I was excited to try the Diadora Nucleo 2. It’s been a while since I ran in a Diadora shoe for no reason other than it can be hard to find them when you aren’t near a running store. Diadora is becoming more and more popular, and it’s been exciting. 10 years ago Diadora wasn’t a brand US runners looked for…now? It’s a popular brand.
As an Italian brand that’s surged back into the performance running market in recent years, Diadora continues to build on its foundation of quality construction and craftsmanship, often emphasizing shoes made in Italy. While the Nucleo 2 doesn’t try to be flashy, it does a good job delivering a comfortable ride. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something that works for both walking and running, especially if you want something slightly off the mainstream radar. To add, daily trainers are often overlooked because they aren’t flashy. Why? They are the most important running shoe in your rotation.
Before trying the Diadora Nucleo 2, I had a couple of questions:
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What is the Diadora Nucleo 2 made for? Easy runs and walking. It’s a plush shoe that can handle the miles.
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Does the Diadora Nucleo 2 fit true to size? Yes. I’m dating myself here, but there were a few years that Diadora did fit a bit wider and larger than most other brands.
Now, let’s get into an honest Diadora Nucleo 2 shoe review.
Quick Facts
Price: $160
Weight: 9.78 oz
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Drop: 5 mm
Diadora Nucleo 2 Fit
Right off the bat, Diadora makes good looking shoes. If you’re wanting a casual running shoe that is stylish, they are always a great option. The Diadora Nucleo 2 fits true to size and offers a secure, structured fit with a slightly tapered toe box. As mentioned, I haven’t run in Diadora in a few years. The last Diadora shoe I reviewed was the Diadora Atomo in 2022. The forefoot feels a little lower in volume, but it didn’t cause any pressure points. The upper material is breathable and fairly rigid. I was a bit worried when I saw the shoe because the upper looks thick, but it breathes well so I didn’t pay it much mind. Yet another reason you can’t judge a book by it’s over.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and I really haven’t had any issues with the Diadora Nucleo 2. I didn’t experience any hot spots or discomfort even during warmer runs, and the shoe remained breathable. (That’s my biggest turn-off in running shoes during the summer. It’s too hot for that.) In a daily trainer, you really just want a good-fitting shoe that feels comfortable for miles and miles, and the Nucleo 2 does just that. I hate to say it’s boring, because it’s not but a non flashy upper is exactly what you want and need in a daily trainer.
In running shoes, I usually wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and I’ve found the Diadora Nucleo 2 to fit best in size 11.
Diadora Nucleo 2 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, and the Diadora Nucleo 2 is made to keep you running for miles and miles. The Nucleo 2 uses Diadora’s ANIMA midsole, a supercritical EVA that’s tuned to be slightly lighter than its predecessor.
The DDATTIVO insole adds a touch of softness, making landings feel cushioned without being mushy. It’s definitely not the most responsive trainer, but I appreciate the extra softness and cushion. The midsole feels best during easy and recovery runs…it’s comfortable but lacks the bounce or energy return you’d want for faster efforts.
Where does the Diadora Nucleo 2 fit into my rotation? It’s an easy run shoe for sure. The extra softness feels great after a hard effort or when you just want some easy miles. Or, let’s be honest some walking around, because the softness is awesome and the look of the Diadora Nucleo 2 is good enough to wear around.
The first time I used the Diadora Nucleo 2 was an easy run. I could tell almost immediately it would be an easy run shoe due to how cushioned and soft it was. Some shoes are cushioned but responsive…this isn’t one of them. And make no mistake, that isn’t a bad thing. It feels like a soft pillow under your feet, and I appreciate that on easy runs. I have done a couple of faster runs in it, but for me it just feels best as an easy run shoe. No need to force a shoe into something it wasn’t made to do.
Outsole
The outsole is one of the stronger features of the Nucleo 2. It’s durable and grips well, even in wet conditions. I’ve taken the Diadora Nucleo 2 on desert trails and in some inclement weather days with no issues.
I anticipate the Diadora Nucleo 2 will last somewhere between 300–400 miles. Diadora is crafted with premium materials, and I’ve never had a Diadora shoe that isn’t durable. I appreciate you can count on that!
Diadora Nucleo 2 Conclusion
The Nucleo 2 is a strong daily trainer. It’s not trying to compete with flashy carbon-plated super trainers or ultra-cushioned max-stack shoes and it doesn’t need to be. Often, the daily trainer gets lost in the mix because they aren’t usually the most promoted running shoe or the flashiest, but they are the most important!
The Nucleo 2 offers a comfortable, stable, and well-constructed daily trainer that also doubles as a good walking shoe. If you’re looking for a neutral shoe that feels soft without feeling overly mushy, the Diadora Nucleo 2 is a good pick.
Who Should Buy the Diadora Nucleo 2
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Runners who want a comfortable, stable daily trainer
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Walkers or those on their feet all day (clinic, errands, etc.)
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Anyone looking for a durable, well-made shoe with Italian styling
Who Should Not Buy the Diadora Nucleo 2
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Those looking for a fast, responsive trainer for speed work or long runs
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Budget-conscious runners (it’s $160, which is on the high end for a non-premium daily trainer)
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
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 Nucleo 2?
What is your favorite easy run shoe?