Adidas Prime X 2 Strung Review | It's... A Lot

Meaghan and Thomas review the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung, a behemoth of a shoe that clocks in at almost 12 ounces, two ounces more than the previous version. There's a lot going on: two carbon-infused plates, three layers of Lighstrike Pro, Continental rubber outsole, Strung upper. Are the parts greater than the sum in this $300 shoe? Let's find out.
INDEX
INTRO (00:00)
UPPER (1:55)
MIDSOLE (4:07)
WEIGHT (4:55)
OUTSOLE (6:31)
PRICE (7:47)
RED OR GREEN LIGHT? (9:55)
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[@Trackstaa_]

THOMAS YOU’VE HAD US ALL SO EXCITED FOR MONTHS! 😭

[@adrianomedeiros9107]

However they were sincere!

[@davidh5429]

Looks like all supershoes are now made by blue haired they/thems that identity as "athletes" like with Nike and cause all new supershoes flat-out suck. Out of touch with the actual audience.

[@alexkhan2000]

Being a huge PXS v1 fan, I had to get this v2 despite all the negative reviews after the hype that had been brewing since TRE in December. After the "leak" launch in early-August and all the negative reviews I read on Reddit, my expectations were greatly tempered and I accepted that it will NOT be a lighter, faster, more propulsive, and just better version of v1. Based on what the early adopters and testers were saying, it became obvious that it's a very different shoe from the PXS that so many - including myself - loved. So, I got it in my TTS (US size 8) and it fits well but I find it a tad too roomy in the toe box like I did with v1 in TTS. I may need to try half-size down with this v2 as well. My US size 8 weighed in at 9.9oz, which is roughly the same as my SC Trainer, Gel-Nimbus 25, More v4, and Invincible Run 2. The v2 weighs about 1.5oz heavier than the v1 in the same US size 8, so it's not as bad as it sounds. I definitely felt the added weight in my hands and when I first put it on, but it feels lighter than the actual weight or the aforementioned shoes. Maybe it's because my expectations were lowered but, after two 9-mile runs over the past three days, I find that I really like it. It doesn't have the wow factor that the v1 had but it feels and rides really good *to me*, which is really all that matters in the end. After watching and reading countless reviews about running shoes, I have learned that I have to try the shoes for myself and find out if they work for my biomechanics, gait cycle, personal taste and preferences when it comes to the feel and ride, my foot size and shape, my physique, etc. Some work and some don't. Reviews are just personal opinions of the reviewers. You get some facts like the stats and the rest are opinions, which means you could agree or not after you've tried the shoes yourself. I hate it when reviewers say "Buy this!" or "Don't buy this!" just because they liked it or didn't. The PXS isn't for everyone and probably not for the great majority of casual runners. It's the same with this and some people who loved v1 do not and will not like this v2. It's a different beast. I find that I do like the new upper better; it's more form-fitting and less baggy in the toe box than v1. I never had stability issues with v1 but I do have to be more mindful when turning corners, jumping on or off from sidewalks, running on cambered roads or with lots of potholes, and when running down steep hills. The v2 now feels like "normal" shoes (stack height-wise) in terms of stability. I don't have to be as mindful as I am when running in v1. As for the feel and ride, the v2 is firmer and not as wildly bouncy as v1 but still quite bouncy and propulsive in a more focused manner. While firmer and stiffer, it still provides unmatched protection underfoot from impact and the legs and feet felt fresh after the 9-mile runs at decent speeds. My paces ranged from around 6'/mile for some faster segment runs to as slow as 10'/mile during warmup and cooldown and it felt really good. I don't even want to *try* going faster than 8:00/mile pace with SC Trainer, More v4, Nimbus 25 and IR2. These shoes do not make me want to pick up the pace. For me, they are only good for easy/recovery types of runs - ideally in the 9'/mile range. With the PX2S, getting the pace up to 6'/mile was easy and I feel like I can push it up to around 5'/mile pace for very short bursts if I really wanted to, but I don't think I'd do that. With the v1, it feels fine at such fast paces but the v2 starts feeling clunky and too weighty when going up to around 6'/mile pace. The PX2S sits in a weird category of its own just as the PXS v1 does (and OG, which I never tried). It's on the heavy side and is fine for going easy/slow (unlike the v1) but it's still an uptempo shoe - at least for me. It makes me want to pick up the pace - not to the extent of v1, which I find can go as fast as the top carbon-plated race shoes or even faster. I've had faster 10K times with PXS v1 than Vaporfly 2 or 3. The PX2S definitely isn't for running at that kind of pace for me, but I find it fine for 6:30~7:30/mile uptempo runs, even with all that weight underneath. I think the PX2S will grow on me as a long distance cruiser. Like the v1, it still makes me want to pick up the pace with its unique bounce and ride, but it does feel and better than v1 for easy/slow paces with better stability. My conclusion is that it, of course, does not live up the initial hype, but it's got its own thing that I like very much. My expectations were greatly lowered and those expectations were then met or even exceeded in some ways. There is no other shoe like it so, for me, it's got its place. I'm not saying it's better or that someone else will like it as much as I do. It works for me and will fill a niche in my collection and rotation. For me, it has a very enjoyable ride with a unique feel. For whatever reason, the Adidas Adizero shoes work the best for me compared to similar lines from other brands. I prefer the LSP midsole foam over all others and the geometry fit my peculiar feet (a bit wide in the forefoot but narrow in the mid-foot and heel) better than others as well. You just have to find what works best for you.

[@toni194]

10:43 You can see disappointment in Meaghan's eyes. I respect your honesty!

[@thecaptainchas2820]

I’m not even mad. I’m relieved. And so is my bank account.

[@kolinpa1]

Masterpiece. No changes are needed.

[@kalvin.]

Will happily wait for these to go on sale like V1…. Adidas do your thing 😂

[@Exodianotforbidden]

True 😂😂😂

[@ADyess086]

Now’s your time! I did the same with v1.

[@kalvin.]

@@ADyess086 haha I got them 40% off not long after release, but ended up returning them. They were just super heavy compared to the energy return, and not as exciting as V1, and I found a closer replacement in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro V1. These were great for steady long runs or if you’re a bigger runner who doesn’t mind the extra weight in favor of the added cushion. It’s since not gone on sale as big as that so I’m still not in any hurry

[@JohannusFandangulus]

Meg once again makes me laugh out loud! Keep up the good work

[@upsetuloss]

Luv the honesty, that's why I'm subscribed.👍🏾

[@LeftThumbBreak]

Sad as this may be, these are the best reviews. Keep staying true to the sport.

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks, will do!

[@FordyRuns]

I’ve been waiting all year for this!

[@Bijits2510]

Best channel for running shoe advice by a mile

[@manuel_877]

Good morning. Interesting description about the Adidas P. 2 strung. Like to Meaghan and Thomas. A nice weekend for everyone. 🌞🏃🌞

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

110 miles on my $TRUNG. Glad that they’re just getting better! By far one of the most versatile shoes. Best for threshold/long runs, legs feel fresh the day after. It’s a little sketchy on right turns but you just have to find your groove.

[@user-zy8ft6ne5o]

In defense of the shoe (and maybe Thomas) - it’s actually really fun to run in! I’ve got ~50 miles on mine - and it’s a great ‘go fast’ shoe! Yes it weighs like a daily trainer - but it’s a got a somewhat subtle (compared to PX1S) but very real ‘push’ type of pop that really helps sustain fast effort paces for longer distances. And it’s stable enough to run on crappy roads.

[@edrios3668]

Would you consider running a Marathon in this shoe?

[@abomansour30]

Can this shoe be used at work or even loitering in the street, or is it only for racing?

[@TheSoupirail]

Finally bought them thinking, meh, easy run stuff no big deal. And after 100K now I can really say that: I LOVE THEM. Being a big fan of the prime X strung. I thing these one are even comfier to ride, More stable and surprisingly faster.. For me at least.

[@supermitendo9654]

The good news is that I might be able to get the first prime x strung at a discounted price

[@tjs1189]

For some reason the v1 is the only shoe I can wear that keeps me from developing tendon issues. I think it’s a combo of the instability of the shoe and how it always wants to roll your ankle to the outside mixed with my bow legs and forefoot varus. Whatever. It works. I hope they didn’t ruin it for me.

[@EricMattisonIsAwesome]

Have both the v1 and v2. The v1 feels magical. The v2 feels like any typical cushioned plated shoe. It lost its touch from the v1 so I tend to use them

[@abomansour30]

Can this shoe be used at work or even loitering in the street, or is it only for racing?Can this shoe be used at work or even loitering in the street, or is it only for racing?

[@jimmyhart3191]

Was in a running shop to get some new shoes when these just arrived at the shops they had me try them on, they are unbelievable, actually the most insane shoe I’ve ever worn

[@SirThomas1212]

I'll wait for the next one since I already have the Prime X Strung V1. 😊

[@simonspong]

Was that All World Apparel at the end? Could you provide a link? I can’t find their running gear online. Thanks if you see this.

[@adrianm.7800]

Great review...adidas striked out on this one. I have it and was definitely disappointed. I grabbed another pair of the Strung V1...

[@acpmedicine]

Wow. I had the strung and love the shoe and the pop. Will hold based on your reviews. That’s heavy.

[@acpmedicine]

i am glad i have some prime x strung shoes still left to use

[@ABucc]

That shoe that you tried on the first time was different. I saw a video from Sagasu Running that explained it. Apparently (in a nutshell), Nike didn't like the prototype from Adidas because it was too much like the Alphafly and they made them change it.

[@JosueChapa999]

thanks 4 the data! :)

[@SirThomas1212]

I would go green with this version, I find it more stable and bouncy but a bit firmer compares to the old one.

[@Chris-gq8ev]

I like the change to the upper/tongue, dislike the change to outsole. It's way too expensive without a hefty sale for me to bother with. My version 1s should last me until v3. Or, I might try to find a sale on the Superblasts.

[@Prinniev]

Thanks for the feedback! I almost bought a pair, but the white colorway was already sold out. I guess I'm going superblast then. 🤗

[@davidlundy9142]

you will be saving 100 bucks and getting a better shoe!

[@andreasmaher8749]

Im on my second pair of V1 and in my US 13 they feel bottom heavy as well but I still love them for my easy days. Id give these a go but not for $300! :)

[@Bodhished]

Is it more stable that the Prime X strung original?

[@dont5740]

I like at 1:32 how she calls him out on his hype. Keep him honest!!

[@raphaelcrespo8691]

How dare you Thomas LoL, Thanks for the honest review.

[@rizalomar77]

This final version seems to be different from the one shown on the Running Warehouse channel.

[@Project_-qc9oo]

4:42 (MEG) You can tell that you are on "50 MILLILITERS"😂😂💧

[@Project_-qc9oo]

I guess we're standing on water

[@NigelMcgregor]

Got a pair, and it has a great ride and energy response from the lightstrike foam. It has great agility given the stack height. Toebox is wider to prevent ankle roll. Good for a 26.2 that does not have a lot of turns like a boston or grandmas marathon course. If you run a race that has many turns, go with adios pro 3s. Also, i had to get every discount/voucher/deal to get a pair 😂.

[@massi888]

i am not sure i understand the verdict. the new balance sc trainer v1 that you liked is heavier than the prime x2 so why this is not ok? you mentioned that adidas should have done like new balance with the sc trainer v2, lower the stack height and reduce weight, i totally disagree, they ruined the shoes that now is slow and not fun anymore (and weight only 10 grams lighter than the prime x2). The main question is why do we need all the shoes to be the same (same stack height same weight?) adidas already has the adios pro, the takumi sen, the adios and the boston all lightweight. i think we should applaud adidas to try something different, of course if they had the technology to have a 3 carbon plate configuration and the bounciness of a 50mm foam in a 40mm shoes it would become the main racing shoes or not? i think the prime x are supposed to be fun, bouncy and help you get out of the house for your long run when you are tired. than on race day wear the adios pro 3 much lighter and you have an advantage

[@bulacanbikememes810]

price aside, i think its still an interesting shoe. some people aren't too sensitive or gets bothered by a weighty shoe. i'd say people should still give it a chance. a yellow light is fitting.

[@adrianm.7800]

I wonder if this is the same technology that was used on the Adios Pro 4 that testers/elites didn't like and they had to pull back from releasing it.

[@derekpugh5457]

So tell me the speeds your both running at, tell me how much time you feel your going to loose at top speed compared to other trainers in this range ?

[@nigelstanford4]

Beautiful shoe

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Did Meaghan say there’s 50 millilitres of stack height about 3 times? 😂😂

[@JohnWesonga]

multiple times!!..how she didn't notice is beyond me!! 🤣

[@powmendozanunez]

​@@JohnWesongaor corrected

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Weird they don't say 1.96850394 inches 😂

[@Kuvvvqingqunnn]

Hahahahahaha just noticed

[@allyboyish]

The energy core was seems different from running warehouse video. It has both hole infront and back of the energy core.

[@ams914]

What's the heel height? How thick is that sole? 1.5 inches?

[@Kurto2021]

My wife is coming off spinal fusion surgery and hasn't ran in over a year. I was thinking an extreme max cushion shoe would be best for her to start. Currently she is going to start with 1/2 mile ever 3 days and then a very slow ramp up from there.

[@ingjoe1]

Fyi- i had back fusion 10 years ago, have run 4 marathons, have zero back pain.

[@the_snicklefritz]

I was able to get these for $225 and I actually really enjoy them, especially at recovery paces. I have never tried the original Prime X Strung so I'm sure that plays into my enjoyment since I can't be "disappointed" in the regard. I really do wish these were lighter because you definitely feel the weight when picking up the pace, but with that said they are still very funny to run in.

[@bolivarpardo916]

Hola 👋. Sabes si me servirían para el uso de caminar? Me gustan porque dan estatura extra .

[@the_snicklefritz]

@@bolivarpardo916 I’m not sure these would be great for walking honestly, but they are pretty stable so depends on what you are looking for

[@finnsk3]

I didn’t get to buy a pair of v1s, they have been sold out for a long time in Australia. I just checked and the v2s are already sold out in my size (14). I guess I will have to try and get some imported from the US :( it’s a rough time here in Aus, I really struggle to get size 14 before they sell out. Alphafly 2 lasted a day or so and they don’t restock them. I also never get to try them on as no stores actually stock any decent shoes in my size.

[@kev60625]

It's a little wild to hear her say she felt like bricks were on her feet when they were 9oz in her size. 9oz is not something I would consider bricks, but everyone is different.

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

for $300 you shouldn't settle with "it's not a bad shoe"

[@omercagirgan]

A bit heavy, but great shoes, they have become my long-run shoes. Love’em.

[@moart87]

What kind of paces do you use this for?

[@cesarzoghbi4695]

Additionally, I think Adidas changed the Prime X to make it more suitable for the majority, now you can run safely on the heel without problems and not before, it's a safer shoe,

[@TheHutchRuns]

Got the V.1 for £144 and they are a revelation, don't think I'll bother with V.2, even on a discount!

[@gooeytv1184]

We need the adios pro 4!

[@BrendanWise-ze6ih]

Thank you for saving me $300 . I’ll keep waiting for the adios pro strung I do like the prime X strung 2. For long run training but … adios pro 3 is just as good for that purpose

[@Carlosediaz543]

Prime X strung is a easy recovery day shoe absolutely not for racing. Especially with the stack height. It’s probably best for long runs, recovery runs and easy runs

[@duanesidney9761]

These are a brick. 2oz heavier than Strung v1. I've already bought them and returned them. I then loaded another pair of Strung v1.

[@TWfatfish]

I'm thinking is the v2 more stable then the v1 ? Because I have sprain my ankle twice in the v1 but i love the midsole in v1. Can any one tell me is it more stable this time?

[@t2lee]

Definitely more stable. Can actually walk without feeling tippy

[@i.p2088]

Great review, same sizing as Boston 12 or Adidas Pro 3?

[@Believeintherun]

It is probably the same last. The extra room in the upper maybe makes a difference for some

[@chinitopogi7511]

maybe we could wait for the release of the 3rd version of Metaspeed Sky and 3rd version of Nike AlphaFly.

[@andrewstearns9276]

Any shoe that cost $300 and the reaction isn’t “I love it,” I’ll pass

[@irritablearchitect]

I think the manufacturers need to get it through their thick heads that a 6 oz. racing shoe is the target. It's been done before and SHOULD be easy to do in this day and age.

[@romeoiipunzalan1079]

I think adidas is setting everybody up for the third version that would be so light it would be bonkers... i think they still dont have all the kinks ironed out and this is just a stop gap model, until they perfect all the technologies that comes in it...

[@daysandwords]

Even though $300 US is completely ridiculous, one thing that's amazing is that this shoe is actually the same price (slightly less) in Australia ($450 AU). Normally we have to take whatever NUMBER you guys have and DOUBLE it, even though the exchange rate doesn't think so. Something tells me that Adidas know that no one is going to pay a number starting with a 5 here.

[@morganvon5664]

In spite of your review, I bought version 2 anyway. It's a very different shoe. It's so much more stable. And the faster you go, the better it feels. It's not springy like version 1. But overall, I like version 2 better. It feels like a much smaller, less clunky shoe.

[@RunLikeHeller]

The title alone scares me

[@cameronthaijohnson]

Yeah these v2 were not it. When I tried them they were an instant return and I was thinking there was no way this was the same version you guys tried.

[@gengar678]

I had the prime x and have the strung, both absolutely love them

[@hufemeve]

How can anyone ever pay $300 -which is top premium price - for a very heavy shoe? Are super shoes nowadays priced out by the weight? 🤔 If there is anything positive to say about those shoes is the super cool aesthetics - they look awesome 😎

[@i.p2088]

One Dollar per gram.

[@johnkohoutek5028]

Thomas, how can you give this shoe a "yellow"? It's still priced at $300 and there are so many other great shoes out there for easy runs. Red.

[@Believeintherun]

I still like running in it 🤭

[@devinarmenti2532]

What's next a 60mm stack 😂.. I still think the SC trainer v1 is the perfect shoe, im just waiting for that orange colorway of the SC trainer v2 to release in Canada

[@Woosaah1981]

So the design is there. Just need a lot of weight dropped

[@laszlokovacs9596]

correct

[@renzoosuna9833]

Vaporfly: Finally, a worthy opponent. Our battle will be Legendary!

[@michaeltran2743]

Isn’t it millimeters? Not milliliters?

[@fergusdenoon1255]

Seems like the positives you've stated for the shoe are exactly what the shoe is designed for, the downsides you bring up seem to be what the pro series is designed for...

[@cesarzoghbi4695]

I think Megan should try half a number less and the experience will be different, I think Adidas responded to the criticism and requests from many customers who asked for more stability, better fit and more

[@HaiLeQuang]

So with 50mm stack height. I cant use it in official races?

[@_Rafiki.]

You can. Unless you are a pro

[@HaiLeQuang]

@@_Rafiki. It would be brutal if my 2:30 result got cancelled due to high stack shoe. So no, I'd not take that risk

[@amircastilla07]

The original model looked like it was influenced on the king AFly and it was in hot water so they went back to the same old. That would have made me spend my money on it.

[@macoyupadoodle]

I wonder if Nike had something to do with the changes.

[@LFKY13]

You guys seem to be the only reviewers not enjoying this shoe so far… now I’m conflicted I don’t know who to believe.

[@doctormosfet]

All that Adidas really had to do was take the PXS1 and make the heel wider. That would have made it perfect. That is literally all they had to do. Just that. Nothing else.

[@swenderich]

@SagasuRunning speculated in an interesting video that the original sandwiched puck design mimicked the Alphafly setup too much, potentially leading to legal issues with Nike after the release at TRE. This might explain why it was taken down so quickly, disappeared from the radar for a while and now has a substantially different design that probably is a heavy compromise on the original...

[@bobbrown1528]

I saw that video, I don't know, from the outward appearance it still looks like the same concept and there is no way Nike would of had access to that protype at the time so I don't see how they could of validated any copyright or breach of intellectual property at the preproductionstage, it's also a stretch that a carbon sandwich filled with foam could be considered similar enough to the airpod design. The other rumour is that Adidas has been working on a lighter less dense squishy lightstrike pro formula that was in the prototype but lacks durability so has been replaced with the traditional lightstrike pro.

[@swenderich]

@@bobbrown1528 yeah, it's all wild speculation for sure. I don't know either. But it sure seems there was some unexpected setback after showing the concept version at TRE that made them pull it back and rethink the design...

[@gsmittysSanD]

“Not a bad shoe” does not cut it for $300

[@faridamin2410]

Did Megan at 4.44 said 50 Millilitres 😂

[@gazlewis8222]

She said it twice and it irks me 😂😂

[@thejeffinvade]

I got them at half price, $150. A little more reasonable for an easy day shoe.

[@twrandolph2]

Came for the hype (thanks, Thomas)…stayed for the disappointment 😂

[@bigshotz1240]

It’s funny how they’re trying to use this as a race day shoe when adidas already has one of those. I thought they coined the phrase “ super trainer” and yet still use this shoe incorrectly.

[@jamesjin8839]

Yep, exactly what I expected. They gave a decent rebirth to boston series at the cost of prime x. Honestly the strung version v1 were already problematic for some people. I did notice how clunky and unstable the v1 could even be at times compared to my other plated trainers which are just more nimble. And when I heard they're increasing weight I know this is gonna end up being done for a while for many. I mentioned in my comments somewhere suggesting people to snatch a v1 while you still can. It's not gonna be any less correct now given how v2 turned out to be.

[@wonkydonkey7899]

The initial release of this shoe in running event could’ve been a game changer, but adidas changed the tooling for the official release because of potential Nike patent infringement…

[@bobotmeister]

The proto looked better...😢 I think the plates did it. The rods and spikes were light because less material. they made up for it with less outsole, not enough though.

[@willydiaz1417]

Megan, it's millimeters, not milliliters. You use milliliters to measure liquid... FYI

[@gazlewis8222]

She does this so often and they never correct her

[@justinmccann5929]

Dear Nike !!!!! Please bring out the alpha fly 3 ! But make it like version 1 ! But updated

[@Bially0709]

4:41 "You can tell you are on 50 milliliters" You can tell Meaghan was on 50ml of something strong when recording because it's pronounced millimeters.

[@joannamartignoni]

Noooo! The first version of the Prime X strung is one of my favourite shoes ever. So disappointing that they've ruined it.

[@hurricane7438]

Thanks for saving me $300

[@jimoconnor8597]

I'll take SuperBlast X 2 (on sale) Bob....

[@Project_-qc9oo]

4:42 milliliters 😂

[@naimharb5305]

At first thanks for all the reviews you do. So let me get this straight: I would spend 300$, for an "illegal" 50mm stacked double plated shoe, that is heavy and most of the performance comes from the shoe and less from my physical fitness? This shoe is contradictory on so many levels

[@jacobriis7859]

Ask Adidas for the prototype. Or a talk with Adidas that explains what and why they changed the prototype. We need all the details on this!

[@theninjaboy66]

Maybe it'll be a good lifestyle shoe just like the ultraboost lol.

[@wonkydonkey7899]

Money talks. You’ll be a baller rocking these for casual wear.

[@michaelgriffiths305]

@Sagausurunning called this... Nike aggressively defend their patents...

[@MattSwain1]

Oh wow that’s disappointing! One of the remarkable things about the original is considering that great big platform that you’re stood on, is the shoe isn’t heavy. Add 2 or 3 ounces to that and I suppose the shoe weighs what you expect it might. I love the originals, will pass on gen 2