Soccer Laduma’s very own Delmain Faver delves into the adidas X Crazyfast Marine Rush, the latest rendition of the global sports giant’s offering to their world class athletes.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah and locally Vincent Pule and Yusuf Maart – but what does a journo from Africa’s biggest soccer publication think? Read on!
So as a disclaimer, I’d like to categorically state that I am not a professional footballer. Rather, I am an avid lover of the game who does get stuck in the odd social game and five-a-side is where my limited talents really flourish.
Initial appearance
I was privileged this week to lace up in the adidas X Crazyfast Marine Rush pack and true to its billing, the boot sent me on footballing bliss and I’d like to share my pleasant experience with you.
Upon first glance, the adidas X Crazyfast looks good! If you are a flashy player who enjoys evading their opponents, then this is the boot for you. More conservative players might have requested a black colourway, that is less ‘flash’. However, this boot is for the player who wants to stand out, the player who wants to make things happen, a difference maker – a Lionel Messi. So, you can imagine that my confidence, based just on how I looked, was sky high long before I even stepped onto the pitch at the Urban Sports fields in Marks Park, Johannesburg.
More importantly, the firm grip edition of the boot, has the added feature of pink studs, something that my three-year-old daughter absolutely loved!
Weight and dimensions
When you first hold the boot in your hand, you’d be excused for thinking it is candyfloss – yes it is that light. Adidas have apparently made the X Crazyfast 5 grams lighter thanks to an aeroplate that was inserted into the boot and the difference is apparent. While it is a ‘light’ boot, it still provided the necessary comfort whilst wearing them. There are padded areas, which cushion the Achilles and instep regions, giving extra comfort in all the right areas.
The laces are quite thin so there’s no need to ‘choke’ yourself when tying the boots as it hugs quite snug onto your foot, like a hand to a glove.
The actual feel
During the warm-up, I took the time to adjust to the feel of the boot. After my first touch, which was a sideways pass, I immediately felt the comfort provided by the boot. Interestingly, it had rained prior to our match so the pitch was quite quick and slippery, a real test for my new tools – but safe to say the boot held its own. While some of my teammates were slipping around, I had the full grip and confidence to accelerate and slow down when needed. My first shot, which was struck with the laces, felt comfortable as I managed to make a full connection with the ball. The rest of the match flowed smoothly as we earned a hard fought 9-8 victory, and safe to say the compliments were in full swing after the match about my flashy new boots.
Negatives?
Are there any negatives you ask yourself? While this is an overall solid boot, there are some concerns that I encountered wearing the adidas X Crazyfast. For one, I predominantly play as a defender, meaning from time to time I get stuck in, particularly in high-temp matches. There is a worry that I might not have the necessary protection at the top of my foot for when a player leaves a stud in or comes in for a late challenge. However, because it is a boot worn predominantly by attacking players who are crazy fast and can change direction at the speed of light to avoid oncoming defenders, perhaps the COPA Pure 2 or Predator Accuracy would be a better fit for players like myself.
In addition, the boot is quite narrow, so someone with a broader foot might not get the snug feel that they should so again, the COPA Pure 2 or Predator Accuracy, which are equally as beautiful, are better options.
Overall, I had a joyous experience with the boot and would give it a 10/10 because it provides everything required from a modern day boot – but don’t take my word for it. Head on over to the adidas website to see for yourself.
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