Adidas Prime SP2 review

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.