Nike have fully revealed their completely re-designed CTR360 Maestri III football boots. Built for the player looking to dictate the tempo of a game, Nike have introduced a couple of new innovations for the next generation CTR. So take a look at our exclusive up-close photography and all the tech info you need, and let us know what you think...
Maestri – meaning Maestro in Italian – has become the boot favored by midfield players who rely on innovative performance features to enhance their control of the ball, and therefore the game itself. Established playmakers sporting the new CTR 360 Maestri III will include FC Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta and a new generation of young players including Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Brazil’s Ganso.
Launched back in 2009, the Nike CTR360 range has gone from strength to strength. Now in it's third year we are seeing the third incarnation, but expectations will be high after two very popular predecessors. So who are Nike and the CTR's target market? Well it's the midfield maestro, the player with impeccable ball control, who receives the ball, makes his own time and space and has both the vision and the range of passing to create game changing opportunities.
The look of the new CTR360 Maestri III football boots has certainly been updated for the 2012/13 season, but Nike have retained the now signature two-tone colour scheme. The boot has also been reengineered to deliver enhanced control, traction, support and lightweight comfort. Using next generation Kanga-Lite synthetic material for an assured touch and durability.
One of biggest innovations for the new Nike CTR360 Maestri III soccer cleats to shout about is the All Conditions Control (ACC) technology. An upper material and surface texture that provides the same level of control in either dry or wet conditions, a huge leap forward in upper development and one that backs the argument for synthetic over natural uppers.
The stand-out feature for the Nike CTR360 range since day one, has been the control pad on the instep. Innovated for 2012, the revamped 3D control pad uses separate strips with fins of varying sizes to hug the arch and maximize contact with the ball, optimizing receiving and passing accuracy.
An asymmetrical lacing system enlarges the area used to control the ball and a new streamlined design enhances touch sensitivity. A dimpled texture on the midfoot doesn't just offer an aesthetics but also increases friction, once again aiding the players control and touch.
It's a brand new and more responsive sole-plate featuring a 360 degree stud placement – the boot deploys round studs on the medial side and blades on the lateral – which is designed to provide premium comfort; perfect for the midfielder’s constant turns, and cuts through the pitch. The new CTR360 Maestri III football boots also come in a mixed-stud soft ground plate, similar to the plates we're seeing across the Nike boot range.
One of the most highly anticipated boot launches has finally arrived. The new CTR360 Maestri III football boots haven't been Nike's best kept secret, but they've been looking great on-pitch during pre-season, and we're expecting the boots to have a good impact during 2012/13.
The price of the new Nike CTR360 Maestri III football boots has taken a slight upward turn, but nothing too drastic and possibly due to the new synthetic upper material. You can expect to part with around £145 GBP / €175 EURO / $190 USD for a firm ground pair of the new CTR's, whilst the soft ground versions are a little extra at £155 GBP / €190 EURO / $210 USD. The boots will begin shipping from August 1st, but you can pre-order them from July 24th to make sure you're one of the first to get your hands on a pair.
The Sonic Yellow/Black colourway is the lead boot for the launch of the Nike CTR360 Maestri III football boots, which we will see being worn by most players. Now you've had a good look at them have your say on Nike's latest control boot, and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.