The year 2018 saw the sun set on a basketball shoe line that many consider to be among the best ever produced: the Adidas Crazy Explosive. While Adidas continued to innovate and push boundaries in the performance footwear market, the decision to discontinue the Crazy Explosive series remains a point of contention and passionate debate among players and sneakerheads alike. The Crazy Explosive 2018, the final iteration, solidified the line's reputation for groundbreaking design, unparalleled comfort, and exceptional on-court performance. Its absence leaves a void, making us look back and ask: Why did Adidas pull the plug on such a successful and beloved shoe? And what made the Crazy Explosive line, particularly the 2017 Primeknit model, so special?
This article delves into the legacy of the Crazy Explosive line, exploring the design philosophies, technological innovations, and the overall impact it had on the basketball shoe landscape. We'll examine the specific features of the various models, including the widely praised Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit, analyze its performance based on numerous reviews and user experiences, and consider the factors that might have contributed to its untimely discontinuation. We'll also touch upon related models like the Mad Explosive 2017 and address common questions and concerns surrounding the Crazy Explosive line.
The Genesis of a Revolution: The Crazy Explosive Line
The Adidas Crazy Explosive line emerged as a bold statement, a departure from the traditional low-profile basketball shoes that dominated the market for so long. Adidas aimed to create a shoe that catered to the modern basketball player: agile, powerful, and requiring maximum support and responsiveness. The key ingredients were innovative cushioning technology, specifically Boost, and a focus on anatomical fit and flexible support structures.
The first Crazy Explosive model, released in 2016, set the stage. It featured a unique, high-top design, a full-length Boost midsole, and a Primeknit upper, offering a combination of comfort, responsiveness, and stability that resonated with players of all positions. It was a breath of fresh air, and its success paved the way for the even more refined and popular Crazy Explosive 2017.
The Pinnacle: The Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit
The Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit is arguably the most celebrated model in the line. It represented a significant evolution in design and performance, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. The Primeknit upper was refined to offer a more adaptive and supportive fit, conforming to the shape of the foot for enhanced comfort and lockdown.
* Primeknit Upper: Breathability and Adaptability: The Primeknit material provided a sock-like fit, minimizing irritation and maximizing breathability. It allowed the foot to move naturally while providing targeted support where needed. This adaptive fit was a major selling point, catering to a wide range of foot shapes and sizes.
* Full-Length Boost Midsole: Energy Return and Cushioning: The full-length Boost midsole was the heart of the Crazy Explosive 2017's performance. Boost technology, composed of thousands of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU) particles, delivered exceptional energy return, cushioning, and responsiveness. Players consistently praised the shoe's ability to absorb impact and provide a springy feel, reducing fatigue and enhancing performance.
* Lateral Support and Stability: The Crazy Explosive 2017 incorporated strategically placed TPU cages and outriggers to enhance lateral stability and prevent ankle roll. These features provided the necessary support for quick cuts, explosive movements, and aggressive gameplay.
* Durable Outsole: Traction and Grip: The durable rubber outsole featured a multidirectional traction pattern, providing excellent grip on a variety of court surfaces. This allowed players to maintain control and confidence during fast-paced games.
Delving Deeper: Analysis of the Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017
To truly understand the Crazy Explosive 2017's popularity, it's crucial to analyze its performance based on various sources, including reviews, user experiences, and comparisons with other basketball shoes.
* Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Review Roundup: Reviews consistently highlighted the shoe's exceptional comfort, responsive cushioning, and supportive fit. Many reviewers praised the Primeknit upper for its breathability and adaptive feel. The Boost midsole was universally lauded for its energy return and impact absorption. The shoe's lateral stability and traction were also frequently mentioned as key strengths.
* Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 YouTube Reviews: Video reviews offered a visual perspective on the shoe's performance. Reviewers demonstrated the shoe's flexibility, cushioning, and traction on the court. They often highlighted the shoe's ability to handle explosive movements and provide a comfortable and secure fit.
* Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Stockx: The Stockx market provides an indicator of the shoe's value and demand in the resale market. The fact that the Crazy Explosive 2017 models, particularly the Primeknit versions, continue to command relatively high prices on Stockx suggests that they remain highly sought after by collectors and players.