Adizero Prime X3 Strung

The adidas Adizero Prime X3 Strung swaps the X2’s dual carbon plates for a single carbon plate paired with Energy Rods 2.0, atop three layers of Lightstrike Pro. It keeps a 7 mm drop (50 mm heel / 43 mm forefoot) and trims about 10g versus the X2, landing around 285g in men’s US 9. Marketed as a racer but often treated as a “super trainer,” it delivers plated propulsion for workouts and long runs.

Big, bouncy, and surprisingly controlled once you’re up on the forefoot. The “springboard” combo (carbon plate above / carbon-infused rods below) loads and releases best from marathon effort down to threshold, where you’ll feel a distinct pop off that wide, late-starting rocker. At easier paces it can feel bulky; at true intervals it starts to feel heavy. Grip and durability are excellent thanks to Continental rubber.

The STRUNG upper is snug to get on, race-lean once you’re in, and more precise than prior Prime X versions, but it’s not plush. Entry is booty-style with limited lace customization (no extra top eyelet), so some foot shapes may wish for more lockdown options. The platform is very wide up front and comparatively narrow at the heel; stability is fine for neutral runners at speed, but can feel teetery if you’re cruising or cornering hard. True to size for most.

• Wildly fun pop at marathon/tempo efforts; plate + rods work as advertised.
• Jumbo cushion (50/43 mm, 7 mm drop) that still feels responsive, not mushy.
• Continental/Light Lighttraxion outsole = confident grip and standout durability for the category.
• Lighter than the X2 while keeping the “Prime X” personality.

• Still heavy for speedwork; can feel clunky at easy paces.
• Upper has limited lacing/runner’s-knot options; lockdown may vary by foot shape.
• Narrower heel + sky-high stack won’t suit stability-seekers.