Adidas X Crazyfast.1 Review
Adidas X Crazyfast USA.1 Soccer Cleat Review
In this review, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Adidas Crazyfast — the good, the bad, and whether these cleats might be the right choice for you.
The Upper: Light, Breathable, and Responsive
Adidas has incorporated a new Speedskin layered mesh that’s incredibly thin, delivering a barefoot-like feel when controlling the ball. The material has a textured finish, almost like sandpaper, which provides an excellent grip on the ball in all conditions.
The cleats are noticeably softer out of the box compared to the Speedportals, and they break in fairly quickly. If you're used to cleats that feel stiff at first, you’ll appreciate how comfortable the Crazyfasts feel from the get-go.
Shape
The toe box design is where things get a bit tricky. The Crazyfast.1s feature a raised toe, which is supposed to help players stay on their toes during sprinting. While the theory sounds good, the execution didn’t quite win me over. The raised toe is a little dramatic, and it took me some time to get used to it.
Additionally, there’s a noticeable bump over the toe area, which contributes to an unusual fit over the toes. When it comes to footwork like juggling or shooting, I found the cleats a bit clunky. That being said, if you prefer a more aggressive toe position for sprinting, this could work in your favor.
Heel and Lockdown: Secure but Shallow
The lockdown on these cleats is pretty solid. There’s decent padding around the heel area, ensuring that your foot stays locked in during quick direction changes and sprints. The lacing system, combined with the collar, also does a good job keeping the midfoot secure.
However, one issue I’ve been noticing with a lot of newer boots is a shallower heel, and the Crazyfasts are no exception. While they lock in well enough, they just feel like they could be a little more secure with a deeper heel area.
Sizing
Sizing with the Crazyfasts was a bit of a challenge for me. I initially went with my usual size, 8.5, but found that they were way too spacious and long in the toe area. The heel fit fine, but there was a significant amount of room around the toes, which made the fit feel too loose overall.
I went down a half size to an 8, and while the fit improved, it still wasn’t perfect. There’s still too much volume in the upper, especially around the toes. I can even make a crease or fold in the top of the shoe, and that’s with me going down a half size. This might not be an issue for players who prefer a roomier fit in the toe box, but for me, it was a little too much.
Weight
On feet, the Crazyfast.1 cleats feel very light, which is a major plus for players looking to maximize their speed. For those who value quick movements and explosive acceleration, these cleats will definitely enhance that aspect of your game. They weigh in at 6.3 ounces which is pretty much in-line with the other popular speed boots.
Outsole and Stud Pattern: Versatility and Grip
The outsole of the Crazyfast.1s features Adidas’s Speedframe technology, a design they’ve carried over from the Speedportals, but without the carbon fiber plate. The stud pattern is not overly aggressive, making it perfect for firm ground (FG) surfaces. Even though I typically prefer conical studs for artificial grass (AG), the Crazyfasts felt comfortable enough to use on both surfaces, without feeling like the studs were sticking too much.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The upper is soft, breathable, and breaks in quickly.
Great grip on the ball due to the textured Speedskin mesh.
Lightweight feel, perfect for players focused on speed.
Versatile stud pattern.
Cons:
The raised toe and awkward toe bump may not be for everyone.
Sizing can be tricky, especially in the toe box.
Shallow heel might not provide the best fit for those needing a deeper heel lockdown.
Should You Buy the Adidas X Crazyfast.1 Cleats?
Overall, the Adidas X Crazyfast.1 cleats offer a great balance of speed, comfort, and performance. They’re a solid option for players who prioritize speed and a responsive upper, especially if you like a barefoot feel when controlling the ball. However, the toe area and the fit might be a dealbreaker for some, particularly if you have a narrower foot or prefer a more snug fit around the toes.
While these cleats may not be perfect for me, I still think they’re an improvement over previous models like the Speedportals. If Adidas can refine the toe box and heel fit, they could be a top contender in the speedboot category!