A Premium Running Shoe 

The Diadora Equipe Atomo is a fantastic shoe from training to race day!  I have ran in the Atomo for about 50 miles, one of which was a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.  This shoe combines technical running footwear technology with 100% Made in Italy craftsmanship.   Helping to design this shoe was Gelindo Bordin (1986 European Marathon Champion, 1987 Roma Marathon Champion, 1988 Olympic Marathon Champion, 1990 Boston Marathon Champion) and you can tell by the fit and ride of this shoe.

 

What is DD Anima?

 

The Diadora Equipe Atomo is Diadora’s  lightest and most cushioned trainer in the line with a 5mm drop.  The entire midsole comprised their new super foam, DD Anima. You will instantly notice this foam as it feels soft at first step-in, responsive through your stride and it is light without sacrificing durability.  Thankfully we will start to see this DD Anima foam throughout the Diadora line as my biggest complaint about Diadora shoes in general is that while they are soft and durable, they are heavy.  This DD Anima is a great step towards lightweight and plush for Diadora.

 

How Does it Feel? 

The new DD Anima technology stands out as you put miles in this shoe.  This cushioning system is great for shock absorption but also is extremely light and has a great responsiveness as you transition in your stride.  This shoe provides a smooth, fast run.

 

I really like when you step into this shoe you sink in as it cradles your entire foot.  For those who like to sit inside the shoe and feel surrounded by plushness – this shoe needs to be at the top of your list!

 

Lightweight and Durable? 

If it sounds like “DURATECH 5000” is from the future, it likely could be.  Diadora patented the DURATECH 5000 technology as it is a special wear-resistant rubber compound allowing a higher wear resistance than standard rubber.  This is great for those who see shoe heel wear in their running shoes!

 

 

 

Now, for the opinion part

I am going to keep running in my Equipe Atomo as I love the plush, responsive ride.  This shoe is a great do-it-all running shoe.  If you are looking for a work horse as you train long marathon miles or want a bit of snap as you pick up the pace in tempo work this is a great shoe for both.  it is lightweight and cushioned but also gives you a good amount of energy return .  That is no easy feat! Many soft, plush shoes don’t have that responsive energy return you find in the Diadora Equipe Atomo.

 

 

Who Is This Shoe Good For?

This is a neutral plush shoe that is a great every day trainer.  While going through the The Running Well Store’s fit process, or Stride Analysis, I would not hesitate to pull this shoe for a wide variety of people.  The Diadora Equipe Atomo is a great shoe for someone who is just beginning their running journey (Newbie Runners we see you!).  Because of the plush feel and the seamless transition, I would also recommend this shoe for our clients who are training for longer runs.  Since this shoe is 100% made in Italy I would also suggest this for our clients who have an eye for premium craftsmanship and quality.

 

Who Is This Shoe NOT Good For?

This shoe is not budget friendly at $195.  While the Duratech 5000 may help stretch out how many miles you can reach in the shoe, it is a bit more pricey.   Because your foot sinks into the footbed of this shoe, if you are one who likes to sit on top of your midsole (Saucony Freedom wearers we are looking at you), this may not be an ideal fit for you.

The Specifics

• Price: $195
• Stack (M 29/24, W 27.5/22.5)
• Drop (5mm)
• Weight (M 8.8oz size 9.5, W7.0oz size 7)
• Upper: Engineered Mesh + TPU
• Midsole: DD Anima
• Outsole: Duratech 5000
• Made in Italy 

About TRWS GURU Kathy

Kathy started running in 2005 after getting her first corporate job after college and gaining weight.  Her admin at the time suggested she run her first 5k,  which Kathy trained for 10 months in preparation.  Having a career in advertising and traveling frequently, Kathy discovered that running was a great way to stay fit and see all the cities she was visiting.  Kathy loves destination races having traveled as far as Australia for a marathon, and locally Chicago, New Jersey, Arizona and pictured here at her half Ironman in Indiana.

 

Not certain if this shoe is right for you?

We understand!  There are a lot of options of footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right model for your needs is not easy.  We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here.  We take in-person and virtual fittings.  Want to do research online?  We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options.  We hope to hear from you soon!