When Nike released the Magista Obra in 2014, it immediately shook up the soccer world with its revolutionary design. The Obra became an instant icon, famous for its mid-cut collar and anatomy-hugging fit. So Nike faced a challenge – how could they improve on such a groundbreaking cleat?

In 2016, Nike answered that question by dropping the Magista Obra 2. This update took the Obra’s trademark elements to the next level. Let’s explore the evolution of the Magista Obra and how the Obra 2 marked the next chapter for this legendary line.

Enhanced Upper Texture

The Obra 2 retained the distinctive one-piece Flyknit upper for that barefoot, sock-like feel. But Nike added some new textures to amplify control and touch in key areas.

The strike zone featured a 3D-inspired raised pattern called NIKESKIN for added friction on the ball. A cushioned finish in the midfoot padded passes and traps. Overall, the new textures enhanced the already supernatural touch Magista wearers enjoyed.

Contoured Speed Ribs

While the Obra collar locked down the ankle, Nike reengineered the upper to better secure the rest of the foot. The Obra 2 introduced contoured speed ribs running horizontally across the strike zone.

These elastic bands hugged the foot to reduce slippage during rapid changes of direction. The ribs also streamlined the striking surface. They played perfectly into the Obra ethos of unrivaled fit and control in a soccer cleat.

Stud Configuration Tweaks

The Obra 2 outsole kept the conical stud shapes but rearranged them for greater traction. The forefoot chevron studs became more pronounced to dig into the turf upon acceleration.

The revised alignment focused on facilitating quick release from the ground for immediate changes of pace and direction. As with the upper, the sole adjustments enhanced the Obra’s strengths even further.

Fresh Aesthetics

Nike unleashed a suite of vibrant new colorways to coincide with the Obra 2’s launch. Radiant Orbit and Total Crimson designs introduced fiery shades of red and orange.

A Ghost Green palette swapped out the typical black for an earthy dark green. The bright Volt stud tips remained to provide that iconic pop. The Obra 2 delivered creativity and flair both in performance and appearance.

Built For Agility

Like the original Obra, the Obra 2 catered perfectly to quick and agile attacking players. The contours and textures worked together to stabilize the foot during cuts, stops, and rapid direction changes.

The Obra 2 offered midfield maestros like David Silva unmatched close control when receiving passes in tight spaces. Meanwhile, the traction and stud pressure afforded rapid acceleration for counterattacking.

The Obra 2 embodied responsive and instinctive play. Defenders were left in the dust against the quicksilver cuts and movements it provided.

Cushioning From heel to Toe

A full-length micro-injected Phylon midsole provided responsive cushioning from heel strike to toe-off. This soft foam conformed perfectly to the individual foot shape.

Combined with the plush Flyknit upper, the Phylon midsole made the Obra 2 the most comfortable Magista yet. Nike crafted a cleat that felt as good hours into a match as it did taking the opening whistle.

ACC Remains an Option

As with the original Obra, Nike offered two versions of the Obra 2 – one with All Conditions Control (ACC) technology and one without. ACC provided raised dots on the upper for superior control in wet conditions.

But the Obra 2 took things even further by allowing players to retroactively add ACC. Customization at Nike stores made it possible to adapt the boots as needed.

This innovative concept demonstrated Nike’s commitment to tailoring the Magista line to each athlete’s specific preferences.

Breaking Down Flyknit

One of the most revolutionary technologies behind the Magista’s success was Flyknit. This was a technique Nike pioneered in the world of running shoes. But what exactly is it and what made it so groundbreaking?

Flyknit involves knitting polyester yarn to create a seamless, sock-like upper material. This “second skin” conforms to the foot shape anatomically. The Magista became the first soccer cleat to adopt Flyknit.

Knitting the upper allowed for micro-level precision impossible with cut and sew methods. Flyknit reduced waste and stretched or contracted where needed. It brought unprecedented fit and feel.

Traction Through Pivots

The Magista Obra 2 outsole focused heavily on traction through lateral cuts and quick changes of direction. Several stud types worked together to achieve this:

• Conical forefoot studs gripped when pushing off for acceleration.
• Chevron-shaped studs on the medial/lateral sides provided grip through cuts.
• A bladed heel stud and triangular stud offered stability for pivots and redirects.

This combination allowed complete freedom of movement in all directions. The stud arrangement aligned perfectly with the Magista Obra 2’s agility-focused ethos.

Obra vs Obra 2

While the Magista Obra 2 retained the fundamentals of its predecessor, it still improved key elements:

• New upper textures heightened control and touch.
• Contoured speed ribs added lockdown through quick movements.
• Studs were reconfigured for greater release and rotation.
• A fresh midsole improved cushioning and comfort.

These incremental changes optimized the strengths of an already phenomenal cleat. Nike showed restraint and precision by refining rather than overhauling.

Built For Playmakers

The Magista Obra 2 catered to creative, quick-thinking playmakers across the midfield. The anatomical fit provided a barefoot feel for Manipulating the ball fluidly in tight spaces.

The Obra 2 collar secured the ankle to allow clean receiving and distribution. The responsive sole gave the acceleration needed to carve defenses open on the counter.

From box-to-box midfielders to crafty number 10s, the Obra 2 delivered the tools to run the show creatively. Its balance of control, traction, and fit aligned with midfield orchestrators.

ACC Customization

One unique aspect of the Magista Obra 2 was the ACC customization offered. ACC (All Conditions Control) provided raised dots on the upper for superior control on wet pitches.

But Nike allowed standard Obra 2s to be retrofitted with ACC. This meant players could adapt the boots as needed between matches. It was a prime example of Nike’s innovative approach with the Magista line.

Lasting Impact

The Magista Obra 2 will be remembered for retaining the elements that made the Obra an instant icon while also incrementally improving its most crucial aspects.

It embodied the Obra ethos of pushing design boundaries while honoring fundamental strengths. Nike has continued evolving the Magista line since the Obra 2, but the model still stands out as a creative high water mark.

Conclusion

When a cleat has an instantaneous impact like the original Magista Obra, the thought of change can be daunting. But Nike executed perfectly with the Obra 2 by enhancing key elements rather than overhauling them.

The Obra 2 stands out as a shining example of how to build upon previous success. It embodies the iterative process of refinement and improvement. The Obra story represents continuous evolution by one of soccer’s most visionary brands.

The Nike Magista is one of the most iconic soccer cleats ever created. These revolutionary boots completely changed the game when they hit the pitch in 2014. The Magista delivered innovation in fit, feel, and traction that left an indelible mark on the soccer world.

Revolutionizing Collar Design

Nike shook up conventional collar designs with the distinctive mid-cut collar of the Magista line. This elasticated collar gripped the ankle snugly and prevented any sliding of the foot inside the boot. This allowed for unmatched lockdown and control of the ball.

The mid-cut Magista collar also provided crucial ankle protection and padding. Shooting, passing, and touches felt cleaner thanks to the secure sensation. Visually, the collar also looked stunning and added striking contours.

Other brands eventually followed Nike’s lead by adding mid-cut collars to their own cleat models. But the Magista will always be remembered as the originator that made this bold design popular.

Sensational Barefoot Touch

Nike Flyknit technology played a massive role in setting the Magista apart from other cleats. This knitted material provided a thin layer between the foot and the ball to mimic a barefoot feel.

The Magista’s seamless one-piece Flyknit upper stretched and contracted to match the shape of the foot precisely. ACC (All Conditions Control) dots on the Flyknit also allowed for optimal control in wet or dry conditions.

These innovations gave Magista wearers uncanny touch and feel with every touch, pass, and shot. The Magista upper played perfectly to the strengths of creative attacking players.

Traction and Maneuverability

While the Magista’s upper delivered unbeatable touch and control, the sole plate was also engineered for quick changes of direction. Conical and bladed studs provided elite traction and release for pushing off into sprints or cuts.

A split-toe design enhanced the Magista’s already supreme maneuverability. The unconventional sole pattern was optimized for acceleration and fluid lateral movements. Defenders simply couldn’t react quickly enough against players wearing the Magista.

Rethinking Weight Distribution

Past soccer cleats focused on keeping weight to a minimum at all costs. The Magista took a radically different approach by balancing weight between the upper and soleplate.

More weight in the upper anchored the foot for solid contact with the ball. The contoured soleplate maintained lightweight traction. This innovative weight distribution unquestionably worked, as the Magista became a go-to for creative playmakers.

The Magista’s outside-the-box thinking changed perceptions of how weight should be handled in a soccer cleat. It achieved an ideal balance that few other boots have managed to replicate.

Legendary Beginnings

Nike launched the Magista just in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They made sure to have the boots on the feet of some of the tournament’s biggest stars like Andres Iniesta and Neymar.

This brilliant strategy meant that the Magista exploded onto the soccer scene. Millions of fans saw these unusual new cleats light up the pitches of the World Cup. The Magista became instantly iconic and sought-after due to this exposure.

Its performance and unique aesthetic ensured that the Magista continued turning heads when club seasons resumed. It will always be remembered as one of the most impactful cleat launches in history.

Evolution of the Magista II

In early 2016, Nike released an updated version known as the Magista II. This second-generation model retained the elements that made the original Magista so effective and innovative.

The Magista II featured a fresh raised texture design on the upper for amplified control on the ball. A newly contoured collar increased lockdown through quick cuts and sprints.

Adjustments were also made to the stud configuration on the soleplate to improve traction and release from the turf. The evolution of the Magista shows how Nike consistently refined their game-changing model.

Customization for All Conditions

One unique aspect of the Magista was the customization options Nike offered. The base Magista could be taken to Nike stores and retrofitted with All Conditions Control (ACC) technology.

This allowed players to adapt the Magistas for wet or dry conditions. ACC provided grip dots on the upper for consistent control in the rain. The customization demonstrated Nike’s dedication to versatility with the Magista line.

Breaking the Mold with Flyknit

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Magista was its use of Nike Flyknit. This technology had been used primarily in Nike’s running shoes and involved knitting polyester material for a seamless upper.

The Magista became the first soccer cleat to employ Flyknit. This allowed for a thinner, sock-like fit that improved feel on the ball. Nike also incorporated ACC texture into the knitting for grip in all conditions.

Flyknit was truly a revolutionary advancement at the time. It allowed Nike to break the mold of traditional leather and synthetic soccer upper designs. The Magista’s Flyknit construction paved the way for other Nike models to utilize the technology.

Securing the Foot

While Flyknit provided a flexible and soft touch, steps were taken to still make the Magista upper supportive:

• Flywire cables were embedded into the Flyknit to lock down the foot. This prevented foot movement within the boot during cuts and sprints.
• A raised 3D texture known as NIKESKIN offered abrasion resistance and amplified control.
• A supportive speed ribbing on the strike zone locked the forefoot in place.

These adaptations allowed the Magista to achieve both anatomical fit and security through quick movements. The Magista upper achieved the perfect balance of control, flexibility, and lockdown.

Unconventional Stud Alignment

The Magista’s outsole featured a radical stud alignment geared for 360-degree movement. The placement and shapes of the studs delivered multi-directional traction most cleats couldn’t match.

Conical forefoot studs at the toes offered grip for pushing off in front. Chevron studs on the lateral sides helped players change direction swiftly. A bladed heel stud provided stability for backpedaling.

Nike’s unconventional outsole allowed elite acceleration, whether moving forward, sideways, or backwards. The Magista provided the quick-twitch traction that creative dribblers needed to elude defenders.

Midfield Maestros

The Magista’s balance of touch, traction, and security made it a perfect match for crafty central midfielders. Players like Andres Iniesta and David Silva wore the Magista to great success.

In midfield positions, quick changes of direction and possessions are paramount. The Magista gave midfielders the tools they needed to receive balls fluidly, turn out of trouble, and orchestrate play through the middle third.

Even defensive midfielders like Sergio Busquets thrived in the Magista models. The boots aligned perfectly with the skill sets required to control midfield.

A Lasting Legacy

The Nike Magista won over players and fans immediately with its radical design features and elite performance. Other brands scrambled to catch up and incorporate elements like the Flyknit collar.

But even years after its release, the Magista still feels decidedly futuristic. It pushed the boundaries of possibility in a way no cleat had done before.

The Magista will be remembered as a true pioneer. Its revolutionary technology opened the floodgates to years of creativity and innovation in the soccer cleat market.

Conclusion

The Nike Magista delivered innovation and craftsmanship that cemented its status as a soccer icon. With its collar, knitted upper, and unconventional sole, the Magista introduced a completely new set of possibilities for cleat design.

Five years after its debut, the Magista still looks futuristic and feels unlike any other boot on the market today. Any soccer fanatic will remember just how epic it felt to see the Magista transform the game starting in 2014. The Magista changed the face of soccer.

Introduction

The Nike Magista boot has achieved legendary status since its debut in 2013 for its innovative features and performance on the football field. In this article, we will explore the technological breakthroughs of the Magista and how it has transformed the modern game.

Design and Tech Innovation

The Magista stands out from other boots with its Flyknit upper construction. Made from a single piece of yarn, Flyknit provides an ultra-light and form-fitting feel unmatched by any other material. By mapping out zones of support and flexibility across the upper, Nike created a boot that is both breathable andlockdown the foot securely.

Another key innovation is the Dynamic Fit Collar, a ribbed mesh band around the ankle. It stretches to hug the foot and provides customization by allowing players to tighten it to their preferred fit with the pull of a tab. This revolutionized how boots fit and stay locked on during play.

Pitch Performance

Where the Magista truly shines is on-field performance. The ultra-thin Flyknit upper provides a barefoot touch on the ball, allowing players exquisite control and feel. Its flexibility matches the natural motion of the foot for unmatched comfort and agility.

The low-profile soleplate is also engineered for maximum ball touch. Constructed from a single molded carbon-fiber plate rather than multiple pieces, it delivers responsive touch and sharp maneuverability on passes and shots.

Widespread Adoption and Impact

Elite players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar quickly adopted the Magista as their boot of choice, impressing the world with their skillful plays in them. Its popularity skyrocketed the boot to widespread usage at top professional and amateur levels.

The Magista’s technological breakthroughs truly reshaped the landscape of modern boots. It set a new standard that other brands quickly worked to match and even surpass. Most importantly, it empowered players with unprecedented control to take their game to new heights.

Legacy and Future of the Line

Over a half-decade since its launch, the Magista remains a cult favorite for its unique blend of breakthrough tech and touch. While newer models in the line like the Magista 2 and Obra focus on iterative improvements, the original captures the nostalgia of players who first experienced that magical touch.

Going forward, the Magista lineage will surely continue to push boundaries. With Nike’s relentless innovation, each new release keeps football evolving at a rapid pace. What defining new features might the next generation bring to transform the next era of the beautiful game? Only time will tell – but one thing is certain, the legend of the Nike Magista has already been cemented for generations to come.

In Summary

In this article, we explored how the original Nike Magista boot achieved legendary status through its groundbreaking Flyknit construction and performance features. By empowering elite players with unprecedented touch and control, it drastically reshaped the modern game and football boot design. While newer models build upon its foundation of innovation, the nostalgia of the first Magista lives on for both pros and amateur players alike. Its impact ensures the Magista lineage will remain intertwined with the evolution of football for many years to come.