Our verdict

The Adidas Prime SP2 is a phenomenal track spike ready to dominate sprints from 60m to 400m, hurdles included. In our lab tests, we discovered its winning combination of energetic bounce, impressive durability, and exceptional breathability. While slightly heavier and with a premium price tag, the Prime SP2 delivers performance and reliability for demanding sprinters seeking fast times across various distances.

Pros

  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Impressive overall durability
  • Responsive forefoot bounce from Lightstrike Pro
  • Aggressive, performance-driven ride
  • Handles 60m to 400m with ease
  • Ideal for hurdles
  • Premium feel and design

Cons

  • Slightly heavy
  • Needs notched laces
  • High price point

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

We believe the Adidas Prime SP2 is a top-tier choice for sprinters who prioritise both performance and durability. Here's why:

  • Those seeking a long-lasting spike will appreciate the durable construction designed for multiple seasons of intense training and racing.
  • Athletes craving a snappy, responsive ride will love the Lightstrike Pro foam and carbon plate, as it balances energy return with exceptional longevity.
  • The best-in-class breathability makes this a winning choice for summer training!

Adidas Prime SP2

Who should NOT buy

We believe the SP2's heavier weight can be a drawback for some. If you crave that ultra-lightweight sensation and responsive bounce, we highly recommend the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly.

Additionally, the SP2 commands a premium price. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Nike Zoom Rival D 10 delivers fantastic value. It offers more versatility and comfort, and we think it's especially appealing for track rookies.

Adidas Prime SP2

Breathability

While breathability isn't always top priority in sprint spikes like the SP2, in our view, it matters, especially for training sessions. That's why we were thrilled to find the Prime SP2's super-breathable upper earns a perfect 5/5 rating.

Adidas made an intelligent design choice here by crafting an upper with calculated variations in thickness, as we found they achieved impressive breathability without sacrificing stability.

Our light tests showcased this clever construction beautifully.

Adidas Prime SP2 microscope

We examined the upper with our microscope and discovered an incredibly thin engineered mesh that does an outstanding job promoting airflow.

Adidas Prime SP2 mesh

Finally, analysing the entire upper, we noted clear inspiration from Adidas Adizero road racing shoes like the Adios Pro 3.

This focus on comfort, especially in the heel and tongue, is a welcome surprise in such an aggressively fast spike.

Test results
Prime SP2 5
Average 3.9
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We knew the breathable, super-thin toe box design promised excellent airflow in the SP2, but our lab Dremel test delivered unexpected results!

After enduring the Dremel, the upper showed remarkably minimal damage, earning a perfect 5/5 on our durability scale. This impressive combination of near-transparent airflow and outstanding durability left us impressed.

Adidas Prime SP2 Toebox durability
Test results
Prime SP2 5
Average 2.5
Compared to 11 running spikes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

After its second encounter with the Dremel, minimal damage earned the heel of the Prime SP2 an impressive 4/5 on our scale.

This level of durability translates to long-lasting performance. We're sure that you can count on the heel to retain its fabric through hundreds of sprint training sessions.

Adidas Prime SP2 Heel padding durability
Test results
Prime SP2 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 11 running spikes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole thickness

Our calliper revealed a thin outsole on the SP2: 2.0 mm.

Adidas Prime SP2 outsole
The outsole boasts numerous grippy protrusions for enhanced traction.

We strongly believe this strategic design maximises the spike performance. By eliminating unnecessary bulk, it brings the ground closer to the midsole, translating to enhanced energy return and faster transitions with every stride.

Adidas Prime SP2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Prime SP2 1.9 mm
Average 2.8 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
6.4 mm

Cushioning

Heel stack

With its razor-thin 11.0 mm heel, the SP2 demands near-perfect running form and rewards speed.

This uncompromising heel design promotes aggressive forefoot striking. It's certainly not a beginner-friendly choice, but for experienced sprinters who crave lightning-fast sessions, the SP2 delivers an exceptionally satisfying ride.

Adidas Prime SP2 Heel stack
Test results
Prime SP2 11.0 mm
Average 15.2 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
10.4 mm
Heel stack
19.9 mm

Forefoot stack

With 16.8mm of stack height under the forefoot, we know that every sprinter will experience incredible energy return from the TPEE-based Lightstrike Pro foam.

Adidas Prime SP2 Forefoot stack
Test results
Prime SP2 16.8 mm
Average 14.4 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
8.6 mm
Forefoot stack
19.7 mm

Drop

We measured the SP2's heel-to-toe drop at -5.8mm, a steep incline perfectly suited for unleashing powerful sprints.

Yet, it's not all about the drop. Inside the SP2, a full-length carbon fibre plate sits directly on top of the midsole, working in tandem with that aggressive offset and the foam to maximise speed.

Adidas Prime SP2 Drop
Test results
Prime SP2 -5.8 mm
Average 0.8 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
-5.8 mm
Drop
4.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Adidas equipped the SP2's forefoot with its premium Lightstrike Pro foam, the same used in top-tier racing shoes. This translates to a peppy, responsive feel underfoot. Our durometer measured a softness of 22.3 HA, a well-balanced choice that ensures optimal energy return.

While a slightly softer foam might feel even more plush, it could compromise overall speed. With that in mind, we hope that future iterations of the SP2 push toward an even firmer feel for ultimate performance, as that's what this shoe is about.

Adidas Prime SP2 Midsole softness
Test results
Prime SP2 22.3 HA
Average 24.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 9 running spikes
Number of shoes
12.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
30.3 HA

Insole thickness

At 3.2 mm, the SP2's insole is definitely on the thicker side for a sprint spike, deviating from the ultra-thin designs typically favoured by racers.

Adidas Prime SP2 Insole thickness
Test results
Prime SP2 3.2 mm
Average 3.0 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
1.8 mm
Insole thickness
3.9 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

As expected with its full-length carbon plate, the SP2 put up a fierce fight in our 90-degree bend test. It took a massive 66.6N of force from us to achieve the desired angle, confirming the incredible rigidity that translates to that powerful, snappy feeling underfoot.

Test results
Prime SP2 66.6N
Average 28.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
10.9N
Stiffness
66.6N

Stability

Torsional rigidity

Next up was our hands-on torsional rigidity test. We could barely induce any twisting at all, earning it a perfect 5/5 score.

Test results
Prime SP2 5
Average 3
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

While the SP2 boasts an exceptionally stiff midsole, the heel area is actually the opposite. We found a complete lack of structural support, making it remarkably flexible and earning a low 1/5 on our rigidity scale.

Test results
Prime SP2 1
Average 1.6
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The SP2 was clearly designed for aggressive forefoot striking, a philosophy reinforced by its extra-wide forefoot.

Our measurement revealed a generous 99.6mm at its widest point.

Adidas Prime SP2 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Prime SP2 99.6 mm
Average 93.9 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
87.6 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
100.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

Our measurements revealed an extremely narrow heel at 61.4mm, mirroring the spike's visually aggresive shape.

Adidas Prime SP2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Prime SP2 61.4 mm
Average 62.1 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
54.0 mm
Midsole width in the heel
73.3 mm

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

We were pleasantly surprised by the width of the SP2's toebox.

Adidas Prime SP2 toebox

Measuring a full 90.0 mm across its widest point, this spike is a good choice for sprinters with wider feet.

Adidas Prime SP2 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Prime SP2 90.0 mm
Average 88.9 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
81.9 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
96.4 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

We measured a significant taper in the big toe area, coming in much narrower at 68.3 mm.

Adidas Prime SP2 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Prime SP2 68.3 mm
Average 73.4 mm
Compared to 11 running spikes
Number of shoes
68.3 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
77.1 mm

Removable pins

The Adidas SP2 features a 6-pin configuration on its outsole, fully adaptable to your preferences as those pins are, of course, removable.

Adidas Prime SP2 pins

We have to ask, though: could this be one of the most jaw-dropping outsoles we've ever encountered across all categories of footwear, not just sprint spikes? Wow!

Adidas Prime SP2 Removable pins

Comfort

Tongue padding

We found the heavily padded 4.1-mm tongue provided comfortable lockdown. We could cinch those laces tightly with no hint of discomfort.

Adidas Prime SP2 laces

However, the flat laces themselves feel disappointingly basic. With many competitors opting for notched laces for secure fit, these ones seem almost an afterthought.

Adidas Prime SP2 Tongue padding
Test results
Prime SP2 4.1 mm
Average 2.5 mm
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
7.5 mm

Heel tab

We were a bit surprised that the Prime SP2 doesn't include a pull tab like other Adizero models.

Adidas Prime SP2 Heel tab
Test results
Prime SP2 None

Weight

Weight is, without a doubt, the Adizero SP2's biggest flaw. At 6.5 oz (183g), we believe Adidas has ample room to streamline this spike for the SP3 update.

This isn't to say the shoe feels excessively heavy, but this weight puts it at a slight disadvantage compared to the elite lightness found in its top competitors.

Adidas Prime SP2 Weight
Test results
Prime SP2 6.46 oz (183g)
Average 5.50 oz (156g)
Compared to 12 running spikes
Number of shoes
4.59 oz (130g)
Weight
6.46 oz (183g)