The Adidas Crazy Shadow – Black Lotus Performance Reviews
Introduction
The 2012-2013 NBA season is finally here, and now comes the time where all the sneaker brands have their performance models on full display every night. For the past couple of season, Adidas basketball has arguably released the highest performing line up, spearheaded by the Rose line. Last season brought an excellent showing featuring a new Pro Model alongside two new light weight entries – the adiZero™ Ghost and Shadow. Again following a team format with the Sprintweb technology and S-shaped outsole, the same three performers are here in time for the Fall. Stripped from the adiZero™ line, the Adidas Crazy Shadow takes center stage for our latest Performance Review.
A follow up to the adiZero™ Shadow of the Spring, the Crazy Shadow looks to be the team shoe of the season. The features include the following:
- Synthetic leather upper with welded Sprintweb for light weight performance
- Cushioning provided by a molded EVA midsole
- Mid foot stability provided by Adidas TORSION® technology
- Non marking rubber outsole with wavebone traction pattern
- miCoach compatible
Aesthetics and Styling
Still pushing the light weight trend, the Crazy Shadow features a similar design which the original adiZero™ Crazy Light introduced. A synthetic leather upper (for this Performance Review the leather is replaced by a smooth nubuck like synthetic) is backed by the welded Sprintweb, with the nylon openings having a familiar look. The design is less sleek than the adiZero™ Shadow, but the sweeping three strip logo on the collar still gives the shoe an fierce look on the court. Released late this summer, Adidas has outfitted the Shadow in bold color schemes for Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday for the initial run. This Performance Review looks at the bright and flashy color scheme made for Jrue Holiday.
No surprises from the side, the nylon openings and three stripe logo on the collar are now a familiar sight with Adidas basketball shoes. A smooth synthetic material with a kaleidoscope print covers the upper, while shiny patent leather is found at the collar. Below, the outsole for all Adidas team shoes for the Fall 2012 is present. Just like the Pro Model Zero 2.0, the non-marking rubber outsole has the contoured S-shape, forefoot flex grooves, the miCoach housing unit, toped off with a full length wavebone traction pattern. And as usual, a thick EVA midsole adds support and comfort for the foundation.
Made especially for Jrue Holiday, the synthetic upper for this Shadow has an all over kaleidoscope graphic. The toe box area is completely covered, with a reinforcement piece stitched above the toe cap. Perforation holes run rampant to the forefoot on each side and the toe box has triangular indentations for style and added flexibility. A small pink Adidas logo lies at the throat line. On the sides, the Sprtintweb welded construction has the bright blue nylon openings contrasting the black upper for a nice style touch. Towards the heel, the small “SPRINT WEB” print is hidden above the all over print.
The bold styling of the Shadow comes out at the rear. A smooth, matte finished covering over the heel counter has bright pink, blue, and neon yellow in the special print found on the upper. Moving up, the Achilles extends high, with the collar rising slightly. Gleaming neon yellow and pink stripes sit above a shiny patent leather base. A rough textile lining has ample but plush padding.
Seven eyelets run straight up the shoe, punctured directly into the upper. Dual colored light weight laces run long above a mesh tongue. The tongue has a stitched strip through the center with two lace holders – one at the throat line and one below the top patch. On top of the tongue, a hologram Adidas logo is present, while on the back, a stitch strip branding the shoe for “JRUE HOLIDAY.” The tongue has very soft padding, with the textile lining. Rounding out the Crazy Shadow is a stiff contoured foam insole. Colored in all bright pink, a checkered “MR. HOLIDAY” logo is printed on the heel.
Comfort and Fit
The thin, light weight laces are easily loosened to create room to slide the foot through. Even though the throat line and lacing system are on the wide side, the foot is sucked into the shoe for practically a perfect, very true to size fit. Lace pressure is felt down the center, alleviated by the tongue padding. Up front, the toe box fits close and tight, with little wiggle room. Ankle protection and support is on point. The padding is just enough to give some cushioning, while the collar completely wraps the ankles. Heel lock down is tight without any movement. Below, cushioning is thick and responsive as expected. The foot sits with plenty of arch support because of the contoured medial side and gripping Sprintweb. Plain and simple, if there was one shoe on the market that would have a perfect fit, with excellent comfort, great support, and hard to beat court feel, it would be the Crazy Shadow.
Performance
Translating well on the hardwood, the excellent fit just feels right. As the upper pushes the foot onto the base of the shoe, court feel is excellent, and out of the box, the player can get right into the game. Running is tight and fluid, with heel to toe transitions close to the court. The toe box has excellent flex, while the Sprintweb grips the foot, and the collar holding tight. Below, the EVA midsole feels very comfortable, whether at a full sprint up and down the court, or at a light jogging pace. It is very clear that the Shadow will not be pigeon holed into one style of play. This is a kind of shoe where versatility is evident within a few seconds of play. To begin, the player valuing light weight and responsive performance will be pleased. Moving around is fluid, with a light weight feel, and there are no hinderances at all. The player can play off the forefoot and get by an opponent with a quick first step, and on the other end of the ball, moving laterally is just smooth. Although the collar has a leather base, the way it fits in this context, as well as the light weight feeling, keeps it from being cumbersome. Bending and spinning is fast and secure. For the swingman and larger player, the versatility comes first with the responsive base. Playing hard off the EVA midsole is just comfortable. Back to the basket play is smooth and fluid. Pushing off the base while fighting for rebounds is exceptional, as the thick sole absorbs impact efficiently to keep harsh landings from feeling miserable. Simply a versatile high quality performer, the Crazy Shadow is comfortable, responsive, and fast.
Stability performance for the Crazy Shadow revolves around the excellent fit. From the toes to the mid foot, the fitting is right on the foot, holding it in place. The toe box allows the foot to bend easily, but has a good sense of security all around. It feels as though there is no wasted space. Cradling the middle is the Sprintweb and synthetic leather. A tight but comfortable feel, the upper keeps the foot from moving, even at a fast or harsh pace, while the contoured design from the foundation keeps slipping to a minimal. Speaking of the foundation, the contoured shape brings tight arch support, so for all those medial bends when a player skids along the court, the foot is fully supported. The most important aspect of stability lies with ankle support and protection. With a comfortable wrap around the ankles, the collar brings a combination of security and protection. Protection lies with the fact that the collar and padding completely cover the ankles, with a tight fit. Security comes as the collar holds both the ankles and heels in place during play. And as mentioned throughout, the feeling is not only secure, but comfortable and agile. In summation, the form fitting upper provides secure and stable performance all around.
Just like the Pro Model Zero 2.0, the Crazy Shadow exhibits responsive based traction. The design and shape of the sole works best for balance, while the wavebone traction pattern brings fluid movement. And because of the thick and comfortable midsole, playing hard feels just as the same as playing light. That is, hard jab steps and foot plants feel just as good as moving quickly off the forefoot forward or laterally. Extreme grip is not what the shoe provides, but what is gained is excellent response time. In the end, traction performance is versatile, fitting the active player as well as the stop and start play style. Another area where the Shadow excels is in Ventilation. The tight fit does little to impede air flow, as the nylon openings are perfect for bringing comfort for the foot during those long and heated game sessions.
Conclusion
The past couple of years has seen Adidas move from the Team Signature (TS) series to a line of similar light weight performers, headlined by the Rose and Howard models. High performance is the result, and the formula is continued this season with the Pro Model, Shadow, and Ghost. In the Shadow comes a no surprise performer. Fit for players looking for an everyday, all around basketball shoe, the Shadow can do it all – versatility, comfort, responsiveness, and good stability. Any player looking simply for a high performance basketball shoe would best take a look at the Crazy Shadow. On the court, the Shadow should be the choice for Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday, and a few other Adidas athletes, so even if the shoe does not have a great marketing push, they will be represented fully on the main stage. Available now in various color schemes at the Official Adidas Online Store, the Crazy Shadow is one of the best this year.
This shoe is comparable to:
Print article | This entry was posted by Mishra on November 4, 2012 at 9:00 pm, and is filed under Reviews. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
about 6 years ago
great review. as usual.
about 6 years ago
Thanks for the positive support!
about 6 years ago
Great review ,Looks like a very good shoe,anyway did you will reviewing Ghost 2,the shoe looks like have a similar foundation with the crazy shadow,but IMO ghost 2 look much better,and how comfortable is this compared to the original Ghost??i’m not really fans of them,due to the sole is not to my liking,and the fit is off as well with the original shadow,so when you said fit is excellent is really got me going with this shoe
about 6 years ago
Thanks again for all the support! We will be reviewing the Ghost 2.0 sometime this season. As for comfort, the Crazy Shadow is more comfortable and softer than the adiZero™ Shadow.
about 6 years ago
By softer do you mean the midsole or the upper or both??if the midsole is really soft and comfortable……this is my next shoes
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! Both the midsole and upper are by no means “soft” but softer than the adiZero™ Shadow.
about 6 years ago
Have you guys reviewed the jordan cp3.vi yet, just curious.
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! Our Performance Review of the Jordan CP3.VI is coming soon so be on the look out for it in the next coming weeks!
about 6 years ago
Are the traction on these good for outdoors are these gonna wear out easily on outdoors ???
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! We did not do an outdoor evaluation, so we can not give a fair assessment on how well they would perform.
about 6 years ago
Mishra, how do these stack up against the Pro Model 0 IIs in your test? Weight, court feel, traction, ankle support in particular. Also, I felt that these were running small again, half a size at the very least, your thoughts?
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! The Crazy Shadow is very similar to the Pro Model Zero 2.0 in a lot of aspects, except for fit. All the aspect you listed are close in comparison. Sizing could be half a size small for the Crazy Shadow because they do have a close fit.
about 6 years ago
will you guys reviewing ewing??i believe they are 1:1 retro,so i think the performance is not change
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! At this time we have no plans to review the Ewing retro, but keep an eye out on our site as that may change!
about 6 years ago
Hey Mishra,
I love reading your reviews!
I’m looking for a new pair of basketball shoes, and I’m wondering if you can give me some advice?
I’m looking for a shoe that plays light, fast, and pushes the player forward. That is, it keeps the player on their forefoot/toes, and not on their heel, for fast and aggressive play.
I also like a shoe with a base that has good impact protection for landings (without being too squishy), while providing a responsive “springiness”, for quick and powerful jumping.
I’m currently playing in the Adidas Rose 1.5, and I really love what they can do on the court. They are the closest to giving me all the things I’ve mentioned above that I value, of any basketball shoe I’ve ever played in.
Are there any shoes that you can recommend that play the way I’ve described? Brand doesn’t really matter, as long as they have what I’m looking for.
Thanks, and keep up the great work!
about 6 years ago
Thanks for the comments and positive words! The Rose 773 as well as the Under Armour Torch would be two good choices. We would also recommend the Adidas Crazy Shadow.
about 6 years ago
i think rose 3.0 will fit you well,im playing as PF/C and the cushioning is awesome,they are very low to the ground,yet there is some softness and firm at the same time,make the stability and comfort at the same time ,also while the midsole seems to be generic(compared to rose1 and 1.5)but they keep push you forward at the same time
about 6 years ago
Mishira what is the difference in the 2.5,773 and rose 3 and which has the better cushioning? and how does the shadow rank between them?
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! The 2.5 and 773 are based off the same foundation and build, while the 3.0 is a brand new design. For comfort, the Rose 3.0 has the best cushioning. We would put the the Crazy Shadow right there with all of them. The Crazy Shadow, like the Rose shoes, has very little weaknesses and is versatile.
about 6 years ago
Mishra, does it have the same fit as the crazy light 2? or does it feels bigger or have more toe space? i tried this one size 44 (US 9.5) , the toe has some space, and the heel was pretty loose..theres a guy selling his crazy light 2 in 44 for cheap, i wonder if it’ll have the same fit as the crazy shadow..thx!
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! In terms of fit, the only aspects that the Crazy Shadow and Crazy Light 2 share is the fact that they are sit very close to the foot. There is very little space with either shoe and the main difference is that the Crazy Light 2 has a thinner and lighter upper. Since the Crazy Shadow has a thicker build, they might fit your foot more closely.
about 6 years ago
Thanks for all the great advice!
I’ll definitely give either the Adidas Crazy Shadow, Rose 773, 3.0, or Under Armour Torch a try. It sounds like they’re all good options.
It really surprises me that Adidas is still making such high quality basketball shoes even though they’ve stopped using PureMotion. I’ve been waiting impatiently for them to bring back PM, but even without PM technology, it really seems like Adidas knows what they’re doing right now.
Whether it’s the EVA cushioning, SPRINTWEB, and SPRINTFRAME that they use on their lighter basketball shoes, or the ALIVE cushioning from their Howard line, I’ve heard almost nothing but good things about Adidas recently.
Also, Under Armour seems to be doing great things as well.
about 6 years ago
Hi Mishra,
Which would you say is better: the Tmac 1 or the Crazy Shadow. I just got the Tmac 1 for cheap, I’m thinking of getting the Crazy Shadow as well. Could you compare the 2 shoes performance wise and which one do you think is better for a guard? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site and for the continued support! Both shoes are high performers. The Crazy Shadow is more well rounded in terms of stability and fit. On of the best aspects of the TMac 1 is court feel and the leather upper is very secure and stable. The Crazy Shadow plays more towards the shoes of today with a light weight feel and minimal upper, but fit is very precise and responsiveness is excellent. You can not go wrong with the Crazy Shadow. As for the Top Ten 2000, the shoe is all about court feel. On the court, the Feet You Wear based technology is excellent for overall movement. It is also very comfortable around the foot, and again, you will not regret the 2000 if it is your choice.
about 6 years ago
Also throw in there the Adidas Top Ten 2000. Thanks.
about 6 years ago
How do you comPare this to the hyperfuse 2012 and adizero crazylight 1
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! The Crazy Shadow is more responsive and has a closer fit than both the shoes you listed. The are more comfortable around the foot than the Hyperfuse 2012, bu the Zoom may be a better cushioning set up for some. As for the Crazy Light, the Shadow is naturally heavier but has better stability. Responsiveness is about equal.
about 6 years ago
You say that the Crazy Shadow compares to the Pro Model 0 II, so does that mean that the Crazy Shadow is better overall than the Pro Model 0 (previous version of the II)?
about 6 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! We would rate them about equal, but they perform different on the court. The Pro Model is a bit more comfortable, while the Crazy Shadow is a tad bit more responsive. For fit, the Crazy Shadow is one of the best shoes on the market today.
about 6 years ago
Ok…btw I keep seeing Crazy Shadow 2.0…is that another name for the Crazy Shadow (aren’t they the same)?
2.0 being for the 2nd version of the original Adidas Shadow? Thanks for the info…
about 6 years ago
Thanks again for visiting our site! The original Shadow was under the adiZero™ line and the new one is not.
about 6 years ago
Ok but that doesn’t answer the question…is there a difference between Crazy Shadow and Crazy Shadow 2.0? Are we talking about the same shoe that people just call differently? since the original version was called ONLY “shadow”…There seems to be a confusion there if you make some researches…
about 6 years ago
Thanks for the comments! They are both the same shoe.
about 5 years ago
The Crazy Shadow and the new adidas Crazy Fast look quite similar…what’s the difference between the two?
about 5 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! The shoes do in fact look and are constructed similarly. Be on the look out for our full Performance Review of the Crazy Fast to see how it shapes up!
about 5 years ago
How do the rose 1.5 compare to the crazy shadow in terms of performance, comfort and fit especially?
about 5 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! We would rate the Rose 1.5 as a better overall performer, but the Crazy Shadow does have the edge in comfort and tightness of fit.
about 5 years ago
Hey Mishra what is the difference between this shoe and adizero shadow?
about 5 years ago
Thanks for the comments! The adiZero™ Shadow was released last season and the Crazy Shadow is simply the 2012-2013 follow up. As far as performance is concerned, both shoes has a similar set up and feel. They play light weight and responsive, but the main differences is the Crazy Shadow has a softer feel and the fit is more precise.
about 5 years ago
Hey Mishra,
Are you going to cover the Crazy Shadow 2.0 that came out? I’m really curious about the difference/improvement from the Crazy Shadow since I’ve tried them and they were pretty much flawless according to me.
about 5 years ago
Thanks for visiting our site! We do have plans to review the Crazy Shadow 2 very soon so be on the look out for that!