For many players, finding the right boot post CTR360 has become a daunting task. Nike never directly replaced the control boot, but they did introduce a more dynamic, agility focused option in the form of the Magista Opus. Playing little brother to the Magista Obra, the Opus didn’t receive a great deal of advertising attention on release. Instead, they sat in the background and waited for their moment in the sun.
That came in Brazil this summer, as more pro players chose to wear the Opus over the highly advanced Obra. Why this decision from so many of the world’s best? We tackle that question below as well as fill you in on how they performed as we put the boot through their paces in our comprehensive review.
For those wanting a pair, check the current Magista Opus listings at soccer.com.
Initial Reaction
Out of the box, they are very different to the Obra. The upper has a textured feel compliments of the Kangalite cage (Yellow) that covers the mesh upper (Red). As a boot that was released as a new-age version of the CTR360 Maestri, there are high expectations for what the range has to offer.
Breaking In and Comfort
The Opus is very much a no nonsense boot that is designed to perform very efficiently without causing any fuss. That is about the best way to put it! Once you take them out of the box and give them the once over, you will notice that the upper and soleplate are flexible and very much in tune with your natural foot movements. There is a definite sense of quality about the materials used in creating the boot and from the first training sense, I felt very comfortable in the Opus. The lining along the heel is also impressive, as it is soft enough against your Achilles yet it holds your foot firmly in place. Underneath the tongue, Nike also add some memory foam padding that provides a secure, protected feel through wear.
Magista Obra vs Opus
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the primary differences between both boots, all starting with the dynamic mid-cut collar. Then the actual upper of both is completely different, from a Flyknit on the Obra to a Kangalite on the Opus. It is unusual to have a boot released that is more advanced than the high-tier release, but this is the case between the Opus and Obra and it creates a lively debate. Can the Opus be called the high-end release in the series when the Obra is more expensive? The answer is yes, but it comes with a twist. Both boots can be called the high-end release in the Magista series, with each offering its own set of unique characteristics. Just because the Obra has a higher price-point, it doesn’t mean it performs at a higher level than the Opus. It simply means that the Obra was created through a much more extensive process and it offers a unique construction. The Opus is a boot that follows the norm, with solid performance, so to increase the price wouldn’t make much sense.
Another interesting note is that more players at the World Cup chose to wear the Opus over the Obra, something that might be a surprise considering player could decide for themselves. It shows that players at the top level are similar to us in that there is comfort in what we are familiar with. Knowing the type of performance that could be expected from the Opus over the mid-cut collar of the Obra proved more attractive on the world’s biggest stage.
The moral here; don’t jump to the conclusion that the Obra is a better performing boot simply because of its price tag!
In Game Performance
The real talking point of these boots is the upper and its unusual construction. Nike use multi layers to create a very effective final product, ideal for clean, natural touches on the ball. It consists of a mesh underlay, covered by what looks like a cage but is actually a layer of KangaLite. There is a purpose to this construction, with the mesh serving as the real basis for the boot, creating a soft feel as you come in contact with the ball. The KangaLite balanced everything and ensures things are more durable over time. There is also a slightly tacky feel to the material that is useful for creative players that like to move with the ball close to their feet. On top of it all, a coating of NikeSkin is added to improve weatherproofing and keep water for retaining in the materials.
So, they are an effective boot when it comes to first touch. But how do they hold up when it comes to striking shots or playing long balls? Given that they are a boot geared toward playmakers and attacking styled players, you’d expect the upper to be a solid shooting boot. Sadly, they slightly lack in that department and the flexible nature of the upper means you take in a lot of impact when shooting. I’d actually take a step back and label these as more of a central midfielders boot, for players that need a more simple boot but with more of a twist. Don’t get me wrong, you will be able to strike quality shots with these, but they just don’t match up with other, similar focused boots on the market.
Nike has also made a unique modification to the tongue, by attaching it on the lateral side of the boot. Rather than having it separated on both sides, they have stitched the inner side to the upper. The reason? I really have no idea and it is actually slightly problematic. It actually causes the tongue on the opposite side to bunch and on several occasions it took time to readjust to make it sit uniformly against the foot. If anyone can think of a reason that it is attached, let me know in the comments below!
In the Opus, you get the exact same outsole found on the Obra, so your turns and grip (traction) will be equal no matter which boot you choose. 8 conical studs up top along with 3 three tiered blades and 4 conical studs on the heel complete a very balanced soleplate, with weight evenly distributed right throughout. Overall, it is a comfortable outsole with none of the studs causing any pressure issues.
How do they Fit?
These are a perfect true to size boot, with a natural length and good width. Compared to the likes of the Nike Tiempo Legend or the Nike Vapor X, these have a much more appropriate shape for players that need a larger fit. Slipping them on, they feel like a wide fitting boot and they about as close as Nike fans have gotten since the T90 Laser was retired.
The Boot That Replaced the CTR360 Maestri
When Nike announced that the CTR360 range was set to be retired, the Magista automatically jumped forward as the boot set to replace it. But, that is not entirely the case. The Magista Opus is a very different type of boot and they are not destined to complete the prophecy of the control inspired CTR360. There is no obvious technology or control element on the upper, other than the multi-layered dimension created between the Kangalite and mesh layer, so there is a slightly more basic feel to these. Basically, the Opus jumped into the void left behind by the CTR360 series, but to compare both on a performance basis would be very naive.
Critics Notes
Yes, the Magista is a very competent and high performing boot, but there is just something a little too mundane about them. Maybe it is an effect of playing second fiddle to the Obra through release, but the boot just doesn’t inspire. I’m also not a fan of the tongue design, where it is stitched on one side. I’m slightly confused by the design and its positioning adds some slight complications.
For those wanting a pair, check the current Magista Opus listings at soccer.com.
The Skinny Summary
Highlight: Very comfortable and highly competitive performing boot that is ideal for players in need of a pretty simple, no-nonsense option.
Category: Not the most perfect example, but it is intended to be a Control boot.
Weight: A super impressive 7oz.
Would I Buy Them: They are a boot that would fit on many players wishlist, but there are other boots currently on the market I’d want to get hold of first.
Player Position: Ideal for central mids or defensive players in need of a clean touch and lightweight performance.
What is your take on the Magista Opus, especially compared to the Magista Obra? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or you can always find us on Twitter and Facebook.