Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung Review

ADIDAS ADIZERO PRIME X STRUNG 2 REVIEW

Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung
adidas adizero prime x 2 strung
£250
BUY FROM ADIDAS

PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2 trainers myself and was not gifted these trainers or paid by Adidas to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.

The Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung is a high-stack cushioned trainer that pushes the boundaries of cushioning and technology.

With a towering 50mm heel stack height and 43.5mm forefoot stack, it exceeds the legal limits for competition shoes but offers recreational runners an extremely cushioned and responsive ride.

But is there such a thing as too much cushioning? Read on to find out why.

THE HEEL

adidas-adizero-prime-x-2-strung heel
adidas adizero prime x 2 strung inside heel

Despite having minimal cushioning around the collar and parts of the collar exposed to the rough knit material, the heel is surprisingly comfortable

However, the heel could benefit from a more secure fitting. If you really wanted to, you could probably get a more secure fit with thicker laces.

It does also have a reflective trim that can be flicked up to be seen or flicked down on the heel. 

THE UPPERS

adidas-adizero-prime-x-2-strung uppers

The STRUNG upper enables Adidas to construct the upper material gradually, layer by layer, incorporating expansion zones in the forefoot and a nice fit in the midfoot and heel.

The knit feels a lot rougher on the outside making it tough and durable and a bit softer on the inside. The knitted tongue design is not particularly thick but is thick to feel comfortable.

THE OUTSOLE

adidas-adizero-prime-x-2-strung outsole

This is probably the only part of the shoe I was a little disappointed with. Much was made about the grip on the Continental rubber but I felt it was not that great in wet conditions. It was not so bad you couldn't get any grip. Just not what I expected.

Any other trainer I probably would not of expected much, running mostly on paths and roads grip it is not a reason I typically buy trainers but because of the Continental rubber I expected more from them.

I constantly got stones stuck in the gaps of the sole, but this seems to be a common issue in most super shoe trainers as they look to shave weight off the trainer.

THE MIDSOLE

adidas-adizero-prime-x-2-strung left outside
adidas-adizero-prime-x-2-strung left inside

The Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung has a high stack height for substantial cushioning and propulsion, ideal for long runs and faster times over long distances.

Sandwiched within the 3 layers of cushioning are 2 carbon infused plates that offer a pop of energy in every stride propelling you forward.

The stack height took a little getting used to on the first couple of runs as they do feel initially a little unstable but you soon get used to them.

The stack height is 50mm in the heel and 43.5mm in the forefoot giving the trainer a 6.5mm drop.

This midsole is my favourite part of the trainer. Once you get used to the high stack height, the cushioning is brilliant and really saves your legs.

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?

My size 9 shoes weigh 320g.

This is a lot heavier compared to other race day shoes and to me they felt even heavier when they get wet.

The increase in weight is mainly down to the huge stack of cushioning in the midsole.

ARE THEY ILLEGAL?

The Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung running shoe are not illegal for most runners, but it is prohibited for use in elite-level competitions.

The shoe is illegal for professional athletes to use in elite races governed by World Athletics rules because it exceeds the maximum allowed stack height of 40mm and contains two carbon-infused plates instead of the permitted single plate.

HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

I have only run around 100 miles in them so far and they have proved incredibly durable with no visible marks or dents in the midsole, even in the exposed foam underfoot. 

Whilst the Continental rubber is not as grippy as I would like, it is really durable and you will get plenty of miles in them.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

The Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung shoes retail at £250. This is an expensive trainer but with an increased stack height and 2 carbon plates these were never going to be a cheap.

I do think these will last longer than most super shoes. 

CONCLUSION

  • Extremely high stack height (50mm heel/43.5mm forefoot) provides maximum cushioning.
  • Performs well for long runs and marathon-paced efforts.
  • Smooth ride with effective rocker geometry for easy running.
  • Durable and will give a good return on miles.
  • Not as grippy in wet conditions as I would of expected.

The Adidas Prime X 2 Strung trainers offer exceptional cushioning and stability for long-distance runs thanks to the Lightstrike Pro foam and two carbon-infused plates.

However, the shoe's increased weight and high price point give it mixed reviews. It remains a popular choice for marathon training and I can see why. 

I personally love the cushioning, the durability is fantastic and I have been finding myself being drawn to these for a fair amount of my training.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THEM?

Yes, however for me the added weight has shifted the Prime X 2 Strung from being primarily marketed as illegal racing shoe to more of a "super trainer", suitable for easy runs, long runs, and uptempo efforts.

While the shoes increased weight may not impact its performance for very fast running, the weight increase does make it quite heavy for race day.

They are a great trainer that would be a excellent choice for those wanting 1 pair of trainers to train and race in but there are lighter better options for race day. 

WHERE TO BUY

You can buy the Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2 shoes direct from the Adidas website.

Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2
adidas adizero prime x 2 strung
£250
BUY FROM ADIDAS

QUESTIONS

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