Adidas Prime X Strung First Thoughts: A Refined 50mm Stacked Super Shoe

Introduction

The latest Adidas Prime X Strung arrived, went out for a first run the same morning, and left a genuinely positive early impression. This is not a full verdict yet, but the first run surfaced enough to give a useful read on where the shoe stands compared to its predecessors.

Adidas has iterated on this platform several times now. The original was followed by the Strung version, which was better than the original. The next iteration dialed things in more, but still was not for everyone. This third generation is starting to get there.

Who This Product Is for

This is a shoe for runners who want maximum foam underfoot and are comfortable with a very tall platform. The stack starts at 50mm of foam, which is a serious amount of shoe. Runners who are used to high-stack designs will feel at home here, while those who prefer lower, more connected shoes may find the height takes adjustment.

The wide base makes it feel fairly stable for its height, though the sheer stack is always present. Runners with ankle sensitivity should think carefully about whether a 50mm platform suits them.

Main Strengths

The standout element is the upper. This is the favorite Strung upper so far, and for good reason: it fit like a glove, with no movement. It really holds your foot over this high stack, which matters enormously when you are riding on 50mm of foam.

The midsole technology is also more visible and more developed than before. Previous versions used two plates; this one adds energy rods into the mix, with the plate sitting above them. The plate runs essentially full length from heel to forefoot, with only a small gap near the toe. The chunk of foam between the plates, which was trimmed down in an earlier version, has been boosted back up to a substantial piece.

The foam is now all Lightstrike Pro, and the shoe feels slightly lighter than the previous version on the run. It also does not feel as bottom-heavy as some other high-stack shoes. Grip from the Continental rubber was great, and the shape through the toe-off feels a little more aggressive than in the past.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The big hope going in was a softer feel and more bounce coming off the toe. That trampoline effect is still missing. Through the midfoot and forefoot, the shoe still feels slightly firm, and the squish-and-send-you-forward mechanical feel is not fully there.

There is also the matter of stability. Even on a wide base, there were moments on the first run with a little wobble at the ankle, and you feel all 50mm of stack when that happens. High stack height becomes normal quickly, but it is a real characteristic of the shoe, not just a number on a spec sheet.

Buying Advice

If you have liked the Prime X line but found earlier versions slightly heavy or unrefined, this third iteration is the most convincing one yet: lighter feeling, better held by the upper, and more aggressive through toe-off.

If you are chasing a maximal bounce and a soft, springy ride above all else, this may still not fully deliver. And if very tall stack shoes have given you ankle trouble before, this is probably one to skip or at least try carefully first. A full review with measured weight and deeper testing is worth waiting for before making a final call.

Conclusion

The latest Prime X Strung keeps getting a little bit better. The best Strung upper yet, all-Lightstrike Pro construction, a lighter on-foot feel, and great grip make this the most complete version so far. The remaining gap is ride character: the firmness that keeps the trampoline effect just out of reach. For runners comfortable with 50mm of stack, this is a shoe worth serious attention.