Expensive Lightspeed

Adidas have revamped their top of the line lineup with the launch of the Crazyfast series. Instead of getting a top end laceless boot and lace variation, we now have a plus model that not only features a very thin upper and is lighweight but is also about twenty percent more expensive than the other two top end models. While it seems that not every colourway will have the plus model, it is still a very expensive option. There do seem to be benefits of the plus model, with a floating tongue that allows for more adjustability and the unbelievable light weight. But the issue remains is whether or not the price of the boot makes the potential benefits worth it.

Fit and Feel

The most noticeable thing about the adidas Crazyfast+ is how light the boots are. My pair (size 8 US) weighs in at 157 grams (5.54 Ounces) which makes it one of the lightest boots on the market. It is silly how light they are, and one could be forgiven for thinking that some other sacrifices had to be made to make the boots so light.

Interestingly though, in spite of the light weight, the whole boot seems well balanced. There is heel cushioning, a decent insole, an upper that has an internal support structure and an excellent soleplate. The heel is probably the most impressive part of the package as it is well cushioned and fits the shape of the heel well. Given how sensitive I am to blisters in my heels, I have had no hot spots or weird rubbing while using the boots. It is a great positive and something that the makers of other speed boots should be paying attention to.

The overall fit is pretty good as well. The lacing system is not super deep but there is plenty of adjustability which means that the Crazyfast+ should be suitable for a majority of foot types. Even when laced up, there are not really any noticeable weird bulges around the foot (save for one part – more on that soon) and the upper does a great job of following the shape of the foot. Except for the toebox. While part of this is on me (I got the wrong size), the toebox is too pointy for my liking and makes my toes feel cramped. It is disappointing considering how good the rest of the boot fits. Even in the proper size, it would have been better if the toebox was slightly more rounded.

Which brings us to the lockdown. It is good overall and while the foot does not slide around inside of the boot, it does feel as if the boots could use one more set of laceholes towards the top of the foot. This is because around the ankle area the upper bugles out away from the foot/ankle and no matter how the boot is laced, it does not seem to get any better. During play it is not really obvious, but it is still something that should be improved on the next model.

While the upper does feel somewhat plasticky at first, it does break in a couple of sessions, and it is fairly malleable. It is impressive that for a boot so light, the upper feels solid and while I would say you definitely feel tackles, the upper does feel more durable than one would think. However, it does feel as if the glue used to cement the upper to the soleplate could be stronger as while I have had no issues, I have seen others have split soleplates. If you are purchasing a pair, I recommend they be used for games only as they do not seem to have the robustness needed to be used for training and for matches. A shame because other parts of the boot make it an excellent go to.

As far as sizing. I went half a size down and that was a mistake. Do not do this. It is absolutely recommended that you go true to size.

Touch

Probably the best part of the adidas X Crazyfast+ is the performance of the upper. There is this nice, slightly rougher feeling to the upper that means there is more to the boot than a barefoot touch on the ball. While there is no padding to speak of, that friction on the upper means that trapping a ball feels just that little bit easier, especially in wetter conditions. Aside from that, the touch is pretty much all down to the player. The initial sessions require just a little bit getting used to, unless you normally wear boots with a thin upper like these.

That textured upper also means that dribbling feels great in the boots and since there is very little in the way between you and the ball, there is this razor sharp feeling on ball that means you feel everything. A quick word about the stud layout, which is great in its own right, but also is great for manipulating the ball with the bottom of the feet. As someone who likes to roll the ball around with their studs, this is appreciated.

Passing and Shooting

That rougher upper material also makes a big difference here as well. For short passes, it is not as obvious, but when hitting a long ball, the effect is very noticeable and allows you to put that extra little spin on the ball. It is really enjoyable to hit crosses and longer balls in the Crazyfast+ as that raw feeling translates equally into a feeling of raw power. It can be argued that this is what separates the boots from other lightweight speed boots on the market.

Shooting is a joy as well. That pingy sensation that one would expect is ever present here and there is a certain directness on the ball when hitting it that is not found in a lot of other speed boots. When you combine this with the tactile upper it gives this mental feeling that it is possible to have more accurate shots. Of course, this is largely mental, and it is down to the skill of the wearer, but it is still a nice feeling to have.

Grip

The soleplate may no longer have the CarbiTex but in spite of that, it still feels very responsive. The boots seem like they are willing you to sprint after every lost cause and of course that slightly upward curve makes it easier to run and reduces the amount of force needed to push off.

Going to the stud shapes themselves, they are really good and even though they are a firm ground variation, they worked great on artificial grass and there have been no issues, other than the durability worry. So good are the studs and stud layout that I personally prefer them over the ones on the Ghosted and the Speedflow. They really perform that well.

The issue

The price is just absolutely killer. The adidas Crazyfast+ are excellent boots but they are so difficult to recommend because of the high price point. It is difficult to imagine someone paying the extra money to get a pair of these when they are a new boot on the market and are more expensive over more established speed boots. It just does not make any sense and feels as if adidas is shooting itself in the foot by pricing the boots so high.

Conclusion

The adidas Crazyfast+ is an excellent boot. The great upper, combined with an actually good heel counter means that the comfort is better than a lot of the other speed boots on the market. However, the price point, as well as questions over its durability, means that it is a difficult boot to recommend. They are worth a shot, but maybe only as a match boot and when they are on sale. If adidas can lower the price and improve the durability, these would be an absolute killer speed boot.

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