshly released Phantom Elite Leather, Hurley strikes out for technological comfort.

Tim Newcomb covers stadiums, design and gear for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.