If there was one thing we learned from our 91^st Minute trip to Nike headquarters in Portland, Oregon it was this:

Everything Nike does has a purpose. And I mean everything. They may tell you to Just Do it but nothing at Nike is ever just done – it’s analyzed, then studied, then tested, then broken down, then built up … then revealed.

Take the new Nike CTR360s, which haven’t yet been released for retail but were thoroughly unveiled to us (be jealous).

As you may recall, the CTR series is all about control and geared toward the play-makers. Nike’s choice to design a new iteration of these comes as the game is currently being dominated by possession style (something they’re acutely aware of).

These boots have been made for the midfield maestro: the Andres Iniesta (who had major input into the boot), the Jack Wilshere or Ganso.

The CTR360s are equipped with a 3D control pad that uses separate strips with fins of varying sizes to hug the arch and maximize contact with the ball, optimizing receiving and passing accuracy.

These have been tested in wet conditions and just about every other condition on planet Earth to ensure they’re adaptable.

You may notice that Nike boots tend to come in striking colors – that has to do with a level of science that I neither completely understand or can explain.

But just know this: the colors are chosen based on how they contrast with the pitch and ‘flicker’ in a player’s peripheral vision. It’s that extra bit of visibility that can make all the difference.

Oh yeah, plus Neymar has always wanted a yellow boot.

Sometimes the purpose is as simple as that.

More CTR360 pics after the jump.