***fixed the heel slip: Project Crazylight 2016**
Executive summary: The CLB 16 is almost perfect but my heel never locked in perfectly like the Kobe IV and is therefore not in my top 5 . Heel slip is minor enough after break in to be acceptable yet annoying. Plays a lot like an upgraded low cut Lillard 2. I‘ll wait for the Rose 7 which I think will be perfect.
Just added a KD 9 vs CLB for those on the fence
Pros: traction, fantastic cushioning without sacrificing court feel or stability, overall fit, stability, lateral containment
Cons: heavy for a low, minor heel slip even after break in, lacing set up not optimal
Sizing: similar to the Lillard 2 go down half a size due to extra length in toe box and the minimalist lacing set up (I write in depth about the lacing in the fit section). Very wide feet may go true to size (I’m a wide footer but still went half size down)
Best for: anyone
Weight:
Although weight doesn’t matter to me, I wanted to note that at 16 ounces or 456 grams in a size 11,the CLB 16 is on the heavier side especially for a low and isn’t Crazy light anymore. For reference the Curry Two Mid is 14 oz, KD 9 is 13.5, Rose 6 is 17 oz.
Traction:
Continental rubber is used on the CLB16 just like it was used in the Lillard 2 only this time, Adidas used a better traction pattern that doesn’t get clogged up by dirt.
Clean or dirty, it doesn’t matter, the traction is great. I put these a shade behind the Curry Two, Kobe IX and AJ XX8 but still feel it belongs in the same group.
Well done Adidas!
Cushioning
You know how Apple makes little incremental changes each year rather than give you everything right away ? That’s what Adidas has been doing the past three years with Boost but I think we’ve finally reached the end point.
There is a lot of Boost from heel to toe and you can feel it without even breaking them in. Heel is about the same as the Rose 6 but there is a lot more in the forefoot. Adidas says this is the most Boost they’ve used in a basketball shoe and the proof is in the pudding. Just feels springy yet soft on every step and jump. .
I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out since the Rose 6 needed the Stable Frame and the KD 9 had a little lateral instability. But Adidas figured out a way to keep the Boost feeling like Boost while stabilizing where needed. Rather than plates like Brandblack, Adidas used the “roll cage”to stabilize the forefoot and put more Boost pellets into the shoe so not only is it more voluminous it is also denser. You can see the difference in the pic below.
If you’re worried about the change in density, don’t be because it still feels great; think of Lebron X to Lebron X Elite. I’m not a skinny light weight at 178 pounds of muscle (and fat) and I’m a heavy heel striker so maybe lighter players would notice the difference more. With the extra volume, the shoe does sit higher than the Rose 6 but it plays about the same height as the Lillard 2. Kobe’s and Clutchift do play lower as well. Regardless of height, it is a perfect blend of court feel, responsiveness and impact protection.
The sock liner is thin like previous models but with all the Boost, it doesn’t matter. It’s like putting a bed sheet on top of a king size mattress.
Awesome job Adidas!
Fit
*I had a lot of trouble with the fit and heel lockdown suggest trying them on in store, particularly wide footers. Really wish there was a 10 3/4. I put a lot of info below for those who can’t try them on*
This past year, Adidas really has me trying on true to size and half size down. It’s frustrating for me because it has been like that with the Lillard 2, Rose 6, Rose 5 etc.. And you’d think I’d figured out a formula or a consistent size by now.
I went back and forth between my true to size 11 and 10.5 and in the end half a size down worked much better ON COURT. True to size felt better upon try on and casual wear but half size down fit better length wise even though they felt tight in the forefoot initially (they do not stretch as much as the Lillard 2 but they will stretch just enough). My recommendation is:
Go down half a size unless you have extra wide Flintstone feet. I’m a wide footer and still went down half a size. My 10.5 is similar in length and width to the Kobe IV’s in a size 11. Thinner socks will help for wide footers sizing down.
I added some pics of my size 11 CLb 16, Rose 6 and Lillard 2 (my homes are 10.5) to show sizing similarities and differences
The toe box of the CLB 16 is a little more rounded and slightly longer than the Lillard 2. I had about 1/4 size more space in the CLB16 than the Lillard 2. The rounded toe box helps with sizing down.
Aside from sizing, the materials on the CLB16 feel great on foot. Jacquard upper with nylon backing feels very great and slides on like a glove (or sock). No hot spots or weird flex points.
Like the CLB15, the CLB16 features web straps although there aren’t as many lace loops as before.
The tongue and inner sleeve runs the full length of the shoe so the straps don’t rub against your foot
The laces are thick and create a lot of friction so they don’t loosen up much during play except the top eyelet, which is annoying but they should have added more lace lace loops anyways. More on lacing below
So all this sounds great, what’s the issue with the fit?
I had a lot of heel slip during the first few wearings before it got reduced to a very minimal level. Every time I thought it was locked in, it wasn’t once I started playing. It was really frustrating because I wanted these to be perfect. I even wore these off court to try and get locked in but to no avail.
The Kobe IV is my standard for heel lockdown in a low and the CLB 16 is close but not quite there. I figured out that part of the problem was the plastics lace straps at the top eyelets needed to be broken in.
They basically wanted to pop open and straighten rather than bend and conform to my foot so I just bent and worked them while I watched TV for about ten to twenty minutes. While you’re at it, also flex the forefoot to help break in the roll cage and Boost. This helped a lot in accelerating break in.
Another alternative is lacing the top one or two eyelet without using the plastic (although it may wear the eyelets down). Or lacing the top eyelet outside in (thanks reader with no name)
The Primeknit version doesn’t have these clips so why do these ?
Photo by l3ennyl3oy503
However even after break in for almost two weeks I never got locked down in either the 11 or 10.5. I only got a true lockdown when I took the insole completely out. I tried playing without the insole and it wasn’t terrible thanks to Boost but defintely not ideal.
I’m sure some people will get perfect lockdown in these but my ankle and heel are very fickle. Lows that locked me in include the Kobe IV, V, VIII, IX, XI, Clutchfit Drive I, KD 8. Yes I excluded the Kobe VI, KD 7, Curry I Low which all had minor heel slippage similar to or less than these. I would have liked to see the heel a little higher becssue those millimeters make a big difference in heel lockdown. Even last year’s CLB was a lot higher
Here you can see the difference in heights versus Kobes.
Nike really does an amazing job with heel lockdown in their lows. The design of the ankle collar is bar none in my opinion and I’m not sure why other companies don’t just copy it. Just the right amount of padding and firmness plus the collar height is always spot on.
Another issue I have with the CLB 16 is the lace set up. I guess they took the lace loops out to save weight but at 16 ounces, what’s another one or two ounces ? Guess they don’t want to be called the CrazyFats? It’s all about confidence and self image CLB16.
If you remember last year I did this with the Rose 6
You thought I was crazy but even DRose added a hole in the top.
By going with only 4 lace loops, the upper’s fit is pretty much responsible for holding the midfoot down and that’s where the problem was with my true to size 11.
Here is a typical pattern versus the CLB16
I’m on my toes in both pics above so think of stutter steps or change or direction when playing. You can see the upper open up where there are no lace loops so during play, my foot slides forward which results in a very sloppy feel, not to mention lace loosening. Going down half a size helped remedy the problem since the upper was tighter. The Primeknit version does not have a tongue so maybe that’s why they used this lace pattern? I could make more lace loops myself but then I’d have to buy longer laces and I’d still have the minor heel slip problem so there really isn’t a point especially since the Rose 7 is coming.
On with the rest of the shoe’a fit
The heel is padded nicely and is lined with a fabric that looks almost like velour. I thought it was cat’s tongue like the Rose 6 but it isn’t nearly as rough.
The neoprene piece at the heel doesn’t really do anything. It is supposed to help with heel slip I guess but it barely touches the Achilles. I folded it down and couldn’t tell a difference. It should have been used to make the interior padding higher and more secure but instead it’s just a wasted piece of fabric that added weight
The tongue is “articulated” as Adidas says and very little lace pressure can be felt. I could feel some at the top eyelet at my ankle but it went away. Articulated tongues are pretty rare and the last one I could think of was the UA Spawn.
Overall fit is still great once you go down half a size but the minor heel slip annoys me and I know Adidas could have done better with tiny inexpensive changes.
Support and Stabilty
The CLB16 is a true low so the support comes from the fit and the heel counter.
There is actually an internal counter that runs around both sides of the heel in addition to the external assymetrical one.
As I’ve always said, I’m ok with a shoe with minimal support as long as it provides an stable base underfoot and the CLB16 does that well. Not only is the midsole more dense, Adidas added a shank as well to keep the foot from twisting
Also worth noting is that the Boost midsole is shaped to add a little arch support. Nice bonus!
Well done Adidas!
Containment
The CLB 15 containment wasn’t great because it went for a clean streamlined look and opted not to use a raised midsole. This year’s model said F it and went all in with a huge “Roll Cage”. I guess they took a play out their Barricade tennis line. It isn’t super firm but it works to keep the foot contained since it wraps up so high. Plus it keeps the Boost stable at the forefoot.
I can’t believe Adidas read my article and made this shoe just for me. Just kidding, I’m pretty sure the shoe was made for this #breakfastdefector and one of his goto moves
CLB 16 why Harden went to Adidas
How much of that is true, I don’t know but I known $200 million is a lot of AM crunch wraps
If you’ve ever tried to Eurostep, you put a lot of pressure on the lateral side on the outside foot plant. Definitely didn’t make the roll cage for his defensive effort.
In the end, the roll cage works great. I’m not surprised because I knew companies could do better, they just didn’t want to (Apple incremental improvements remember?)
Well done Adidas !
Conclusion
So so close to perfection. I really wanted to love the CLB16 but the annoying minor heel slip is keeping it out of my top rotation. All of my other shoes have no issues with lockdown but then again they are all mids. Most people won’t notice it but I know it could be better. The shoe excels in every category, especially traction and cushioning but that slippage is like
Maybe the Primeknit version is better since there isn’t a tongue or plastic lace holders? I’m sure I could get used to the slippage but why bother when I have so many other options, not to mention the CLB16’s older cousin, the Rose 6? Plus the Rose 7 will be here soon.
The Rose 7 doesn’t have any weird lace set up although it looks like it could use one more lace loop near the forefoot. Better get my leather hole punch ready!
I highly suggest trying the CLB16 on in store and keep in mind what I’ve noted in my review. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Great review! Keep up the good work!
Three questions:
1)I wear an 11 with LeBron, a 10 with HyperDunk and HypeQuickness and a 9.5 in DRose6. Shall this be a 9.5?
2)I have bad knee so I care about a impact portection, I do not care about responsiveness. In terms of impact protection, how do they compare with the DRose6?
3)Why you have not tried the DRose6 PrimeKnit?
Cheers,
Davide
LikeLike
Which Lebron is a sz 11? I’m assuming hyperdunk is your TTS and you sized down half size so yes 9.5 in these. Impact protection is just as good as Rose 6 but a little firmer. I have the regular Rose 6 and it does everything I want well. Plus I don’t like knits much due to containment issues
LikeLike
The Lebron are a the XI. BTW, also the new hyperdunk 2016 elite looks phenomenal! I need to decide between Drose6 primeknit, KD9, or these primeknit. My main concern is knee support, so I need an extreme soft cushion. Which one would you suggest?
Then I’ll wait the hyperdunk 2016 elite sale 🙂
LikeLike
I got a pair yesterday of the HD 16 non elite.. Cushioning isn’t pillowy soft just average (just tried on in house ) .
LikeLike
Softest to hardest would be KD 9 , Drose 6, clb16. Clb definitely the firmest of the three
LikeLike
Amazing review schwollo. Thing is Adidas really needs to fix their sizes, and this shoe being 16oz should just be called Crazy BOOST. This shoe for 120 dollars is the ultimate reason competition is great.
LikeLike
Haha I wish there was some kind of standard sizing system that worked. It is heavy for a low but I’m not bothered by weight. 120
Is a very fair price.
LikeLike
Love your reviews. Very in depth. I’m going to wait for the Rose 7 to come out but I was really considering the CLB16 or the KD9. I love adidas but just feel better wearing Nike. Do you think the primeknit version of these will make a marked improvement on the fit?
LikeLike
Thanks ! Primeknit might help since there is no tongue . The ankle collar didn’t lock me in so that will still be an issue for me.
LikeLike
Great review!! Do you think the outsole is durable enough to play outdoor?
LikeLike
It should be decent but not great outdoors. Forefoot is denser and firmer but still
Isn’t made for outdoors. Wait until the adidas ball 365
http://solecollector.com/news/2016/05/adidas-ball-365/
LikeLiked by 1 person
For the last lace loop try looping it outside in. That helped w my initial heel slip. It gets the laces closer together when you tie your shoes. But like you said the heel slip is minor. Everything else about the shoe I agree with your review. Great work!
LikeLike
Great idea ! Thanks !
LikeLike
Try this for firmer heel lockdown : https://runnersconnect.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/six-eyelet-lock-lacing.png I tried this on my Hyperrev 2016 and it really improved that minor heel slippage it has.
I was really torn between the CLBoost 16 and the KD9 and now I am even more. Both have cons that really weight on my decision. The ClBoost 16 weight really worries me (I am really not confortable playing on the heavy-ish Rose 6 and feel much better on LIGHT shoes, think Hyperrev 2015) and I also have Fred Flinstone feet. I am also not sold on the KD9 – maybe it is some kind of pet peeve I have with the player itself, maybe it is the lack of good review about the previous models. Really tough year to choose a pair of shoes.
LikeLike
Tried your suggestion doesn’t work bc the lace loops are so far apart. Basically have a nice bow in the middle of the shoe lol. Stuck on lows only ? Saw your hd16 question on IG.. They feel pretty good on foot and fit well on try in just meant wasn’t impressed by its looks and materials.
LikeLike
That sucks, worked really well on the Hyperrev and the Rose 6. And yeah, I prefer lows. I am a short dude with cement feet and a huge assortment of injuries throughout the body, so anything that makes me feel a little lighter-footed is money for me lol (that’s the main reason I avoid using the Rose 6, I feel even slower. I am only keeping it to use on those days my body isn’t feeling well).
As for the HD, I’ve always had a crush on them but never got the chance to acquire one (I think this is the first year Nike is actually importing EVERY model to Brazil but with very limited colorways) and I really like how the 2016 lows look (not impressed with he high tops too, tbh). If the cushioning is nice and they perform well overall, I might cop one.
Anyway, as usual, great review. Keep up the good work.
LikeLike
Brasileiro tb? A gnt recebe por aqui mt budget model por preço de top. Complicado.
LikeLike
Que? No comprende? Que zapato?
LikeLike
definately primeknite version…because of the lockdown…
LikeLike
What is your top 5?
LikeLike
Curry two mid, soldier vi , rose 6/5, Clutchfit drive 1, and Hyperrev 2016. Some older shoes that I’d keep in the rotation include Kobe IV and Kobe I
LikeLike
I had no problem with heel slippage with the d lillard 2… Seeing as you experienced heel slippage in the DL2s, do you think I will have any heel slippage in the CLB 2016s? Do you prefer this cushion setup over DL2 (Bounce)? Thanks – Cooper
LikeLike
I only had heel slip initially and it went away with the Lillard 2. You might have slippage but as I stated its a game of millimeters so hard to say. And it is minimal . I prefer this set up over Bounce. Bounce is good, Boost is great
LikeLike
hmm, confused now between your review and nightwings review. i bet the primeknit version has a better fit though, so i’ll stay tuned for further reviews on that.
LikeLike
If the Primeknit version comes out. Which I’m pretty sure it will. A lot differences from the regular version imo. The clb isn’t going to sell out and will probably hit 80 bucks so don’t have to rush to buy them
LikeLike
Great review. This sound pretty good for me as I am usually not bothered by a little heel slip, but I will keep thinking about them. Thanks!
LikeLike
Yea everything is else is great with the clb. It is minimal slippage in my case
LikeLike
Hi, first comment. Was wondering if ankle braces might help take up any dead space and relieve the heel slip. Thanks for the reviews, you always do a great job!
LikeLike
Thanks ! I’ll give it a shot when I get home and report back. I’ll try in both TTS and half size down
LikeLike
So i used an adidas speedwrap brace and it does seem to help with heel slip.. Or I just can’t feel it anymore lol
LikeLike
Good to hear! I wear braces when I play and these felt great from a try on. Time to wait for sales.
LikeLike
Just wait one or two months .
LikeLike
Great Review ! I love Adidas !
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for your review, always wait to hear what you have to say! how would you rate the boost cushioning on the CLs compared to the bounce on the lillard 2s? Similar? what provides more springy bounce?
Also, I know you did a comparison already but what did you mean by ” doesn’t get my neuromas buzzing in my feet” in the comparison against the kd9? Is the boost on the CLs not as bouncy as the KD’s zoom?
LikeLike
Hard to describe the difference . I think it’s a little firmer feeling yet bouncier and livelier. Neuromas are irritated nerves in between my toes from wearing shoes that were too tight for too many years so when I feel them buzzing I know cushioning is harder than the KD 9. Way of Wade had them screaming. (Real scientific I know). The KD 9 is softer feeling yet just as bouncy and springy as boost.
LikeLike
Is there a way I can be notified when you develop a new post (i.e., a new review)?
LikeLike
I think so can subscribe or follow in the corner somewhere ?
LikeLike
Hey, I want to get the white version of these but still confused about the sizing. Some say stay true to size and others don’t. I have curry 1 lows size 8 so should i get an 8 or 7.5 for the CLB 2016??
LikeLike
I have almost the same toe space in the curry 1 in a sz 11 as the clb in a 10.5. If you are planning on playing in them half size down fits and plays better. True to size is a little sloppy unless you are very wide footed .
LikeLike
Hi Schwollo, I just wanna ask what are your thoughts with D Rose 6 primeknit version? I tried them on and they’re like heaven for my feet. Should I get those or the regular D Rose 6 or CLB 2016 or KD 9? Or just wait for the D Rose 7? Thanks!
LikeLike
You’re not missing much between the Rose 6 and clb. One ounce heavier but more support. I have not tried the Primeknit version bc im happy with the regular. Traction is better w the clb on dirty floors than the Rose 6. After the clb I tried the Rose 6 again in court and im perfectly happy with the Rose 6. Feels like an extension of my foot. Kd9 is a nice shoe and I like it a lot but a little too minimal for me. (Cushioning is awesome ). I can’t wait for the Rose 7 personally. I expect the best of the clb in a mid which sounds great to me.
LikeLike
Hi,
On point review!!!
BtW, I really want to grab these but I’m having second thoughts about the fit. They’re not available here in Canada yet so the only option is buying them online. I’m a size 10 in lebron viii,ix and x.. A size 10 in kobes, a size 10 in kd7 (length wise, its perfect but too tight in width) and size 10 in a pure boost, ultra boost and pure boost zg.. Should I get a size 10 in these or should I go .5 size down?
Thanks in advance..
LikeLike
True to size to be safe based on your Bball shoes. Half size down plays better but might be too tight if you have a wide foot. I’m not sure about ultra boost sizing to be honest as I’ve only tried on in stores . Sorry I can’t give a definitive answer since sizing is really tricky with these
LikeLike
I went ahead and got my regular size. When I tried it at home the heel slip was crazy! The toebox definitely had about an inch allowance. So I went back and tried on a half size down. I exchanged the TTS shoe with a half size down. Just the right amount of toebox allowance and heel lockdown. Still, there was very very little heel slip.
LikeLike
It will get better just didn’t go away for me
LikeLike
Do you know why they don’t have a size 12.5 in the white colorway?? I have a size 12 d lillard 2 but sometimes on hard cuts my toes crash to the front and it hurt. I have about an inch from my toe to the front part of the shoe. I don’t wanna buy the crazylight 2016’s if there too small. I only want the white colorway but they don’t have a size 12.5. What should i do? Should i risk it and get a size 12?
LikeLike
Length wise you should be ok in a 12 with the CLB but width wise it is tighter than the Lillard 2. The crashing you experienced in the Lillard 2 should be less in the clb bc the upper doesn’t give as much as the Lillard 2. And I have no idea why they don’t carry 12.5 sorry!
LikeLike
hi, i wear kobes in size 9.5(i like a snug fit) and was wondering if i should get size 9 from these crazylights
thanks
LikeLike
Size 9 should work. If you have a super wide foot you’ll want to try on
LikeLike
I bought a half size down but my toes are slamming towards the front of the shoe when I do jump stops and the such. Would that break in or would I need to have another awkward conversation with the staff at the adidas store (I’ve exchanged the tts Crazylight to half size down Crazylight twice now and it might seem weird to exchange so many times).
Thanks.
LikeLike
It’s the lacing set up.. Too few lace loops lets the upper open up . I had same problem with TTS and half size down helped for me but infused not for you
LikeLike
My Crazylight is half size down but toes are hitting the rubber piece at the front of the shoe. Would that break in?
Thanks
LikeLike
It’s the lacing set up.. Too few lace loops lets the upper open up . I had same problem with TTS and half size down helped for me but infused not for you
LikeLike
So I’m usually a size 12 and I want these shoes. Would a size 12 fit well in the all white color way because I think every color way is different. Will I be affected by the heel slip? Or should I go with a 12.5??
LikeLike
Colorways won’t affect the sizing, materials might. I don’t know if you’ll have heel
Slip, I named all the shoes/lows that I have had issues with. I’d suggest trying in store if possible half size down for more people because of extra length
LikeLike
Is the heel slippage a big problem? Because i don’t know how traction can be really good with heel slippage. I really want the shoe but I’m a little hesitant about it. I’m going between these and the j crossover2 lows. Is the heel slippage gonna affect my play??
LikeLike
No it is very minor and I am very picky. Heel
Slip has nothing to do with traction.
LikeLike
And another problem is that they dont have the all white colorway in stores in Minnesota so I cant try them on. With a size 12, theres maybe a little more then an inch between my toes and the front so I’m worried about heel slippage
LikeLike
Try on any colorway it doesn’t matter what color it is with sizing. You could always order off finishline or Eastbay or adidas and return exchange them if they don’t fit .
LikeLike
I got these recently and I can see the heel slip issue. I feel like my heel is secure, but I can literally feel my heel moving with each step and it feels weird. I guess it’s the material there in the heel area? I’m not quite sure how to explain it better. Is this how you felt about the heel slip also? And you said it gets a bit better after breaking in the shoe more?
LikeLike
It could be anything.. Materials, shape of your heel and ankle, amount of padding etc..But yes it takes some break in time to improve. Try lacing the top eyelet differently to help with lockdown.
LikeLike
I have now played a few games in these and I just can’t handle the lockdown issue. I tried going a whole size down too and it still gave me problems. I wish I had read your review before I jumped the gun. Not going to listen to anyone else anymore :P.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A whole size? Wow . Like I said it’s just a few millimeters difference between perfect lockdown and heel slip..adidas didn’t need to cut it that low in the back
LikeLike
First off, let me apologize if this is not the appropriate forum for the questions I am about to ask. I am new to this and didn’t know where the best place would be.
As a bit of background, I am not a serious ball player or anything. I only play about once a week for a couple hours with some other guys around my age (30-45 range). I am 6’3” 215 lbs and can still dunk. While that is something that I am fairly proud of at my age (38), I say it only as reference to the style I like to play. I am a guard who likes to drive, slash, and jump around.
For the last 3 years I have played in the same pair of Kobe 8’s, but they are giving out on me and I need something different. They have been fine for my style of play, but I am starting to feel the pounding more in my knees and lower back. Before my Kobe’s, I played in the Adidas Gil 0 for about 5 years. I don’t like playing in anything but lows. (Although that may not be totally fair to say since I have never tried playing in anything but lows since before high school.)
Anyway, I am wondering if someone can compare both the 2016 version and the 2015 version to the Kobe 8? Right now the 2015 version can be purchased for $80 or so. I am not the type to buy something just because it is the newest version or style. I mostly just want something that provides good performance while being as comfortable and “old man body” friendly as possible.
I don’t notice any problems with heal slippage, containment or support in my Kobe 8’s. How do the 2015 and 2016 compare? The thing I would most like to change is the cushioning. I would like some softer landings and a little less pounding. How does the cushioning on the 2015 compare to the Kobe 8? Worse? Better? Same? How about the 2016? Is the 2016 worth the extra $40-$50 over the 2015 for a guy like me who doesn’t play that often and never competitively?
Thanks in advance and again, please let me know if there is a better place to ask these types of questions and I’ll be happy to post there instead.
LikeLike
I’ll get back to you later today with a full reply but get the 2016 over the 2015 hands down
LikeLike
But don’t pay retail . Lots of online stores and eBay have them under retail
LikeLike
So I’d pick the 2016 over the 2015 for a few reasons. 2016 has full length boost vs just heel in the 2015. Traction is better and more durable, better containment and the overall fit is better as well. I had a little heel slip but it’s acceptable.
Compared to the Kobe 8, all of the above applies but Kobe 8 does have better heel fit. The clb will play slightly higher off the ground than the Kobe 8 but that’s the trade off for better cushioning. I hope that helps.
Also if you are in the states, CLB can be found on Eastbay for 120 minus 20% sales. I think finishline and modells also has discounts .
LikeLike
Awesome! Thanks for the insight and the quick response. I really appreciated it. Looks like I’m going with the 2016.
LikeLike
I think you and your knees will be pleased . Check Amazon also. I have a pair coming from an eBay seller that was only 85 shipped will let you know if they are legit tomorrow .
LikeLike
Thanks! I’ll definitely check back tomorrow.
Any idea when the primeknit version is coming out? The picture you have of that one looks awesome. If they’ll be out soon, maybe I’ll just try and hold out for that one…
LikeLike
Yep it sure looks good. I’m sure it will pop up around the start of the season to renew interest in the clb .
LikeLike
Has anyone found a solution for the heel slip? I chose these over Rose 7 and CE’s and everything about them is great except that heel slip. I think its the inner heel material that makes it slippery. My shoe has completely slipped off on a hard cut twice in games already. I just bought some of those clear sticky rubber heel pads and also a 3d nubbed one. See how that will help.
LikeLike
Just enough to be annoying huh? Try mole skin tape although it will come off. Try taking insole out and you should feel better lockdown but not a long term solution
LikeLike
Thank you for reviews and replies. I appreciate it as a reader and online shopper/weekend warrior player 🙂 Yes, heel slip annoying mainly cause I think about it the whole time I’m playing. CE’s were great but i liked the traction and lowcut feel of the CLB’s better. The Rose still sounded best on paper but in my 2nd store try. It was kind of a compromise of toe jamming on rose 7 but good heel vs good forefoot of CLB but annoying heel. But now the purchase already made so just trying to work with what I have. I’ll try mole skin and the double sock thing.
LikeLike
Haha yep I know that conundrum. Add an insole to the Rose 7 and the forefoot isn’t all that different from clb .
LikeLike
I got sent a pair from adidas US and IMO they’re the best shoes I have balled in. The heel slip was surprisingly a non issue, maybe it’s cuz I double sock all the time. I actually like the cushion setup since I found the heel of the CrazyLight 2015 a bit too spongy. The traction, OH LORD THE TRACTION, that was amazing
LikeLike
Sweet glad they worked out for you! I wanted to work for me but oh well I love the Rose 7
LikeLike
Do you think Footlocker will drop the price on this shoe soon? Because that’s what I’m waiting for.
LikeLike
A month or two . Go into stores and check they usually drop prices in store first to get foot traffic and hope to upsell
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo! Great review as usual!
I have found a solution for CLB2016 heel slippage, “Schwollo-style”: adding two eyelets right under the ankle and using heel lock lacing… Et voilà, heel slippage disappear, even with thin socks!
I hope this works for others…
Cheers from Italy
LikeLike
I’m so proud! That’s awesome
LikeLike
I’m inspired by you…
I wonder that Adidas don’t think about so simple solutions.
And the primeknit version use a similar concept, I see. So, why don’t use it on jacquard version?
LikeLike
I wish I knew. One or two millimeters and a few lace holes is all it takes !
LikeLike
I think I’m going to try that
When I have some free time!
LikeLike
Let me know if it works for you.
I’m trying various type of socks and lockdown seems to be on Kobe VIII Level.
LikeLike
Nice. Making more eyelets further back makes sense. Socks do make a diff w the clb which is pretty pathetic. Socks should have nothing to do with the fit
LikeLike
I agree
LikeLike
Dude I just did it and it’s like night and day. Going to test out in court tonight or tomorrow . Awesome job will post on blog !
LikeLike
I’m glad that works for you!
The CLB2016 with that mod it’s a monster on court. I’m a small guard/playmaker 50 years old, and I need for a perfect lockdown, great traction and… Boost! Lol
Now, CLB2016 have all I need from a basketball shoe. Maybe the best guard shoe I ever worn!
I’ve play in CLB four hours now and are absolutely awesome.
LikeLike
Nice! Walked around with them today and already a huge improvement. 50? That’s awesome I hope to be playing at 50!
LikeLike
I made a post just because of you . Thank you !grazie!
https://schwollo.com/2016/09/27/project-crazylight-boost-2016-2/
LikeLike
Thank you for your great reviews!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your review !
My foot is 28cm length and I have kobe 8 size 11 …
Do you think 10.5 is a proper size for clb 2016 ??
LikeLike
You should be fine . I’m an 11 in the Kobe 8 as well
LikeLike
Nice review as always. I’ve got a question about the crazylight boost though. I can feel the plastic on the roll cage on the side of my foot. I know it helps to keep my feet from sliding out of the foot bed but is this normal? or are my feet too wide for this size? My True to size is 9. I already moved up half a size to 9.5 and I can still feel it though it’s not as pronounced.
LikeLike
You can feel it when you’re not moving ? Maybe work it with your hands to warm and soften it up?
LikeLike
Yup I can feel it even when I’m not moving. I’ll give that a shot. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey man, was wondering if u had the pk clbs?
LikeLike
I did I’m posting a comparison this week . Not really much of a change although lace angles might help some people (not me though )
LikeLike
awesome to hear man! thanks 😀
LikeLike
Just posted it btw
LikeLike
yeah just saw it 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thinking about getting these. I have a concern though. Everyone says go either true to size or half size down. I went half a size down in the Rose 6 and a FULL size down in the Lillard 2. Concerned because in your pics the CLB looks a little bit bigger to equivalent sized models of those shoes. Length is what primarily concerns me. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
LikeLike
I’d go same size as Lillard 2 that’s your closest bet . It’s all personal preference ( I went tts with Rose 6 )Don’t use pics as reference since angles aren’t the best.
LikeLike
Thanks. You should start doing Youtube videos for your performance reviews. Your written reviews have more content/detail than anyone else and I’m sure your videos would as well, and increase your overall viewership.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha thanks I dont have the time to make good videos plus I don’t really care about viewership.
LikeLike
Will this outsole durable enough for outdoors? I’m size 10.5 us so do I need to go back to 10 us?
LikeLike
Are you talking about the Crazylight Boost ? Yea half size down is safer bet. Outsole will last decently but nothing outstanding. Upper will probably fray or tear since it isn’t covered a whole lot in the toe box.
LikeLike
I have read from a website where they said ur should take your original size and punch one more hole on the top of the CLB, after using that trick their shoes don’t fly away from their feet again.
The holes will look like this: https://snkrvn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SNKRVN_Review_adidas_Crazy_light_Boost_2016-4.jpg
Hope it will be useful xD
cheers
LikeLike
You mean here? https://schwollo.com/2016/09/27/project-crazylight-boost-2016-2/
Lol
But yes it helps a lot.
LikeLike
hi Schwollo, Boost (CLB 16), Bounce (Lillard 2) and Zoom (Rev 16), how do they feel? I owned the Lillard 2 and they feel awesome, but I wonder if Boost or Zoom in those pair as awesome as that or better? Thank you!
LikeLike
I had wide foot and I went TTS on my Lillard 2, no issues at all.
So still half size down or TTS? Thanks
LikeLike
You can go tts with CLB16. Half size down for me and wide feet was too tight
LikeLike
To the person who has never try Boost before, do you think if it’s worth? I want cushion that stable, well balanced. Thanks
LikeLike
Yea Boost is very nice feeling I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t enjoy it .
LikeLike
the solebros saids Boost on the NMDs suck lol
LikeLike
I don’t have any nmds so I have no idea
LikeLike
Do you know if anyone has ever tried removing the plastic lace holders? I wonder if that would help with the heel lockdown. I drilled in an extra set of lace holes in the CLB 2016 like you did with the D Rose 6.
LikeLike
You can try doing that by just lacing through the show without the plastic lace holder. Works a little but new holes were needed for me.
LikeLike