Best Running Shoe Rotations for the Price of One Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung

Introduction

The Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung is one of the best running shoes around, and also one of the most expensive. At a wallet-obliterating 230 pounds in the UK, it sits outside many people’s budgets, especially in the current economic climate. But 230 pounds can go a very long way when you spread it across a rotation.

We built two complete three-shoe rotations, each covering every type of run, for roughly the price of one pair of the Prime X Strung. One rotation is aimed at marathon training and racing, the other at 10K to half marathon training and racing. Each uses a different brand, so you get genuinely different ride characters across the set rather than three near-identical shoes.

Marathon Rotation: Three Shoes, One Wallet

The marathon rotation follows a classic pattern: a cushioned trainer for long runs, a fast shoe for race day, and a low-profile option for speed work. The total comes to 221.90 pounds, leaving change for a box of gels before the race.

Cushioned Long Runs: Reebok Symmetros 2

First up is a shoe for cushioned longer runs that could even double as a daily trainer: the Reebok Symmetros 2. It has only just launched, yet discounts bring it down to 65 pounds from 100, a solid 35 pound saving on an already nicely priced shoe.

Underfoot you get bucket loads of Floatride Foam, made from many small pellets finely packed together. The result is a genuinely cushioned ride that feels far softer in practice than it does in hand. The Symmetros 1 proved light and nimble, and this version adds a touch more stability, which suits longer efforts. It hits the spot for the longer runs and can cover easy miles too, making it great value in a cash-conscious combo. The Orange Flare colorway is more orange fire than orange flare.

Race Day Pick: Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

That leaves 165 pounds, and the next stop is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, heavily discounted to 100 pounds. With the Endorphin Pro 3 having since launched, the outgoing Pro 2 has seen a serious price cut, which is remarkable for a shoe of this calibre.

The Pro 2 is a touch firmer than the Pro 3, not quite as squashy, but still very forgiving. Some runners have gone sub-three hours in this shoe, so it has the chops for a full marathon. There is a very light and breathable upper, just enough grip for road running, and a spot-on 8mm drop that strikes the best balance between heel and forefoot cushioning. Sizing is limited, so move quickly if this one appeals.

Speed Work on a Budget: Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3

With 65 pounds left, the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fy 3 slot in nicely at 56.90 pounds. This is a more responsive, lower-stacked shoe with Nike Air Zoom technology in the forefoot, a small zoom air pod that keeps everything feeling weight-relieved.

It feels like an old racing flat, a throwback to 2017 when runners did full marathons in thin midsole shoes. Firm foam and a split tongue echo the Nike Streak 7, and the lower profile shape around the ankle with reasonably low weight make it ideal for a smattering of speed training in a marathon schedule. The 8.10 pounds remaining buys your race-day gels.

10K and Half Marathon Rotation: Fast and Furious

Back up to 230 pounds for the second rotation, aimed at 10K and half marathon training and racing. This set covers a daily trainer, a speed shoe, and a carbon-plated racer, with three very different rides across the mix.

Daily Trainer: Nike Pegasus 39

For the daily trainer, the Nike Pegasus 39 found via a JD Sports app offer with an extra 20 pounds off code lands at just 56 pounds, nearly 50 percent off for a superb daily trainer. The white and red version is a recent release.

This Pegasus is a real winner in terms of versatility. The React foam and Zoom Air units work very well together, providing good response, so it is not just a daily slogger; you can push some faster runs in it too. The outsole is more than ready for wild winters ahead, and React is durable, so expect this combination to last. There are plenty of sizes available right now, though the light colorway may get dirty in autumn and winter conditions.

Speed Sessions: Puma Liberate Nitro

For lighter speed training, the Puma Liberate Nitro is a low-profile option with response and flexibility, and it can even work on the track at a push. At just 60 pounds direct from Puma, it is hard to argue with.

The Nitro foam is compressive yet reasonably low to the ground, so you can really feel the surface. The mesh upper has a quirky character, a bit like a carrier bag crossed with old 80s Star Wars toys. It may not be ideal for longer runs, but the Liberate Nitro nails 10K and half marathon training sessions like one mile or one kilometre repeats and 20 minute threshold efforts. It is an unsung hero often dismissed as a budget shoe, but it delivers a great balance between cushion and underfoot feel.

Carbon Racer: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite

That leaves 114 pounds for the race shoe, and Pro Direct Running has an insane deal on the lightweight Puma Deviate Nitro Elite at 119 pounds, a massive 51 pound discount. It runs a few pounds over budget, but at that discount it is hard to say no.

This is a real cracker for race day, in a white, Ocean Drive and fizzy lime colorway. You get superb grip from the outsole, a carbon plate to help you along, and the resilient yet propulsive cushioning of Nitro Elite foam. Compared with newer Puma models priced well above it, this is a very underrated shoe worth checking out.

Buying Advice: Which Rotation Suits You?

If your goal is a full marathon, the Reebok Symmetros 2, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 and Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 trio covers cushioned long runs, race day and speed work for 221.90 pounds. If your focus is 10K or half marathon, the Nike Pegasus 39, Puma Liberate Nitro and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite set runs slightly over 230 pounds but delivers a versatile daily shoe, a proper speed shoe and a carbon-plated racer.

The broader takeaway: a well-planned rotation of discounted shoes gives you coverage across every type of run, three very different rides, and still costs about the same as a single pair of the Adizero Prime X Strung. That is genuinely insane value.

Conclusion

The Adizero Prime X Strung is a brilliant shoe, but 230 pounds buys far more running capability when split across a rotation. Two shoes for marathon work and three for 10K to half marathon duty, all at heavily reduced prices, make a strong case for spreading the budget rather than spending it on one pair.