Pros

• Stylish
• Best fun shoe
• Supportive, comfortable and breathable Strung upper mesh
• Generous fitting
• Rides soft, fast and peppy 
• Bouncy and Marshmallow
• Versatile

Cons

• Unstable heel at slow pace
• It is quite heavy
• Illegal in competitions despite being incredible for marathons

Take Away

Though it is illegal in athletic competitions, the Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung is the most fun running shoe for marathon racing. It offers a unique running experience with its insane 49.5mm stack height. It rolls fast, smooth, and with bounce while maintaining a natural gait cycle. It is more energetic than the effort exerted, making hard paces effortless. The Prime X Strung is perfect for long-distance and uptempo training.

 Introduction

Adidas is known for revolutionary shoe innovations. In 2021, Adidas upset the norm by releasing a running shoe with the highest stack height. At 50mm stack height, the Adidas Prime X became an illegal shoe and missed a chance to grace the 2021 World Olympics. Before releasing the Prime X, Adidas had the unconventional Adidas Yeezy 450 sneakers that ranked as the top hottest men's sneaker of 2021. At one point, it sold out in less than one minute. 

However, as a runner, I was more interested in the Adidas Prime X. It was weird yet interesting. The first time I wore the Adidas Prime X, I felt like I was walking on stilts. However, with time, I got used to its comforting max-cushioned springy midsole. I also got a good test of the aggressive rocker and seamless, quick foot strike turnover that made marathon racing a joke. I was right to think of the Prime X as a 'cheat shoe' because it made marathon racing effortless. Hence, I understood why World Athletics banned Prime X. 

I had an instant love affair with the Adidas Prime X. Still, I was worried about the instability, especially at slow speeds. So, I made it a rotation training shoe, specifically for fartlek training (interval speed workouts) and tempo runs.   

I am pleased that Adidas counted on the successes of Adidas Prime X. The designers did away with the upper mesh and retained midsole to give us the finest Adidas Adizero Prime X STRUNG. The Adidas Prime X Strung has an inventive upper mesh that radiates energy and excitement. The new STRUNG upper replaces the Celermesh mono mesh in the original Adizero Prime X. The densely packed fiber material gives the shoe structure to create an exceptional foothold and additional stability. 

As a pioneer of high-stacked running shoes, Adidas has changed the shoe game again. New Balance SuperComp Trainer and Asics Superblast were bringing the needed diversity. However, the Adizero Prime X STRUNG appears more advanced than any super shoe above 44mm. Besides, the Prime X models are the tallest and the best fun shoes in the market.

Adidas Adizeo Prime X STRUNG Instant Impression

The moment I took out the Prime X Strung and the unique upper component of the shoe drew my attention. It reminded me of the advanced 3D-printed mesh of the premium Nike Alphafly Next Nature. The neatly arranged layers of strung fibers made the upper look like a unique piece of art. Besides, I found the overall structure exceptionally compelling and by a mile better than the translucent Celermesh mono mesh of the original prime X, which is also petty sleek.  

When I tried it on, I could tell that the new upper felt warmer and more supportive than the previous version. Therefore, my ankles did not strain this time because the foothold greatly supported the highly stacked and extremely rockered midsole. Because of the similarity in the midsole, the ride was the same as the original Prime X, except that I had much confidence in my footstrikes, which were very consistent.

Also, during my initial runs, I did not experience iterations on top of the feet. I was glad that the new SRUNG upper impacted the overall ride positively.

Overall, Adidas Prime X STRUNG felt like an upgrade of its predecessor Prime X. The initial running intervals I did were fabulous. The Adizero Prime X Strung felt more like a training shoe than a marathon racer since it handled various paces well. While the additional 9 ounces were noticeable at a slow speed, the added weight went unnoticed when I turned up the pace.

Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung Upper Design and Fitting

I thought the translucent Celermesh 2.0 in the Adidas Prime X was cool until I got hold of the Adidas Prime X Strung. The upper of this new model is an enormous improvement over its predecessor. The new STRUNG mesh comprises fibers of varying characteristics and densities. The varying threads have been laid distinctively on specific performance zones.

 Simon Lockett, Adidas global category director, explains that the designers relied on athlete data to map out the distinctive fiber threads to attain flex, breathability, and structure in the one-piece mesh material. 

Interestingly, the shoemaker relied on software and a robot to attain the precision placement of every fiber in the designed direction. The outcome of the fiber layout is magnificent. For instance, the heel section has extra densely packed mesh for additional structure, while the toe box exhibits flexibility. The overall mesh's texture is mind-blowing. Its uniqueness stands out.

The improved mesh is good since it offers an excellent foothold. The flexible toe box allows the toes to splay naturally. Though the heel area is a bit firmer, the nonconventional heel counter is still better than the unstructured one in the previous version. It wraps around the heel to provide support and is exceedingly comfortable. I haven't experienced irritation or hotspots.

Adidas also upgraded the lacing system to create a consistent lacing lockdown on the instep. It eliminated the eyelets and replaced them with solid cord loops, which also form part of the inner webbing band.

The tongue has additional padding to prevent the laces from exerting pressure on top of the foot. Like in the Adizero Prime X, the tongue of the Adidas Prime X Strung is stitched to both sides to prevent it from moving. Hence, it positions itself and flushes upwards nicely. Even the collar has a bit of padding.

Indeed the upper of the original Adidas Adizero Prime X has issues. For instance, despite being sleek and somewhat stretchy, the Celermesh material is extremely thin, plastic-like, and doesn't absorb water. The tongue is awfully thin to protect the top of the foot sufficiently. I have to wear thick socks to prevent the plastic reinforcement from irritating my foot. The slit in the tongue is also out of position. Therefore, the tongue doesn't sit nicely. The relatively unstructured heel counter causes lockdown issues around the ankles. Additionally, the Adidas Prime X does not fit true to size, so I wear a half-size down. For this reason, running on the extraordinarily stacked midsole feels uncomfortable, especially on uneven surfaces.

However, the Adizero Prime X Strung has everything sorted out compared to the Adizero Prime X. It has almost zero issues. It is supportive, secure, comfortable, breathable, and snug-fitting yet roomy. The traditional cotton laces have the correct length and width, are easy to adjust, and make a lovely runner's knot. The woven thread patterns make the upper fascinating to glance at. It also feels lightweight on foot and has a race-ready feel. The upper of Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung is perfect! It fits somehow true to size, but thick socks comfortably fill the spaces.

Adidas Adizero Prime X Midsole Design and Performance

Adidas didn't make any changes to the midsole. Instead, it retained the three layers of LightStrike Pro energy rods and the three curved EnergyBlades that make the forefoot rocker profound and firmer. The carbon plates stabilize the monstrous midsole, while the energy rods offer exceptional energy return. The bottom layer of the midsole foam is soft enough for a soft landing feel. It causes the forefoot to sink in before rolling over. Therefore, the plate construction is superbly forgiving.

Hardly will anyone miss the cushioning and responsiveness of the Prime X. I noticed that Adidas Strung Prime X rides the same. It exhibits its predecessor's marshmallow feel, making marathon-pace running addictive and somewhat engaging. Amazingly, the lack of ground feel makes it a "cheating shoe." After clocking miles and trying pace variations, I have come to the same conclusion. It is a fantastic shoe!

The updated upper has a significant impact on the overall ride of Adidas Prime X Strung. Since the lockdown is excellent, I hardly have to worry about the slipping tongue and heel, hot spots, or strive to stiffen the ankles to enhance stability. All I have to do is put in the effort and get more energy in return.

The outsole has continental rubber for durability and traction. The hard rubber has traditional forward grooves that favor forefoot striking. However, the hard continental rubber gives no room for flex. It sticks well on the running surface but does not cause a planted landing or collect pebbles. I still love the high traction associated with this rubber.

Ride

Adizero Prime X Strung is versatile across paces. It rides pretty fast, and the midsole responds based on the amount of energy I exert. I have done uphill, slow, moderate, and fast paces, and the feeling is consistent. It also feels stable at a high pace, and the footstrikes are steady despite the chunky midsole.

In addition, running minutes per mile is impressive. I can do six minutes and 45 seconds per mile. I can also stretch miles without feeling tiredness in the feet since the plate, profound forefoot rocker, and extra cushioning make transitioning seamless, gentle, and unforced. Besides, the late rocker forefoot makes the midfoot-to-toe transitioning exceptionally seamless. The action replicates a rocking chair.

Therefore, this shoe needs a midfoot landing. I noticed the narrow heel area makes heel landing unstable at slow space. Nevertheless, a good linkage between the midsole and upper makes cornering more manageable with the Adizero Prime X Strung than with the Adidas Prime X.

Unfortunately, the instability is more apparent when cornering at a recovery pace. I wish the heel had a broad base cover like the Puma Nitro Fast-R to compensate for the over 44mm high stack and 9.5 oz weight.

What to Use It For

The Adidas Strung Prime X is for easy, effortless tempo runs and half and long marathons. The midsole is soft enough to keep the legs fresh over long-distance running. It is also propulsive, bouncy, and thrilling on smooth flat roads. It can take almost anything thrown at it. Unlike the Adidas Prime X, the stability of the Adizero Prime X Strung makes it suitable for daily runs. However, the heavy weight makes it less favorable for racing. Of course, Adidas is categorical that the Prime X Strung is a daily trainer.

Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung is well equipped to handle concrete, roads, pavements, grass, light trails, and gravel, whether dry or wet. I have done 67 miles, yet, there is no sign of wear on the outsole. Hence, I am sure of longevity and durability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Adizero Prime X Strung

Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung is a unique and incredible shoe from Adidas. It is unmatched in every aspect. For instance, it is the only over 45mm stack height running shoe in the market that does amazingly well in marathon racing like most low stack height shoes. 

It is straight out a cheating shoe. No wonder it is banned in athletics competitions. It has an incredible upper, the epitome of new technology from Adidas. Shoe models will start to emulate the STRUNG upper.

This monster shoe is one of the best running shoes of 2022 that scores highly in every aspect, including fitting, style, ride, versatility, and speed. I love the Prime X and thought the New Balance Supercomp was slightly better. However, the new Prime X Strung is my best "fun running shoe" of 2022. It has a trampoline-like ride with a peppy feel. 

It lacks the underground feel but rolls smoothly and fast over long-distance running. It is also significantly better than the Adidas Adios Pro 3.

I understand that Adidas Prime X Strung is designed for speed rather than slow speed because the narrow heel segment makes it unstable. I wish Adidas broadened the heel slightly. However, this is a non-issue to runners who prefer fast training paces since the soft rebound is excellent at this pace. I also wish they make this shoe legal.

The Strung Adidas Prime X is an expensive running shoe. Still, it is worth the price tag since it is unique, comfortable, rides nice, is incredibly versatile, and is a confidence booster.

Reviewed by Smith Carter

Smith Carter is an experienced runner from South Carolina with thousands of miles on his feet. At 36, he has 12 years of running experience. Besides, he is a shoe lover with immense knowledge about shoe technology and how various models perform. He is a midfoot striker, has a standard foot shape, and wears US size 10.5