Adidas Crazy 8 review

Who should buy the Adidas Crazy 8

This Adidas basketball shoe is a good match for you if:

• You want a shoe made from durable and high-quality materials to execute game plays smoothly
• You are after an Adidas basketball shoe with great traction to play on any type of court

Who should not buy the Adidas Crazy 8

According to some basketball players, the Adidas Crazy 8 requires a break-in period and is not for wide feet. For this issue, Adidas Crazy 1 ADB Primeknit and Adidas Crazy BYW II are great alternatives. 

Well-cushioned to protect your feet

The shoe uses an EVA cushioning for its midsole. Despite its bulky look, many mentioned that the midsole is thin and sits very low to the ground and the rounded edges of the midsole encourage agility with every step. Included with the Crazy 8 is a PU insole that adds impact protection.

Great traction, but lacks friction

According to basketball players, this pair has a flat herringbone pattern on the forefoot and the heel, and the grooves are very close to each other which increases traction. However, the majority mentioned that the herringbone pattern on the outsole lacks protrusions that increase friction.

Nevertheless, many are satisfied with this shoe's outsole made of solid rubber that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The Adidas Crazy 8 fits true to size...

Many have commented that the Adidas Crazy 8 is true to size both in length and width. Upon purchase, you can go with your regular Adidas basketball shoe size.

...but not for narrow feet

However, several players complained that the shoe is not ideal for narrow feet because of the wide toe box.

Excellent lockdown? Check!

Together with the EVA cage on the sides of the shoe, basketball players attest that the Crazy 8 features a strap-like design on the upper that hugs the foot when the laces are tightened. Two nylon straps are attached to the base of the heel and end at the tip of the ankle collar.

These straps can be used as lace eyelets and when threaded with laces, the shoe collar cuffs the top of the ankle and locks the heel into place. The shoe also uses a minimalist lacing system, which makes getting into the shoe an easier task.

Spoil your feet with premium and durable materials

The Adidas Crazy 8, depending on the release and colorway, uses a mix of materials on the upper. But most commonly, they use full-grain and patent leather on the upper.

According to verified buyers, the Adidas Crazy 8 is built like a tank. While this pair is lightweight, it doesn't skimp on durable materials. This is true given that the upper is mostly leather and many mentioned that it's rock-solid from top to bottom. Some even claimed that due to its materials, this shoe is one of the most durable shoes they've ever worn.

Basketball players appreciate the benefits that this shoe brings due to its premium materials. With its synthetic uppers, advanced cushioning systems and feather-weight shoes, several players attested that the Adidas Crazy 8's purpose is to lock you in, move with you, and take any beating you put it through.

Play with style

The Adidas Crazy 8 mixes loud, aesthetic statements with functionality, starting with the bold peaking lines on both sides of the shoe. These lines support the shoe material as the foot flexes. While two nylon straps add texture to the ankle collar, they also act as lace loops that secure the foot in place.

The signature 3 stripes are integrated into the sides of the strap-like upper, and several mentioned that the stripes are usually made of a different material to contrast them with the rest of the shoe’s upper.

The Adidas Equipment logo is found on the tongue, both sides of the ankle collar, on top of the heel, and on top of the toe box. Also, a number 8 is stitched to the base of the tongue, signifying Kobe Bryant’s jersey number when he played with the LA Lakers in 1998.

Play like Kobe: Short history of Adidas Crazy 8

The Adidas Crazy 8 is not only a solid performance shoe but also a nostalgic one. Debuting in 1998 and previously known as the Kobe 8, the shoe garnered a huge following because of its futuristic look and its ability to perform on-court. Not to mention, it was worn by the young Kobe Bryant, on his way to claiming his fame. Fast forward two decades, Kobe Bryant is now happy with the recently re-released Zoom Kobe 1 Protro with Nike.

Previously known as the Kobe 8 or KB8, was released in 1998. At that time, Kobe Bryant was two years into the NBA and his 6-year Adidas contract. The Crazy 8 was Bryant’s first signature shoe with the German shoe company. His fame was still on the rise, and Adidas made the right call signing with him, even before he was known.

The unique silhouette of the shoe featured the Feet You Wear technology, which has this as its battle cry: “Your foot is not flat, so why should your shoes be?“ The shape was intended to mimic the natural contours of the feet so that the shoe would act as a protective, durable, and responsive extension of the foot.

The name Kobe 8, however, was changed to Crazy 8 when the shoe was re-released. During that time, Bryant was no longer with Adidas.

Adidas Crazy 8 Colorways

These are some of the most popular Crazy 8 colorways:

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘1998 All-Star’

This quickstrike release is a nod to the original colorway Bryant wore during the 1998 All-Star Game. The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘1998 All-Star” comes in the OG black and white with purple accents. Bryant’s previous jersey number (8) is embroidered on the tongue.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘All-Star’

Released as part of Adidas’ 2014 All-Star Collection, the Adidas Crazy 8 ‘All-Star’ features an orange-based upper with lime green and blue paint splatter accents.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Aurora Borealis’

To greet the 2016 All-Star Weekend, Adidas launched the Crazy 8 ‘Aurora Borealis.’ These basketball sneakers are covered in shades of purple, blue, and pink. A gradient look is applied across the upper.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Black Canvas’

This pair boasts a black canvas upper with white accents. A translucent blue outsole completes the silhouette.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Black History Month’

Adidas’ 2015 Black History Collection pays tribute to the legendary career of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. These basketball shoes are covered in three shades of brown. Kareem’s face and number 33 are displayed on the tongue while inspirational quotes are printed all over the midsole.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’

This edition of the Crazy 8 aims to help raise awareness against breast cancer. The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ boasts a pink leather upper with white accents.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Mutombo’

The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Mutombo’ incorporates elements from the Adidas Mutombo. These basketball shoes feature a black suede upper with hits of yellow and red. Completing theme is a unique print that runs along the midsole.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Draft Day’

The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Draft Day’ is a nod to the original team that drafted Kobe Bryant. During the 1996 NBA draft, Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets. Right after drafting Bryant, the Hornets agreed to send him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac.

The Crazy 8 ‘Draft Day’ features a combination of turquoise, purple, and white to replicate the Hornet’s colors.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘EQT’

Part of the EQT lineup, the Adidas Crazy 8 ‘EQT’ features a green and white color scheme with plum accents.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Mother’s Day’

This special edition basketball shoe features a black-based upper with vivid berry and slime green accents. “I <3 Mom” is written on the insole as a tribute to all mothers.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Neon Tribal’

The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Neon Tribal’ sports a white tumbled leather upper with a unique tribal print along the midsole’s interior. A black speckled midsole adds some contrast and finishes off the silhouette.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Night of the Ballin’ Dead’

For the 2015 Holloween festivities, Adidas decided to introduce a new theme called the “Night of the Ballin’ Dead.” The collection includes a version of the Crazy 8 covered in a vibrant shade of pink with hints of purple on the laces and inner lining.

To complete the spooky theme, designers included a subtle brain graphic along the upper, crossbones on the tongue, a slimed Adidas logo, and a glow-in-the-dark outsole.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’

Adidas brought back the “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme for the 2013 Holidays. These Adidas basketball shoes feature a purple-based upper with glow-in-the-dark accents and outsole.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘Olympic Rings’

Dubbed ‘Olympic Rings,’ this Olympics-inspired release features a white-based upper with black, green, blue, yellow, and red highlights.

Adidas Crazy 8 ‘The Blueprint’

To several NBA stars including Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Damian Lillard, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar represents “the blueprint” for greatness. The Adidas Crazy 8 ‘The Blueprint’ is dedicated to Kareem and takes inspiration from his days in UCLA where he finished his college career with an 88-2 win-loss record, three NCAA championships, and numerous accolades.

This limited edition colorway boasts a synthetic suede upper treated in blue with a graphic paper print on the midsole. Other details include a personalized tongue patch featuring Kareem’s legendary hook-shot, his signature on the ankle collar, and his number 33 on the base of the tongue.

Adidas Crazy 8 USA Pack

Dressed in all-red, white, and blue, the USA Pack features three pairs of Adidas Crazy 8 in monochromatic hues. Each pair is constructed with faux snakeskin leather.

Adidas Kobe Vino Pack

The Adidas Kobe Vino Pack commemorates Bryant’s tenure with the brand and also bids the Black Mamba goodbye as he says farewell to the game that he loves.

The Kobe Vino Pack features cork-like designs as a reference to Bryant’s “Vino” nickname from 2013. The pack includes the Adidas Crazy 8, Adidas Crazy 1, Adidas Crazy 97, and Adidas Top Ten 2000.

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