Introduction
Atreyu is a relatively young brand in the performance footwear market. Started by Michael, it has since grown from the Base Model to now a set of 4 products in its line-up. The latest addition to Atreyu’s product line-up is their Daily Trainer. As the name suggests, Atreyu has made a product that is more equipped than the Base Model and targeted to take on various types of workouts. The Daily Trainer filled up Atreyu’s gap, between the Base Model and the Artist, in terms of product offering for runners interested in the brand.
Product Specifications
- Price: US$110
- Size: US 11.5
- Weight: 295 grams (10.4 oz)
- Midsole Type: Supercritical EVA
- Stack Height: 32 mm to 38 mm (6 mm drop)
- Insole: Not removable (eTPU material)
- Forefoot Width: 11.5 cm
- Midfoot Width: 7.8 cm
- Heel Width: 8.3 cm
Runner’s Profile
Prior to the review, it is important to establish my runner profile to better gauge my opinions on the shoes. For example, a lighter runner will experience differently the effects of midsole compared to a heavier runner. I am on the heavy side for a runner (75kg – 80kg) range and stands at 1.75m tall. My average weekly mileage ranges from 25km to 35km. I am a mid-foot/fore-foot strike with a neutral foot. I am normally a US size 11, with 2E foot width, although it varies depending on brands.
FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS
These five main key pointers are based off my first run(s) in the Atreyu Daily Trainer. These key pointers can remain the same as I continue using the footwear or it could change as I go on. In the final review, after 100KM, additional pointers could be added to provide an accurate review of the footwear.
Pointer 1: Roomy Upper w/ Good Breathability
The upper of the Atreyu Daily Trainer is made up of breathable, sock-like polyester material in a mesh design. In addition, the upper is light on feet and without much overlay. The upper is roomy for my wide feet with ease of entry. Given the upper design, its breathability is above average with no discomfort on the feet during my run.
Pointer 2: Snug & Lockdown not something associated with Atreyu Daily Trainer
While the upper is no doubt roomy and comfortable, it seems to be lacking a little in terms of snug lockdown. Tightening the laces does reduce this issue to some degree but it still pales in comparison to the other performance footwear in the market. I believe this comes down to Atreyu’s design language of prioritizing what is important for their product to meet their ideals and constraints.
To be clear, the Atreyu Daily Trainer does provide a certain level of lockdown once you tighten the laces. What isn’t there is the feeling of snug lockdown you might get from other performance footwear in the market. For myself, it didn’t bother me too much and there was no slipping of my feet.
Pointer 3: Simple Midsole, Surprising Comfort & Rebound
The midsole of the daily trainer is Magic. Although it is an EVA base material, it has good amount of cushion and rebound. I was shocked by the level of compression even as you walk around in it. During the run, this midsole comes alive in every step giving a responsive ride. During my run, I varied the pace from 6:00 mins/km to 4:50 mins/km and the midsole was able to perform at these paces. The cushioning at the 6:00mins/km pace while the responsiveness kicks in at 4:50mins/km pacing.
However, I will be interested to find out how the midsole transforms as I take it for more runs and after 100km in them. Will it be able to maintain its performance even as more mileage is put into it, or would it flatten out by then?
Pointer 4: Geometry Design Provides a Stable Ride
Dance of the outsole there isn’t much to comment on I ran during a dry evening. There was no slipping or issues with the outsole as of now. I believe the outside also helps to contribute towards a stable ride with a single piece of outsole.
The design of the midsole contributes to a very stable ride for the Atreyu Daily Trainer. The Daily Trainer’s midsole has a moulding where the bottom layer is wider than the top layer with a concave slope in between. This allows the compression of the midsole while the bottom layer hugs the downwards force and provide a stable ride.
Pointer 5: Single Piece Outsole equipped with ~1 mm Lugs.
This single piece outsole is equipped with small lugs or nibs that measures about 1 mm in height. During my runs, these did not intrude on the overall ride of the Daily Trainer. My run was during a sunny day and thus unable to assess if the outsole has a good grip for any wet surfaces.
The use of a full length outsole also contributed to the stable ride provided by the Atreyu Daily Trainer. It reduces the twisting of the feet and ensures stable landing during each gait cycle. Such design has been seen in other performance footwear even till date. For example, New Balance earlier Zante series featured a full length outsole.
Concluding Remarks
Overall the Atreyu Daily Trainer is a simple and straightforward tool to help runners get through the mileage and be able to handle different types of runs. I can foresee myself taking this for a faster pace run or perhaps long run given stack and the cushion. Today’s run was mainly around 5:30 minutes per km to 5 minutes per km pace. The magic was felt more towards the five minute per km pace.
Indeed Atreyu might have delivered to market a good looking and functional product that caters to a wider audience group. That said, Atreyu Daily Trainer price point of US$110 puts it in similar costing as some of the famous brands. These include the ASICS Dynablast, Nike Winflo 9/10, ASICS Dynablast, New Balance, Adidas Supernova 2 or Adidas Adizero SL.
What’s Next
The important question remains to be answered as we take the pair of running shoes to 100KM or more: the durability and any changes after 100KM. It is important for us to review the performance and the durability of the running shoes.
We hope you have found our initial review of the Atreyu Daily Trainer initial review informative and useful. Do share with your running friends and community if this has been helpful for you or anyone who might benefit from our work! Remember to check out our short clip for a first look at the Atreyu Daily Trainer below.
Till next time, just keep running!
