Nike Mercurial Victory VIII IC White Blue

adidas Nitrocharge 2.0 is the more price friendly model in the Nitrocharge-collection, but it still keeps the sharp design, which players like Dani Alves, Javi Martinez, Daniele de Rossi and Ezequiel Lavezzi wear.

The boot is made with a synthetic leather, which gives good comfort and a soft and controlled touch on the ball. On the front foot the boot has been equipped with the innovative EnergySling-technology, which is the brightly coloured band that runs across the boot. It is a TPU band, which gives the best possible stability to the foot and makes sure you are locked in place.

Running along the boots lateral- and medial side, you find a durable mesh material, which gives a breathable and thin fit that also manages to provide solid protection.

The studs are based on adidas' successful and popular stud-configuration, TRX, which helps optimise your grip in the pitch and thus improves acceleration.

This is a boot with FG-studs and is therefore made for firm ground pitches, like grass.

Continuing in the line of Nike’s Spring 2013 releases is this back to basics colorway in the CTR360 Maestri III range. By back to basics, I am referring to the fact that this Mint/Black/Lime colorway is fresh enough to suit any fresh pitch as you head into summer. We haven’t had a CTR360 release since early January, so this one is getting plenty of attention at the moment and it stands out as one of the more easily spotted boots on pitch right now.

For me, it is the Mint or Lime colorway lining the forefoot that really sets these apart. The light shade almost gives the upper a soft suede appearance. It is actually Lime (in accordance to the non-existent Nike naming conventions) but to me it could actually be either. How do I get a job as a colorway namer?

While testing the Maestri III, they proved to be a very high performing boot, with the addition of 2-line cross stitching on the forefoot proving particularly effective. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from the Playmaker boot.

This colorway is currently available to buy from soccer.com.

Kanga-Lite Upper with All Conditions Control

The upper definitely feels slightly more rigid than it did on the CTR360 II, primarily due to the inclusion of ACC, something that I am very eager to test out in different conditions! If anything, it might actually benefit the boot as seems to add slightly more cushion.

Stitching Across the Upper

I¡¯m heavily impressed with the 2 lines of stitching that sit across the upper. The intent here is obvious; create areas where the boot can naturally flex with the movement of your feet. It is perfectly situated and adds something simple but purposeful.

New Stud Geometry

Nike has changed things up in this area, and thankfully they have not taken a Vapor VIII approach! The studs are slightly more rounded, with no sharp edges. Nike state it adds ¡°optimal 360-degree movement¡±, testing is where we will find out if they perform that well!

Again, this colorway is currently available if you want a pair from soccer.com.