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Is the Atreyu Artist truly the most budget-friendly carbon-plated running shoe on the market? At just $100, it stands at half or even a third of the price of other options. But there is a reason it's cheap; does it translate to being a good shoe? Before trying the Atreyu Artist, I had a few questions:
Facts:
If you've never heard of Atreyu, it was founded by two brothers in Austin, Texas. My interactions with the Atreyu team have always been nothing short of awesome. They have created a name for themselves because of the high-quality shoes but lower-than-average prices. If you are someone who misses how shoes "used to be," you may really like the brand Atreyu.
Atreyu's unique business model means their shoes, including the Artist, aren't available in physical stores. I've heard rumors they may be coming to REI. They offer a subscription model for their base model shoes at an astonishingly low $55. Opting out of the subscription sets the price at $75. This year, Atreyu has introduced the Artist, the most cost-effective carbon-plated shoe on the market, priced at $100. Due to its competitive pricing, finding it in stock can sometimes be challenging.
I'm someone who hasn't really run well in carbon-plated footwear. I've run "fine," but never great, so it's hard for me to want to spend $250+ on a shoe I may or may not like. Plus, I prefer racing shoes from before 2016 when they were cheaper and lighter. Maybe I'm just stuck in the past.
Upon receiving an Atreyu shoe, the first thing you'll notice is the lack of a traditional shoebox. This minimalistic packaging approach, emphasizing environmental consciousness, is something I appreciate. I've personally been trying to be more sustainable, so it's nice when brands are also taking that initiative. Honestly, I don't need any more running shoeboxes (I probably don't need any more running shoes either...).
The Atreyu Artist features a straightforward upper design, without any unnecessary seams. The fit is simple, true to size, and not complicated. This simplicity reminds me of the early Hoka Cavu and Saucony Kinvara models, focusing on functionality over frills. For real, the running industry lacks these models now!
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Atreyu Artist does just that. If you're familiar with the base model, you'll find the Artist's upper remarkably similar, offering a snug, "sock-like" feel. It also incorporates thin TPU overlays in key areas for added stability without compromising its lightweight feel. I've found I pretty much don't feel anything on my feet, which is wonderful and how running shoes should be.
As for size, I usually wear between a women's size 10-11 wide. The size 11 of the Atreyu Artist fits the best. If you have wider feet, you'll want to size up.
The Atreyu Artist continues the legacy of the base model with its midsole construction, using a single piece of supercritical EVA foam, similar to the cutting-edge foams used in modern running shoes. Embedded within is a carbon fiber plate, topped with an additional layer of foam to keep some softness.
Despite its carbon-plated design, the Artist offers a surprisingly soft ride. The big difference is there is less stack height than other carbon-plated models, so you will feel the ground more. This balance provides a ride that feels like a bridge between the racing flats of 2016 and the plush models of today. It's like a 2016 racing flat with a carbon plate. Or the Saucony Kinvara with a carbon plate and not the extra stack height.
The Atreyu Artist is designed as a race shoe, and that's what it is perfect for doing.
The outsole of the Atreyu Artist features a slim, threadless rubber layer. Despite its unassuming appearance, the shoe delivers decent traction. I will say, it is not the best shoe for running in the elements, and I've found myself sliding around more than I prefer. But it is mostly fine. If I were racing in the pouring rain, it's not the first shoe I would grab.
In terms of durability, while many carbon-plated shoes show significant wear after about 100 miles, the Artist holds up comparably, with the added benefit of being more affordable. So it's cheaper and holds up similarly to other carbon plated shoes.
You won't beat the price of the Atreyu Arist. It is a great model and why we featured it in the rundown about cheaper carbon plated shoes.
Who should buy the Atreyu Artist? Those looking for a fast, cheaper, carbon plated model that is lower to the ground than many of the current offerings.
Who should not buy the Atreyu Artist? If you are looking for a high stack height carbon plated model, this is not the right shoe for you.
I was paid to write an honest review of my choice.
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