Nike Magista – Initial Reaction and Some Important Questions Answered

A little over a week after their release, we have a pair of Nike Magista in hand and ready for full on testing. It is going to take some time to really grasp what the boot has to offer, but we have taken plenty of time to explore them wanted to give our initial feedback via a Q&A session. We received most of the questions via Twitter and Instagram (thanks to those that submitted), with some others we felt needed to be addressed.

If you need to get kick-started with what the has to offer, check out our Nike Magista Release feature. That should give you the important performance characteristics you need to know about the boot and how it is pieced together.

And for those that want to order a pair, find them right now at soccer.com!

Is it difficult to slip your feet into them?

Actually not really. It does take some maneuvering, but that is at a minimum. The collar is decently wide and allows your foot to slip through without being overly constrictive. Where they are a little tricky is pulling them off!! No, seriously they are actually really tough to get back off your feet. This is related to the grippy inner lining that keeps your heel in place during play, which is actually a good thing as it means your foot is fully secure through play.

Are they a suitable option for wide fitting players?

This is a very tricky area to answer without wearing them for an extended period. Starting out, the boot fits very snug and even though they don’t prove too difficult to slip your feet into, they might cause some discomfort because of how the material cups your forefoot. Since the upper is a Flyknit there is definitely some opportunities for it to stretch and be an option for above average width fits, but give us some more time in them before we solidify this answer.

Do they seem durable?

That would actually be a solid yes. The Flyknit material feels stronger than you would imagine, so I don’t see there being any durability issues. Getting caught wide studs across the forefoot might hurt, but I don’t see it damaging the upper materials too much. ACC (All Conditions Control) technology is also included, so there is the added benefit of knowing a treatment is used to improve weatherproofing.

Could you wear them without socks? For instance, in a training session.

The inner lining of the boot is super soft and the materials used feel very comfortable, making them a boot you could walk around in. But,I wouldn’t go as far as no socks due to the some features on the collar. You will notice the strip that runs up along the heel, vertically on the collar and features “Magista” in text, well that also runs inside the boot and it does have a slightly tough feel on the edges. Without socks, I could see it causing discomfort by rubbing – and note that you need long socks rather than small ankle socks as they wouldn’t sit high enough.

How does the woven design compare to a classic leather/synthetic material on touch and shot?

First, I have to point out that these boots have a vastly different feel than you would imagine from looking at images. The thin portion of the upper is the black/red shaded portion that sits between the hyper yellow lining. The lining is what makes the touch and feel of these boots so unique. I’d describe it as having the feel of a double layer of stitching, so it is thicker with a sturdy feel. It is what gives the upper a more controlled shape without losing the soft, pliable feel. With that in mind, it is very difficult to compare it to leather or synthetic as it is simply offers a completely different type of performance.

There is a welcomed positive from the stitched lining, and that is the fact its slightly rough feel offers traction as you touch or control the ball. Striking shots, they do take in a lot of the impact, so although they will never be labeled a power boot, they are padded enough to ensure you can be confident striking solid shots.

What happens when they get wet?

This should be a pretty straightforward answer – you dry them! With any bright, vivid colorway, they are going to get wet and dirty, and you will have a responsibility for cleaning them. The unfortunate part here is the fact that the dynamic high collar is not removable, so it makes it tough to wash them. If you decide to purchase a pair, it is something you are going to have to understand ahead of time. These boots will look dirty and the Flyknit material will soak in mud. A careful wash under a tap will be the way to go, followed by some time drying.

Are they as revolutionary as advertised?

First note; Nike is a marketing machine! The boots themselves are definitely advanced and Nike has succeeded in releasing a fully functional boot that players will totally enjoy. In fact, it is the type of design that I can already tell will stay on the market, evolving through a few generations. Revolutionary is a tough word as there are still some important questions to be answered.

When can you expect the review?

There will be a quick turnaround on this one and I am putting in some extra sessions to get it out quicker than a traditional review. In saying that, I still want to make sure they get a proper testing with an adequate number of hours. We might not be able to fully cover the durability aspect, but everything else will be pushed to the limit. I’m expecting to have the Nike Magista review posted before the end of next weekend, but depending on performance, I might give it some additional time.

Any other pressing questions you want answered that we might not have covered?

If there are, leave them in the comments section below and we will try get to them. Again, late April is when the boot is set to be officially released, so there is plenty of time for you to educate yourself on the new silo and decide if you want to splash cash on a pair.