The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is an unapologetically tall super trainer, stacking a full responsive Lightstrike Pro midsole with a carbon plate that doubles at the forefoot. An earlier-starting rocker helps it roll forward more smoothly than the original Prime X, while a wider base reins in just enough of the previous model's instability. This makes it a forgiving, bouncy choice for long runs, particularly for extended sessions featuring pace variations that are typical in a marathon build. Also, the Continental rubber keeps grip confident on most road surfaces. Its high weight also means the shoe feels sluggish and clumsy for very vast intervals, but you can still dial up to marathon pace effortlessly, where the rebound turns long, hard runs into a joyride of cushioning and pop.
Our Verdict
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG isn't optimized for marathon racing due to its sheer weight, but it's a fantastic long-distance training companion. The dual carbon plates and plush Lightstrike Pro midsole deliver ample rebound and protect tired legs for long uptempo workouts. This makes it a reliable choice for hard, long runs as well as non-elite marathon racers looking for ultimate comfort with a good pop.
Stack height and midsole combination make for a super forgiving ride.
Double carbon plate adds some stiffness.
Really heavy.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is capable at tempo effort, but its high stack and softer forefoot make rapid turnover feel laborious next to feather-weight options. For all-out speed over shorter distances, most runners will favor leaner, snappier options.
Double carbon plate adds some stiffness.
Lightstrike Pro compound makes for a bouncy experience.
Really heavy.
Heavy weight and bulky platform makes for a sloppy experience for fast intervals.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG has a very lively midsole, especially in the forefoot. Heel strikers still get a healthy kick, but midfoot and forefoot landings unlock the shoe's most explosive rebound.
Lightstrike Pro compound makes for a bouncy experience.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is amazingly protective under both heel and forefoot. Layers of Lightstrike Pro, paired with the high stack height, soak up impact very well, so legs stay fresher on back-to-back long days and heavy training blocks.
Stack height and midsole combination make for a super forgiving ride.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG has fair lateral stability. Its platform is slightly wider than the original Prime X, yet the super high stack and soft foam can still feel wobbly at times. Runners seeking a planted, low-profile ride may find it less confidence-inspiring.
Double carbon plate adds some stiffness.
Decent platform width.
Very high stack height means you're far from the ground.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Cushioning, Lateral Stability, and Forefoot cushioning boxes to reflect the changes in the latest test bench.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
- Updated Jun 25, 2025:
We updated the Compared To Other Running Shoes box to include a comparison with the adidas Adizero Pro Evo 2.
- Updated Jun 06, 2025:
We added a comparison to the adidas Adizero Boston 13 in the Compared To Other Running Shoes box.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The shoe pictured here is in the White/Black/Lucid Red colorway. This model is also available in Lucid Lemon/Core Black/Halo Silver. Wide versions aren't available for this model. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is a super trainer that carves out a unique niche in the premium shoe landscape, blending the massive stack height of a max-cushioned daily trainer with the springy pop of an elite super shoe. While it shares the carbon plate and premium Lightstrike Pro foam lineage of adidas' race-day models like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, it's not a racing shoe. Its ultra-high stack and dual carbon plates position it squarely as a high-stacked super trainer built for long-run workouts and marathon-pace efforts. Overall, it's great at what it does, but it's more of a niche pick for runners who want adidas' wildest, most extreme tech showcase rather than a balanced option for their daily training.
Compared to other plated trainers like the HOKA Skyward X, which is better left for recovery runs, the Prime X 2 feels more adapted to picking up the pace, with a distinct pop that's most noticeable when you're running at marathon pace. However, it can still feel at home at easy paces, but it won't do well for intervals faster than marathon pace due to the sheer weight and bulk. If you are looking instead for a versatile carbon-plated super trainer but with a less extreme stack height, check out the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3. If you'd prefer an unplated option that's highly dependable for a variety of paces and distances, look no further than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2.
Within the broader Adizero lineup, the Prime X 2 sits outside the realm of racing shoes, acting instead as a super trainer for long runs. The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is adidas' flagship marathon racer, combining a bouncy midsole and lightweight build for top-tier race-day performance, while the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 is the lightest, most race-streamlined super shoe in the lineup, built for pure efficiency. For those seeking an uptempo trainer without a plate, there's the adidas Adizero Evo SL. You can also find the classic super trainer feel with ENERGYRODS in the adidas Adizero Boston 13.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are often confused because they're both premium, carbon-plated options from the German brand, sharing the same Lightstrike Pro foam at their core. But despite these similarities, they serve very different purposes. The Adios Pro 4 is a true race-day shoe, fine-tuned for marathon performance with a lightweight build, aggressive geometry. In contrast, the Prime X 2 is a super trainer—heavier and designed more for long, steady runs within your marathon build rather than for race-day performance itself.
The HOKA Skyward X and the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG are both max-stack, carbon-plated trainers that push the boundaries of comfort and technology, but they diverge in purpose and feel. The adidas is a bit lighter and slightly firmer, with a geometry and dual carbon plates that deliver a distinct pop, especially noticeable at marathon pace or faster efforts. It's built to energize long, steady workouts. In contrast, the Skyward X prioritizes plushness and smooth transitions, offering a pillowy ride that's best left for recovery days or easy miles when you want maximum cushioning without much propulsion.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG are both maximalist, high-stack trainers, but they're tuned for very different experiences. The ASICS is lighter and has a wider platform, giving it a more stable and versatile feel that's comfortable for easy mileage as well as for faster paces. It also lacks a plate, resulting in a more natural, forgiving ride that some runners might prefer for day-to-day training. In contrast, the adidas is taller and more aggressive, with a dual carbon-infused plate and a geometry that activates best at marathon or uptempo efforts.
The HOKA Mach X 2 and the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG are both high-stack trainers built to handle long runs and pace variations, but they deliver distinct experiences. The HOKA is more cushioned overall, offering a softer, more forgiving ride that feels plush and comfortable over long efforts. In contrast, the adidas' midsole is noticeably bouncier and more energetic. The HOKA uses a nylon plate, which is less aggressive than the adidas' double carbon plate setup. The Mach X 2 is a bit lower stacked (but still very much a maximalist) and lighter overall. However, the upper of the HOKA feels a bit flimsier.
Test Results
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is very heavy, further emphasizing its role as a trainer rather than an efficient super shoe for racing. That said, compared to other carbon-plated super trainers like the HOKA Skyward X, it's a bit lighter, offering just a touch more agility.
The shoe is built with a double carbon plate in the forefoot that enhances stability a little bit, adding a layer of stiffness between the soft foam layers. This helps keep the shoe feeling relatively secure.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is very lively under the heel, delivering a pleasant spring that eases transitions and smooths out fatigue during longer efforts. Heel strikers especially will notice the Lightstrike Pro midsole bounce back, keeping the shoe feeling fun and fast even late in a session.
This model is most explosive under the forefoot, where the foam produces a very noticeable rebound. This powerful energy return helps you pick up the pace with less effort, making marathon pace and threshold efforts feel more natural.
The model is very cushioned under the heel, soaking up impacts well. The Lightstrike Pro foam compresses impact forces, keeping long runs feeling plush and protective.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is also super well-cushioned at the forefoot, with enough give to handle high-impact landings while maintaining the responsive pop you need to stay fresh for longer.
This model is very soft under the heel, offering a plush ride that prioritizes comfort over stability. This forgiving feel is great for long runs, but it can also feel a bit wobbly if you're moving laterally or landing off-balance.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG is a little firmer in the forefoot, which helps balance out the plushness of the massive stack and adds a touch of control. The firmness isn’t as pronounced as in racing super shoes, but it’s firmer than super trainer alternatives like the HOKA Skyward X.
