Nike CTR 360

The Nike CTR360 Maestri comes with the boast it is 'crafted for the player looking to master control and make a difference on the pitch'. Now I can't imagine new footwear will come close to helping me in my life-long aim but as boots go these are the business. Even though they are incredibly light, price-wise they come in on the heavy side but there's no doubting Nike have gone the extra mile in terms of hi-tech design. The outsole has been tweaked to maximize a player's ability to trap and control the ball, while the upper has been refined for receiving and distributing. They do provide great touch and precision and the lightweight construction makes it easier to move on and off the ball. The boot uses a unique synthetic upper called Kanga-Lite that delivers the fit and feel of kangaroo leather with the performance qualities of engineered fabrics. The outsole consists of a lightweight plate that provides durable support and contoured studs in the forefoot that provide grip without compromising traction or stability or durability. The CTR360 Maestri also features an asymmetrical lacing system and three dampening pods on the lateral forefoot which make controlling the ball that fraction easier. The stud pattern is a little different to many other boots but still provides great traction. It's still early days - and how they hold up on muddy pitches in the depths of winter remains to be seen - but if you can afford to stump up the hefty price then the Nike CTR360 Maestri is up there with the best around. One nice footnote: a special code included with each pair grants you access to exclusive Nike Football+ training content, including insights from the pros and elite training sessions.

Locker Room Rating: 4.5/5