Nike is a relative newcomer to the boot game. What Nike has lacked in substance they’ve usually made up in style. Their autumn ad campaign channels Irvine Welsh’s finest prose by asking us to choose; choose control, choose speed, choose accuracy, choose touch or choose 5-a-side. I chose control, specifically Nike’s CTR360 Trequartista AG. Trequartista; can a pair of boots invoke the continental flair of a Zizou or Francesco Totti? Just Do It. Or, as Cesc Fabregas would say, “Bon Appetit.”
If a typical Addidas, Umbro, or Diadora boot represents the understated beauty of a Kristen Stewart, then Nike counters with the vibrant vivaciousness of a Scarlett Johansson. The appropriate soccer shoe for each player will, of course, be determined by their level of play and playing surface. But style is universal. The CTR360s are sleek and are offered in striking color combinations. My pair came in black and red, reminiscent of a Ferrari Testarossa. As is standard for this line, there is no overhanging tongue over the laces. The unusual studding provided solid traction when zig-zagging up and down the pitch. Designed for artificial turf, I found these boots, short of mud, to be quite versatile on a variety of natural grass pitches. More serious players will want to use them solely for their intended purpose.
There was no break-in period as they felt fine from the get-go. Nike has pioneered this fresh-out-the-boxness through such upper materials as “Kanga-Lite.” Part ‘roo, part science, all-smooth. Usain Bolt-wannabes may prefer the Mercurial line, but the Trequartista still weighs in around a feathery 10.4 ounces. Their profile is sufficiently low to the earth; while angled lacing means more surface area for a superior first touch and feel.
Padded pods on the front and side further make the Trequartistas ideal for those seeking better control. There’s a softness to Nike’s new line that makes them more comfortable while still providing the rigidity and support necessary for a full force game. As a casual player I certainly enjoyed the advantage that greater surface area for touch affords as opposed to my run-of-the-mill pair.
The CTR 360 line is a game-changer for Nike. The Nike CTR 360 Trequartista is an excellent mid-level boot, and a good value between the seemingly delicate works of art found in the high-priced range and entry-level kicks. And while no pair of boots can turn an ordinary player into a Zidane or Fabregas, it doesn’t hurt to look good surging forward in a flashy pair of Nikes.
The Nike CTR360 Trequartista, along with Nike’s entire CTR360 line and other soccer shoes, can be found in a variety of sizes and colors at Soccerpro.com. The friendly folks at Soccerpro.com were kind enough to give me a pair for this review.
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ScubaSteve
September 15, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I stopped reading after “Nike is a relative newcomer to the boot game” -rubbish!
BarneyH
March 2, 2010 at 2:36 pm
All-in all a good review but I’m with Henrik as I would have liked a little more info on the fit. ie, width, heal tab height and flex…
Thanks
Sean
December 22, 2009 at 2:35 am
Just wandering… what’s the difference between this and maestri?
the price?
henrik
December 4, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Are those shoes wide or narrow? would be nice if you answer
Warren G
December 3, 2009 at 6:03 pm
It’s all about the style. I may suck at soccer, but at least I’ll look good playing it. I can see Scarlett Johansson rockin a pair of these on a night out.
Great review. The clincher was the part about the softness of the shoe.
Growly Bears
November 20, 2009 at 11:56 am
This is the best-written analysis of a shoe that I’ve ever read. Also happens to be the second-such analysis, but color me impressed nevertheless.
Biz
November 19, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I really ought to get cleats after all these years of slipping, sliding and getting juked- looks like a good place to start! Could go for blue, though…
Richard
November 19, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Hello Gaffer:
It does make me feel less dogmatic about it knowing that *Talk has a thought-out policy behind the reviews and is conscious of the writers’ and readers’ concerns. Thanks for articulating it. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. I may disagree with the policy because of what I know about SoccerPro’s marketing, but I am glad part of your decision is based on the readers’ interest.
With that in mind, I hope your readers find this review helpful. It is well done and provides good information about the product.
The Gaffer
November 19, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Thanks Richard. I appreciate where you’re coming from with this and I respect your work, too.
Thanks for asking about it. No worries.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Richard
November 19, 2009 at 2:20 pm
This message is more for The Gaffer than the author.
SoccerPro content, Mr. Harris? I love your blog and am thankful for your help which is why I say this: EPLTalk is better than this.
I have a personal blog (that I run separate from the sites I really write/broadcast for). SoccerPro approached me, and I found their model completely inconsistent with the content on the site, and it was not worth the free merchandise they offered me. I didn’t take them up on their offer, and that was just a personal, for fun blog.
Just my thoughts, Mr. Harris. Your site is too far along for this, IMO.
The Gaffer
November 19, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Richard, I disagree. I think the reviews are helpful for a lot of the readers who regularly play football. All of the reviews are impartial.
The majority of writers on EPL Talk are volunteers, so this is one way I can work with them to thank them for their hard work. Product reviews are something that most major media organizations do. Some have policies where they refuse to receive free product. Others do not. My policy is that as long as the writer shares an unbiased review that is helpful to the readers and is applicable to soccer, then I have no problem with it.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Property of the Stallion
November 19, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I usually have had trouble with Nike in the past due to general comfort, but, from the looks of your picture, you used the hell out of that pair without that problem. Your statement that “a softness to Nike’s new line that makes them more comfortable” makes me rethink my whole stance on Nike.
Do they have any basketball shoes that you have reviewed; and have liked?
Or even more important, did they ever fix the general heel tearing and ankle busting problems with their skate shoes?
Dean-O
November 19, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Red-and-black? No Claret and Blue?
Sensibly priced Nikes though, that’s a first.
Rex
November 19, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I have been looking for a suitable pair of boot style cleats that remind me of Scarlett Johansson. I shall now buy these, based solely on your witty and engaging review.
Bryan
November 19, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Those are some sultry shoes.
Anon
November 19, 2009 at 12:36 pm
haha, i like the ScarJo reference.
cannatar
November 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I could use some cleats. Maybe I’ll get them.