Diadora running shoes are relatively new to the Polish market. However, the brand’s history dates back to 1948 and has strong links with running. Its flagship model, the Atomo Star, is one of the few running shoes made in Europe. The Equipe Nucleo 2 is also worth mentioning, although Diadora also has a number of other interesting models. I’ll highlight the most important ones below.
Like any brand, Diadora has both training, entry-level and off-road shoes in its portfolio. So far, however, the training shoe range is the largest and most extensive. There are far fewer models in the ‘fast’ and off-road segments. In the case of terrain, however, there is a single but interesting offering.
Training running shoes
| LIGHTWEIGHT | NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Atomo Star | ||
| very high cushioning |  Nucleo 2 |  Vortice 10 | |
| high cushioning |  Cellula 2  Volo 5 |  Vigore 4 | |
| mid cushioning |  Strada 3 |
Diadora Atomo Star
Successor to the Atomo V7000 and the most comfortable and cushioned running shoe in the Diadora range. The only one made in Italy, in a factory near Treviso. It is based on the ANIMA N2 sole, a lightweight nitrogen saturated foam sole with high responsiveness. This model is particularly recommended for heavier runners (up to about 100kg) and for those looking for maximum comfort and very soft underfoot, both in the forefoot and the heel.
- Weight: 275g men’s, 215g women’s
- Drop: 6mm men’s, 5mm women’s
- Regular price: 190 EUR
Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2
The dark horse of the Diadora lineup and one of the most interesting constructions. The Equipe Nucleo 2 is a shoe that offers two key features, depending on what you are looking for. It makes training shoes that are soft and comfortable for everyday use, as well as light, fast and pleasantly dynamic. Although it is a typical training shoe, it has a very pronounced “fast” element. In this respect, it is a very good compromise for everyday running at an affordable price.
- Weight: 280g men’s, 210g women’s
- Drop: 6mm men’s, 5mm women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Diadora Mythos Blueshield Vortice 10
Theoretically the second best cushioned shoe in the Diadora lineup. I say theoretically because running in them feels a little different and they are not as soft as the Atomo Star or Nucleo. Its cushioning is based on the Blueshield system, a platform of dozens of conical elements that act like tiny springs that bend under the weight of the runner. This is a shoe with a fairly low dynamic, but a fairly high level of foot support. It will work well as a stable city shoe for everyday pounding on the pavement.
- Weight: 305g men’s, 245g women’s
- Drop: 11mm
- Regular price: 155 EUR
Diadora Mythos Blueshield Vigore 4
The only model with stabilization, offering the highest level of stability and support. The midsole also uses the Blueshield system, but its construction has been optimized to make the foot more stable and reduce lateral tilting. As a result, the shoe combines good cushioning with a high level of stability. However, it is also a shoe with a fairly rigid and rough construction. It will work well for overpronators and those who need extra support.
- Weight: 340g men’s, 270g women’s
- Drop: 11mm
- Regular price: 175 EUR
Diadora Cellula 2
The Cellula is a shoe with slightly less cushioning for runners weighing up to about 80 kg, but it offers greater overall stability and rigidity. It is ideal for easy runs when comfort and convenience matter most. Its rigidity also makes it a gentle “rocker,” improving its roll. Another advantage is the rear section’s high stability and support. It’s a good choice for those looking for moderate softness combined with good stability and a smooth foot roll while running.
- Weight: 280g men’s, 220g women’s
- Drop: 5mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Diadora Mythos Blueshield Volo 5
The Blueshield Volo is the most classic shoe in the Diadora lineup, perfect for lighter runners and those who don’t like excessive softness underfoot. It provides a lot of cushioning, but in a balanced way. In addition, these are probably the widest running shoes in the brand’s lineup, which makes them especially interesting for people with wider feet. They are also a good choice for people looking for their first professional running shoes.
- Weight: 295g men’s, 240g women’s
- Drop: 10mm men’s, 9mm women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Diadora Strada 3
The Strada is Diadora’s simplest and most affordable running shoe. Its ANIMA foam midsole provides moderate, light, and springy cushioning. It is ideal for lighter runners, beginners, or those who don’t have high demands for running shoes. It works well for short distances, such as 10 km or a half marathon, where lightness and agility are important.
- Weight: 260g men’s, 210g women’s
- Drop: 10mm
- Regular price: 120 EUR
Fast running shoes
| RACING | SPEED TRAINING | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Gara Carbon 3 | |
| high performance |  Frequenza 2 |
Diadora Gara Carbon 3
The Gara Carbon 3 is Diadora’s fastest and most performance running shoe. It owes its dynamic nature to the responsive ANIMA PBX foam, which the producer claims offers 85% energy return. It also has a hidden full-length carbon fiber plate that acts like a trampoline, enhancing the efficiency of every stride. The Gara Carbon 3 also provides excellent stability for such a fast shoe. It’s worth noting that, despite improved performance, this model is 15 grams lighter, weighing just 205 grams.
- Weight: 205g
- Drop: 5mm
- Regular price: 300 EUR
Diadora Frequenza 2
A shoe that is a combination of training and competition shoe. It uses ANIMA N2 foam, which increases midsole rebound by 40% while reducing weight by 40%. It is Diadora’s second lightest and fastest running shoe, just behind the Gara. At the same time, it is the perfect shoe for faster training and tempo runs. For less demanding runners, it is an excellent starter shoe for half marathons and marathons. At the same time, it is one of the best shoes in its category in the non-carbon plate segment.
- Weight: 220g men’s, 175g women’s
- Drop: 8mm
- Regular price: 175 EUR
Trail running shoes
| TRAIL | GRAVEL | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Sestriere XT 2 | |
| very high cushioning |  Nucleo 2 GR |
Diadora Equipe Sestriere XT 2
The only product of this brand in the trail shoe segment. Its disadvantage is its relatively high weight, but in return it offers more than decent parameters. It is a trail shoe that combines a high level of cushioning (large amount of ANIMA foam) with a high outsole, making it suitable even for ultra runs. This combination is not a given in trail shoes, which often only focus on one of these two features. Sestriere can handle rocky, muddy and even easy forest trails with ease, making you feel comfortable everywhere.
- Weight: 340g men’s, 275g women’s
- Drop: 5mm
- Regular price: 160 EUR
Diadora Nucleo 2 GR
The Diadora Nucleo 2 GR is the natural counterpart to the asphalt version, designed for trail use. This model is designed for runners who prefer to avoid the city. They run on gravel, suburban roads and forest trails. Its construction is more robust. The upper holds the foot better and can withstand contact with loose ground. The midsole has a deeper outsole. This provides a more secure bounce on gravel and compacted ground. It is still a training shoe. It is comfortable and stable. However, it is clearly designed for more difficult surfaces than smooth, hard surfaces.
- Weight: 320g
- Drop: 5mm
- Regular price: 155 EUR
