Ethan Holland
On July 13, 2014, the world watched as Germany faced off against Argentina in the World Cup final. 22-year-old Mario Götze became the hero of the day, scoring the winning goal. What many may not realize is that Götze was wearing a revolutionary pair of boots that would change the game for Nike Football. These boots were none other than the Magista Obra.
The Magista Obra was officially unveiled on March 6, 2014, at a launch event in Barcelona. It was the first boot from Nike to feature a mid-cut dynamic fit collar and incorporate the brand’s Flyknit technology. This groundbreaking design marked a pivotal shift in the football industry. Even a decade after its release, the Magista remains an iconic design in the world of football boots.
But the story of the Magista didn’t start there. Back in March 2006, Lotto introduced the Zhero Gravity, which featured laceless technology. While it didn’t have the lasting impact that Nike’s Magista would, it set the stage for innovative boot design. Denis Dekovic, a talented designer, was brought on board by Nike after his work on the Zhero Gravity. Dekovic’s expertise led to the creation of the Magista Obra, which made a significant impact right from the start.
One of the key features of the Magista was its Flyknit technology, which had been used in Nike running shoes since the London 2012 Olympics. This material, combined with Brio cables for extra support, provided a fit that was like an extension of the player’s body. The design of the Magista aimed to work with the foot, amplifying sensation and improving ball control.
The success of the Magista quickly spread through Nike’s football boot range, with the Mercurial and Hypervenom lines adopting Flyknit technology. Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc. CEO and President, highlighted the impact of the Magista on Nike’s design and innovation history. Without the Magista, the landscape of football boots would likely be very different today.
The Magista may have been replaced by newer models like the Phantom VSN, but its legacy lives on. The enduring popularity of boots like the Mercurial and Superfly line can be traced back to the groundbreaking design of the Magista. Its impact on the game is undeniable, and it will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of football boot design.
