A Case For The CTR360 Maestri – Nike Say “Lights Out”

We were around in 2009 when Nike informed us that a new boot, designed specifically for playmakers, was going to be unleashed. The CTR360 Maestri was received with open arms and there was a definite excitement about what the new silo was bringing to the market. Since then, we have seen 2 additional series and each brought about a wide range of positive reviews.

But, with the recent release of the new Magista range, Nike has given the CTR360 an unexpected early retirement, leaving us with fond memories of a boot that played a dramatic role in the boot markets evolution. With that, we wanted to look aback at the range and give them a proper goodbye before they officially disappear. This week, the final edition in the range was released by Nike in an exclusive, limited edition “Blackout” boot and it has already sold out – giving you a clear indication of the boots popularity.

Nike CTR360 Maestri

It all started in September 2009 when Cesc Fabregas, Paul Scholes, Landon Donavan and Andres Iniesta took to pitches wearing the initial Black/White/Challenge Red colorway (seen above). Nike created an extremely calculated advertising campaign that played a huge role in its initial success. It was the Midfield Maestro, or the Playmaker that flocked to the new range for its comfort and exceptional control.

The version we tested came in a Team Red/Metallic Gold and they played out really well (seen below). That initial release featured an upper created using a revolutionary Kanga-Lite synthetic leather that inhibits the properties of natural Kangaroo leather without the added weight – the boot weighed in at 9.8oz. We have heard much of Kanga-Lite in the time since, but this is where we saw it introduced into the boot market.

Nike CTR360 Maestri II

Next up in December 2010 came the second edition that featured some extra additional technology. You still got a Kanga-Lite upper and the front dampening pods designed to give play-makers a little extra on the field but one of the more noticeable new additions was the new pass component located the instep of each boot. It seems like this could have been a play off the Muiketan panel seen on the Mizuno Wave Ignite and it ended up creating a specific, top performing are of the boot.

Cesc Fabregas was the player to debut the debut and he wore the Challenge Red/Black/White colorway that was part of the Elite pack, the same ones we had the opportunity to test out. Again, results were very positive and the emphasis on the “Playmaker” really came to be a thing. In fact, performance was among the best boots I have worn and it was the pinnacle point of the CTR360. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed these boots and I still take out my pair from time to time as a reminder of the class characteristics they held. It was quite obvious from players reaction that the range started to become known as the most specific and sought after attacking boot on the market.

Nike CTR360 Maestri III

The third and now final installment was released in July 2012 and it gave a fresh new outlook on the range. Without Cesc Fabregas to lead the advertising campaign, players like Andres Iniesta and Jack Wilshere were key to its initial introduction. Initial reaction was mixed, but like all boots they eventually grew with players as they experienced what they had to offer

A newly redesigned pass and control zone was added to a fresh stud configuration, while the Kanga-Lite upper has also seen some change – ACC added to increase its potential performance. We grabbed a pair in the Sonic Yellow/Black colorway and had an opportunity to test them out. Again, results were positive, although initially we were much more fond of the control zone that sat on the instep of the second edition. It was the double cross-stitching that sits along the forefoot that gave these an energetic new character and created a very natural feel through movement.

“Lights Out” is how Nike phrased the retirement of the range, and with that limited edition, classic Blackout release fans can truly admire the boot for what it is in the most traditional sense. The news came via Denis Dekovic (Design Director for Nike Football) who laid out a simple, honest answer to why the decision was made to closeout the range:

The game has changed and that has led us to new innovations for our players. This means that we won’t continue to innovate the CTR 360, but we know this boot has a lot of fans so we wanted to say goodbye with something special.”

There is a sense of respect in this statement and it is obvious that the decision wasn’t made without much consideration. The silo has a very avid following and with their high level of trusted performance, it is going to be tough to win over those fans with another boot.

This all leads us to ask, are you guys ready to see the CTR360 Maestri silo leave the market or do you believe they will leave a void? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Final Note – Get A Pair Now

If you are yet to experience the range or want to snag a pair before they disappear, you still have some opportunities and we have a key deals that is worth highlighting. You can either search the CTR360 line-up at Soccer.com, OR we have a 25% off code with WeGotSoccer right now that combines pretty perfectly with several pairs that are currently on sale.