I was excited to try the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2. The Atreyu Base Model 1.2 is a versatile all-purpose running shoe designed to accommodate a wide range of activities from bulk miles and recovery runs to marathon training and cross-training. Building on the success of its predecessor, the updated version 1.2 introduces several enhancements to improve comfort, fit, and durability.
Atreyu is a lesser-known brand and I’ve reviewed a couple of their shoes including Atreyu Artist and Atreyu Base Model v2. To learn about the Atreyu Artist, you must first learn about the brand Atreyu. Two brothers in Austin, Texas, founded Atreyu. I’ve chatted with the owners of Atreyu and they are all awesome… Not just are the shoes inexpensive and good, the founders are great too.
Their running shoe design is simple, and if you are someone who misses the “good old days” of cheap, lightweight running shoes, you might prefer Atreyu.
Atreyu Base Model 1.2 Quick Facts:
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Drop: 6mm heel-to-toe offset
- Cost:
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 Fit
The Atreyu Base Model 1.2 features a breathable, sock-like 3D mesh upper that ensures your foot remains cool and comfortable throughout your run. This year features a new tongue gusset gore strap to help with a more secure fit, adapting to the foot’s movement seamlessly. Additionally, the tongue is made from a perforated microfiber material backed with foam, enhancing breathability while maintaining comfort.
The Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 upper is simple and there aren’t a ton of frills, but it does what it needs to do. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet and I immediately felt like the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 did just that. I didn’t have any hot spots or irritation.
As far as fit, I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and found the size 11 to fit the best. I’ve heard the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 fits some people a bit short, so I would go up a half size.
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 Ride:
The midsole of the Atreyu Base Model 1.2 is crafted from Atreyu’s proprietary Supercritical EVA compound, which is a balance between comfort, durability, and responsiveness. As the name suggests, the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 is designed for daily training and can really handle a lot of different types of runs.
My first run in the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 was an easy run. I laced it up and it felt great the entire time. I was able to run easy with no issues. From there, I’ve tried several different runs from workouts to easy runs to longer runs. For me, it’s best suited as that daily run shoe (seriously, who would have thought) that you can bring with you almost anywhere when you don’t know what kind of run you’ll do for the day. I prefer something a bit more tailored for speed on speed workout days and something with more cushion for long runs and recovery.
Outsole
Version 1.2 of the Base Model features a full-length rubber outsole with a newly enhanced compound, designed to increase the shoe’s longevity. At just $115, I wasn’t sure how long this shoe would last, but Atreyu has done a great job at designing price point shoes. I suspect the shoe will last somewhere around 300 miles with no issues.
As far as traction, I’ve used them on rainy days as well as on the sandy trails with no issues of sliding around. They are definitely a shoe that can handle the elements thanks to the new full-length rubber outsole.
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 Conclusion
The Atreyu Base Model 1.2 is a great choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive daily run trainer. It doesn’t have a ton of frills, but it doesn’t need to. The best shoes get what we need done.
Who should buy the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2? If you’re looking for a daily run shoe or an inexpensive shoe, this is a great choice.
Who should not buy the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2? If you are looking for a shoe made for speed workouts or something with a lot of cushion for recovery, there are better options.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
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 Atreyu?
What is your favorite lightweight daily trainer?
what have you generally enjoyed more between the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 and the Reebok Floatzig 1?
Honestly hard to compare because they are made for different things. I like to run easy in Reebok but the Atreyu are fun to run faster/uptempo daily runs.