Adidas Prime X3 Strung Review: A Return to its Prime?

Introduction to the Adidas Prime X3 Strung

MEAGHAN: The Prime X Strung and I have been on a bit of a journey. The original version shot straight to the top of my “most fun” trainers list back in 2022 — light, springy, and an absolute blast to run in. Then came the second iteration… and with it, some unwelcome baggage. Literally. My US W7.5 jumped from 7.7oz to 9.3oz, with most of that extra heft coming from underfoot. The trampoline-like bounce was still there, but it had lost that elusive “fun factor” that made the first one so great to run in.

Now we’ve arrived at the third iteration, and once again, big changes are on the table. The good news: the upward weight trend has finally stopped. My W7.5 clocks in at 8.9oz, a small but meaningful step in the right direction. The upper has been re-engineered with a tighter Strung weave and a knit, sock-like collar for a more secure fit.

Underfoot, the overhaul is even more dramatic: gone are the dual carbon plates, replaced by a single full-length carbon fiber plate with the return of the Energy Rods 2.0 (last seen in the OG) tucked underneath. The midsole foam features three layers of Lightstrike Pro with different densities throughout. Finally, the outsole pairs Lighttraxion with Continental rubber for added grip and durability.

But do these changes recapture the magic of the original? Let’s find out.

CHAD: To be completely honest, getting the Adidas Prime X3 in for review was actually sort of nerve-wracking for me. First, I am in the middle of my build for the Chicago Marathon, so reviewing any new shoe could be problematic if the shoe doesn’t work for me. The last thing I need is an injury during marathon training. And second, the Prime X2 was one of my favorite Big Guy shoes in 2024.

While many here at Believe in the Run were underwhelmed by its performance, I felt like the huge stack of Lightstrike Pro foam with the U-shaped “dual plate” provided everything a big guy like me looks for in a shoe designed for cruisin’ miles. What made me nervous was whether the X3 would be able to improve on what I already felt was a great shoe, or at least not screw it up too badly.

Much of what I loved about the Prime X2 remained the same in the X3. It still features the innovative strung upper, a booty-like tongue, 50 mm of foam underfoot with 43 mm in the forefoot for a 7 mm drop, and the much-appreciated Continental outsole that also features Lighttraxion. However, there were also some drastic changes, including a substantial midsole cutout, swapping out the bottom portion of the U-shaped plate for Adidas’ carbon fiber-infused Energy Rods 2.0, and using three formulations of Lightstrike Pro with three different densities.

So, long story short, did they screw it up? Keep reading to find out.

What we like about the Adidas Prime X3 Strung

MEAGHAN: Let’s start with the looks. I’m usually not one for flashy colorways, but the teal-and-yellow combo here really works — it’s bold without being over the top. Or maybe the real showstopper is that towering 50 mm stack underfoot? Hard to say. Either way, I’m a fan. This one looks sharp both on and off the run.

Slide it on, and the step-in feel is instantly engaging. There’s that signature springy, trampoline-like sensation that makes even a stroll around the house feel like a mini event. The upper isn’t overly plush, but it’s comfortable in a no-fuss way, no hot spots, no rubbing. Sizing felt true, though maybe just a hair on the long side (we’ll get into that later).

Underfoot, the bounce you notice while walking is less dramatic on the run, but still present. And I have to say, going back to a single carbon plate with Energy Rods was the right move. The ride feels lighter, less bottom-heavy, and overall more enjoyable than its predecessor.

CHAD: Buckle up, Buttercup, because this will be a long list. First things first, I am absolutely enamored with the appearance of this shoe. I received the Lucid Lemon/Core Black/Halo Silver colorway, and I think Adidas is killing it in the design department. At first, part of me hoped I would get the Flash Aqua/Zero Metallic/Lucid Lemon colorway that Meg received, but once I opened the box, it was love at first sight.

I personally love Adidas’ new design aesthetic of bringing the trademark three stripes down onto the midsole. It looks especially killer with the black stripes on the electric yellow upper and midsole.

The fit of the Prime X3 Strung is also improved vs that of the X2. Full disclosure, I did have Adidas send me a US M12 this go-round, as I felt like the M11.5 I had in the X2 was slightly short for me and caused me some issues in the toebox with my toes feeling crammed.

However, the fit was not only more accommodating in the toebox but also all the way throughout the shoe, something I imagine Wide Foot Jarrett and his devout followers will appreciate. Add in that the comfort of the upper was also slightly better, the Prime X3 String felt incredible on foot from the first try on.

Well, a few paragraphs in, and finally getting to the performance of the shoe, which like the looks and the fit, was phenomenal. Just like the X2, the X3 does so much of the work in getting you to roll through and get up on your toes. With the fact that the shoe lost some weight between the X2 and X3, getting the legs to turn over and churn out mile after mile got even easier.

For me, the biggest ride difference was in swapping out the U-shaped double plate for a single carbon fiber plate and Energy Rods 2.0. Even as a bigger runner, I feel like the double plate in the Prime X2 was a bit harsh on my feet and left me a bit sore on the bottom of my feet and calves after longer efforts. However, even after a 13-mile long run this past weekend, my feet and legs felt great… sort of. I’ll circle back to that.

Adidas’s use of three versions of Lightstrike Pro made for an incredibly smooth ride when paired with the toe spring, plate, and Energy Rods. The foam goes from softer immediately underfoot to firmer near the outside, with a puck of mid-level softness under the fat pad and forefoot. Lightstrike Pro continues to be my favorite elite race-day foam, largely based on how resilient it is, giving me back almost everything I put into it.

What we don’t like about the Adidas Prime X3 Strung

MEAGHAN: Since I don’t see this as a race-day shoe, I wish Adidas had leaned into comfort a bit more — some real padding around the collar and tongue would go a long way. I also found the fit to be just a touch long. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for those who prefer a snug, locked-in feel.

Performance-wise, my biggest gripe was the firmness of the foams. The carbon plate and Energy Rods do provide some propulsion, but it feels like you really have to work to unlock it. I suspect heavier runners will get more out of the midsole, as they’ll be able to compress the foam and tap into that pop more easily than lighter runners.

And while the weight has dropped from the previous version, the shoe still feels bottom-heavy. That imbalance makes it come across as a bit clunky on the road and less natural to accelerate — surprising, given that it’s packing both a carbon plate and Energy Rods.

CHAD: This list will be very short. First and foremost, if Adidas insists on having these booty-like tongues or thin tongues with no padding, I’m going to need to have them put on softer or stretchier laces. On my 13-mile run, I had to re-tie multiple times. First re-tie was at mile 6 to tighten them, and it was because when I first laced them up, I was nervous to tie them too tight and get lace bite.

However, having them a bit loose led to some minor heel lift during those first 6 miles. But then at mile 10, I re-tied again, because with the foot swelling, I was starting to notice some pain on the top of my foot because of the harsh laces, and decided I’d rather have a small amount of heel lift. On Sunday morning, when I woke up, I noticed that the top of my feet were agitated, which I chalked up to the lacing. Don’t worry, though, I did what I did with the Adios Pro 3 and swapped out the laces for a softer, stretchier lace. I imagine this will alleviate this.

Also, while very minor, the shoe is slightly less stable than the X2. The combination of foams underneath is a bit softer, and the lateral bias has been reduced, leading to slightly more medial movement. It’s not an issue, but it’s definitely noticeable, especially given the 50 mm stack.

Final thoughts on the Adidas Prime X3 Strung

MEAGHAN: I really wanted to love the Prime X 3 Strung. On paper, it sounds like the ultimate fun machine — three layers of race-day foam, a towering 50mm stack, and multiple propulsive components working together. But out on the road, it just didn’t click for me. That said, what didn’t work for me might be a perfect fit for you — as Chad’s experience in this review clearly shows.

CHAD: The Prime X3 Strung is very close to being a perfect shoe. My only real knock on the shoe is the brand’s insistence on using thin, harsh laces on shoes with no padding to protect the foot. However, this is easily fixable with a small purchase at Dick’s Sporting Goods or another sports retailer by buying some better laces. I’m pretty sure this is going to have a spot on the podium when I started putting together my favorite shoes for bigger runners in 2025, and it’s going to take something drastic to knock this one off from being number one. Can’t wait for my first run in it after the lace swap!

You can pick up the Adidas Prime X3 Strung for $300 from Adidas by using the button below.