Adidas Crazy Explosive Shoe Versus Nike PG1 Shoe
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- The Good
- A total Boost sole cushion makes for serious comfort even during lateral movements.
- The flexible TPU cage around the sole allows for natural movement without tearing the upper.
- Exceptional traction makes this shoe an excellent choice for stopping power.
- The Bad
- Anatomical lacing system can loosen quickly and frequently.
- It wears out quickly with regular use.
Although you may not be wearing it long, the Adidas Crazy Explosive is one of the best basketball shoes on the market. Superior comfort and performance make it a crazy good choice for the indoor court, though the lack of durability means you should probably never lace them up when playing outdoors.
- The Good
- Entry-level pricing makes this an affordable basketball shoe.
- This high-performance footwear has great cushioning and stability.
- Materials and construction feel premium.
- The Bad
- Cushioning can feel overly firm.
- Best for indoor play given the translucent rubber used on the sole.
The latest edition of basketball shoes created in partnership with pro-NBA players is a Paul George design. Although the shoe is being introduced as a budget model with entry-level pricing, you should definitely keep it on the performance list. After all, Nike has a history of giving you far more performance than you might expect for their lower-priced lineup.
Nike’s PG1 may not take the top in all performance categories, but it is a comfortable shoe that performs well on the court. An easy fit means it will work for most players, though finding the right size is critical. A thicker than average sock liner may mean you need to try on a couple of sizes to get that perfect fit.
- Price
- $150
At $150 retail, the Adidas Crazy Explosive is the second most expensive option in their basketball lineup. Of course, you often get what you pay for, and the Crazy Explosive is no exception.
- Price
- $110
At $110 for the Nike PG1, there really is no reason not to buy this shoe. While it comes in at the low end of the price list, it nears the top in performance.
- Fit
- A coral-based traction design makes it easy to stop without any telltale squeaking.
- A full sole Boost system gives you added spring and cushion, even at the ball of your foot.
- A full interior booty hugs the foot and gives a good lockdown, even with a less extensive lacing system.
- The wide base makes these surprisingly narrow shoes seriously stable.
Few performance basketball shoes feel great from the moment you put them on, but the Crazy Explosive does. It laces up quickly and offers a great fit, almost from the moment you try it on.
- Fit
- Great Traction
- Solid Cushion
- Ankle Support
- Exceptional Stability
What really sets the PG1 apart is the fit. Solid materials on the heel combine with a flexible mesh forefoot to create a fit that gives you the performance and court feel you want. The Phylon cushion doesn’t give you the spring and bounce you might expect, but it does give you solid performance. An adjustable VELCRO® strap helps secure the forefoot, so you get a comfortably snug fit.
- Materials Used
- The TPU outsole extends onto the upper to add durability and stability to the shoe.
- Primeknit or nylon mesh make up the shoe upper.
- While possibly not the best-looking shoe on the market (it all depends on your aesthetic), the Crazy Explosive is definitely one of the highest performing.
Primeknit or mesh, both options offer exceptional performance, though the mesh is a bit more breathable. The Primeknit option allows for more flexible control, while the mesh upper adds breathability and gets more stability from the TPU outsole.
- Materials Used
- The first edition of the PG1 comes with a translucent rubber sole that displays the Zoom Air cushion in the forefoot part of sole.
- The shoe upper is a combination of mesh, fuse and nubuck.
- Simplistic style lines and natural materials make this an almost retro shoe that meets today's performance needs.
Mesh and nubuck outsole ensures breathability and stability, all in the same shoe. The mesh flexes easily with your foot, while the fuse helps it keep its shape. The more structured nubuck gives your ankle the support it needs during fast turns and complex footwork. All of that on top of a rubber outsole with enough patterning to minimize dirt attraction, and you have a solid list of materials.
- Quality Grade
- A-
When a shoe manages to offer top-of-the-line traction, serious comfort and boost, an excellent fit, and real stability, it deserves a top grade. The only reason to give the Crazy Explosive less than a perfect score is the durability issues. You might find the sole starts peeling pretty quickly.
- Quality Grade
- B
The Nike PG1 definitely outperforms its price tag with an emphasis on quality. A seamless blend of manmade and natural materials creates a shoe that has lasting quality and solid court performance.
Adidas Crazy Explosive Shoe: User Reviews
Nike PG1 Shoe: User Reviews
Adidas Crazy Explosive Shoe: Comments
Nike PG1 Shoe: Comments
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How Does the Adidas Crazy Explosive Work?
With some basketball shoes, you really have to break them in for comfort while playing. Others require esoteric lacing techniques and a lot of trial and error to get a good fit. With the Crazy Explosive, it’s a really simple, easy on and go. You put on the shoes, lace them up and start playing. The break-in period is minimal, and you’ll feel the spring from the moment you start to dribble. The added support from the TPU outsole improves lateral movement and stability. The one area where you might want to reach for an external product is for ankle support. There isn’t much in the shoe, so an ankle brace might be a needed add-on.
What Makes the Adidas Crazy Explosive Stand Out?
Several things make the Crazy Explosive one of the top basketball shoes on the market. Serious cushion makes them comfortable on even the most demanding moves across the court. The full sole Boost system gives a lot of added spring at the heel and just enough at the forefoot to minimize discomfort. The coral-patterned traction design offers serious stopping power, even on a dusty or dirty court. The wide spaces help you keep your footing through repeated plays. You won’t need to stop and wipe them every few minutes to keep playing hard.
Common Reviews of Adidas Crazy Explosive
Reviewers often talk about the traction of the Crazy Explosive and the sheer comfort of wearing the shoe. After all, the near-instant break-in time means that these shoes are one of the few pairs on the market that are pretty much wear and go. Not only do these shoes score well from review sites, they also have a solid rating from buyers. With five out of five stars on retail sites, it’s easy to see that the Crazy Explosive is a top contender as one of the best basketball shoes on the market.
Is Adidas Crazy Explosive for Me?
Basketball lovers consistently rank the Crazy Explosive as a top shoe for on the court. If you enjoy playing the game and spend hours on the court, the Crazy Explosive is a sure shoe to try. However, it isn’t the most durable option out there, so if you enjoy playing on outdoor courts, you’ll want to find a different shoe. On indoor courts, the Crazy Explosive outperforms a lot of the competition. If you want a shoe that tops out on performance and you’re prepared to replace it regularly, the Crazy Explosive might the shoe for you. If you need something that will last a bit longer, you’ll want to try some more durable options.
How Does the Nike PG1 Work?
The Nike PG1 is a basketball shoe that emphasizes performance and fit. While the materials used in construction are not the top of the list, they are solid options to create a fully usable shoe. The Zoom Air pocket on the front sole gives you a little spring during tight turns and fast maneuvers. The Phylon in the rest of the shoe provides all of the cushioning you need, without the spring back that can be distracting for those that prefer solid court feel.
What Makes the Nike PG1 Stand Out?
If there’s one area where the Nike PG1 really stands out, it is in the fit. Comfort when using these shoes is on par with some of the top options on the market, all at a much more affordable price point. The shoe fits true to size but a little snug. That means your foot feels cradled on the court, and you have the added ability to adjust the front with a VELCRO®strap. As long as the heel and length fit well, you can always adjust the fit at the front.
Common Reviews of the Nike PG1
Affordable quality are the words you’ll see used again and again when reading reviews of the PG1. It’s not the absolute-best basketball shoe on the market, but it certainly outperforms the competition at the same price point. When buying this entry-level basketball shoe, you get a lot of performance for your dollar. It routinely scores better than 8 out of 10 on review sites and a near five-star rating from retail sites and consumers.
Is the Nike PG1 for Me?
If you enjoy playing basketball and regularly hit the court, the PG1 should definitely be on your list of shoes to try on. A good fit, solid quality and a streamlined appearance make this shoe an option for nearly anyone who stands on the court. If you play a lot on outdoor courts, you might want to go for a different model, but for indoor courts, the Nike PG1 is an excellent choice. Good traction is easy to maintain with few wipe-downs, and it stands up well to all indoor court conditions. For outdoor courts, you might want something a bit more rugged that can stand up to weather and unusual court conditions.
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