Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung Review: A Maximalist’s Dream or Overkill?

Race day shoes have evolved dramatically in recent years, with brands constantly pushing the envelope on innovation, and some are packing that envelope so full that the industry is moving along very,very fast. The Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung is a testament to this trend, packing an almost absurd amount of technology and design into a single shoe.

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go” – T.S Eliot knew what was up with running shoe brands… SO ahead of his time! :oP

But does all this “Max Everything” actually translate into a winning formula, or is it all just too much and a big old bag of fluff? Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung Review, I’ll be getting into all that, and of course the performance specifics of the Prime X 2, in order to help you decide if this rather expensive super shoe is worthy of becoming your next race day companion.

Key Specifications of the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung

• Price: $300 at Adidas.com (US) / £250 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Weight: 10.8oz / 306g (US men’s size 9 – my pair)
• Stack Height: 50mm (heel), 43mm (forefoot)
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm (medium drop)
• Midsole: Lightstrike Pro foam with Energy Core and two carbon fiber plates
• Outsole: Continental rubber compound
• Upper: Strung material with targeted support and stretch zones. very breathable and good padding around the inside of the collars
• Fit: True to size, medium width. No wide option available.
• Intended Use: half and full marathon races (not elite race-legal)

If you’re thinking about running a race soon, be sure to download any of our FREE training plans today.

Fit and Feel

From the moment you slip your foot into the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung, it’s clear that this shoe is engineered for comfort, despite its status as a high-performance race day shoe. As a non-elite runner myself, comfort matters ALOT to me when I’m racing, because although I want to perform to the best of my ability, I also want to enjoy my time doing so.

The fit is true to size, with a medium width that’s a welcome relief for those who find many race day shoes too narrow (*glances over at my pair of Vaporfly 3‘s). The absence of a wide option might be a drawback for some, but the stretch zones in the Strung upper could still offer a decent fit for slightly wider feet.

The Strung upper itself is a marvel, using a unique layering technique to provide both durability and support where it’s most needed—around the forefoot and heel.

These areas not only see the most stress during a run but also benefit from the targeted support and stretchy sections that accommodate foot expansion, a common occurrence during long races, especially in warmer weather.

The upper also includes a stretchy knit around the lacing system, ensuring the shoe wraps snugly around your foot.

Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung performance review

Before i get stuck into how they perform on the run, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).

Now, let’s talk about what really matters: their performance. In essence, the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung is a total powerhouse, designed to be as fast and comfortable as possible over long distances. But it’s not perfect, albeit very close…

Max cushioning and energy return

The obvious glaringly standout feature of this shoe is the triple-layer Lightstrike Pro foam midsole, which gives the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung an almost ridiculous 50mm of stack height in the heel.

This is the highest stack height you’ll find in any Adidas running shoe, and it’s paired with an Energy Core that provides additional cushioning and a springy feel on takeoff. What’s the result of all this? An incredibly plush, cushioned ride that still manages to deliver excellent energy return.

However, this maximalist approach has its downsides. The sheer height of the stack can make the shoe feel unstable, particularly for heavier runners or when navigating tight corners and uneven surfaces like cobblestones for example.

There’s also a noticeable “wobble” that comes with this elevated platform, which might be unsettling for some – or add an element of fun for others. The faster you run the less noticeable any of that becomes.

Not race-legal for elites, but still a race-day beast the the rest of us

The Adizero Prime X 2 Strung isn’t race-legal for elite runners due to its towering stack height, which exceeds the regulations set by the World Athletics governing body. But for non-elite runners, this shoe can still be a total beast on race day, especially if you’re targeting longer distances like a marathon.

The combination of cushioning and energy return makes it an ideal choice for those who value comfort over the full course of a race, like I do.

The forefoot rocker adds to this comfort by creating a smooth transition through each stride, though it’s less pronounced than some other more extreme rockered shoes, like the Hoka Cielo X1, for example.

The shoe’s wide platform also provides a degree of stability, which is especially helpful for runners who experience mild overpronation.

Weight and durability

At 10.8oz for a men’s size 9, the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung is on the heavier side for a racing shoe. This could be a dealbreaker for lighter runners who prioritize speed and agility over comfort.

However, I do feel like the weight is somewhat justified by the shoe’s high performance, and robust construction, which includes that substantial stack of foam, dual carbon fiber plates, and a durable Continental rubber outsole. I felt the same way about the Cielo X 1 (8.9oz) which is also a little heavier than some competitor race day shoes.

The outsole’s Continental rubber compound, is both durable and sticky, ensuring good traction on a variety of surfaces and weather conditions. This adds to the shoe’s overall longevity, making the $300 price tag a bit easier to swallow for those who plan to use it extensively.

Comfort over the long haul

Comfort is another key area where the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung shines bright.

Unlike many race day shoes that sacrifice comfort for performance, this shoe manages to deliver on both fronts.

The Strung upper is incredibly breathable, helping to regulate temperature during long runs, and the interior is well-cushioned, particularly around the collar and heel counter.

This comfort makes it a viable option for marathoners who might be on their feet for three hours or more – that’s most runners by the way!

The lacing system, while simple, does its job effectively. I found that using the top lace eyelets provided a better lock-in, which helped eliminate any potential heel slippage.

Areas for improvement

Despite its many strengths, the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung isn’t 100% perfect (it’s close). The most obvious area for improvement is the weight. While the shoe’s construction justifies its heft to some extent, there’s no denying that a lighter build would make it even more appealing to a broader range of runners.

Stability is another potential concern, particularly for those planning to race on courses with tight corners or uneven surfaces. The high stack height can make the shoe feel less stable in these situations, leading to a less confident stride.

Are they worth buying?

At $300 from Adidas.com (or £250 from Sportsshoes.com in the UK), the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung is undeniably a premium purchase.

However, for runners who prioritize comfort, cushioning, and energy return in a race day shoe, it’s worth every penny. This shoe offers a unique blend of plush comfort and performance that’s hard to find elsewhere, making it a top choice for marathoners racers, or anyone who wants a fast, comfortable shoe for speed training.

That said, if you’re a lighter runner or someone who prefers a more stable, lightweight shoe, you might find the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung to be a bit much. In this case, it could be worth exploring other top carbon plate running shoes.

The best alternatives right now

If you’re not completely sold on the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung, there are some great alternatives worth considering:

Hoka Cielo X1: This shoe offers a similar feel with a slightly more pronounced rocker and a lighter build, making it a solid option for those who want a fast, comfortable ride without the extra weight. Here’s my in-depth Cielo X1 review.

For more recommendations, check out my Race Day Super Shoe Roundup. I regularly update this list with the latest and greatest in race day footwear.