Yesterday Nike launched the new CTR360 Maestri II Elite football boot at Nike Town on London’s Oxford Street with Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in attendance.

The theme of the new boot is primarily focusing on the role of the ‘playmaker’ with first touch and ball control being pivotal attributes in the art of the aforementioned role.

Competition winners, along with students and members of the media, including us at Soccerlens, were kindly invited by Nike Football to test out the new boots in a number of training routines at Arsenal’s London Colney training base. All participants were equipped with a pair of the boots, as well as Nike elite training apparel and Nike Pro Combat baselayers to enhance their football experience. The guys were then given a brief introduction on the boot itself, which has a carbon re-inforced chassis that provides strength and bladed studs for optimal traction and stability.

The training sessions worked in conjunction with the theme of the new footwear by focusing on first touch and ball control. All participants worked up a sweat as they attained knowledge from the Nike Academy coaches on hand, who emphasised the importance of such attributes for top flight footballers all around the world. ‘Pass and move’ was a pivotal aspect of the sessions with all those taking part making the most of the wonderful facilities on offer at Arsenal Football Club.

Many of the world’s greatest playmakers are already using the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite, with the likes of Andres Iniesta gracing the turf of the Camp Nou with his neat intricate passing and Francesc Fabregas lighting up the Premier League with his slick one-two’s.