Nike CTR360

It’s not everyday that a brand new model of boot is released from one of the main manufacturers in the football boot world – so Nike’s recent launch of the Nike CTR was quite a big deal. The CTRs are going to sit alongside the Mercurial, Total90 and Tiempo ranges and not replace one of them specifically, although there is undoubtedly a bit of cross over with the Tiempo, which we’ll come to later.

So, the Nike CTR – what does that name mean? It means Control, Touch and Response, names which come from the benefits of the technology behind this new boot model. On the outside of the boot, there is a new kanga-lite upper, an upper lighter than k-leather but still offering a great touch. On the toe area of the boot are “dampening pods”, areas of the boot which allow for greater control of the ball, along with an off centre lacing setup, but the opposite of the way the new adipure’s lace up, and in line with the recent successful Nike Astro range of boots. Also on the outside of the boot, where you would sidefoot the ball from there is a section of the boot similar to the shot-shield as found on the total90 which allows for greater power and control when passing.

With a one-piece construction allowed for with the new kanga-lite upper this boot is one that is said to supply more comfort than any previous boots in the range, a fact that has been born out in initial boot reviews. The two-tone colour combination available on the initial colourway looks quite striking without being over the top and will look smart on the pitch.

Nike seem to have pitched this boot at the midfielder who likes to move play from the back to the front with its promise of allowing greater touch and control, a fact born out by the professional’s who have started to use these boots, such as Cesc Fabregas and Javier Mascherano. That’s not to say that they don’t work in either defence or attack and Nike aren’t specifically saying as such. However, the players just mentioned and many more midfielders in the country were already wearing Tiempo’s, so I can’t help but see a loss of market share for those boots. There are differences in the make up of each boot, and if you want a full traditional k-leather upper then the Tiempo is still the only way to go from Nike. These boots do offer something a little different, and if you think that the new features will help you then these could be the boots for you! Check out the prices and initial colourways on the right of the page.