If you were on "Sneaker Twitter" back in 2016, you probably remember the absolute bloodbath. Adidas dropped the first images of the Andrew Wiggins Adidas Crazy Explosive, and people lost their minds. Not in the good way. The internet roasted them. They called them "wrestling boots." They called them "high-top socks with a tire tread."
Honestly? They looked weird. But then people actually put them on their feet.
The narrative flipped overnight. What started as a meme became arguably the greatest non-signature basketball shoe of the decade. While Andrew Wiggins was flying through the air in Minnesota, his footwear was quietly rewriting the rules for what a high-performance hoop shoe could actually be.
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The Shoe That Saved Adidas Basketball
Before the Crazy Explosive arrived, Adidas was in a bit of a weird spot. They had Derrick Rose, but his injury history was a constant cloud. They had Damian Lillard, but his line was budget-focused. They needed something premium. Something that felt like the future.
Enter the Andrew Wiggins Adidas Crazy Explosive.
It wasn't just a shoe; it was a tech showcase. It took everything Adidas was winning with in the lifestyle market—specifically Boost and Primeknit—and crammed it into a silhouette designed for a 6'7" hyper-athlete.
Why it felt different
Most basketball shoes at the time felt stiff. They were clunky. This thing? It felt like an Ultra Boost had a baby with a performance mid-top.
- Full-Length Boost: This was the star of the show. It wasn't the thin, "court feel" Boost you saw later. It was thick, plush, and bouncy.
- The Roll Cage: Because Boost is naturally "squishy," Adidas wrapped the lateral side in a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) cage. This prevented the foam from collapsing when you made a hard cut.
- Primeknit Upper: The Andrew Wiggins PE (Player Exclusive) versions almost always used the high-end Primeknit. It felt like a sock but had enough structure to keep you from sliding off the footbed.
Wiggins wasn't just a face for the brand; he was the proof of concept. When he dropped a 720 dunk attempt in a practice video wearing these, the hype was real. You've got to remember, this was a guy nicknamed "Maple Jordan." If the shoe worked for his verticality, it would work for anyone.
That Infamous Design (and the 2017 Glow-Up)
Let’s talk about the look. The 2016 model had that massive high collar. It looked intimidatingly tall. But the secret was the GeoFit padding inside. It didn't actually feel like a stiff boot; it felt like pillows hugging your Achilles.
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Then came the Crazy Explosive 17.
This is the one most collectors still hunt for on eBay and GOAT. Adidas streamlined the look, introduced "Forged Primeknit," and made the Wiggins PEs even more iconic. The "Green Lantern" colorway he wore in Minnesota became a cult classic. He averaged 28.8 points per game in February 2017 while wearing those green PEs.
Coincidence? Probably. But hoopers are superstitious.
What People Still Get Wrong
A common misconception is that the Andrew Wiggins Adidas Crazy Explosive was "too mushy" for serious guards.
That’s basically wrong.
While the cushion was maximalist, the "Infinity Shank"—a TPU plate shaped like an 8—provided incredible torsional rigidity. You could be a shifty guard or a heavy-set forward; the shoe didn't discriminate. It offered a rare balance of "save my knees" impact protection and "don't roll my ankle" stability.
Another myth? That they were heavy. Despite the massive amount of Boost, the Primeknit kept the weight surprisingly low compared to the leather and synthetic monsters Nike was putting out at the time.
The Tragic End of the Line
By 2018, the Crazy Explosive was gone. Adidas moved toward the Pro Bounce and eventually the N3XT L3V3L (the laceless stuff). Wiggins eventually moved on too, eventually signing with the Chinese brand Peak.
Why stop a good thing?
The industry shifted. Everything became about "lightweight" and "minimalist." The massive, exposed Boost of the Crazy Explosive became expensive to produce and didn't fit the new aesthetic of slimmed-down basketball gear.
But if you ask any serious "weartester" or performance reviewer today, they’ll tell you: nothing since has quite hit that same sweet spot. The AE1 is great, sure, but it's a different beast entirely.
How to Find a Pair in 2026
If you're looking to grab the Andrew Wiggins Adidas Crazy Explosive now, you're looking at the secondary market. You can’t just walk into a Foot Locker and grab these.
- Check the Outsole: The "coral reef" traction pattern is legendary, but the translucent rubber can harden over a decade. Look for pairs that were stored properly.
- Avoid the "Jacquard" Versions: If you want the true experience, make sure you're getting the Primeknit model. The cheaper Jacquard versions are way stiffer and lose that "sock" feel.
- Sizing is Weird: They generally run true to size, but the 2017 model can be a bit narrow. If you have wide feet, you might want to half-size up.
The legacy of this shoe isn't just about a player or a brand. It was a moment in time when basketball footwear felt genuinely experimental. It proved that "ugly" could be "elite."
Actionable Next Steps
If you're a hooper with knee pain or someone who misses the "Golden Era" of Boost, keep an eye on resale sites for the "Wiggins PE" colorways—specifically the Navy/White or the "Green Lantern" variants. Just be prepared to pay a premium. These aren't just shoes anymore; they're pieces of performance history.