Hit the jump for full review & scores…
Traction – As previously mentioned in the last Performance Teaser, the adiZero Crazy Light 2’s traction is awesome. With its spiral pattern – creating a multidirectional surface – it brings you great court coverage from nearly every angle. Front to back movements were supported by the horizontal grooves allowing you to stop on a dime while the forefoot’s strike zone maintains coverage with the circular pattern’s extension across the ball of the foot. If you play outdoors you can as the rubber is a bit more durable than the original Crazy Light, however, it may not last long so that will be something to think about prior to making a purchase.
Cushion – The cushion is practically the same as it was in the previous model which provides you with a full length EVA midsole & two insole options. I personally prefer the PU insole as it offers more protection upon impact. Heel strikes are absorbed by the foam itself while the forefoot remains low to the ground for greater court feel. Transition feels very smooth in the CL2 that you hardly notice you are wearing shoes at all… it’s almost as if you are gliding across the floor atop supportive pillows.
Material – SPRINTWEB, SPRINTFRAME & EVA foam are complimented with mesh and solid rubber along the outsole. While the SPRINTWEB is thinner than its predecessor, it’s also a lot stronger as its more of a TPU based layer rather than a fabric… similar to the adiZero Crazy Light Low just thinner & lighter.
While there is break-in time required, once that is complete you won’t have any issues with the material itself. To say this is an upgrade would be a complete understatement when comparing it to the Crazy Light 1.
Fit – They run true to size but very narrow at the forefoot. Wider footers will want to try these on before purchasing as the pressure they have at the forefoot could cause discomfort. Lockdown along the midfoot is perfect while the heel is well supported.
Ventilation – The original Crazy Light was very well ventilated… possibly the most well ventilated basketball sneaker I’ve ever worn. While your foot remained cool you also lost a ton of support which is where the Crazy Light 2 comes into play. There are four open mesh windows on the medial side of the shoe which is where your ventilation is coming from. Although the shoe is lines with a nylon it’s just not enough to offer as much ventilation as you may have expected, however, the support that comes with the lack of ventilation was much needed so in my opinion we received the lesser of two evils.
Support – The support is the most upgraded feature and rightfully so. Last year’s model lacked support and practically made the shoe un-wearable for certain types of players whereas the CL2 offers greater support from every angle.
adidas’ SPRINTFRAME is modified slightly to where the medial section has been lowered to offer greater range of motion while the lateral is extended a bit for greater lateral support. The most improved area is the forefoot and SPRINTWEB material. Since converting the top layer to a TPU based skin you receive a lighter weight and thinner upper while it promotes much more strength than the previous CL. It’s also been reinforced at the forefoot (thankfully) so you are pretty much covered all the way around the shoe this time around.
If you wish to view some clear images of the upgraded support then check out the First Impression.
Overall – I did not recommend the Crazy Light last year after my time spent on-court & my thoughts on the Crazy Light 2 are completely opposite. Their ‘Light done Right’ campaign speaks for itself… this truly is light done right. As the old saying goes; if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
Hey nightwing, what exactly does sprintframe do ?
I explain it in every review featuring a sprintframe. Its a support system.
Would you consider adding durability rating in your reviews?
No, itd take a month or more to determine durability unless the shoe fell apart right away.
So you’d recommend this to pgs who want a “quick” shoe if you know what i mean, yet with sufficient support and cushion?
Yes
Great Review.
Does the CL 2 top the Adipower Howard 2 and/or the Fly Wade?
Whatever happened to the Adidas Top Ten 2000 performance review?
The CL2 & Wade 2 are nearly equals for the most part. I personally like the Howard 2 over the CL2 but thats just me.
And when i get a shoe that is more important than another it gets put to top priority pushing back the other reviews. I dont post fake performance reviews here so i make sure to take my time when i have to instead of posting an explanation on materials as a performance review instead of the real deal… A real hoop will know the difference between a fake review and a legitimate one from someone who has actually spent a good length of time playing in a pair of shoes.
Hey nightwing, great review(: I have 2 questions; Do you think the CL2 is an upgrade compared to the kobe 6?(thats what I have right now) And what are your top 5 performers?
Thank you in advance.
Theyre two very different shoes that focus on completely different attributes. I dont pick shoes or compare them for people i just review them then you can compare the scores.
hey nightwing i was just wondering if you saw this yet??http://www.nicekicks.com/2012/06/performance-review-adidas-adizero-crazy-light-2/
No i havent. I dont go to that site or any of the other blogs.
do you think that the traction will be able to hold up to an entire season of games and practice or would it wear down. How does it compare to a hyperfuse type setup?
Its possible. Not much wear can be found on the outsoles right now. Outdoors i wouldnt know. I prefer this setup over the fuse personally. Thinner upper but just as strong.
Once again, another great review! Keep up the good work man.
Just wondering, I have a pair of Adizero Rose 2.5s and was considering another pair because I’m starting to lose traction. Would you recommend the CL2 over that shoe? I don’t have the most narrow foot :S
Thanks! You will want to try them on before purchasing. The Rose 2.5 are slightly wide in the forefoot so if those feel “perfect” for your foot then the CL2 will be a bit slimmer so a try on is necessary in order to get the sizing down or pass altogether.
Performance-wise, do you prefer one or the other? I’m assuming the CL2 has slightly nicer cushioning?
I stated which i prefer in the video buts its just my personal preference. If you like softer foam go with the CL2 or go with the 2.5 for a slightly more firm ride.
Hey, first of all great review, to be completely honest, I’ve been checking your site everyday since the teaser came out to see how you reviewed the CL2. I loved the CL1’s (they are still my “go-to shoe”) and when I first tried on the CL2, right off the bat, I hated the fit, since I have a wider foot than most, it just wasn’t comfortable to me, so I opted for the DRose 2.5’s that day. I wanted to wait for you to review them to ask you this question…
I love how the CL1’s were made to be completely ventilated and even though the CL1’s lacked support, I found no issues with the support once I bought the speedwraps to play along the CL1’s. So here is my dilemma, is the CL2’s lack of ventilation and it’s super narrow fit worth it for me to buy and play in (keep in mind I love ventilation and support is not an issue for me since I wear the speedwraps) or should I just stick to the CL1’s and the DRose 2.5’s in my shoe rotation.
Thank you for your time.
Well the 2.5s are a wonderful shoe IMO and i always find it best to stick with what is comfortable for you. If it works then it works and you should grab a few pairs before theyre discontinued… Trust me, its horrible when you realize that you loved a particular shoe but cant find it any longer.
The CL2 isnt for everyone as far as theyre fit so unless you didnt try them on in a 1/2 larger than what you normally wear to make sure you dont like the fit then id stick with the CL1 & 2.5.
Thanks man, I greatly appreciate your input, I guess I should get another pair of the 2.5’s before the ugly (leaked) DRose 3’s come out.
No problem.
Why can’t ypu wear this for 3+ hours?
I explained it in the video directly after i stated that…
another great review. too bad my feet are on the wide side, but i might try to fit a pair and see how it goes from there. hahaha
Good luck bro!
thanks! this review makes the shoe hard to pass-up.
I played in some other shoes the other night and i actually missed playing in the CL2… That rarely happens lol.
^ You felt that way towards the Wade 2’s as well, right?
I just tried these on yesterday. Fitted half size bigger, and they felt tight even without lacing them. Then I tried a full size bigger, and the first set of eyelets were pinching my feet.
I don’t think my feet and adidas hoops shoes(for guards) agree with each other. lmao
I did which is why i grabbed the EV soon as i saw them… Gave me an excuse to play in them again.
The fit is VERY tight and narrow. Prob should’ve stressed that a bit more in the review but hopefully people try them on before buying to be safe.
You did mention they were tight and narrow, but with such a good review, I just had to give them a try and hope for the best. lol
Looks like I’m headed towards getting a pair of those EV’s. Hopefully the gold ones drop here.
I always try to fit any shoe before I grab a pair, and those EV’s felt really good. I’m just waiting for another cw that I like, it seems that I have been getting black/red or red/black cw’s on my hoop shoes.
Haha, at least you actually tried them on.
I would love to say that it doesn’t hurt to try. But my feet hurt after trying them on. Hahaha!
I follow ur site and it’s great I love what u do and ur reviews, but lately the reviews got boring. Not hating or anything, just a suggestion, but u shouldn’t give too much in the teasers because lately they almost explain the entire shoe. When I watch the video it’s mostly repeats what u say. Still love the review and the shoe though, gonna get a pair especially with ur recommendation.
I dont think ive given away any more info than i have since i started this site… But thanks i suppose.
one comment:
YOU ROCK!
thanks for the review!
Appreciate the support!
So between the rose 2.5 and the cl 2, which one is more responsive and more stable plz and thank u
They are both equally responsive in the forefoot, Rose 2.5 a bit more in the heel than the CL2. I didnt have any stability issues in either of the two. Rose 2.5 fit slightly wider at the toe while the CL2 are narrow so that may play a roll in which you decide to purchase.
So in other words, I should let my 2.5s run its course and get the cl2 after the 2.5s burn out because I have a “normal” width feet so narrow or wide doesnt bother me
If that is what you wish to do then sure. I try not to make decisions for people, just aid them in the process.
which in more narrow Wde2 or Crzy2?
btw thnk you for the review. Nice Job.;
Thank you
Hey nightwing, I play 3-5 times a week at a gym, will this shoe last a season?
They should. The uppers are very durable. Other than some dirty mesh areas they have been able to withstand heavy beatings on-court and have been stepped on more times than my feet would have liked. The outsole traction would be my only concern but so far its held up very well.
NICE review! i always appreciate these!
Still, i really like low tops for my point-guard play. Im trying to decide between some other low tops similar to these like the crazy light low or adirose 2’s. In your opinion, which one did you prefer?
Personally i prefer the CL2. I prefer the forefoot fit on the 2.5 over the 2 & CL2 just bc it wasnt as narrow but other than that i really enjoyed the CL2.
Thanks!
did you forget to put the adipower howard 2’s on your top ten of 2012 list nightwing
I actually just made a post about the list which should answer your question.
is it ture to size
Did you read or watch the review? There is a fit section for a reason.
ok
what do you think is better the adizero rose 2.5 or the crazy light 2
There is a Top 10 list on the right sidebar so you can compare the ratings and reviews.
ok thanks mate
No problem
hey nightwing
I was wondering if you could do a review on the For Bare Feet NBA Crew Sock because Im thinking of buying some and I cant find a good review
thanks
I can look into them.
ok thanks
NightWing is the best reviewer and video creator on the internet, that I have ever seen! And I am not swayed easily. Even his replies to comments and lazy viewers, who don’t listen or read, are right on point.
hi,
You’ve mentioned the CL2 and the Wade 2 are almost equal, but what caused it to not be in the top 10 list? I’m deciding to purchase between the 2. would you happen to know which would out-score the other on durability? for me, what matters is how long the sole would last before it falls apart. i like the Wade 2 but something about the 2-piece sole to me would peel off easier than the 1-piece of CL2. correct me if i’m wrong. Thanks
Wade 2’s were 2011’s Top Shoe. This year isnt over yet so the list will most likley change before December. I only play in the shoes long enough to review so durability is something that I cannot discuss. Both outsoles are perfectly fine though, the Wade shouldnt peel as you say.
What socks are better for the CL 2’s. Adidas cushioned crew sock, the adidas team speed, or the Nike elite 2-Layer sock’s. Please can I have your input it would really help
the team speed socks are thinner, so the shoe would fit nicer with them on since they have a narrow, fit, so i probably would want to go with that.
Hey nightwing! Just asking whether you would recommend CL2 or Rose 2.5 or Adizero Shadow for a Power Forward/ Center. Have wider feet but looking for something light and strong.
the 2.5’s, or the adizero shadow are a good option for a PF, but a great option would be the adipower howard 2’s
what type of socks should I get for the CL 2’s the Nike 2-layers, or the adidas cushioned basketball crew sock. Thanks It would be a great help
Hey nightwing, big fan of your reviews i am thinking of getting indoor basketball shoes what would you pick Li-Ning turningpoint or Adidas crazy light 2?
Id personally pick the Li-Ning
I was wondering what shoe you would recommend for me the Crazy Light 2 or the Hyperdunk 2012
hi,
does the front of the toe in CL2 wipe off the same way it does in orginal CL?
whats up nightwing, i was wondering if yu can help me i own a pair of rose 2.5 should i get another pair custom with mi adidas o a pair of crazy light 2 what do you think ?
Thats really up to you. If you feel its worth it then go for it. Personally, I dont usually find the iD process worth its value.
Thanks bro, love your reviews.
Hey,nightwing you think this shoes suitable for centers and power fowards
hey nightwing im just wondering if the sprintweb will easily tear? and if the traction will lose its grip easily? because i got the first adizero crazylight and the traction didnt even lasted a month 🙁 so im doubting if i’ll buy this one.
Sprintweb is strong and shouldnt tear easily. Traction durability depends on many factors but these have stronger rubber than the CL1.
What do you prefer more CL2 or hyperdunk 2012 for a guard
Can you post some vids of you playing?
hey is it good to play this shoes on outdoor ?
hi
can i ask some question ?
which one shoes is the better for playing outdoor game???and more durable? (nike / adidas )
sorry for my broken english….
Hey NighWing2303 whats better Rose 2.5 or Crazy Lights 2?
hi NighWing2303 whats better crazy light 2 or nike hyperdunk 2012? I’m center.
Hey nightwing which would you prefer CL2 or the crazy light lows
Which would you rather prefer durability and comfortably wise,Crazy light 2 or hyperdunk 2012???
which one is better in general?
Great review, had the CL2 for about 2 weeks, very light and good response time on defense and the timing on shot blocking was amazing, however, one think I hated is the forefoot, it hurts my toe everytime I played with them and because of the friction I often had scratches on toe and other forefoot, that is very annoying.
Thinking about getting the DRosa 2.5 as most of the review said they are amazing.
nightwing, could you compare the CL 2 and d rose 3?
Hey nightwing ive been using these shoesfor about three months about 3-4 times a week and ive now notice that the sprint web has tore, and now there is a hole. What do you think i could do about this and im thinking about replacing them but i really love them what should i do and any sugesttions for other shoes, i play high post and wing.
What types of players do you think the original crazy lights are NOT for?
I’m stuck with choosing either the Crazy Light 2 or Crazy Light 3. Which would you recommend? Hope you can help me out with this decision. Thanks for your great reviews!