adidas adizero Prime X Strung 2 Shoe Review

Individual Thoughts

JonathanOverall Score: 9.5/10

I have logged many miles in the original Prime X Strung, and I loved every single one of them. With the new version, I immediately noticed the increased weight, which I thought was a detriment, but after a few runs, I felt that version 2, though different, was just as fun on the run. The midsole is still highly enjoyable, and the combination of Lightstrike PRO foam with the embedded Carbon Leaf Spring Plate is awesome. The main difference between versions 1 and 2 is which type of runner they better suit, as the original is better for forefoot strikers, while version 2 feels better suited for heel strikers.

It was also a challenge to take turns in the original Prime X, and while the Prime X 2 Strung is not what I consider a nimble shoe, its stability has noticeably improved. This allows a broader range of runners to find success and joy in the shoe. The Prime X 2 is not a suitable option for those who need moderate to maximum stability support, but it will work for a lot more runners this time around.

Moving forward, I would love adidas to combine the weight and fit of the original with the improved stability of version 2. With this combo, I believe the Prime X would be a perfect 10 out of 10. Even though the upper and weight of the Prime X 2 Strung are not perfect, the shoe is still an absolute blast to run in, and thus I give it a 9.5.

JonOverall Score: 8/10

First things first, I must give credit to adidas for delivering such an innovative shoe. The designers at adidas really leaned into the idea of making an over-legal stacked shoe and went all out. Unfortunately, regardless of its legality, the Prime X 2 Strung is not a shoe I would use or recommend for race day. For me, it is simply too heavy.

I recognize that this shoe was not designed to primarily be a race-day option, but given its makeup, price point, and the fact that the previous version was suitable to race in, I expected the Prime X 2 Strung to provide the same. Given those considerations, it is hard not to be slightly disappointed in the Prime X 2 Strung. That said, it is really fun to run in, and it, without question, makes running easier. Simply said, the Prime X 2 Strung is worth trying, especially if you are a runner who loves to have the latest and greatest technology on your feet.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Jonathan: "The lack of a tongue on this version makes dialing in the fit a bit challenging. The Strung material is brilliantly light, aesthetically on point, and did not cause any hot spots. Version 2 is just not as secure-feeling as the original."

Jon: "Unfortunately, the Strung's upper did not really work for me. It feels high quality and durable, but the sock-like fit and the minimal padding around the heel counter make the shoe feel a bit too stiff for my liking. I also experienced some pressure from the reinforced eyelets near the top of the tongue, which exacerbated the discomfort. I will say that I love the look and style of the upper; I just wish it felt as good as it looks."

Midsole

Jonathan: "The Prime X 2 Strung's Lightstrike PRO foam midsole with Carbon Leaf Spring Plate and Energy Core pod offers one of the highest levels of bounce I have experienced in a shoe. All these super shoe features help make running easier and more enjoyable when compared to other shoes. It delivers supreme cushioning and keeps my legs feeling fresh. Understandably, with 50 mm of foam in the heel, the Prime X 2 is a lot of shoe, but version 2's stability has improved, and the fun factor is a 10."

Jon: "I know adidas wanted to lean into the illegality of this shoe (based on World Athletics standards), and they certainly accomplished that mission in the Prime X 2. The midsole is out of this world, making an impressive statement from an innovation standpoint. I am fortunate to be able to test a variety of running shoes, and the first question I always try to address is what is unique about the shoe I am testing. At times, it can be challenging to find the feature that stands out most in a shoe, but with the Prime X 2, I immediately appreciated the midsole's unique ride.

The midsole had my legs turning over smoothly and efficiently, which made my runs feel amazingly easy. I was pleased that it was still relatively stable despite the massive stack height, and the shoe geometry combined with the Energy Core foam made for a seamless transition from heel to toe. I found the midsole to be amazingly soft yet highly responsive as well. Due to an Achilles injury that I have been managing recently, I was unable to complete a true speed workout throughout the testing period, but I managed to get in some strides. I liked the responsiveness in the forefoot, but I did not quite experience the pop and responsiveness I expected initially.

As much as I love the innovative, over-max stack story of this shoe, it also represents the biggest drawback due to the additional weight that comes with a design like this. The shoe is heavy and feels heavy on foot, and it is not one I would choose to run a race in, but I will reserve the Prime X 2 Strung for easy long runs down the road."

Outsole

Jonathan: "I only put about 50 miles on these shoes, but I did not see any premature signs of wear to the outsole. With Continental Rubber underfoot, there were also no issues with traction while wearing the Prime X 2 Strung. Though version 2 is heavier than the original, the outsole does not seem to be contributing to the weight gain."

Jon: "Again, due to the Achilles injury I am currently managing, I have not been able to put as many miles on this shoe as I would have liked to, but through 25 miles, the outsole is unscathed. In terms of grip, I had no issues, and I really enjoyed the Continental Rubber outsole setup; it is very similar to the Adios Pro 3."

Comparable Models

adidas Prime X Strung vs. adidas Prime X 2 Strung

Jonathan: "The original Prime X Strung provides a bouncy feel for forefoot strikes, but it is unstable for heel striking. The Prime X Strung 2 offers a responsive ride for rearfoot striking only, as landing on the forefoot resulted in a very ordinary underfoot feel. Version 2 is fairly stable regardless of where one lands during their foot strike.

I think both versions of the Prime X Strung offer an amplified running experience with superb energy return and efficiency. However, whichever version works best for you will depend on where you typically strike. The original is better for forefoot strikers to get all the benefits of the shoe, whereas version 2 is better for heel strikers."

New Balance SC Trainer v2 vs. adidas Prime X 2 Strung

Jon: "To be clear, the Prime X 2 Strung is a very unique offering that stands alone in many respects, but if I had to compare it to another shoe, I would pick the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, which is another highly cushioned super trainer. Regarding the underfoot feel, the SC Trainer v2 features 40 mm of FuelCell cushioning in the midsole, which is softer than Lightstrike PRO but almost too squishy for my preference.

I found the Prime X 2 to be more responsive and energetic, so I prefer its ride. However, given the dramatic price difference between the two, as well as the fact that they are both best suited for longer, easier-paced efforts, it is hard to justify paying the extra $120 for the Prime X 2, no matter how innovative it is."