This year the CrazyLight Boost 2016 uses a full-length Boost midsole that has the most Boost pellets ever used in any adidas model. Also, the upper varies depending on what colorway you get. The pair that was tested for this review used a Jacquard upper similar to what we saw in the D Lillard 2.
Is all this enough to make the CrazyLight Boost 2016 from adidas a top on court performer of this year? Only one way to find out…
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Traction
The CrazyLight Boost 2016 uses a very aggressive traction pattern that performs at a high level indoors no matter what the conditions may be. You will stick to the ground on clean floors, dirty floors, 24 hour floors, but not outdoor floors. Something about the traction just doesn’t hold up as well outdoors as it does indoors; I experienced a ton of slipping during hard stops and cuts outdoors. Keep in mind that I reviewed a non-Continental rubber pair, so while the rubber compound on the colorways that use Continental rubber will definitely last longer, there is no guarantee that they will perform better outdoors. As long as you stay on the hardwood, the Crazylight Boost 2016 will keep you covered in every direction, allowing you to execute every move you want without hesitation.
Cushion
Disappointed isn’t the right word. Surprising is closer. Don’t get me wrong, the cushion setup on the Crazylight Boost 2016 is very reliable but it just wasn’t what I was expecting. Instead of a bouncy cushion setup that would “Boost” me during toe offs, what I actually got was a low profile ride that provided great court feel. This is great for players who are low to the ground and light on their feet, but for the players who are explosive and take in hard landings the cushion setup may leave you with something to be desired. While my knees never hurt once after putting in hours of playing time in with the CLB16, I wasn’t receiving the “Boost” I was expecting.
However, for a low profile ride the cushion setup does a remarkable job of protecting your knees with adequate impact protection — surprising, because you usually have to pick one over the other. If you thought the Rose 6 from adidas was the perfect cushion setup, these might not be for you. If you thought the Rose 6 was too spongy, welcome to cushion heaven.
Materials
Once again adidas does that thing where each colorway has a different material but this time it did it right by using Primeknit and Jacquard as the two main options. This colorway used a Jacquard upper that is identical to what was found on the D Lillard 2 and we couldn’t be happier; it’s soft, comfortable, and surprisingly durable for a woven upper. adidas added some rubber overlays in high wear areas such as the medial toe and eyelets just in case. The tongue is made with a mesh material that is just as comfortable as the upper and completes what is a comfortable experience that has no weaknesses.
Fit
Some people will tell you go down half a size. Some people will say go up half a size. Then there are the people who don’t say anything because they went true to size. So what do you really do? The answer is listen to WearTesters and try these on in-store for yourself because that is the only way to know for sure what size works out best for you. Every foot is different. This shoe may fit you perfectly fine but may fit perfectly wrong for someone else. If you can’t go in-store and try the Crazylight Boost 2016 on for yourself, we recommend going true to size.
My foot is on the wider side and the width is perfect but the shoe is a tad too long which is ok because the support is superb. There is a bit of heel slippage but this doesn’t have anything to do with getting the right size, it’s just the way the Crazylight 2016 is. Nothing major but definitely not a lockdown fit in the heel area.
Support
Regardless of what kind of experience you have with the fit the support in the Crazylight Boost 2016 keeps the forefoot locked in where it’s supposed to be. Even if it fits long for you, remember, keeping your foot from sliding within a shoe has nothing to do with how tight you lace up the forefoot and midfoot but rather how tight you lace up the ankle and collar area. With two TPU wings that aide the lacing system, your foot isn’t going anywhere. As I mentioned in the fit section, there is some heel slippage but the external heel cage does a great job of keeping your foot on the footbed, allowing you to get the most out of that Boost cushioning.
Speaking of cushion, Boost is normally unstable but by adding more pellets to this midsole adidas successfully made a Boost unit that is stable enough to recommend for all play styles. There is also a cage located on the lateral forefoot for even more support that never gets in your way. If this is pinching you, you may need to get your foot sized.
adudas CrazyLight Boost 2016 Overall
I thought I would like the CrazyLight 2016 a lot more than I did. That’s not to say it isn’t a great on court performer, because it is. However, for my play style and what I look for in a sneaker, these just aren’t for me. If you want a low-top sneaker that offers a low-to-the-ground ride and provides tremedous support with comfortable materials, get the CrazyLight Boost 2016 immediately because it’s one of the best sneakers, in terms of value, on the market. If you’re looking for a cushion setup similar to what was found in the Rose 6, wait for the Rose 7 or Crazy Explosive as those models should provide an experience that is more Boost-y and suitable for explosive players who prefer a bouncier ride.
Sneakers are getting more complex; gone are the days where you have a sneaker that universally works for everyone. Now each sneaker suits a different play style and you really have to do your research to find out which sneaker suits your play style the best. Good thing for WearTesters right?
Great review! It’s nice to hear a different perspective on your team. Will try them on to see if I can get a good fit, but will avoid if there’s heel slip. Oh yeah, really like the font you used on the topics.
Yeah man. Def try them on if possible. I would have to go down to 10 like I did in the Lillard if I were to have bought them after trying them on. My usual 10.5 was just too long and even in a quick try on, I could feel my heel raising up.
Thanks for the review Jarron. It’s interesting to hear that the bouncy feeling from the Rose 6 isn’t found with this model. I tried them on in-store but of course that’s different from an in-game situation. I loved the feel of the Rose so I hope that the Rose 7 brings that back. I still am interested in these though and my Nike TTS never works with Adidas. 10.5 in Nike, UA, and Brand Black but always a 10 in Adidas. I fall between the two but 10 is too small in the other brands especially after being on my feet and having them expand.
The rose started to feel less bouncy, and more so squishy to me, resulting in me playing in the lillard 2’s a lot more…I think these would be great for me
I’m glad I’m not the only one this happened to. The Rose 6 was real bouncy to start and then lost that feel after like 3 weeks of hard play for me.
I guess it differs from person to person, I never felt that lost in bounce of boost, and I have it for 7 months now.
same here.
so clb = lillard2?
CLB Lillard 2
A friend just bought me the Liberty colorway from Germany cannot wait to hoop in them???
Well done!
Propably the best value-performance shoe of the year! Once again a very informative and to the point review!
*Probably!
just a question? do you prefer the cushion on these over the Bounce cushion on the Lillard 2’s?
That’s the question that I have too. I like how the Lillard feels so if this is an upgrade to that then it’s worth it to me.
Lillard 2 > CLB 2016
Aw man. That sucks. Thanks for the reply.
thanks. now waiting for the Lillard 2’s massive price drop anytime soon.
Great review. These are my first real low tops and I actually like these more than my rose 6. The crazy light boost is in my top rotation and they are very stable and smooth.
Lillard 2 > CLB 2016
Is it because of the too dense and compact boost?
Would it be better than the Lillard 2 if it had the Rose 6 boost feel?
Or did the heel slip affect that comparison?
The heel slip wasn’t an issue for me. It looks a lot worse because of that neoprene sleeve. It was a minor issue.
But yes. I prefer a bouncier ride. Had these used the Rose 6 cushioning I would have enjoyed them a lot more.
You’re right. I straight up lied and put my reputation on the line.