1Several reviewers report persistent upper fit problems with the Prime X 2 Strung, including lace bite, pressure-induced numbness, and difficulty achieving proper lockdown, though one reviewer found the upper secure and snug despite acknowledging pressure on longer runs.
The Strung upper is polarizing — it locks the foot down securely for some, but for others it causes lace bite, numbness, and a frustrating fit that cannot be resolved even with different lacing strategies; buyers with sensitive feet or difficulty finding lockdown should be cautious.
2 creators15 opinions2 counterpoints
Opinions (15)
Runnertia finds that the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is an 'old old school shoe' that does not work for him at all, primarily because the upper gives him lace bite any time he tries to run in it.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia attempted to resolve the lace bite issue in the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung by using stretchy Caterpie laces, which helped a little but did not really work.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia finds the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung upper to be the opposite of the MagMax upper; while the MagMax upper is comfortable, soft, and cozy, the Prime X 2 Strung upper causes him lace bite.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia likes the Strung upper on the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung (calling it 'cool'), but states it simply does not work for him due to the lace bite issue.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia observes the upper of the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung digs into his foot on the left side.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch sourceRunnertia finds the ankle collar padding of the Prime X 2 Strung abrasive if tied too tight.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe0:01Runnertia observes that if he does not tie the Prime X 2 Strung tight enough, his foot slides all the way forward and runs into the front of the toe box or the top of the knit Strung upper.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe0:01Runnertia reports that some old problems with the Prime X 2 Strung resurfaced during the run, such as the plastic piece at the top eyelet digging into the top of his forefoot and around the side of the heel collar around his ankle.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe5:51Runnertia reports the issue of sliding forward and hitting his big toe on the stiff/"starchy" Strung upper came back during the run.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe5:51Runnertia finds he cannot get good lockdown in the Prime X 2 Strung without using real laces; using stretchy "Caterpie" laces does not provide a proper lockdown.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe5:51Runnertia finds that if he uses real laces tied down on the Prime X 2 Strung, it becomes like piano wire across the top of his feet (he speculates he may have a particularly sensitive top of foot), even with proper serrated laces like those found on racing shoes.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe5:51Doctors of Running describes the Prime X 2 Strung upper as secure, snug, and low-volume, but notes it takes forever to get on.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-13:01Doctors of Running reports that the strung upper on the Prime X 2 Strung really locks the foot down but can cause extra pressure and made his foot go a little numb on longer runs.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-13:01Doctors of Running states the Prime X 2 Strung upper is more snug and more secure than version 3.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-15:56Doctors of Running describes the Prime X 2 Strung upper as far more snug and lower-volume than version 3, and says it is way more secure.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-18:53
Counterpoints (2)
Doctors of Running states the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung worked very well for him despite not being a fan of the upper.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch sourceDoctors of Running states the durability of the Prime X 2 Strung upper has been great with no issues over many miles.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-13:01
2Reviewers agree the Prime X 2 Strung is heavy and not a fast shoe, with one reviewer noting even marathon pace felt difficult and another describing it as not a shoe that can handle much speed work.
Despite its super-shoe aesthetics and carbon plates, the Prime X 2 Strung is not suited for speed work or racing; buyers seeking a fast shoe should look elsewhere.
2 creators5 opinions
Opinions (5)
Runnertia observes the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is 'very heavy'.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSE5:29Doctors of Running notes that the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung (version 2) was not fast and lost the speed of the lighter previous version.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch sourceDoctors of Running describes the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung as heavy and not a shoe that can handle much speed work.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch source
3Runnertia's bounce assessment of the Prime X 2 Strung varied significantly across different runs and time periods (from 'extremely explosively bouncy' to 'bloated and not very bouncy' to 'the most bouncy and propulsive ride out there'), while Doctors of Running found it less bouncy than the newer version 3.
The shoe's bounce is inconsistent and may depend on the runner's weight, fitness, or run conditions; it can feel explosively propulsive or dead depending on context, making its performance unpredictable.
1 creator7 opinions
Opinions (7)
Runnertia finds the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung substantially bouncier than the MagMax, but as a consequence way more chaotic and way more unstable.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia finds the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung feels 'bloated and not very bouncy'.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch sourceRunnertia notes that historically he found the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung very bouncy.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch source
4Reviewers disagree sharply on stability, with one finding the shoe chaotic and unstable while another found it surprisingly stable with strong lateral guidance and medial support.
Stability is highly individual — the shoe's bevels and sidewalls provide lateral guidance for some runners, but its extreme height makes others feel unstable and out of control; buyers should test carefully, especially if they are sensitive to tall shoes.
2 creators7 opinions
Opinions (7)
Runnertia finds the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung substantially bouncier than the MagMax, but as a consequence way more chaotic and way more unstable.
Puma MagMax Vs. THE WORLD15:35Runnertia says the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung makes him question max-stack shoes because he cannot tell what is happening underfoot and feels his form is 'out of whack'.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch sourceDoctors of Running finds that the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung was surprisingly stable and neutral because of the sole setup and bevel that made it laterally biased at the heel.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch source
5Both reviewers note the shoe's extreme stack height — listed at 50 mm heel, 43 mm forefoot — and express concern about its consequences, with one attributing hip pain and poor form to the height and another questioning long-term effects and recommending barefoot or balance work.
The Prime X 2 Strung's 50 mm stack is among the tallest on the market and may cause biomechanical issues for some runners; anyone considering it should be aware that running at this height can affect form and may require supplementary stability work.
2 creators9 opinions
Opinions (9)
Runnertia observes the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is very tall and says it 'doesn't feel like a real shoe'.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch sourceRunnertia says the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung makes him question max-stack shoes because he cannot tell what is happening underfoot and feels his form is 'out of whack'.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSEWatch sourceRunnertia felt the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung had a slightly higher drop and a 'way higher stack' than what he has been running in.
The Prime X 2 Strung is NONSENSE5:29
6One reviewer reports excellent durability at 200 miles, with the upper, midsole, and outsole all holding up phenomenally well.
For buyers concerned about longevity, the Prime X 2 Strung appears to be a durable shoe that holds up well over high mileage, potentially offering good value over time.
1 creator4 opinions
Opinions (4)
Doctors of Running reports having 200 miles on his Adidas Prime X 2 Strung; the outsole is still intact and the midsole still holds up well.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch sourceDoctors of Running reports 200 miles on his Prime X 2 Strung and says durability is insane — the upper, midsole, and outsole are phenomenal.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-18:53Doctors of Running states the Prime X 2 Strung definitely lasts (durability).
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-18:53
7Reviewers position the Prime X 2 Strung as a training-oriented shoe best suited for longer, steady efforts rather than speed work or consistent daily mileage, with one reviewer explicitly not trusting it for consistent running and another recommending it for long runs where maximum rocker and rolling are not needed.
The Prime X 2 Strung is a niche trainer for long, easy-to-moderate efforts rather than a versatile daily shoe; it may suit runners with specific biomechanical needs or those wanting a dedicated long-run option.
2 creators7 opinions
Opinions (7)
Runnertia states he still does not trust the Prime X 2 Strung overall for running consistent mileage because it often gives him problems, though this was one of the better runs, if not the best run, he has had in it.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe5:51Doctors of Running describes the Prime X 2 Strung as more of a training shoe with a solid posterolateral bevel, a decent rocker, and some stiffness.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1Watch sourceDoctors of Running states the Prime X 2 Strung performed better on longer efforts where you didn't need the most rocker and rolling shoe, and it didn't feel as artificial.
Adidas Prime X2 vs. X3, Shoes for Tendon Pain, Mount to Coast P1 after 100 Miles | 3-in-1
8One reviewer found the midsole feels genuinely good to land on, describing it as the best part of the shoe even when other aspects caused him problems.
The Lightstrike Pro midsole provides a quality landing experience that may appeal to runners who can tolerate the shoe's other fit and stability challenges.
1 creator2 opinions
Opinions (2)
Runnertia finds the midsole of the Prime X 2 Strung feels really good, as he has said in the past.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe0:01Runnertia states he does not know how or why people like the Prime X 2 Strung, but speculates it is the midsole because it really does feel great to land on if he is not bruising every one of his toes.
The Prime X 2 Strung is the MOST FRUSTRATING Shoe0:01
Photo: kicksonfire.com
