Nike Magista Obra II

The 2nd generation Obra retains a lot of the DNA from the groundbreaking 2014 release while also making technological leaps forward. The central question in the design of this release was: “What might happen if the Foot had evolved as if it were designed to play football?

“AN ORGANIC EXTENSION OF THE FOOT”

When Phil Woodward, Nike’s chief soccer footwear designer, began thinking about how to update an extremely popular and already tech filled boot he started with two basics: sensation and control. Slo mo video was taken to observe how players interact with the ball and which parts of the foot come into contact with the ball the most. This data was used to inform the design of the texture and 3D geometry built into the knit and structure of the upper, allowing for more touch and sensation in high-use areas of the foot. At the same time, this is visually represented in the “heat map” graphic which was used for design and data purposes throughout the design and prototype phase of the boot.

FLYKNIT UPPER

The tech of the upper has changed somewhat significantly from the first generation Obra. It is still a one-piece Flyknit upper with a Dynamic Fit Collar, but the texture is much more aggressive and cushioned from within. These peaks (4.5mm at their highest) and troughs work with the interior padding to communicate with a players sense of touch, stimulating sensation from ball to boot, boot to foot, and finally foot to brain. All of this new texture and enhanced dimension was created without adding any extra material or weight from the first generation. As Woodman says, “we used to build texture atop the upper, now the upper itself is textured. The finishing touch is a very thin layer of NikeSkin PU, this adds durability as well as makes the knit more weatherproof.

DYNAMIC FIT COLLAR

Nike introduced the dynamic fit collar on the first generation Magista in 2014, turning heads and undeniably changing the landscape of soccer boot silhouettes. The collar was born out of feedback from players who said they wanted their boot to feel like an extension of the leg. The design of the DFC allows for a seamless feel and fit from boot to foot and lower leg. The elasticated Flyknit also creates a compression fit which enhances awareness of movement. The DFC on Obra II is much more anatomically informed. Nike studied the motion of the foot and revamped the collar to allow for more freedom of movement, especially around the tendons in the ankle. it is contoured to accommodate the shape of the ankle bone, and uses a slightly thicker knit structure for additional coverage. The upgraded DFC also dips lower on the achilles tendon, providing a more comfortable fit.

DATA INFORMED STUD CONFIGURATION

Much scientific testing was put into developing the traction pattern for Magista II. Data analysis was used to create a complete system of traction in which all parts work together. The Magista player utilizes a lot of rotational movement and pivoting to control the flow of play. Nike used pressure data to study this movement, which led to the chevron studs around the ball of the foot allowing for rotational freedom. The halfconical studs in the forefoot still allow for that rotational movement, but with the flat side facing back, they are also designed for sharper acceleration. Similarly, in the midfoot and heel, the flat side faces the other direction, grabbing the turf a bit more aggressively and assisting in braking. Using a combination of Pebax and TPU, this soleplate is also 30% lighter than its predecessor.

The Nike Magista Obra II is available now!