Adidas Intentionally Made a Running Shoe That’s ‘Illegally Fast’
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Regulations are in place for the world’s highest-level races to ensure runners aren’t getting too much of a benefit from their sneakers. The major footwear players work within these confines to eek out the maximum allowable benefits, but Adidas is now forgoing the race scene and unveiling a shoe with merits of a more intrinsic value.
Today, Adidas is debuting the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung and highlighting its status as “illegally fast.” The infractions come via a heel stack height of 50mm, 10mm above the limit, and two carbon-infused plates doubling the amount allowable in a single shoe. Although official competitions aren’t in play, there isn’t anything stopping you from seeing what the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung can do for your personal, unsanctioned runs.
“Without the confines of the usual rules, we had space to unleash the full creative capabilities of our product design team,” Coralie Ho-Van, global product manager of Adidas running footwear, said in a press release. “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.”
Watch on FN
The layers of Lighstrike Pro foam are stacked atop each other, which is the most Adidas has ever used. Two carbon-infused plates then frame the midsole and deliver responsiveness. The “Strung” in the shoe’s name refers to a knit upper with extra layers to give it strength at the midfoot and heel and targeted flexibility at the forefoot.
Adidas will launch the Adizero Prime X 2 Strung in a white, blue, violet, and red colorway Sept. 15. Priced at $300, the performance road running shoe will be available through Adidas’ app, website, and physical stores in addition to select retailers.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
