Adidas Prime X Strung
Author: Silaghi Darius (National Champion long-distance runner of the Margitsziget AC national team)
Attention! Adidas does not endorse us in any way, this is an independent review and opinion!
About the shoe itself in a nutshell
The Adidas Prime X Strung can be considered an updated version of the Adidas Prime X racing shoe, which debuted in 2021, because the original Prime X, although it had supersonic speed, had an extremely thin upper, and its membrane-like upper quickly tore off for most runners. So, as soon as the Prime X Strung was launched, demand for the Prime X dropped significantly, as no one wanted to buy a shoe for 100,000 forints that they could only put on a few times before breaking. However, in other respects, the Prime X Strung is no different from its predecessor.
Specifications
- 257 g (for unisex US men's size 9/women's size 10)
- Sole thickness at the heel: 50 mm (therefore illegal for use in professional competitions)
- Sole thickness at the front of the foot: 41.5 mm
- Drop: 8.5 mm
- Category: racing shoes, tempo runs
The top is 9/10
The Adidas Prime X Strung upper is the most important development compared to the 2021 Prime X models as part of the FutureCraft innovations. The previous version consisted of a combination of Celermesh mono mesh and overlays, but the Strung technology brought a completely new approach. The fibers of the new upper not only have different densities in different parts of the material, but also have different properties, depending on the purpose. These fibers are oriented in different directions and are placed in place one by one, fiber by fiber, in a robotic process. The robot then heat-treats the fibers to create a uniform structure. I found that the new Strung technology is not just a marketing gimmick, but a truly compact, durable upper. This is also proven by the fact that I have been using the Prime X Strung about every two weeks since March 2023 and it is hardly visible on the upper. This really impressed me, as I have never experienced this in any racing shoe before. The inside of the shoe is velvety soft on the heel, which prevents even the slightest skin irritation. The textile tab on the heel made it easier to slip into the shoe.
The sole is 10/10
The midsole features multiple layers of Lightstrike Pro foam, which is Adidas' premium foam. This lightweight yet flexible material provides excellent cushioning and energy return. In addition, the shoe features two carbon plates that are positioned to enhance stability and momentum. To optimize energy transfer, energy bars have also been incorporated that mimic the movement of the metatarsal bones of the foot. Overall, the sole structure makes the Prime X Strung unique. The icing on the cake is the Continental rubber layer on the shoe's sole, which brings the usual reliable durability.
Suggested use
If you're a competitive athlete, I have some bad news for you: the Prime X series, including the Prime X Strung, does not exceed the World Athletics (International Association of Athletics Federations) regulations for professional competition, which stipulate that shoes can have a maximum sole height of 40 mm and a maximum of one rigid structure. The Prime X models exceed these limits (since they have two hard disks and a sole thickness of 50/41.5 mm), so they are not suitable for elite competition, but they are still available for training and personal use. So if you want to break your personal best at the New Year's 10K party run in your hometown, you have nothing to worry about, because no one will disqualify you from the race for it. Outside of competitions, the Prime X Strung is perfect for pre-race concrete/tarmac tempo runs and partial distance training, as well as race simulation training. For example, I use them for 20-30 minute, single-pace tempo runs on Margaret Island. Unfortunately, the excessive sole thickness makes the shoe unstable, which with my 186 cm height I can already feel in the curves of the 400m track. Also, on the rubber rekortan surface, the shoe returns less energy for some reason than on concrete or asphalt. That is why I emphasize using it on the latter surfaces. All in all, for straight-line, street running, you won’t find a faster companion than the Prime X Strung . This shoe is a real “confidence-booster”. In your weaker moments, when you really question your running abilities, just put on this sneaker and push off some hard distance in it. I promise you, by the end of the workout, you will be thinking about where and when you can set your next PB!
Final Judgment
The Adidas Prime X Strung is an impressive shoe that has two major drawbacks: its instability and its high price. In my opinion, this shoe belongs to the optional category, because although it is the fastest shoe I have ever used, it is not suitable for professional competitions. So, I advise you to spend 100,000 forints on it only if you have other competition shoes and if you are in a position to spend that much on a shoe. However, if you buy it, you are guaranteed to love it. I will tell you in advance that the designers have created quite a lot of space for your fingers in the shoe, so wear thick socks with it if possible!