Adidas' Experimental Adizero Prime X 3.0 Strung Is Ready to Go the Distance

If you're not a runner who keeps up with the latest and greatest footwear for the sport, you might've just seen the Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung franchise for the first time moments ago. But if you do, a first official look at the experimental silhouette's third iteration should be exciting as it not only confirms you'll be able to run in a pair soon, but also hints at what the Three Stripes could eventually bring to other running products.

Teased and leaked via low-quality spy shots over the last year, House of Heatº and Elden Monitors have recently acquired product shots of the Prime X 3.0 Strung. Images showcase the robust silhouette in all its glory, cementing key differences from its two predecessors.

Unlike the impending Takumi Sen 11 and podium-landing Adios Pro 4, the third Prime X Strung design is not approved by World Athletics. For the uninformed, this means the tall shoe is disqualified from any sanctioned competition given its over 40 millimeter midsole stack. And while the sport's governing body isn't likely to increase the allowed height anytime soon, Adidas has no problem with this.

Ahead of Fall 2022, the brand set out to create the most dynamic ride possible, disregarding the limitations set by World Athletics. While rooted in the same spirit of competitive innovation inherent to the Adizero franchise, the Prime X Strung served as a case study, pushing running footwear forward to see what was possible. Adidas' Strung material brought an industry-leading upper technology to its most robust cushioning proposal at the time, creating a product unlike any other on the market.

The public's initial response to the silhouette was overwhelmingly positive, although some strayed away from the model due to the unfair advantage it provided (if you've ever run in either the original version or 2.0 edition, you understand). A steeper price tag than the marquee Adios Pro marathon racer franchise also encouraged some runners to simply wait to see what innovations from the Prime X Strung trickled down into the more accessible, legal-for-competition design.

Previous naysayers and skeptics are likely not checking for the Prime X 3.0 Strung, but the latest from the Adizero Running series is sure to at least raise their eyebrows.

Immediately, the new long-distance training model delivers a drastic visual departure from the rest of the Three Stripes' performance range. Three layers of record-setting LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam come together to form the 50mm midsole, with a curved puck of the marquee compound wedged in-between separate layers from mid-foot to forefoot. The presentation allows for the carbon fiber-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 to be seen from a side angle. The oft-overlooked Prime X 2.0 Strung also featured a slab of foam in a similar presentation, but its LIGHTSTRIKE PRO solution was more robust and less chiseled.

The impending model features a tighter Strung upper, likely an update informed by athletes' insights. Profile 3-Stripes run from the "tongue" onto the midsole's top layer, aligning with all but one current design from the Adizero family (the Boston 13 marathon trainer). The lacing setup has also been reworked, with laces running through both loops that seemingly extend from the Strung construction, as well as reinforced cutouts along the sidewalls. The running shoe abandons the foldable blinker seen on other iterations, while also introducing a knit, sock-like collar that likely delivers a more uniform fit and improved lockdown around the ankle.

LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam components underfoot expand the Three Stripes' visual language and performance innovation via their unorthodox layout. A series of two stiffening agents enter the mix, enhancing the propulsive feeling already achieved by complementing the marquee compound with ENERGYRODS technology; a piece of the top layer protrudes at the heel. Although there's an ample amount of cushioning at the heel (which seems wider than on previous versions), the Prime X 3.0 Strung begs wearers to engage with the forefoot. Doing so provides an unrivaled sensation underfoot, which, as mentioned before, creates the sense that you have an unfair advantage across any distance. The three-layer system helps with energy loss, making each stride feel easier than in other shoes, despite likely enabling you to run faster without you trying.

The experimental shoe enjoys Adidas' LIGHTTRAXXION outsole across the rear and lateral side of the forefoot. Coverage underneath the big toe, as well as the lower-half of the forefoot, opt for a Continental rubber compound that promises excellent traction on all surfaces. Given the model's positioning as a long-distance trainer, the extra Continental rubber section ensures longer-lasting reliability.

Firm launch details for the Prime X 3.0 Strung have yet to be confirmed by the brand, but that's expected to change by August. Expect pairs to land via Adidas.com with at least a $300 price tag. Inaugural colorways include vibrant "Lucid Lemon" and "Flash Aqua" finishes, with other bold styles likely to release before the year ends.

If shorter distances are more your realm, check out the Nike StreakFly 2, a lightweight racer that's already left a mark across the road mile.