Adidas Adizero Prime X 3 Strung 3

An improved but still in-between max-stack trainer: durable, reasonably fun, and more stable than v2, but not bouncy or fast enough to justify the $300 price tag when shoes like the Evo SL exist at half the cost.

Best for: Daily training and long miles, especially for heavier runners who want a durable max-stack trainer

An improved, lighter Prime X 3 Strung that Robbie and Megan enjoyed running in for long and easy miles, but it's an extra rotation piece at $300 rather than a do-it-all shoe, and the Lightstrike Pro puck could be softer for more trampoline feel.

Best for: Long slow distance and daily miles for runners (especially heavier runners) who want a maximally cushioned, non-racing, super-stacked trainer.

Best for: Marathon training and racing for runners who want the most cushion possible at faster paces, especially those with overpronation.

#9. Go-to for longer runs where you want protection.

After 100km the Prime X 3 Strung has won EDDBUD over despite a poor first impression: once broken in, the softened midsole, aggressive rocker, excellent outsole durability, and containing upper make it a versatile long-run training tool, though it's too heavy to race in and the 250 GBP price remains hard to stomach.

Best for: Long runs with mixed paces, recovery after hard sessions, and training when legs are tired; surprisingly swift when cadence increases.

Best for: Heavier runners wanting max cushion, or marathon-style workouts where faster segments come after building strong legs

A disappointing, bulky and expensive niche shoe that moves even further away from the magic of the V1; cushioned but not fun, with too much stack for the sake of it and hard to recommend over cheaper alternatives.

Best for: Long runs for neutral runners with good form who want to limit fatigue and don't mind the weight and price

Kofuzi calls the Prime X 3 Strung the wildest and now his favorite Prime X — a fun, slightly dangerous, genuinely useful long-run shoe rather than a gimmick, though at $300 it's not for most runners.

Best for: Long runs with mixed marathon-effort and easy miles, shoe enthusiasts, and heavier runners who worry about blasting through regular carbon-plated shoes.