One area where Nike have really excelled in the past few years is delivering boots tailored to specific players on the pitch, and the new CTR360 Maestri II again fits the playmaker mold. You only have to take a look at the players wearing these (Cesc Fabregas, Landon Donovan, Andres Iniesta) to see exactly what type of player they are designed for.
Nike’s goal with this release was to create a boot that masters control while allowing players to receive and distribute passes with ease. After testing them, I can tell you almost every player on the field will benefit from the high performance level you get while wearing these. Below is my in-depth breakdown of how effective they actually are in action and how they compare to the original CTR360 Maestri release. For testing, I wore a size 9US in the Challenge Red/White/Black.
Breaking In
Surprisingly, the CTR360 Maestri II Elite broke in pretty well! I have found that the carbon fiber soleplate found in the Nike Elite range can be especially hard to break in, but with this boot that wasn’t really an issue. After one 20 minute jogging session, they felt ready for game action. And when it came to wearing them in a game they worked very well, although there were some hot spots up around the top of the boot that caused concern. The non-Elite version of the CTR360 felt more comfortable through the break in period. Overall, they worked well and thankfully it didn’t get anywhere near blistering.
Compared to the CTR360 Maestri
The new versus the old! There are some updates to the second range including a re-engineered pass and receive pod region and some design upgrades. I wouldn’t say there is a great deal of difference between both releases, but the II definitely holds a slight overall advantage. If you are deciding between each pair simply choose the boot that suits your budget – the II is worth the money you pay, but the original CTR360 release still rates extremely high and will offer better value if you find them on sale.
Whats with the Pass and Receive Pads?
This is one of the more unique aspects to this release. The black region on the instep and the smaller red zone make up the pass and receive pads. The black zone is designed to improve control. Similar to the TPU fins seen on the T90 Laser III, it is designed to improve control by dampening the ball as it hits the surface of your foot. In testing, there is a noticeable difference as you make impact with the ball in that region. I found that it lies in the appropriate region as you control the ball. While striking the ball, it also offers additional spin as the fins give you extra grip on the ball.
The red region is advertised by Nike to offer similar attributes to the grooves seen on the face of a golf club. I didn’t necessarily find this region to be useful. Ultimately, I am not sure why you would actually need to add backspin while passing the ball! It might be useful for striking long balls, but it doesn’t lie anywhere near the right region. After testing, I didn’t find any conclusive evidence on how it is useful.
One last comment on this feature, many of you are going to ask how the control and pass pad compares to the Mukaiten panel seen on the Mizuno Wave Ignite. They are positioned in different regions, and also serve different purposes. The Mukaiten panel is more beneficial for striking long balls and free kicks, while the CTR360 is designed for shorter passes and quick through balls - just like playmakers are required to make throughout a game.
Design
I absolutely love the design of these boots. One of the things I really like is the black stripe that sits between the red and white areas. It adds a completely different look to the and in my opinion it is what makes them really stylish. The challenge red color almost has a metallic finish to it. Under the lights, they have an unusual shimmer that allows them to stand out. I have found through feedback that some people like the white Nike tick that has been added along the front of the boot. Personally, I like it and think it goes well with the overall design, but again opinions are mixed on this.
Performance
On field, these boots work out exactly as you would expect – and better! While dribbling, you are able to keep the ball closer to your feet by using the dampening pods up around the front of the boot. The dampening pods are raised slightly off the boot and are basically padded regions that allow for a softer touch on the ball. The side pass and control pads and the control region serves a valid purpose.
I also had an opportunity to test these out in wet conditions (we have had many rainy days here in LA recently!) and the results were very positive. Traction on the surface was never an issue, with twisting and turning not causing any problems. One thing to note is that the stud design on the Elite version differs from the regular version. Overall, performance was impressive and the boot felt like it molded easily to give a solid feel in game.
Negatives
I can’t offer too many negatives on this boot. The overall design looks good and the on-field performance was excellent. The only area where there might be questions is in durability. The original CTR360 Maestri release received criticism in this area. I found that this new release held up really well and thus far I haven’t had any major durability problems. In the 3 weeks of testing, the front of the boots has scuffed slightly which is a concern. I will update if I find any issues going forward.
Summary
Nike have found the right balance with this release. To be honest, I still rate the original CTR360 Maestri release very highly, but I like the updates Nike have added to the second generation. They offer pretty much the complete package for any player who fits the playmaker mold, or any player that aspires to be a playmaker. But the best thing about the boot is how they suit nearly every player on the field! I can see many different style of players wearing them. They weigh in at 8.8oz, which in my opinion is a pretty ideal weight as you know you are still getting a decent level of protection. Overall, a great boot that is definitely top of my list right now. I don’t think that too many players who get their hands on a player will be disappointed with this release!
*Boots supplied for review by Nike
Hey bryan, i am purchasing a new pair of cleats, and i wasn't sure if i should get the adidas adipower predators or the nike ctr360 maestri ii. what is your opinion on this? By the way, i am a fullback who likes to attack. Thanks!
Hi again. This time i have a website question. I posted a question yesterday and it disappeared! Where did it go? Thanks.
Hey, I play center back for my club, high school, and summer team. I currently wear the PUMA PWR-C v1.10 and the Tiempo Legend II's. I love my tiempo's and I'm considering just buying the Tiempo IV's. But after all the great review's on the CTR II's and the AdiPowers, I don't know which cleat to buy. I read the center back guide that you posted a while back, but I still dont have a clue which to pick. The problem i have is durability. I practice twice a week. once on turf once on natural grass. and most of my games are on grass. If anybody could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
are these cleats good for strikers?
Are these cleats good for a winger who likes to attack defenders 1 on 1 but isn’t that fast? Please I need an answer asap
I'm a size 10 in superfly III's, should I just order a size 10 in these as well?
hey Bryan how do you compare the soleplate of the regular ( i ) against the elite (ii) in turf ??? Because i'm thinking in buy the elite but i'm affraid that the regular are better for turf..
Shiver me timbers, them’s some great infortimaon.
Bryan, i bought these cleats in the yellow/white color way about a week ago and was just wondering, whats the best way to clean scuffs off your cleats?
Bryan, i bought these cleats in the yellow/white color way about a week ago and was just wondering, whats the best way to clean scuffs off your cleats?
Try using some warm water on a rag and elbow grease!
hi bryan, i have the ctr360 maestriII and the top left on the right foot and right on the left foot studs are giving me terrible blisters. do they fix this problem on the elite? is there any way i can prevent blisters? i have a tournament coming up this weekend so i need to fix this problem fast! thanks so much!
I haven't heard of this problem, so it is either unique to the pair you have or they are just not the right fit for you. Have you had them long and are they broken in?
Hey Bryan, how long would maestri 2 elites last if I never put leather food on or clean them?
They don't require leather food – choosing to not clean them is not an option!
How long would they last though?
Hey Bryan, How long Would the maestri 2 elites last if I really don’t take care of them? I’m asking you because my older brother has a pair and he doesn’t take care of them AT ALL. He leaves them outside and stuff. I hope to use them but idk how long they will last. Can you please answer ASAP thanks.
would you recommend these for a striker?
Yes – definitely a good option for attacking players!
Bryan, i play football how i play futsal, i like to use the sole of my foot to beat defenders, i would love to see how much traction the cleat has on the ball, and how easy it is to use the sole of your foot in some of yours reviews.
Very Nice review…very much enjoyed it and am seriously considering getting the elite version of these boots instead of the regular maestri's.
i like this boots
hi great review
but is there a big difference between elite and just regular?
Hello,
I was wondering how the traction was on the elite version of the Maestri II compared to the regular Maestri II.
I play on turf and FG. So, which has better traction? As they have different stud patterns…
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Hey Brian, do you know anywhere where I could buy these [or the regular version] in the same color as you had them? Looking forward to the Christmas Giveaway, I love the site
It is tough to find that colorway – best bet is to try eBay!
Your right it is tough… this colorway is a lot nicer than the other in my opinion… do you know why they dont offer this colorway much ?
Oh yeah and do you have a review of the regular nike Ctr360 Maestri II ?
i have the red and black version and i love them
Hey Brian,
Quick question, do you think these would be a good selection for a keeper? If so, why?
Thanks
Yeah they should be fine, there are not a great deal of boots that don't suit a keepers style! The fact that you get a pass and control zone, front dampening pods and an overall light boot make them a good match.
Is it bad to wear the new ctr360 on turf because i just bought them and I’m wondering if i should keep them or sell them
I heard from other reviews they provide too much traction if you believe it or not, to the point where you might just break your leg! If I were you, I'd be on the safe side and get cleats specialized for turf surfaces.