Adidas Prime X Strung

The Adidas Prime X Strung is a super max-stack shoe built for speed over long distances. Originally priced at $300, it was in a league of its own at launch, but it now competes with the Hoka Skyward X ($225) and the Asics Superblast 2 ($200). Released in 2022, it features a heel stack height of 50mm—technically illegal by race standards—a full slab of Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro race foam, and carbon fiber energy rods, all packed into a very light and narrow frame. One of its standout features is the “strung” upper, which not only looks incredible but also provides a solid lockdown. (Though you may want to go half a size down for a snugger fit.) The 3D overlays woven into the upper offer just enough structure—especially compared to the original version, which didn’t feature the strung upper. The ride of the OG Prime X Strung is unlike anything we've experienced before or since its debut. It delivers a wild, fun, and bouncy ride in a super lightweight, narrow package. It’s great for uptempo efforts but can feel incredibly unstable until you adjust to it. That said, it easily takes the crown as our all-time favorite long-run shoe. It offers excellent protection, and the ride genuinely puts a smile on your face. It’s also one of the most durable shoes out there—we’ve heard many runners getting 500 to 1,000 miles out of a pair. The classic Adidas Continental rubber delivers great traction and is nearly indestructible. If you can get your hands on the original Prime X Strung, we highly recommend it.