pickupthepacepaul

I was able to pick up a pair of the adidas adizero prime X 2 strung in early September ahead of the official launch. I was looking for a new marathon racing shoe, and had my eye on the adidas adizero pro 3. During my current marathon PB I was wearing the original adidas adizero pro, so I was excited to try these. But then I saw the adidas members exclusive early access of the “Illegally fast” adidas adizero prime X 2 strung, and I was torn. But after weighing up the costs and benefits I decided to opt for the adidas adizero prime X 2 strung to see what all the hype was about.

The pro is already one of the most expensive shoes on offer in the running market at adidas, coming in at £220, and the prime X 2 strung costs £250. I have been wearing the Bostons, currently wearing the Boston 12, which has a price tag of £140. The higher price bracket is not something I usually look for, but if I’m going all out for a new PB, I want the shoes to give me the most benefits as possible.

First impressions, the prime X 2 strung are a big shoe. They come with a 50mm “illegal stack” (more about that later), and the height on these shoes are obvious. But despite their size, they are incredibly light. I cannot compare to the pro 3, but they certainly have far more structure than the pro (1), offering more stability, which is something I thought was missing in the first edition of the adizero pro.

The strung upper looks fantastic, helping to achieve the light weight. It also offers flexibility with an integrated tongue, enabling a tight-knit feel when running.

The continental sole offers grip, and as mentioned above, there is much more stability in the structure, which provides confidence even though there is such a large stack. I found that I had more confidence turning corners, which I’ve always been mindful of with racing shoes.

There are 3 layers of the new LIGHTSTRIKE PRO, which creates the stack height of 50mm. The LIGHTSTRIKE PRO core is framed by two carbon infused plates. Initial impressions are positive, with great responsiveness throughout my run.

I have worn these shoes a few times on short training runs, but the real test will be race day. I’m going to save these for now, as I want the full impact when I race. I think I have found the right trainers for my next Marathon PB effort, but although my trainers are ready, I’m simply not. So, I will work on getting myself in shape over the winter for a decent effort in Spring 2024.

“Illegally Fast”

So what does it mean to be “Illegally Fast”? Simply, the World Athletes have set a limit of 40 mm for professional road racing. So, although the adidas adizero prime X 2 strung is illegal for elite racing, it is absolutely fine for the everyday runner looking for a new PB. And this is, of course, where the debate starts. For many, they will rule out this new “supershoe” because it is illegal for professionals. But really, what difference does it make for the average runner looking for a new PB? When the first of the carbon-plated super shoe generation came out, it felt like the World Athletics made an arbitrary rule, right on the 40mm limit of the shoes at the time. What is the difference between 40mm and 50mm? It feels more like there had to be a limit, so one was made.

When it comes to race day, it takes much more than the innovation of a new shoe. But when ready, this edge provides both psychological confidence and physical performance benefits. I’m more than happy to race in an “illegally fast” shoe and to test out the new innovation. You can debate the advantages all day long, like the difference between the older more standard shoe and a legal (40mm) shoe, which will make far more difference than between the 40 mm and 50 mm gap. For me, if it is available to everyone and not against the rules, then I don’t see a problem, and I am excited to see what I can achieve.

Coralie Ho-Von, Global Product Manager Running Footwear at adidas said:

WITHOUT THE CONFINES OF THE USUAL RULES, WE HAD SPACE TO UNLEASH THE FULL CREATIVE CAPABILITIES OF OUR PRODUCT DESIGN TEAM. THIS MEANT WE COULD CREATE A SHOE THAT PUSHES THE LIMITS OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR RUNNING FOOTWEAR. THE INSIGHTS WE OBTAINED THROUGH IN-DEPTH ATHLETE TESTING RESULTED IN A SHOE WITH STABILITY, MORE SPRING IN THE FORE- AND MIDFOOT AND AN ENHANCED FIT. WE ARE EXCITED TO REVEAL MORE EXCITING INNOVATIONS IN THE UPCOMING SEASON. STAY TUNED FOR MORE TO COME!

My shoes are ready, but I’m not yet. It doesn’t matter how much of an advantage the adidas adizero prime X 2 strung would provide. You need to be ready, and I’m far from ready. So for now, I’m putting my trainers away and going to get ready for race day.