adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit REVIEW: REWORKED Primeknit

I’ve now tested two versions of this year’s Crazy Explosive, with the second one being the Primeknit. The upper is totally different from last year’s, so let’s see if this version is worth getting over the regular.

This will be a quick review since I’ve already made a detailed review of the regular CE, so check that one out and compare the differences here!

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, the fit, performance, the upper and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit review!

THE TECH


BOOST

The same cushion setup is used just as on the regular 2017 and all 2016 versions. Full-length BOOST foam in a cage for stability, plus an extra internal outrigger on the side, which is an addition to the 2017 models.

PRIMEKNIT

This time, Primeknit is VERY different. Still, you will get a super premium and high-quality experience. But it now has its benefits and negatives. More on that in the Materials section.

FIT


WAYYYY BETTER THAN THE REGULAR

The regular 2017 CE fit me decent at best. It’s a very unexpected thing to happen with all 2016 versions being brilliant, but the Primeknit version really took care of that well.

You can actually go true to size with these, wide footers might want to consider going half a size up, but I didn’t and being a slight wide footer, the shoe gave me no problems after a quick & hassle-free break-in period.

The fit inside the shoe is much softer, less resistant and less stiff than on the regular version. We’re talking about a CLEAR difference here. The whole Primeknit upper construction on these is interesting (we’ll get into that later), so the shoe didn’t feel as soft or light as last year’s model. That’s not always a bad thing but this shoe basically feels super secure, comfortable, there’s absolutely zero dead space or slippage. But it’s a bit less soft and heavier than you would expect from Primeknit.

Take that with a grain of salt since everyone’s needs are different. But all in all, a drastic improvement from the regular CE.

PERFORMANCE


CUSHION

The exact same cushion setup, so not much to go over here. An amazing & versatile experience that ties everything together: bounce, softness, comfort, impact protection, stability, responsiveness and even proper court feel. This is hard to find on any other brand and even on other BOOST models. That’s how good it is.

TRACTION

Again, the same outsole is used and it’s also really good. Superb grip on all court types & conditions, plenty of stopping power and the rubber compound is a bit more durable than last year’s, so outdoor play could be considered.

SUPPORT

What I loved about last year’s CE was how comfortable & light but super supportive with zero compromises they were. Well, this time it’s pretty much the same concept with a couple of differences.

There’s still PLENTY of support for just about any player out there. But the upper is a bit heavier and thicker, so you will feel it a bit more present than on last year’s shoe.

That also means that support and overall security, including containment and lockdown, is even further enhanced this year. We got a thicker, more sturdy upper, an internal heel counter, tons of internal padding in the heel area and an internal outrigger for lateral protection.

UPPER


DOUBLE LAYERED UPPER – WHAT IS THAT?

This year’s upper is vastly different from last year. It’s now forged Primeknit as what they call it. It’s basically two thick layers of material that are forged which is why the front has all those wrinkles. That’s a result of forging.

To best describe the experience, I’d say it was very good but not as “heaven-like” as on the 2016 CE Primeknit. This version of the upper is much thicker, a bit heavier, more present and less stretchy, so you can basically call this a heavy duty Primeknit upper.

It’s not all bad though. Sure, it’s a bit heavier and less free but it’s still Primeknit people, don’t get me wrong. It’s reaaaaaally f**king comfortable and secure. It just depends on what you need.

If you need a super light and free experience with a bit less protection, go with the 2016 shoe. If you need it the opposite way around, go with the 2017 shoe. Simple as that.

OVERALL


BEST FOR ANY PLAYER WHO NEEDS BALANCE IN ALL ASPECTS

This is an extremely versatile option to get. If you’re NOT a complete low-profile guard who needs maximum court feel and mobility, chances are you’ll love this shoe.

+ A COMFORTABLE & SECURE FIT
+ UNRIVALED BOOST CUSHIONING
+  SUPERB SUPPORT
LACK OF VENTILATION
A BIT BULKY FOR A LIGHT SPEEDY GUARD

Okay, that’s it for the review! I hope you found it useful!

Check out this year’s regular Crazy Explosive! Maybe it’ll fit you better…