One-dimensional (1D) α-LiFeO2 nanorods are successfully prepared via a low-temperature solid-state reaction from α-FeOOH nanorods synthesized by hydrothermal process and used as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. As cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the nanorods can achieve a high initial specific capacity of 165.85 mAh/g at 0.1 C for which a high capacity retention of 81.65% can still be obtained after 50 cycles. The excellent performance and cycling stability are attributed to the unique 1D nanostructure, which facilitates the rapid electron exchange and fast lithium-ion diffusion between electrolyte and cathode materials.