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Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG vs PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

We haven't tested Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG or PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

Adidas

Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

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No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

PUMA

Deviate Nitro Elite 4

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Review Pulse · Strongly positive · 97/100

Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and durability.

The differences that matter

  • PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is 108 g lighter.
  • Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG has 10 mm more foam under the heel.
  • PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 costs $55 less at list price.

What reviewers say

Ride

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Praised

Fast, smooth and more natural than Puma's aggressive Fast-R, with a softer, springier midsole than the v3; it is less rockered and bouncy than some rivals, and the stiff forefoot suits rearfoot strikers best.

Cushioning

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Praised

A protective, marathon-ready stack that stays comfortable deep into long races without feeling mushy, with lab shock absorption among the best in the category.

Upper

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Divisive

The breathable Ultraweave upper and roomier forefoot are comfortable and secure, but the paper-thin tongue, minimal padding and barely structured heel counter irritate some testers.

Durability

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Divisive

Pumagrip rubber and the foam hold up better than the v3 in lab tests, but reduced outsole coverage and the removed medial heel patch worry heel strikers and testers who have already torn a heel pad.

Grip

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Praised

Pumagrip provides confident traction on dry and wet pavement, even at race pace, though the thin coverage is best kept on roads.

Stability

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Praised

More stable and forgiving than most carbon racers thanks to a wider midfoot platform and controlled geometry, though the narrow rear and minimal heel counter still demand decent mechanics.

Value

Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG

No Review Pulse yet.

PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Praised

At $250 it undercuts most top-tier super shoes while matching their weight and energy return, making it one of the better-value racers available.

Which one to choose

Choose Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG if…

  • you want more foam under you

Choose PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 if…

  • you want the lighter shoe
  • you prefer to feel closer to the ground
  • price matters
  • its ride is what you care about most

Reviewers recommend it for

  • 5K to marathon racing
  • Rearfoot strikers
  • Runners new to carbon plates

Specifications

Category
Race shoe
Race shoe
Price
$305
$250$55 less
Weight
285 g
177 g108 g lighter
Drop
7 mm1 mm lower drop
8 mm
Stack
50 / 43 mm10 mm more stack
40 / 32 mm
Plate
Carbon plate
Carbon plate
Stability
Neutral
Neutral
Foam
LightstrikePro
NITROFOAM ELITE

Role suitability

DAILY

Limited
Limited

RECOVERY

Limited
Limited

LONG RUN

Strong fit
Good fit

TEMPO

Strong fit
Best fit

RACE

Best fit
Best fit