Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG review

In our opinion, the Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG is a solid pick for:

• Sprinters racing from 60 m to 400 m who want a highly explosive, speed-focused spike.
• Runners with perfect technique who can take full advantage of its aggressive design.
• Elite athletes looking for a spike built specifically for top-level sprint performance.

We think that runners who don’t need a hyper-aggressive, ultra-bouncy ride will find the Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG too extreme and expensive. In our view, the Adidas Sprintstar and the Nike Rival Sprint are more balanced, budget-friendly option for track warriors.

We also think that athletes seeking elite performance in a more adaptable and breathable spike should consider the Nike Maxfly 2. It delivers top-tier results with a smoother, less demanding feel, making it a more versatile choice overall.

We found very little cushioning in the heel at just 11.1 mm. While this is lower than many spikes, the Prime SP 3 is a sprint-focused design, and heel striking is simply not part of how it’s meant to be used.

For 400 or shorter races, you’ll be landing on the forefoot, which is exactly where Adidas focused all the energy return and propulsion in this shoe.

We discovered that they pushed right up to the World Athletics limit with 19.6 mm of cushioning, packing in as much Lightstrike Pro superfoam as possible.

This unique Adidas design results in a striking -8.5 mm drop, an unusually extreme figure that matches what we felt during our test runs—this is one of the most aggressive spikes ever made.

The Lightstrike Pro foam under the forefoot measured 37.3 AC, delivering a balanced feel that sits right between soft and firm.

The secondary layer is an EVA foam slightly firmer at 41.2 AC and extends from the midfoot to the heel.

It adds structure and durability, and should have minimal impact on performance since these areas are rarely compressed. However, for this price, we think that the Prime SP 3 STRUNG should be 100% Lightstrike Pro.

The Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG features a plate that blends nylon and carbon fibre. While it may not sound as stiff as a full carbon plate, its higher-than-usual thickness makes it extremely rigid.

When we first tried the Prime SP 3 STRUNG, the fit felt immediately very tight.

After creating a gel mould and taking our first width measurement, we recorded 88.9 mm. While this sits around the average, it still feels extremely snug, which is common for running spikes.

That snug sensation was confirmed when we measured the toebox at just 65.2 mm. It delivers a highly locked-in feel, but may push runners with wider feet toward other options.

The toebox height is also extremely low at 21.0 mm, further reinforcing the tight, race-focused fit. 

There are no comfort concessions here, this is a pure speed machine, and your feet will feel like they’re inside a Formula 1 car.

Much of the aggressive design and explosive feel comes from its ultra-stiff build, which we confirmed with a massive 31.6N measurement in our lab test.

For us, the biggest drawback of the Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG is its weight. At 6.8 oz or 193g, it feels heavy by today’s standards, especially when even road shoes like the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 come in lighter.

While breathability is not usually a major concern in running spikes, especially sprint-focused ones, it’s still a welcome feature when available.

That said, ventilation is quite limited in the Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG. In fact, it’s so restricted that we gave it the lowest possible score of 1 out of 5.

It’s clear that the upper prioritises structure and likely durability over airflow, and our microscope images confirm this with no visible ventilation holes.

The STRUNG upper remains impressively well-built, showcasing how thousands of threads work together with precision and purpose.

However, we would have liked to see more airflow, especially for those planning to use the shoe in extremely hot conditions or during longer training sessions.

We had to apply up to 16.4 Nm of torque to twist the Prime SP 3 STRUNG in both directions, which is higher than average and further highlights its extreme design.

The heel counter is built purely for racing, with virtually no structure, which is why it earned a clear 1 out of 5 in our test.

During our testing, the Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG felt incredible on forefoot landings, thanks to its super-wide 102.9 mm platform. 

It makes toe-offs feel explosive and exciting, while also offering more stability than many competitors.

The heel sits at the opposite extreme, measuring just 59.7 mm and staying incredibly narrow, and you should avoid landing on it at all times.

The STRUNG upper stands out as one of the key highlights of the shoe. This advanced technology once again proved to be durable, helping the Prime SP 3 achieve an impressive 4 out of 5 in our test.

The heel also proved reliable, earning another 4 out of 5 in our evaluation. Durability doesn’t seem like a concern here, which will be reassuring for many runners.

We measured a fairly thick 3.6 mm outsole, which adds extra rigidity and appears well-suited for long-term durability.

At just 1.8 mm thick, this insole ranks among the thinnest we’ve ever measured in the lab. It clearly shows that Adidas prioritized maximizing Lightstrike Pro above all else.

One factor that helps explain why this spike is heavier than some rivals is its focus on comfort.

Adidas opted for a plush tongue with 4.6 mm of padding, although the foam slab inside the tongue is super narrow and somewhat strange. Oh, and Adidas pairs it with basic laces that fall short of a premium feel. Again.

We found that the heel design of the Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 STRUNG mirrors other racing models from the brand, such as the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, by incorporating a pull tab.

The Prime SP 3 STRUNG is built with elite athletes in mind, and that’s reflected in its high price. However, it’s not as expensive as some rivals, and considering the advanced tech like the STRUNG upper and Lightstrike Pro foam, we think it offers solid value.

Adidas includes a tool to remove the pins, allowing you to swap them for ones with different lengths based on your preferences or your local track.