Is the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung the future of Adidas Running?

[@cameronthaijohnson]

I got these during the Adidas drop and they got returned. They look like they will be like the Adidas version of the Alphafly but ignoring stack height, but they end up just being more like an Adidas SC Trainer V1. The nearly 11oz weight in a 9 is just way too heavy to pick up the pace at all and it felt surprisingly firmer and less bouncy than V1 or an Adios Pro 3. The upper also got thicker. The two quite thick and rigid plates here remind me of the Asics plate and just feels overkill for the firmness of the foam. I really didn't even feel the energy core in the forefoot, but I found them quite uncomfortable and they got returned quickly (also ran them back to back with the PXS V1). I have a preference against real stiff plated aggresively rockered shoes for easy running. They definitely did make them way more stable, but I just would never use these for easy or faster running. The PXS V1 is kinda like that for me too, but it is just more of a fun bouncy moderate paces sort of shoe whereas these just fit nowhere and were immediately uncomfortable. The energy core felt a little softer than the rest of the midsole but not too crazy soft. I think the rest of the midsole is a little firmer than say the Adios Pro 3 and the plates are very prominent to the point where you don't really even feel it. This is definitely an interesting conversation though even if the shoe really ended up being a flop...

[@SagasuRunning]

Pinning this comment due to the actual run experience. What you wrote is similar to the reviews on Reddit… almost all of them said the same thing as you. Again… think of it as a development platform. That sure seems to be what Adidas thinks of them. The hank you for this great comment! 🤙🏻

[@user-qc6mo7tr7c]

I got the Prime X2 at a 50% discount(don't think paying full price is worth it), and actually love them(once again for the price I paid for them)! You are 100% correct. The PX2 rides like an overweight Alpha Fly 2. Which is not a bad thing in my opinion. On the one hand the bulk makes you work harder at picking up pace and running up hills, but on the other hand this shoe has great energy return and protects the legs like nothing else. I am actually enjoying them for long runs, hills and even marathon speed efforts.. a heavier shoe that makes me work harder during training, but also guards me from overexertion. Definitely worth looking at, if you can get them on proper discount.

[@SagasuRunning]

Interesting observations. Not sure I agree, at least your experience is nearly the opposite of my preferences. However, for 50% off and for the shoe to be working that well for you...thats great! If there is a PX3...I "might" cover it as I think there could be an interesting tech exploration there. We shall see.

[@ayowser01]

I agree with this assessment. If the shoe weren't so heavy, I'd use it more often for different workouts. As it sits now, I use them for tempo runs. Its weight makes it a swing shoe.

[@SagasuRunning]

@ayowser01 Ya, with this much material in the shoe, weight is always going to be a issue. I’m curious where Adidas goes with the next version.

[@kgenest100]

Fascinating corporate battle story! Nobody else goes this deep into such topics, with such great clarity. Thank YOU!

[@SagasuRunning]

If you want an even deeper dive into this check out my “plates vs rods” video which goes way into Nike vs Adidas (which is always been a thing in running). It is a fascinating topic (I added a link in the description to the video). I’m glad my content is interesting and useful! Thank you for the kind words. 🙌🏻

[@palabraderunner]

This video is really very interesting and plausible, and few are talking about this topic. Congratulations and keep it up!

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you. Even Adidas product managers have commented this isn’t a serious shoe and it’s a total development platform for their main race shoes. So it’s always going to be interesting what they do there and how they can apply it to race legal shoes. I’m glad this content was interesting. It’s the type I really like to make. 🤙🏻

[@palabraderunner]

@@SagasuRunning Yeah, in Spain, the release of the X2 has been very silence and strange too, initially available in some third-party stores, and one day it just appeared on the adidas website. There was no marketing or mentions. People were expecting a great one after the first version, and there are going to be many disappointments with the changes compared to the prototype.

[@SagasuRunning]

@@palabraderunner Ya that release happened in a bunch of countries. I feel like someone made a mistake in the CMS and turned it live when they weren’t supposed too. That explains why it suddenly disappeared. Seems the real rollout is starting now. Adidas has had quite a year with missed releases and scrapped product for sure…

[@Hana_shorts8436]

Awesome Insights! Thank you.

[@SagasuRunning]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤙🏻

[@orlandoisepic]

Very interesting and convincing thoughts but I hope you are wrong 😜 I really like the rod system in the Adidas shoes, it sets them apart from all the other carbon shoes. Not just that but Lightstrike Pro being “firmer” also makes it the most durable super foam (or at least a very durable one), the squishier foams just die quicker.

[@SagasuRunning]

I actually agree with you. LSP (and Adidas tech) works because it is firmer foam. A definite counter to what Nike does with ZoomX. That being said… Adidas will explore what their elites and pros are asking for. I can see them sticking with rods but modifying the system… think a thin plate between thinner rods, like a webbing… this would allow them to stick with the rod tech but evolve it for a new material. We will see. I’ll definitely cover it once we know or see more.

[@gregan78]

I was tempted by the Strung and Prime X but went for the Adios Pro 3's which I enjoy (agree about upper mess and an eyelet broke). I think the FUN factor is a big part of the Strung/Prime X. Something different that gives a super fun unique ride. Might not be the quickest. safest, or best performer. Even I get a bit more excited about going for a run in the Adios 3's instead of a regular shoe. The bounce, feel and sensation. If it gets lazy people like me excited to run then that could be powerful for the future.

[@SagasuRunning]

I agree. I’m sure all of the tech in this one gets people out the door. That, in itself, is not a bad thing.

[@flatfootedrunner]

Superb dissection, a fantastic watch.

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you! I’m glad my content is enjoyable to you! 🤙🏻

[@placeholder3863]

excited about whats to come

[@SagasuRunning]

As am I!

[@All3cannons]

Wish they could have released the proto version

[@SagasuRunning]

Given the backlash and negative reviews of the PX2S… who knows. Maybe Adidas will attempt it to regain some positive feedback on this shoe. It could get interesting.

[@FenboyTim]

Interesting thoughts especially when joined up with the big picture of future Adios Pro’s. Similar to you, I’ve followed any news online of the development and release of the prime x strung 2. I saw some clear footage of the white version on foot during July and for me, it looked far too unstable and wobbly. I feel a bit deflated by the weight gain, mixed reviews and funds have since been diverted purchasing the ASICS superblast which will serve a purpose within my training. I’m starting to really love the Adios Pro 3’s in my rotation for any distance and thought of a future softer foam fills me with dread (I’m not a zoom x fan)..

[@SagasuRunning]

I can’t see Adidas going as soft as ZoomX. It doesn’t make sense in their tech stack at all. But I can see them softening their foams overall. Like the difference between Lightstrike and Lightstrike 2.0. Or if they do really develop and extra soft and high resiliency foam… using it in an application like the energy core and not the full midsole. We will see. Interesting times ahead for the brand for sure!

[@amircastilla07]

Great topic. I had 2 alphflys go bad on me this week due to the plate breaking and the pod on the second pair getting a cut. If another brand can mimic these results in a durable shoe I will definately be purchasing it as it hurt so bad as both were both recently.

[@SagasuRunning]

I don’t think the PX2S is the shoe… but I do think Adidas will keep working at this technology for race legal shoes. I’m curious where they get with it.

[@handi5253]

I just try adidas shoes now.... just in a month the upper hurt my feet. Do i have to upsize the shoes? The actual shoes now is fit for me but the upper make my thumb is hurt. Im using boston 12 now. Thanks for the advice.

[@SagasuRunning]

The B12 has been running true to size as I’ve seen. One issue with Adidas uppers is that the material they use has zero stretch, which is unlike most other running upper. So they can be pretty rough on the toes. Even sizing up doesn’t help sometimes as it just allows your foot to move around in the no give upper and generate more force. I also suffer from the same issue with Adidas uppers and am currently not running in Adidas shoes due to it. In November I’ll revisit Adidas shoes and try to work out some possible solutions. I also think Adidas uppers are going to evolve in the coming years. I had a section I took out of this video where I discussed it but removed it due to length. I may come back and revisit the content at some point.

[@handi5253]

@@SagasuRunning thanks for your reply.... actually i really like this shoes. But its killing my toe so much. I just went to adidas store. And they said, just use double socks. 🤣 anyway thanks for your reply.

[@SagasuRunning]

@@handi5253 Good luck. Sadly it’s a problem we all need to solve with Adidas uppers at the moment.

[@HawaiiFranke]

Patrick Lange did not win Challenge Roth but he ran the fastest Marathon in that race.

[@JS-Treadmill-Running]

You're right👍 Magnus Ditlev won just like in 22👍💪🇩🇰. Patrick Lange is sponsored by Adidas. Magnus Ditlev has no shoe sponsor. he chose to run in a pair of Nike Alphafly version 1. So it is not always the newest shoes that are the best for the different athletes. It is no coincidence that he runs in those shoes. He has definitely tested it because he pays attention to the smallest details. But we must assume that the new Prime X 2 is not a bad shoe as Patrick Lange ran the fastest Ironman time ever in them. Maybe he should also have done it in a couple of Pro 3. Because he is definitely one of the best runners at the Ironman distance

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you for the clarification! I only loosely follow triathlon results. Fastest marathon makes a lot of sense given how Adidas featured it in their feeds when it happened. I do understand that the Challenge Roth does it’s own thing as far as the rule set they use. While it used to be part of the Ironman series (20+ years ago) currently they don’t follow World Triathlon or Ironman rule sets now?

[@SagasuRunning]

@@JS-Treadmill-Running The gear selections and rule set changes in triathlon are fascinating lately. Big changes. Triathlon has always been a black box to me. As a former cyclist (many years of racing and training) I understood UCI rules and as a runner I understand World Athletics… but triathlon has always had its own unique spin on it all.

[@JS-Treadmill-Running]

@@SagasuRunning A really nice video you made 👍🙂. Fair enough You have your point of view 👍. Triathlon is my sport. So I don't quite share the same opinion as you. But I also think it was wrong that he could run in those shoes for Challenge Roth👎. But there was also only one special reason for that. kzbin.infoBPzt4RQT_zg?si=JtX6z_sJxMIg1BwL. About our bikes. when you have to cycle 180 km and you don't have help cars to bring fluids and other things. Then you have to have some bikes that are different. I just think it's fascinating that you have to fend for yourself. And you don't get the same help as you do in cycling. But then again I love triathlon so maybe I'm defending it too much. I think it's the coolest sport to train. and regarding Prime x. So the first version is my Favorite shoe ever. especially for long distances. But even for a 5 km I think it is really fast. I know that many do not share the same opinion. but I don't think there are many shoes when you get up and run 17 - 19 km an hour that give so much back. They are heavier than other shoes. But everything I get back makes up for it 🙂

[@SagasuRunning]

@JS-Treadmill-Running Oh, I’m well versed in the needs of Triathlon and steady state type running/riding. I used to train (cycling) with mostly triathletes. I also grew up in the era of Mark Allen and Dave Scott’s battles at Kona (yes I’m that old). I find the needs of first blob training fascinating. I found Lionel Sanders on Instagram years ago and have enjoyed his training content, though I know he isn’t one of the greats in the sport. I also know why tri bikes are the way they are. But the bike snob in me just can’t accept the evolution of tri bikes. But they are the ultimate in form follows function for the needs of the sport… that I respect. But the rule set was also very random to me. It seems it’s been cleaned up lately. I’m also happy to see World Triathlon adopt the same shoe rules, or similar, as road running. It only makes sense.

[@lkwa90]

I’m thinking Adidas has already released a softer, more compliant version of Lightstrike Pro in the Boston 12. Compared to the midsole in the Adios Pro 3, the Lightstrike Pro in the Boston 12 is much softer to the touch, and the fibreglass infused rods are protected from snapping because of the firmer Lightstrike 2.0 beneath.

[@SagasuRunning]

It could be a minor durometer change but it’s not major. The Lightstrike Pro in my Adios 8s feel very similar to my Adios Pro 3s, though I think the much softer Lightstrike 2.0 makes a big difference in feel for the A8 and B12. When Adidas launches a softer LSP (or foam) they will make a big (marketing) deal about it for sure.

[@edwinduisburg8138]

As someone else also mentioned in the comments Adidas have different density scales for their lightstrike pro shoes. IE: Boston 12 lightstrike pro far more softer than 5K-10K shoe Takumi Sen 8 and this is what you expect from brands to tinker with their formula to create different foams for different needs. I also think rods are here to stay for Adidas racing shoes like Pro and Takumi sen because that's their signature and I remember they talk about this on Adios Pro 3 design deep dive video. When I first saw the PrimeX 2 picture first thing that came to my mind was a marshmallow. Yummy shoe.

[@SagasuRunning]

Yes, Brenda have different formulas and durometers of their foams, ZoomX has different formulas as does Lightstrike Pro. However, these are still the same products and the brand label them accordingly. We will know when there is a new foam. They will market is aggressively. Now that we have seen the Takumi Sen 10 we know they shoe has rods in it. I would expect the Adios Pro 5/6 to have them too. After that… we will see. There are also some interesting concepts Adidas could use combining the rods with a type of plate (like webbing between the rods) because it is such a marque tech for the brandZ Definitely interesting turns ahead for Adidas.

[@i.p2088]

Great video. Makes me want to get the Alphafly V3 when it comes out. Alphafly V1 was not working for me being a heel striker and slow runner. Vaporfly V2 surprisingly works amazing for me. Despite feeling faster in my other 6 pairs of various racing shoes I am ABSOLUTELY fastest in the Adidas Pro 3.. No idea why but number don't lie 🎉🎉🎉

[@SagasuRunning]

I’ve not been a huge fan of either Alphafly, especially compared to the Vaporfly… but I’m intrigued by the Alphafly 3. I’ve heard some good things about it and the design looks like it solves some of the main issues I had with the shoe. The Adios Pro 3 is fast… but that upper is such a mess.

[@i.p2088]

@@SagasuRunning I remember your video. For me the upper of the Adidas trainers is excellent. I have a narrow heel and wider forefoot.. Actually the Alphafly also fit me well but I replaced the insole. But 4mm drop with soft midsole is negative drop for me..

[@SagasuRunning]

Ya the 4mm drop was not for everyone.

[@macoyupadoodle]

Great observation.! I think the light strike pro now is just gold (just the right softness / firmness , and verrrry durable compared to others )

[@SagasuRunning]

I do like LSP… but it is rough on the legs. I have heard that many Adidas elites have been along for a softer race shoe. So we will see what they do with it all. It will be very interesting. Thank you for the kind words on the content.

[@theghostofpcs2391]

I really don't care all that much about Adidas or Nike running shoes (anymore), but I do find your videos very interesting!

[@SagasuRunning]

I appreciate the support. Out of curiosity what running brands do you care about?

[@theghostofpcs2391]

@@SagasuRunning At the moment New Balance seems to work best for me, and I also like Saucony and Puma. I obviously do still watch videos about brands that I'm not interested in buying, you're doing great!

[@SagasuRunning]

@@theghostofpcs2391 I will likely cover some Puma when they release updates. So stay tuned. Thank you for the support! 🤙🏻

[@ABucc]

Why bother getting the Prine X Strung 2 if they are going to make it heavier and not as efficient?

[@SagasuRunning]

🤷🏼‍♂️ I mean… it does seem like the trend for most running shoe brands.

[@michaelcaricoo]

Reason number #352 why I wont touch another Nike shoe. Most brands are copying each other in some point nowadays (hello NB rebel v4 and elite 4 designs), but of course its Nike, the brand thats been slipping for years, stomping their feet

[@SagasuRunning]

Completely untrue. All brands protect their own unique IP. That’s how business works. No different I running. If another brand used carbon rods you don’t think Adidas would end that? Nike is no different than anyone else other than they do more R&D around concepts than most.

[@kylestephens9593]

5:57 If I was Adidas I would just covered it by a thin piece of foam to make it look like one piece. I wonder how long will take Nike to find out. 10:28 I'm betting what I said above is the the reason they don't release what's inside😆

[@SagasuRunning]

Ha. Not that easy. Plus I bet the adidas legal team is involved checking patents… they wouldn’t let that fly. Once we get a proper release of this shoe… we will know all the details. Adidas will release exploded views as they always do. Plus other reviews will cut them in half. I can’t wait to see those videos!

[@christopheredale9135]

Total disaster of a shoe. Proof that you can have too much of a good thing. I tried some today. Way too heavy, way too bottom heavy and slower than the previous model for 99% of runners i'd wager. Expensive and pointless.

[@SagasuRunning]

It does seem that is the general consensus on this one. Even from fans of the previous versions. Adidas has had a rough late 2022 and 2023 for sure.

[@kevinclark5086]

Adidas dont need to copy nike imo. They already have better shoes than the alphafly. Plus, nike will make their shoes worse on their own anyway. They generally chuck a load of new ideas into a shoe and see if it sticks. They know people will buy them anyway.

[@SagasuRunning]

It’s more about parity. If one brand develops something all the other will want to rush to understand it in order to see if they can apply it to their own products and/or make sure their athletes have the same (perceived) advantages.

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Are they more better than boost?

[@SagasuRunning]

Are what? Lightstrike Pro? Or the Prime X? LSP is a better foam for racing, but not training or causal wear. The Prime X platform is very love/hate. personally speaking, I'm not a fan.

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Didn’t the chemical company who invented boost go to NIKE first but Nike turned them down ?

[@SagasuRunning]

I think that is an internet rumor. BASF the chemical company behind BOOST. Being a German company I'd expect them to go to Adidas first. I've read it both ways over the years.