adidas Freefootball Crazyquick

Considering the amount of disparity between Nike and the other brands that delve into short-sided equipment, there was not a ton of excitement surrounding the arrival of the new adidas CrazyQuick. Despite an intriguing look and the welcome sight of anyone trying to create real competition in the short-sided marketplace, previous encounters with adidas indoor/turf equipment has left us wanting. However, after only a short time with the CrazyQuick, the three stripes may have truly taken a big step in the right direction. While Nike has ruled the roost for quite some time, the race might finally be heating up…and the CrazyQuick could be just the beginning.

The first thing that stands out with the CrazyQuick is how plain adidas has chosen to color it. Of the two launch colorways, one is completely blacked-out while the other is a dull gray. On the blackout version, the sole is split into two halves of color. On the grey version, the sole is a fantastic combination of blue/yellow/grey/white that really stands in stark contrast to the grey. On my pair, I slapped some volt laces on the left CrazyQuick to give it a little extra “pop,” but it is not in the “looks” department that adidas are hoping for this boot to shine.

The upper of this shoe has been created with adidas ZeroTex (the same material adidas slapped on their 99g concept boot) and has been given a textured feel that some may see similarities with the Nike HyperVenom (but with a smaller pattern). While the upper had a fairly stiff feel out of the box, it has softened up significantly and has become amazingly soft and comfortable. The touch on the ball is impressive and it certainly has us interested in seeing what an FG boot could do with ZeroTex used as the main synthetic. So far, the durability has been great and, despite the thin nature, it seems like it is going to hold up to some serious abuse.

adidas Freefootball Crazyquick soleplate

For traction, the combination of differently sized/shaped nubs that clutter the bottom of the shoe has made it impossible to slip on indoor or turf surfaces. Much like the Nike turf configuration, this shoe also performs admirably on extremely dusty floors…while others were slipping and sliding in their indoor shoes, I always was sure-footed and on my feet. The only issue I had was while wearing the shoes outside of short-sided games is that they become like skates if walking on any type of wet tile-like material…in fact, I nearly went face-first into my in-law’s floors during our Christmas visit because it was just a little damp. It should not factor into your decision as the likelihood of you playing a short-sided game on wet tile is unlikely, but anyone hoping these can be an everyday shoe as well as your new indoor option might should lean closer to the FreeFootball Boost.

The CrazyQuick has performed above expectations at every turn. While this may only be a taste, I fully expect the full review to continue to sound the positive praise of the shoe when the review comes out in a few weeks time. Where any possible consumer that asked about the best short-sided shoe in the past would be led quickly to the Nike FC247 line, it pleases all of us here at The Instep that adidas might finally be putting some pressure on the Nike stranglehold. Competition only brings better gear for all of us…so we are very excited about this move by the three stripes…stay tuned as we continue to cover the short-sided options on the market today!

 

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