Review Summary
| Comfort | 86% |
| Design | 84% |
| Performance | 75% |
| Value | 79% |
| Total | 81% |
Introduction
While we are a little late, SER has been testing a pair of the top end model from the Nike CTR360 range over the past couple of weeks.
Nike took a huge risk at the end of 2009 when they released a whole new series, the CTR360 Maestri. With leaked images and rumors galore, the soccer shoe was thought to be a complete flop. However, since the release, thousands of professionals and amateurs across the globe have switched into Nike’s Control cleat and are still continuing to do so. Nike’s cause wasn’t hurt either when Cesc Fabregas scored one goal and assisted four on the boot’s debut! Thanks to SoccerPro, we were able to get our hands on a pair, so thank you Lauren Bradley for making this review possible! We will have a full review of both the Nike Total 90 Laser III and CTR360 Maestri’s Nike Plus training program that comes with purchase of the shoes.
Details:
- Family: CTR 360
- Made In: Imported
- Ball Control Elements: yes
- Ball Control Type: Control pods
- External Heel Counter: yes
- How Attached To Upper: Cemented
- Insole Material: EVA foam
- Insole Removable: yes
- Lacing: Asymmetrical
- Outsole Material: TPU
- Primary Upper Material: Synthetic leather
- Stud Material: PU
- Stud Shape: Bladed
- Studs Removable: no
- Suitable For: Firm Natural Surfaces
- Weight: 9.8 oz.
Great Review! Can’t wait for the Total 90 Laser III review!
Superb boots, superb review. I’m going to get one of these right away as the most durable, protective and good value boots.
Hi! How are you??. I want to know something: Mi right foot is bigger than the left one, my right`s footsize is US=8 (UK=7) but i have to wear cleats with 1 footsize more because I have a wide foot. I have the first Nike T90 on US=9 and Adidas Predator Absolado on US= 8 1/2.
I want to know if this cleats are for people with wide foot so i can buy them in size US=8 or if a should buy them, anyway, with one more size.
Thanks!! Waiting for your answer!
Hey Juan,
Thanks for checking out SER! While I don’t have wide feet, I believe the CTR360 Maestri’s would be able to fit your feet! They are Kanga-Lite which expands, and a run a little wide and long, however to be on the safe side, I would purchase them in US 8.5. If you could, trying them on would be the best, but otherwise I believe 8.5 would do the trick!
Thanks a lot, Ben!! I think I`ll purchase them in US 8.5. I can`t try them on because here, in Argentina, the Nike Stores dont sell the Maestri edition. Only the Libretto and Trequartista.
Again…Thanks for the answer, man.
I wear the adiPure II in a size 9 do you think that I could get these in 9 as well?
Hey Sam,
Thanks for checking out the site. The Nike CTR360 Maestri does run rue to size, so you should be able to fit into a US9 as well. I am currently testing the Adidas Adipure III and they fit pretty much the same as the CTR’s do.
hi,ben….i’m dony i want 2 know how much $ if i wnt 2 buy ctr 360?cos i really like it…………thx
[...] Nike Maestri CTR360 – 11 [...]
[...] 2. Nike CTR360 Maestri (full review)- [...]
hi ben i wana buy ctr 360 but i am a bit confused as their are three categories of ctr 30 which are
ctr360 maestri, libretto, Trequartista.
as far as i got this according to me i think the rest f the two series are somewhat beginers n the real series i mean pros are maestri
can u please brief me all three series purpose their specifications n features
and how one of them is better then the others thx i shall be really glad if u answer this bcos it wil help me a lot in deciding which one to buy
i am really confused at this momment
plz descibe briefly or give me links so that i can get my required answers thx
hey ben u id not answer my querry or may b u don have that kind of info i thought u were well informed plz read my earlier post reply i need to but ctr360 ur answer could help me buy the right pair thx
Hey Imran,
Thanks for checking out the site. Sorry for not responding to you earlier, the site has been undergoing a massive overhaul and change, and it’s been taking a lot of my time.
That’s a very good question, and I’ll try to help answer your question.
The Nike CTR360 Maestri is the top model in the range. I have reviewed the boots, and they are some of my favorite, if not favorite, pairs of boots I’ve reviewed. They are the most expensive as well, costing $180 USD.
Here are the details and specs of the Maestri:
Nike CTR360 Maestri UPPER: Revolutionary Kanga-Lite synthetic leather mirrors the properties of natural kangaroo leather without the extra weight.
Innovative control pods on the forefoot and instep made of dampening foam deliver excellent first touch, maximum ball control and optimal passing pace.
Nike CTR360 Maestri MIDSOLE: High performance, molded sockliner with poron low profile cushioning provides superb comfort.
Nike CTR360 Maestri OUTSOLE: Innovative dual-density forefoot studs allows enhanced ball-to-cleat interface. Sharper, stronger heel studs lock down the planted foot for better stability.
WEIGHT: (9.8 oz.)
Here are the details and specs of the Trequartista (middle range, costing $90 USD):
UPPER: Ultra-soft, lightweight natural leather forefoot for superior ball feel. Innovative built-in control pods deliver maximum ball control, while a firm, grippy instep allows optimal passing-pace.
MIDSOLE: Performance molded EVA sockliner with textile top cloth.
OUTSOLE: Unique cleat geometry for maximum traction and stability. Laterally biased heel counter.
WEIGHT: (10.4 oz.)
Here are the details and specs of the Libretto (lowest range, costing $55 USD):
UPPER: Full-grain leather forefoot for superior ball feel.
MIDSOLE: Die-cut, recycled EVA sockliner.
OUTSOLE: Unique cleat geometry for maximum traction and stability.
WEIGHT: (10 oz.)
Hopefully that helps you. I haven’t tried the loweer ranges, but I loved the CTR360 Maestri! Good luck with your purchasing and please let me know what you decide to get!
well thx a lot Ben u have been very helpful now about which 1 i am going to get well i am from Pakistan n here only libretto the lowest range is available n that 2 in single color and rubber stud trainers n i am not going to waist my money for trainers also only few of the soccer cleats are launched in the region as is the concept that people r not aware of laser n ctr360 models so there launch might effect the company business
which unfortunately gives people a very limited choice of going either for a mercurial or a t90 thats it
for people like us its very disappointing not to find the right shoe in the market even if it is released abroad
and also like to state that i can not afford to import the shoe as there are tax deductions also implied on imported item in our country so right now i am depressed n looking 4 other options
thx 4 replying
Hi Ben,
I am wondering if you have tried out the Nike Tiempo Legend IIIs. If you have,which boot would you reccommend- the CTRs or the Legends? I have worn Legends for the past 3 years (I play fullback) and have loved them, but I have heard great things about the CTRs, and am considering switching. As such, I am having a very difficult time deciding which boot to choose for my upcoming season. Could you also tell me why you would choose one over the other? Thanks!
-Jesse
Hey Jesse,
Thanks for checking out the site. That’s a very good question, and one I hopefully help you with.
I am currently testing (pretty much finished by now though; the review should be up soon) the Nike Tiempo Legend III, and have tested the Nike CTR360 Maestri. Without a doubt, I would choose the CTR360 Maestri. I’ve been fortunate to test nearly every pair of top-level cleats in the world, and my favorite pair are the CTR’s. The Tiempo’s (at least the III) aren’t necessarily a bad pair of cleats, they just weren’t my favorite. The kangaroo leather wasn’t as soft as I had hoped it to be, however the Kanga-Lite upper in the CTR’s is softer than I expected, and is in my opinion more comfortable than the Tiempo’s. Another thing the CTR’s beats the Tiempo’s in is protection. They are very durable and offer lots of protection, and while the Tiempo’s do offer a fair bit of protection themselves, they hardly offer any compared to the CTR’s. The one category the Tiempo’s do beat the CTR’s in is price, with the Tiempo’s costing $150 USD and the CTR’s at $180. However, I would say the CTR’s have a better value, as they are in my opinion, the much better cleat. I’m backed up by the hundreds of professionals who switched from the Tiempo range into the CTR’s, including the face of the Tiempo collection, Carlos Tevez.
Hopefully that helps you. Good luck with your purchasing and please let me know what you decide to get! Also, if you want to know anything else (or any specifics) about either pair of cleats, let me know and I’ll answer you as soon as possible.
Hey Ben,
Thanks for responding so quickly! I think I’m going to switch to the CTR360, thanks in large part to your review. It’s very hard to find someone who has tried several pairs of boots, and can give you an informed decision about which to purchase and why- thanks for making my decision a lot easier! Now if only I can find the white/blue/silver colorway in my size…
Hey Jesse,
It’s no problem, that’s what I’m here for! I think you will not regret your decision one bit as the CTR’s are a great pair of cleats! If you have anymore specific questions, please let me know, and I’ll try finding out as soon as possible. Also, what size are you? I’ll look for the colorway in your size and try to find the best store for you.
Ben I have been a firm believer in the nike tiempo legends 3. but am deciding to make a switch. how do the CTR360 maestri fit comparatively.
Hey Ryan,
Sorry for not getting back sooner; with the site redesign, it’s been crazy over here.
I had the opportunity to test both the Nike Tiempo Legend III and the Nike CTR360 Maestri, and know about the sizing. I think that the Tiempo’s fit slightly small, and the CTR’s right on the dot, or maybe even slightly big, but nothing major. You would still order your normal size. Also, with the CTR’s, they mould around your foot after a few uses, meaning they will fit even better for your feet.
I also want to say that would be a great switch. I was disappointed with the Tiempo’s as a classic boot, and would fully recommend the CTR’s. They beat the Tiempo’s out on almost every single category!
Thanks, and if you have anymore questions please let me know.
to the Legends III at least
Do the CTR360 maestri fit the same as the legend III
hi ben,
would just like to check something out. I bought the Umbro Stealth Pro earlier and was kidn of disappointed because of how ‘artificial’ the feel felt, and that because of the ‘thickness’ of the material I couldnt really feel the ball. Of course there was the slight difficulty in lofting that you mentioned earlier.
So I would just like to ask if the extra cushioning on the upper also translate to a slightly ‘less’ touch on the ball.
great review though, superbly informative, hopefully you’ll be done with the Mizuno’s soon!
Hey Jason,
No problem. If you ever have any questions, please let me know and I’ll get right back to you.
That’s good that you agree with the review (bad that you can’t produce loft). For future reference, how do you think we should say it has difficulty in producing loft? We want the website to get better, and feel our text for the performance categories gets a little redundant.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Did you feel that the boots were very comfortable though? I thought they were, but had that same ‘artificial’ feel you mentioned. I thought that maybe the touch wasn’t as good as it is on the Umbro Speciali or the Nike CTR360 Maestri, but it still had decent touch, but I definitely know what you are saying. I think it may in the Stealth Pro’s case, but for other football boots such as the CTR’s, the raised/extra cushioning that make up the Control Pods help with touch. So, to answer your question, I think that it is a special case, because there may be too much extra cushioning, if you know what I mean? The Control Pods on the Maestri are just slightly raised, but the Stealth Pro whole upper is raised!
Thanks for the compliments; we do strive for excellence. I hope so too. We actually had a delay with the Ultra Light Morelia and Wave Ignitus football boots (don’t worry, they are still coming), but have just recently received the Sonic Waves. We’ve heard great things about all three football boots, and will try to confirm whether or not they are worth buying!
You are spot on when you said that Tiempos do not have soft kangaroo leather. I’ve been tring to find a cleat that has the softness/touch of a copa mundial but lighter. Does kangalite give anything near the feel of soft kangaroo leather?
Hey Rich,
Yeah, I was just disappointed really with the lack of comfort the Tiempo Legend III’s had to offer, despite their being a classic football boot.
It may seem quite far fetched, but the Kanga-Lite upper in the CTR360 Maestri’s is very comfortable. I would say about the only boot that beats it flat out in comfort is the Umbro Speciali. It is kind of a different feel than normal kangaroo leather, like the Speciali, but it is one of the most comfortable boots available. To answer your question about touch, I’d say the CTR360 Maestri has the best touch in the world of football boots. I think this in part due to the ‘Control Pods’ on the upper, as well as the Kanga-Lite upper. You can find great touch with most soft kangaroo boots though, as you probably know. What I feel sets the Maestri’s apart from classic boots, or really any type of boot, are two things (and kind of a half). Protection- As you can see in the review, I said they are one of the most protective football boots available, and they are. Compared to the Speciali where you are afraid to make hard tackles, the CTR’s offer full confidence. I’d say the only boot that beats it in protection is the Concave PT+. The other thing is moisture control. While compared to some synthetic boots they may be nothing special, but compared to classic boots, they have amazing moisture control. The Kanga-Lite upper really does help prevent water from being absorbed, which is a major con with kangaroo leather football boots.
Thanks, and if you have anymore questions please let me know.
hey ben,
sure thing man. Got really lucky to get such a quick reply almost immediately after I dropped the message, must be the same time zone
(I’m from Singapore BTW.)
I think I didn’t explain myself clearly, I’m sorry. I actually got the boots before reading your review, I checked the review
(soccercleats101.com, another great site) which said alot of great things, which I agree, but didn’t mention the loft-ing part. I play more Sunday League,
so I dropped that down to my own lack of ability to loft balls like I used to do with my Ronaldinho Tiempo’s (the 1st edition), thankfully your review did mention it.
For the record, I think the review for the Stealth Pro was great, the loft-ing part was well-mentioned, nothing much to really add, although I do attribute that more to the thickness
of the upper, and I do think the ‘ridges’ are the ones responsible for it slightly. Disagree with the ‘great touch’ part, perhaps, in part due to me being used
to leather boots more. I get you on the extra cushioning part, and it does offer wonderful protection.
Comfort wise, the boots were great, took the boots into a match straight out of the box, although I have to mention that I think it still needs 1 or 2
training sessions to break in the midsole (probably due to the carbon fibre used there).
Anticipating the Wave Ignitus review because there’s been so few sites which offer any information about it. Only found soccerbible and ransacker. Soccerbible’s
abit too commercialised for my liking and does gloss over alot of things whereas ransacker didn’t really mention much except a lack of durability with the upper and
the soleplate separating, which is something I’m expecting more from a Nike boot rather than a Mizuno one. ITs between the CTR’s and Wave Ignitus for me so
your review’s the deciding factor aha!
anyway 1 last question about the CTR’s which I felt you neglected to mention in depth: how durable are they? because it sounds like you just tested them out
for a couple of training sessions and decided that they’re ‘durable’. And I have read from some other sites that the lace cover comes off and stuff.
That’s probably the only criticism I can make that I feel has been consistent throughout
all your reviews. Perhaps listing how long they’re been used for might help?
That being said however, thanks for replying and all the help!
Hey ben,
I wear adipureII size US8, nike vapor III, V, VI US7.5, adizero US7.5
What should I have to were for the CTR 360 Maestri Elite? or even just Maestri?
Hello, I purchased the nike ctr360 cleats for rugby, I picked the soft surface version (detachable cleats), I was wondering if anyone knew where to find those cleats at, because my other detachable cleats don’t fit and I can’t wear them right now since I’m missing two spikes
please if you do know email me [email protected]
hello ben, i just finished reading your review. the only concern i have before going out to buy this shoe, is the durability. you wrote that it is highly durable but ive read many other people’s review that also have said the durability is questionable. my last boot was the mercurial miracle and they had a slight rip on the instep ( where i shoot with) only about 1 and a half month after i bought it, will this ever happen with the maestri?
[...] – and consistently well reviewed all over the Internet: Nike CTR360 Maestri | Soccer Cleats 101 Nike CTR360 Maestri SER Review Worn once at a kickabout, still in top condition. Too small for me so I'm trying to recoup some of [...]
hi man i had a question on the cool mint ctr360 do they run true to size im a size 11 us and i was thinking of buying them through the internet ( ebay) because no other soccer website has them in my size should i get them half a size bigger or smaller it will be very help full if you replied asap thanks
Do the pods actually help?