The Diadora Equipe Atomo or “Diadora Atomo” for short is a brand new shoe from Diadora. Most people know or remember Diadora from soccer shoes, but they don’t realize how big Diadora has become in the running industry. When the Diadora Atomo came out, I was excited to try it.
The Diadora Atomo features a responsive midsole and is the first performance-based running shoe to be made in Italy in over 30 years!
Diadora Atomo Quick Facts:
Weight: 7 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
Cost: $195
Diadora Atomo Introduction:
Right off the bat, we know this shoe isn’t cheap. We also know it *looks* good, but we shouldn’t judge a running shoe based on looks, right?
Is the Diadora Atomo worth the cost?
According to Diadora, it’s well cushioned and allows you to train or pick up the pace if you want to.
Diadora Atomo Fit:
The Diadora Equipe Atomo features a sleek, lightweight upper. Diadora has always been known to make shoes that “look good.” The Atomo upper consists of an engineered air mesh nylon. The upper wraps around your foot to create a secure lockdown fit. It doesn’t get too hot and breathes well.
I believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Atomo does just that. It has a plush tongue and padded heel collar to add comfort without weight. There are no hot spots, and if you find yourself with a wider foot or bunions, you won’t find it rubbing against anything.
It’s important to remember that Diadora is an Italian brand built on an Italian last. This means the shoe is slightly wider than the US lasts. It’s not too wide, but you will find some extra room.
That being said, the Atomo does run slightly smaller than other Diadora models. That’s a lot of information to say you should be fine in your regular size running shoes. I typically wear between 10-11 wide in running shoes, and the 10.5 Diadora Atomo fits well.
Diadora Atomo Ride:
The midsole of the Atomo is created with DD Anima Foam. What is that mean? The DD Anima Foam is an EVA blended compound. According to Diadora, it provides good shock absorption and increased durability but also stays lightweight and springy. This allows you to have plenty of cushion but also the ability to pick up the pace as you would like. (Similar to say the New Balance 1080v11).
Durability and Traction: The outsole of the Diadora Equipe Atomo features the “Duratech 5000 compound in the heel and forefoot. This adds extra durability as well as traction. I’ve run on both sandy trails and in inclement weather and had no issues with the Diadora Atomo. I’ve now put just over 100 miles on them, and they have no signs of slowing down. In fact, this is one of my more favorite shoes for sandy trails because I don’t feel like I’m sliding around.
I’ve taken the Diadora Equipe Atomo on several types of runs, and I find it best for runs when I don’t know what I want to do. If I’m strictly doing a workout, I want something designed for that; the Atomo is great for most types of runs. It’s a shoe you can truly run easy or pick up the pace and it’s been one of my more favorite trainers to use when I’m not sure how I will feel.
Diadora Atomo Conclusion:
Diadora did well with the Atomo debut. Is it my favorite Diadora shoe? Maybe, but I do also really like the Diadora Mythos Volo.
Just as they say, you can take this shoe out for nearly everything (track workouts might not be your favorite). I appreciate how lightweight and cushioned the shoe is and that it has the ability to pick up the pace. Your foot doesn’t sink into the mushy abyss. So far in 2022, it’s one of my more favorite shoes. Have I said that enough?
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Diadora Equipe Atomo
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Diadora Equipe Atomo?
What is your favorite training shoe?