Nike CTR360 Maestri Castaways – Which Boots to Turn to?

Bryan Byrne Everything Else, Latest 10 Comments

It is a dilemma that many players are currently facing – which boots to turn to after the Nike CTR360 Maestri. A few months back, Nike introduced us to the final rendition before bringing the Magista series to market. The move was a bold one considering the high popularity of the CTR360 and it has put a lot of players in a tough position as they look to move to a new silo. We get many emails from fans seeking some advice on where they should head, so we wanted to offer some suggested options that are worth considering.

The bad news: There are no perfect fit-and-feature replacements. The good news: We’ve scoured the marketplace and found some reasonable options for abandoned CTR360 loyalists.

Umbro Geometra Pro II

I will save you some time here by telling you that these are without a doubt, the most suitable option on the market right now for players in need of a replacement boot. I’ve been a huge fan of the Geometra range since their inception, and this version provides a similar type of performance that many of you currently crave. In between an A-frame support cradle, a medial pass pad with HF memory foam is added along the instep for ball control. Think of those long passes in the air you want to stop on a dime. The forefoot also features a textured feel for first touch.

Current Price: $159.99

Verdict: These are the top option right now for players wanting a CTR360 Maestri replacement! Prices are pretty decent at the moment also and you won’t be disappointed in the performance offered.

Warrior Gambler S-Lite

It terms of technology, this boot is about as close as you will get at this stage – and it is important to note here that we are referring to the first rather than the second generation release. The boot features injected PU inserts for ball control along the instep, and additional padding through the forefoot. Because of the wild soleplate on the Gambler, there is a definite different in traction provided. There is a good and bad to this boot option; unfortunately it is a boot also on its last leg, but the current prices are pretty awesome.

Current Price: $98.99

Verdict: Perfect short term solution, but they also won’t be around much longer.

Adidas Nitrocharge 1.0 (second generation)

Yes, the Nitrocharge is a boot designed for energy retention and specifically the “engine” of the team. But the addition of an EnergySling across the forefoot and some padding through the midfoot gives you a similar type of performance to the CTR360. It is the tacky feel of the EnergySling that is going to provide players with some beneficial grip on the ball, particularly as you take long passes in on your instep. The question you need to ask yourself on this one is if you are willing to make a Nike to Adidas jump?

Current Price: $199.99

Verdict: Even though it isn’t marketed as an attacking style boot, this version of the Nitrocharge is a very suitable option for players looking to replace the CTR360.

Nike Magista Opus

The boot that as released as the CTR360 was being released, but don’t get confused and call these their “replacement”. Nike headed in a totally new direction with the Magista series, looking to re-engineer a certain type of playing style. Performance mesh, Kangalite and Nikeskin technology combine to offer a clean, enhanced touch for players. There is no instep technology to aid in control.

Current Price: $199.99

Verdict: Definitely not the ideal replacement, but they are a comfortable boot that offers clean touch on the ball and players wearing them have applauded their performance.