words // Brandon Richard
via Press Release
Today, adidas Basketball unveiled the adiZero Crazy Light 2. Tipping the scales at just 9.5 ounces, the shoe replaces its predecessor - the adiZero Crazy Light - as the lightest shoe in basketball. The Crazy Light 2 is also nearly 10 percent lighter than the nearest competitor's basketball shoe.
Not only is the Crazy 2 lighter, but the shoe is stronger, more aerodynamic and will be available in louder colors. The official launch for the super-light sequel is set for Thursday, May 24.
“Elite athletes are elite athletes because they’re always fighting for that competitive edge,” said Lawrence Norman, adidas Vice President of Global Basketball. “The adiZero Crazy Light 2 is that competitive edge. The shoe had a huge performance and style impact during college tournaments and we can’t wait for fans to see the adiZero Crazy Light 2 in action during the NBA playoffs. When every second of every game matters, this shoe delivers faster play, stronger cuts and greater support.”
Several players have already put the new Crazy Light to the test during some of the most important games of their lives. During the 2012 NCAA Basketball Tournament, players from Kansas, Louisville, Baylor, Wisconsin and Indiana laced up custom colorways, while high school stars officially debuted the model in the 2012 McDonald's All-American Games. They'll also be worn during the NBA Playoffs, which begin on April 28.
“In the league, every game matters and you don’t want anything weighing you down on the court,” said Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday. “Putting on the adiZero Crazy Light 2 gives me that speed and confidence I need when it counts."
“The adizero Crazy Light 2 is light done right,” said the shoe’s designer Robbie Fuller, adidas Advanced Footwear Concept Designer. “We not only made it lighter, but we made it stronger and more aerodynamic. We work closely with the adidas Innovation Team (aIT) to continuously innovate and find that perfect weight-to-strength ratio that gives athletes better command and agility on court.”
The increased strength of the adizero Crazy Light 2 comes from an enlarged asymmetrical SPRINTFRAME, which allows for maximum motion control. Designers have also added volume to the midsole for a more supportive base. Designers added volume to the midsole for a more supportive base. The new aerodynamic three-layer SPRINTWEB is the thinnest ever, with a tighter web layout that gives players enhanced vertical and horizontal strength. Overall, the shoe’s new geometry allows for maximum weight savings, energy return and motion control.
Five colorways go on sale May 24 for $140, including the electricity color seen at the McDonald’s All American Games, along with a metallic finished Black/White/Red look and three others. The adiZero Crazy Light 2 will be available on adidas.com, Eastbay, Foot Locker and other leading retailers.
Additionally, the Crazy Light 2 features micoach speed_cell capability, helping athletes measure, view and share their stats. micoach technology includes an advanced accelerometer that captures 360-degree movement and measures performance metrics during practice or gameplay. The chip’s unique on-board memory stores up to seven hours of data, wirelessly syncs with the user’s smartphone and uploads performance stats that can be shared through Facebook and Twitter.
Below is an extremely detailed look at the Crazy Light 2 in Black/White/Scarlet, one of the styles that will be part of the May 24 launch.
