Adidas Prime X2 Strung

The Prime X has been one of my absolute favorite shoes ever. It’s gigantic and chaotic but I love it for fast long runs. With a complete redesign in the Prime X2 Strung, has Adidas made all the right changes to avoid a sophomore slump? It’s time to lace up the Prime X2 Strung, and take it for a run.

0:00 intro
0:52 Disclosures
1:08 Specs
5:26 Things that are more interesting
8:35 Things that are more boring
11:40 pairs with
12:58 competes against

disclosures: this is a pair of shoes I purchased myself. All of the Prime X models shown in this video were shoes that I purchased myself. No one sent them to me or is paying me to make this video. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on YouTube.

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 12 (paid link)

Disclosure: It's 2023, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered

[kkma]

I ran my first 10K run with it today - hit a new PB. Its softer and more bouncy than the ASICS Superblast. Its very stable and I was still going strong at the end. It helps protect you through your training I feel and you will inevitably hit PBs with two carbon fibre plates and 50mm of stacked foam!

[michaeldominic]

I'm loving the new Prime X2! A great fun training shoe for eating up miles and protecting the legs!

[gidgiddoni]

Wow, your recommended big shoe rotation is my rotation. I’ve used my New Balance More V4 (easy runs), Prime X2 (tempo and intervals) and today wore Saucony endorphin elite at my local 5k Parkrun (48year old 23:30)all this week. These are my three favorite shoes after trying dozens.

I love the Prime X2, I have bad knees and a bad back with ankylosing spondylitis which can be one of the most unkind diseases. These shoes make running easy and painless. Earlier today I was pondering if I had to pick just one shoe I’d go with the Prime X2.

I also have the Prime1s and although I’ve always had strong legs and no stability problems at all in the Prime1 for some reason I’m still enjoying the 2s more. The added weight doesn’t bother. My PB in my local 5k parkrun has actually been in my PrimeX2 and not the endorphin elites. And on easy days the prime X2 feel like they leave my back and knees a little bit more refreshed than the MoreV4.

Also I’m rocking the pink superblasts, they are great, but I like wearing them more as my everyday ‘’lookin good’’ shoe. My wife loves running in her superblasts, even today at our parkrun. Also I tried the new balance fuel cell v2 for 1 hour on a easy run (same colorway you had in your hand) and they absolutely murdered my knees last week. Those shoes I’m returning. I was hoping they would be an upgrade on the morev4, definitely not.

[alexkhan]

Good balanced review and I pretty much agree with everything you say, Mike. I haven't tried the PX OG but have multiple pairs of the PXS and it's been my favorite road running shoes since I first got it late last year. I hoarded several more pairs when Adidas had it on half-price sale during the holiday season and it'll be a while before I wear them out, even after over a thousand miles on them so far.

There was a lot of hype around PX2S after The Running Event late last year and then a letdown due to the weight gain and then a bunch of negative reviews after the "leak launch" in early-August. So, my expectations were tempered but I knew I had to get it. Initially, I definitely didn't like it as much as the PXS v1, but it started growing on me after a few runs, especially after a long run. Now I've got nearly 140 miles on the PX2S and I like it at least as much as v1 but for different type of running: long cruises. The v1 is exhilarating and makes me go fast - often faster than I'd like to for the long runs.

The v2 also has this characteristic but it feels good and stable at slower paces. It isn't as crazy bouncy and propulsive as v1 but isn't far off and is more controllable; the fun factor is still there in spades. Now I can enjoy the long cruises without having to be so conscious about stability when turning corners, jumping on/off sidewalks, dodging potholes and cambered surfaces, and going fast downhill like I did with v1. The improved stability makes it feel more like a "normal" stack height (i.e., around 40mm) shoe. As you say, it doesn't have the chaotic and excitement factor of v1, but I do think it's better for moderate-to-slow pace long runs. And, yes, you can still go very fast with it, which is surprising considering its weight.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the PX2S. It could do a lot of things well although there are better options for speed workouts, races, and easy/recovery runs. For me, it's the fun factor that puts the PXS v1 and this version in a category of their own. There is simply no other shoe quite like it.

[ALRUMIE]

I wonder when will the shoes manufacturers reduce price everytime come with new iteration and innovation

Great review Mike as always 😊

[scamer]

I’ve been absolutely loving the ASICS superblast for all my
Long runs and long “quality” workout runs. It’s simply the best at those longer distances! I’ll only typically wear them for anything that is 1.5-2.5 hrs long

[vmaida]

My current rotation: Easy days - Nimbus 25; Workouts - Endorphine Speed 2; Long runs - Asics Superblast; Race day - Prime X Strung, and I'm very happy with it

[prometheussybil]

I'm looking forward to the after 100 miles update. I hope there will be one.

[pljortega]

nice review, as usual.. the Prime X2 is fantastic. It makes my long runs easier and faster... and it is beautiful.. very, very happy.

[twanphan]

The one thing that needs to be mentioned is that it has a little raise in the heel medially. This is probably the best "racing" shoe for overpronators. Its not going to be full protection but probably the best out there for those with who have that issue

[kalvin.]

I will absolutely be getting this shoe - when it goes on steep discounts like V1 did. Love my Strung V1, but maybe because I got it for under $150. This shoe seems to be a heavier more stable and palatable rendition, which I actually look forward to getting to take some miles and wear off my V1.

[CannabisTechLife]

I've watched some reviews on this shoe already, but this review I felt gave me a full understanding of what this shoe is/ how it feels vs just a base understanding. Cheers!

[jw_]

This is stupid expensive but I bought it anyway and fell in love with it. One of the best shoes I've ever owned.

[silvermandavid]

When I hear you say "chaotic, " I immediately think I'm going to roll my ankle in a pair of those.

[B.Wise.B.Running]

Prime X 2 strung seems like a great shoe for ultras . Excited for it !

[edrios]

Great explanation, thanks! - I have the PXS1, PXS2 and the Superblast. I ran the Boston Marathon in the PXS1 in 3:04. I have London this year and I'm looking to try and go sub 3. In your opinion which of the shoes would you choose?

[sooyaaa]

Someone at Adidas: So how much stack height you're thinking of adding?

Prim X2 strung designer team: YES!

[andreasmaher]

Im glad Adidas addressed the outsole. On the first two versions I started to peel off the lateral heel outsole within about 3 weeks. Looks like now its one continuous piece running down the lateral side.

[thestoebz]

I loved the Prime X. Probably my favorite running shoe of all time. I feel like I have to get this shoe.

[Klian]

YES I love this video Kofuzi!!! Interesting! if the SC Trainer v2 is similar compared to the prime x2, then I just saved a ton!!! I just won a bid on ebay of the trainer v2 and bought them for only $48 todollars!!! They are only slightly tried on and used but on great condition. Can't wait to see what the sofest foam on the planet-Fuel cell plus the new technologies in the trainer 2s can do!!!!