Thursday , March 28 2024

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom – Comparing The Latest Releases

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom

When the Nike Magista 2 was released a few weeks back, there was a number of players that immediately pointed out how they were very similar looking to the third generation Hypervenom series. One of the most notable similarities is the use of performance texturing across the upper, it creates a look unique to both silos. Someone even remarked that if the Magista had been released as the new Hypervenom, it would have easily fitted right in. Honestly, I can’t disagree with that.

In reality, both silos are very different performance wise. I figured it would be a good idea to break both down against each other, so players have an idea of what to expect should they be trying to decide between both pairs.

Both imaged boots are part of the Pitch Dark Pack.

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom Side Profile Compared

Designed For….

Through the release phase for any of their boots, Nike use intense terminology and descriptions to grab player attention. Here is the one-line summary takeaway of what they said for both of these boots.

Hypervenom: Unstoppable agility, engineered for precision striking and playmaking.

Magista: Focused on sensory amplification through feel, for improved creativity.

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom Upper Touch and COntrol

Hypervenom Compared to Magista Upper

Upper Design

Ok, so the primary area of focus when comparing both boots lies in the upper and type of texture used on each. In creating the Hypervenom 3, Nike took a step back and reintroduced the Nikeskin upper found on the original Hypervenom release.

The upper of the Hypervenom II takes a bit longer to break-in than the Hypervenom I. We provide new boots to our professional players so frequently that we shifted to the Hypervenom I material to ease the break-in period. We want all players to have what the best players in the world are wearing, so we are bringing the Hypervenom I upper back. – Nike Football Footwear VP Max Blau

The NikeSkin upper offers a barefoot style feel on the ball, are considered to be a decent option for players who have a wider foot, and most importantly have a very short breaking in time. All positives! Across the upper, Nike also use Flywire to keep the boots shape, so they are snug through the midfoot.

The Magista has a very different construction with the heatmap design highlighting the most sensitive to touch areas mapped against high-touch zones. The upper materials padding is designed to enhance particular areas of the foot, with peaks and troughs of varying dimensions designed to communicate with a player’s sense of touch when the ball comes in contact with it.

We were focused on sensory amplification through feel. By delivering a better feel for the ball, players are able to confidently create on the pitch without distraction. – Nike Football Designer Phil Woodman

Outside the boot, the material feels unusually rigid. But, when you place your foot inside it is a completely different story. They are very soft and plenty pliable, with lots of space to maneuver your foot around in natural fashion.

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom Mid Cut Collars

Mid Cut Collar

On the Hypervenom, Nike stuck with the same mid cut collar found on all other Nike releases to that point. It has a straight ankle cut with a standard conical shape around the shin, a design that has proved popular with fans and doesn’t overstretch through wear.

Things on the Magista are very different as Nike look to change the game up. They have gone with a more anatomically contoured Dynamic Fit Collar, designed to accommodate the shape of the ankle bone while leveraging a thicker knit structure for additional coverage. The revamped collar also dips lower on the tendon for comfort. The tongue-less solution now features light padding under the laces for coverage in this high contact area. So, in reality, this is an area where things are very different!

I’ve gotta say, the Magista is the real winner here. In a perfect example of how to evolve a feature, this type of collar has a much more naturally effective fit in play. The feel provides a more uniform feel, and although I wouldn’t say they are similar to a boot without a collar, you definitely notice it less in play. Plus, I like the lower cut on the heel as you feel it doesn’t put extra unnecessary pressure on your Achilles as you extend your movement, something that I found the original collar did.

Nike Magista vs Hypervenom Soleplate Traction

Soleplate and Traction

Visually, you’d think both boots are most similar underfoot. But they are again very different thanks to the developmental research done on the Magista.

The Hypervenom has featured the same style soleplate since their inception, so Nike has found a system they trust for the range. Conical studs are used, with more located towards the front of the boot. This helps focus the balance on the toes, giving players an improved agile sense as you swivel in tight spots. The split-toe design and agility traction pattern combined unleash a quick response for sudden changes of direction.

Key to the new Magista traction pattern is not how a particular stud performs individually, but how the configuration interacts as a complete system. The emphasis on foot rotation for Magista players led to the chevron shape around the ball of the foot. There are also medial and lateral half-conical studs designed for acceleration, as well as heel plant and braking studs positioned by data. The entire soleplate is also significantly lighter than its predecessor: 60g as opposed to 85g.

Summary

Out of the entire Nike line-up, these are the two boots I enjoyed the performance of most. Kudos to Nike for reintroducing a very popular style upper on the Hypervenom 3, something that dramatically elevated the stature of the range. You get natural feel on the ball and a nice spacious fit through wear.

Before the release of the new Magista, the Hypervenom was the boot I found myself recommending to most players. Initially, I was intrigued by what the Magista had to offer, but the visual and tech specs made for mixed emotions. And then I had the opportunity to test them out. What a boot! I love the performance offered, with the research Nike has done in developing an upper with “peaks and troughs” really paying off. They are super comfortable from first wear, fit tremendously well and offer a perfectly balance touch on the ball. They are my personal choice.

Magista vs Hypervenom Breakdown
Upper:
3D thermaformed Synthetic vs Flyknit
Weight: 7.2oz vs 7.4oz
Fit: Wide vs Medium Wide
Price: $300 vs $275

Nike Magista 2 vs Hypervenom 3 Compared

About Bryan Byrne

The mastermind behind the revolution that is SoccerCleats101. Bryan started this website back in 2008 and has been testing boots on a daily basis ever since. Check out our About Page for more details on Bryan and the website.

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One comment

  1. Hi there! That’s a great review. I just had a question that are they hypervenoms a lot better than the new magistas for wingers? I do understand Hypervenoms are designed for wingers and strikers, but how suitable are the new obras too?

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