TEXTILES.ORG
NIKE has launched its newest soccer boot, the Magista 2, that weighs nearly a third less than its predecessor. The company calls it “an evolution in both touch and traction” that enhances tactility, offering players a better feel for the ball.
Developers worked to define which parts of the foot are most sensitive to touch and mapped those against high-touch zones gleaned from slow-motion film studies of ball control. The data collected in the research was visually applied to a foot model in the form of a heat map, revealing significant overlap in areas of high sensation, effectiveness and engagement. 3D printing of test uppers featured peaks and troughs of varying dimensions, a marked transition from the upper of the original Magista, which was uniform throughout.
The peaks and troughs on the upper use the same amount of materials as the original Magista through the use of negative space, the company says. The highest peaks (4.5mm) are in the premium touch areas, aligned with where the foot should come in contact with the ball.
The developments are also seen in the more anatomically contoured collar, designed to accommodate the shape of the ankle bone, while leveraging a thicker knit structure for additional coverage, NIKE says. The revamped collar also dips lower on the tendon for comfort. The tongueless solution features light padding under the laces for coverage in this high contact area.
For a more secure fit, the boot leverages an internal heel counter for enhanced lockdown. And the vibrant colors of the boot reflect not only the heat map that guided its design, but also the smoother transitions throughout the boot’s upper, especially from collar to foot.