Knitted boot on its way here

Nike's new Magista soccer boot is endorsed by players such as Spanish international Andres Iniesta. Photo / AP

The next generation of soccer footwear - knitted, sock-like boots that finish above the ankle - is on its way, with Kiwis able to slip their feet into Nike's "game-changing" Magista boot from May.

Rival manufacturer adidas is also working on a knitted boot in time for the World Cup in June, but the Primeknit FS is still in its developmental stage.

Launched over the weekend in Barcelona and endorsed by stars such as Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta and German forward Mario Gotze, Nike's Magista is game-ready.

The first pairs will be on Kiwi shores next month and the boots will be available in stores from May 22 with a recommended retail price of $340.

Nike has already used knitted technology in running and basketball shoes and has been working for four years to transfer it to soccer boots. "With Magista, we've designed a shoe that feels like an extension of the player's body," Nike's vice-president of sport performance footwear, Phil McCartney, said.

"This isn't a boot that just goes on your foot, it's a boot that works with your foot."

According to Nike's publicity, the Magista features a new "mid-cut Dynamic Fit Collar" for a more locked-down fit and increased awareness of the body's movements and interaction with the ground and the ball.

"The mid-cut allows the foot, ankle and lower leg to work together as a single unit, emphasising their natural movements," McCartney said.