One of the few shoes that can challenge the Prime X for price, and stack. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. Theres a reason for that. Verdict: Its OK. Not great. I think the outsole and its grip is especially important here because it helps to enhance the stability of the shoe. Battle of the super trainers here. The Nike Alphafly with an official 40mm heel stack actually has a scalloped midsole design and if you measure the heel height externally, it actually comes to about 50mm. Are things overdone? BTW: NL 002445316 B74 / KvK Amsterdam: 5734 3136. Currently, it goes as high as 50mm at the heel. function z(b,c){var a,d,e=c.getAttribute("data-pagespeed-url-hash");if(a=e&&! The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is a specialist racer best suited to 5 km, The Adidas Adizero Adios 6 is stated to be a 5k-10k racer, but Id say, The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 is a smooth-riding super shoe that relies on a, The Nike Zoom Fly 4 is the training version of the Vaporfly Next% 2 and it, The adidas Adistar is a maximalist daily trainer built for slow, easy runs. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. Thanks! More stack height and heavier runners can enjoy all the cushioning and not feel dragged down by the shoes weight. Stack height and its correlation to footstrike, ground feel, runners weight - its all explained in detail below. [CDATA[ Ive previously expressed my view that a higher stack is always going to be faster because you are working with a longer lever. b.c[e]=!0)}y.prototype.checkImageForCriticality=function(b){b.getBoundingClientRect&&z(this,b)};u("pagespeed.CriticalImages.checkImageForCriticality",function(b){x.checkImageForCriticality(b)});u("pagespeed.CriticalImages.checkCriticalImages",function(){A(x)}); For all the tech that is poured into the shoe, it transitions nicely and smoothly, without any particularly strong forefoot rocker sensation or anything else that really feels like it is helping you transition through the shoe faster. Cue Conor McGregor walking to the Octagon in the Prime X. They even used something akin to Nikes flywire technology for the front two rows of eyelets to reinforce the foothold. For example, Gaviota 3 has a 5mm drop as per its specifications, but in our lab, we measured almost 10mm. Especially on long distances when youre going at a more controlled pace, you really have to concentrate on how and where you strike. Whatever the reason, Im glad they went through with it because it confirms that a midsole stack height of over 40 mm and more than 1 carbon plate really does provide a speed advantage. When I run, I sometimes get a bit of irritation from the first eyelet directly above my big toe. FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns, Join VIP Family, Get Free Shipping and 15% in VIP. They dont stand out. Use our tool to find out which stack height range might work for you. (e in b.c))if(0>=c.offsetWidth&&0>=c.offsetHeight)a=!1;else{d=c.getBoundingClientRect();var f=document.body;a=d.top+("pageYOffset"in window?window.pageYOffset:(document.documentElement||f.parentNode||f).scrollTop);d=d.left+("pageXOffset"in window?window.pageXOffset:(document.documentElement||f.parentNode||f).scrollLeft);f=a.toString()+","+d;b.b.hasOwnProperty(f)?a=!1:(b.b[f]=!0,a=a<=b.g.height&&d<=b.g.width)}a&&(b.a.push(e), This shoe can be quite unstable so unless you are comfortable in very unstable neutral shoes as the NB Fuelcell TC, Nike Alphafly or ASICS Novablast, this shoe is not for you. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. If you have limited options or just one shoe, then TC is the better choice. RC2 is softer and smoother through transition, as the Prime X has a denser bounce to it. It does not stretch much. The first time I saw the Prime X in real life, I was thunderstruck by its immense size. The Prime X is significantly bouncier and softer and noticeably less stable compared to the Boston. Ive tested a lot of super thin uppers over the years from the Nike Zoom Fly SP to the VFNext% to any number of Skechers performance shoes that use incredibly thin uppers in the past 18 months (Speed Elite, Speed 6, Razor Elite, Razor Excess etc etc), but its the near transparent colour scheme that Adidas opted to go with that makes the Prime X upper look extra, extra thin. Adidas calls the upper Celermesh 2.0 and you see some hints of the old Celermesh here in terms of the base material. This begs the question, why did Adidas create the Adizero Prime X? Running in twisty paths is another story however especially if the paths are not asphalt. We measure it the same way for all shoes using World Athletics standards. With the Deviate Nitro costing much less, I think it is the more versatile overall option, but the ride is much more special and enjoyable in the Prime X, especially for longer and easy runs. In our lab where we cut-open shoes to see whats inside and measure all the possible segments, we also mark the 12% and the 75% of the inside length of the shoe prior to using a caliper. The vibration dampening ability of the midsole setup is incredibly good, right up there with the Nike Alphafly and NB RC Elite 2. The ride of the Prime X is most similar to the Adios Pro but everything is intensified. The tongue is a bit of a let down. Its given in millimeters and includes the height (thickness) of the insole, midsole and outsole. Turns out, in a world where they did not exist, the stack height trend wouldnt be much different. The vibration dampening ability of the midsole setup is incredibly good, right up there with the Nike Alphafly and NB RC Elite 2. For me, Prime X is best suited to shorter runs like interval speed workouts or short races on a straight route. As cushioned as the Tempo Next% is, the Prime X has noticeably better vibration dampening. Zero-drop running shoes are the only case where heel stack height = forefoot stack height. Maximalist running shoes (maximal stack height: 30-50mm). Good to know if considering maximalist running shoes: A subgroup is made of carbon-plated running shoes - they are also maximalist, but performance-oriented and race-ready. In our lab, we always include the insole because: Per rules set by World Athletics, stack height is measured at 12% and at 75% of the inside length of the shoe. In terms of stability, Alphaflys heel is softer and more unstable, but the forefoot seems more stable with the airpods than Prime X. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. In terms of overall versatility and the ability to perform uptempo work, I think the Tempo Next% is still a better shoe. Anything too cambered and you might roll your ankle if you land very supinated. There is excellent durability and grip. I think fans of the Sky can also consider the Prime X as a trainer equivalent, though take note that the Prime X has a traditional 10mm drop with the Sky 5mm. Estimated Weight: men's 9.25 oz / 263g (US9) / women's / (US8), Official 50mm heel / 40mm forefoot (measured US9.5 at 52mm heel, 42mm forefoot). The outsole appears sturdier than the adios pro 2 that it would surely last longer. Prime X doesnt sink in as much and feels like a sprightlier ride all round, at all paces. Heel hold is non-existent and you get an almost free floating feeling at the heel but amazingly there is no heel slippage here so i guess it works well enough. Add in the superior outsole and I definitely prefer the Prime X as the more versatile and fun shoe to use. Overall, I think the TC is a more versatile shoe that feels easier to do some speed work in. It favours forefoot strikers over heel strikers because of its narrow waist and rearfoot. I think the outsole and its grip is especially important here because it helps to enhance the stability of the shoe. And you have a little extra in the form of 3 more curved carbon blades to further enhance the forefoot rocker in a triple layer LightStrike Pro forefoot foam layup. The soft and thick midsole also allows Adidas to get away using some relatively firmer rubber compounds without adversely affecting the underfoot feel of the shoe. Here are a few examples of running shoes. The foam does have a tendency to collapse medially at midfoot, I think partially because there are a lot of cutouts on the medial arch, so this shoe is going to be a hard pass for people who need some form of medial midfoot stability in the shoe. Without competition, brands and consumers would settle for ordinary, mundane products. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. If you have a very neutral foot strike and strong ankles, the Prime X would make an excellent long run shoe because it has plenty of soft cushioning that pillows your legs while its rocker saves you energy. Before that, it was simple: the smaller the stack height, the better the experience for lightweight runners. When going around a corner, you have to make sure you slow down to snail pace because there is so much pressure on your ankles. Another reason could also be that Adidas wanted to outdo the Alphafly Next% by making the Prime X bigger and more aggressive, no matter what the cost. 10 Comparisons, Brooks Glycerin 20 Multi Tester Reviews: 4 versions with energetic DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam. has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. If you are looking for a super shoe that will give you that 10% improvement, you are going to be disappointed. These two are tightly related and here you can see how: While heel to toe drop varies from 0mm up to 15mm, stack height varies from 3 to 50mm. Avis et Impressions: Craft CTM Ultra- que de bonne Skechers Performance MaxRoad 5 Multi Tester Review. In addition, the cutout in the tongue through which the laces slot seems to be a bit out of position for me, on both sides. The outsole is very similar to the Boston 10. In case you want to do it yourself, this is how. Ive tested a lot of super thin uppers over the years from the Nike Zoom Fly SP to the VFNext% to any number of Skechers performance shoes that use incredibly thin uppers in the past 18 months (Speed Elite, Speed 6, Razor Elite, Razor Excess etc etc), but its the near transparent colour scheme that Adidas opted to go with that makes the Prime X upper look extra. For a training shoe, I think its passable, but I would prefer a more performance fit if I were going to try to do a hard tempo run in these shoes. The laces lack length that if you decide to tie it with a runners knot, it would be challenging. At speeds of 4.15 minutes per kilometre, which is fast for me, I felt like I wasnt putting in as much effort to reach those speeds. The difference is quite stark once you try to go up a mild incline in both shoes. Heel to toe drop is the difference between heel stack height and forefoot stack height. Carbon plates add extra stiffness as well. This is truly an amazing shoe and would be an experience for anyone getting them. For recreational runners, theres no limit in stack height. FREE Shipping on orders over 99, 30 days return policy, no questions asked. If you have multiple shoe options, Id get the Prime X. It doesnt hurt that the Tempo is less expensive too by a considerable $70. RC2 has a snugger heel and midfoot, but the toebox is similar volume to Prime X. That band was incredibly good at supporting the midfoot. That said, the Tempo has a much more stable heel, and a noticeably better assisted transition. So does a midsole stack height of over 40 mm and more than one carbon plate really provide an unfair speed advantage? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Usually, we have shoes that work for all strikes and then, based on your personal preferences, you figure out if they work for you. I dont even use the lace loops cause it makes it even more wrinkled. Ive never actually experienced this with any other tongue before, not even on super minimalist shoes like the Reebok Run Fast Pro or Nike MayFly / Silverfish. I experienced no heel slippage when using a runners knot and overall foot lockdown is good. The Adios Pro unveiled LightStrike Pro to the world and we loved it. Fortunately, not a lot. I dont feel as much raw propulsion in the Prime X as in the Metaspeed Sky or the Vaporfly Next% 2 but the difference is that the ride of the Prime X feels more natural and it takes less effort to maintain fast speeds. There is a bit of a bottom heavy feel to the shoe, and it becomes a little more pronounced the faster you go, but the overall weight of the shoe is still fairly light for the amount of stack we have here. I think weve all grown accustomed to high stack over the past couple of years and visually, the heel doesnt look all that impressive. \. You can appreciate that a lot of work went into stripping down the weight of the upper to its bare bones, but the tongue is one area I felt they should not have tried to skimp on material. glute The Prime X is really more of a trainer equivalent to the Adios Pro and not a racer per se. Its not nearly as stable and its upper is not as good as the Alphaflys. As cushioned as the Tempo Next% is, the Prime X has noticeably better vibration dampening. That version of the shoe was never made available to the public so none of us could test it but fortunately, the Prime X is now available to the public in all its 50 mm glory. Derek: I wear US9.5 in Prime X and US9.0 in Alphafly. The concept of an illegal racing shoe that breaks the rules set out by World Athletics is a great idea and I wondered why other brands hadnt done it sooner. Up front, a relatively soft internal laminate serves as a toe bumper to heel toe box height elevated. Unlike Celermesh 1.0, the internal webbing is greatly reduced and limited to larger strategic strips on the medial and lateral sides, and it focuses on locking down the foot at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joints. The beveled heel, which is a hallmark of so many Adidas shoes is also present here. The Prime Xs upper is light, breathable and minimal. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. You also might not need to pay for all the features packed at the heel of the shoe. Prime X has a more relaxed and wider fit, yet seems to be easier to dial in than Deviate Nitro. Its experimental projects like this that shoe reviewers such as myself live for. It is measured when your feet are not in the shoes as the midsole will compress due to a persons weight, distorting the data. In both shoes, you dont feel the carbon element or stiffness when you run but more the foam characteristics so they are similar in that respect. Derek: Adidas calls the upper Celermesh 2.0 and you see some hints of the old Celermesh here in terms of the base material. 7 Comparisons, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Multi Tester Review: Speed Meets New Comfort & Versatility! So externally, both Alphafly and Prime X will have heel stacks that look near identical. When talking about stack height, most people assume its the heel stack height. These shoes are the most beginner-friendly. Unlike the Adios Pro, which has a thinner, modified version of Continental rubber, the Prime X has the normal, thick, durable Continental rubber. Ill be using the Prime X for training and shorter races: interval workouts, short tempo runs and half marathons. Their release dates were grouped per quarter and we looked only at the 90th percentile value of the stack height so we can see how tall the tallest shoes are getting. Across the above-mentioned categories (from barefoot to maximalist), its obvious that with the increase in stack height, shoes get stiffer. Quick Strides: RTR Team Testing Notes, Race Reports and More! All Rights Reseved . In the case of the stack height, the minimal one means you get to feel the ground more than the shoe. function B(){var b={},c;c=document.getElementsByTagName("IMG");if(!c.length)return{};var a=c[0];if(! My pros, its so soft that id love to ran farther with these, stamina willing. Its about the same weight as a Nike Pegasus or Nike Tempo Next% after all, so in terms of absolute weight, its still right in that wheelhouse. I had heard rumours that there would be a new Adidas super shoe with a stack height of over 50 mm earlier in the year. It was the most aggressive rocker Ive ever felt. Both shoes are about the same length, but Invincible has a snugger fit feel in the heel and midfoot. You will need good mechanics for this one, and maybe a stable road surface too. It also means your body might adapt to the terrain because your legs will have to absorb the impact. My cons first, i was bothered by the partially gusseted tongue making it all wrinkly when worn. Notably, the marketing information specifically calls it out as being illegal for racing under World Athletics shoe regulations. Competition is a beautiful thing. This is not that kind of shoe. Example shown below: Merrell Vapor Glove 4. So what could go wrong when you take that and increase the thickness by 20%? new XMLHttpRequest;else if(window.ActiveXObject)try{f=new ActiveXObject("Msxml2.XMLHTTP")}catch(r){try{f=new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP")}catch(D){}}f&&(f.open("POST",d+(-1==d.indexOf("?")?"? My first thought was actually centred on how thin and translucent the upper is. Anyway, reasons for this design is on their site. In them, you feel the ground only. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. As stated in the review. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data. There are 5 minimalist factors that make a shoe minimalist. Not sure that shoe will ever exist, and I am not sure I want it to exist to be honest. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content/, Enjoyed this post? It is also great for slower efforts, but be warned that the longer you stay on that heel, the more wobbly you are likely to find it. Weve covered stack height in great detail and backed everything with our lab data. Those 3 extra carbon-infused blades in the forefoot really make a difference. The cushioning is special enough that I think people who can afford it, should at least give it a try. pagespeed.CriticalImages.Run('/mod_pagespeed_beacon','http://adipol.info.pl/uk-elections-bilq/mammsvcl.php','g1e0Boapsu',true,false,'7R75uoHENyM'); Its possible that Adidas was already working on the Prime X before World Athletics announced the new rules but Adidas still decided to go through with it. The high stack allows you to compress the forefoot enough to get a bit of virtual flex through the toe joints before catapulting your foot forward. I mean tongue loop. RTR German, Spanish, French, Danish, Polish Reviews, Nike Zoom Fly 5 Review (100 km): ZoomX Core and New Plate Shifts the Focus! The Adios Pro unveiled LightStrike Pro to the world and we loved it. Derek: The outsole is very similar to the Boston 10. Thank you, Reddit, for this inspiration! Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Multi Tester Review: Modern E Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Multi Tester Review. It, The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a powerhouse of a shoe. The curved anatomic carbon rods and the heel stabilizing carbon plates are still there. The soft and thick midsole also allows Adidas to get away using some relatively firmer rubber compounds without adversely affecting the underfoot feel of the shoe. The cushioning is softer, the rocker is more aggressive and the propulsion at toe-off is greater. Its like a souped-up Adios Pro. I would get the same size for both models, though the fit of the Prime X is a bit more relaxed. It also doesnt have enough upper padding so you can feel the eyelets on top of your feet. Also, this is the reason why shoes with lower forefoot stack height (barefoot and minimalist) are usually recommended to the forefoot and midfoot strikers. This may come as a strange comparison, but the Sky has a similar kind of forefoot softness to the Prime X, with the Prime X having a slightly denser sort of bounce. So is the Adizero Prime X a training shoe or a racing shoe? Tongue loop + gusseted tongue = really bunched up tongue. The Nike Alphafly with an official 40mm heel stack actually has a scalloped midsole design and if you measure the heel height. That would all be ok if there were more shoes aimed at forefoot striking runners but there are not. The midsole was so thick that I felt like I was balancing on stilts. You just dont. ("naturalWidth"in a&&"naturalHeight"in a))return{};for(var d=0;a=c[d];++d){var e=a.getAttribute("data-pagespeed-url-hash");e&&(! Awesome pair. That band was incredibly good at supporting the midfoot.