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If you are looking for a cheap running shoe, look no further than the Atreyu Base Model v2. I'm so old; I remember when these shoes were the only thing that existed. Lightweight and minimal cushioned shoes were the trend of the year. High stack height? What's that? Now, finding a lightweight workout shoe without a carbon plate is next to impossible.
If you've never heard of Atreyu, they entered the running world in 2020. Their goal was to make an inexpensive but high-performance trainer. They now have a few models out, including their Base Model, a carbon-plated shoe and even a trail shoe!
Atreyu Base Model V2 Quick Stats:
Weight: 5.85 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cost: $85
The most significant update from the first version is in the fit. The original version was a bit boxy and didn't stretch or accommodate many foot types. Many people straight up found the upper of the first version to be uncomfortable. When taking turns at fast speeds, you felt like you might rip the upper of the original version. That wasn't the case for me, although I cannot say it was my favorite upper of a shoe either.
If you're new to Atreyu, you'll notice the no-frills appearance. That's a big way that Atreyu keeps the shoe cost cheap. They don't include anything fancy or extra. The laces are thin, but I haven't had any issues with them. The upper now uses a light, pliable mesh with more structure. It has a couple of external overlays that wrap around the midfoot and the heel of the shoe. The internal heel underlay creates some padding in the collar.
There is no heel collar, which makes it challenging to put on. I was struggling the first time I put a pair of Atreyu Base Model V2 on. I thought...did I get the wrong size? It did get easier. In running shoes, I wear between a women's size 10-11 wide, and the women's 11 fits well.
Atreyu now uses a supercritical EVA compound. The midsole is more bouncy. You can tell it no longer uses EVA, and picking up the pace is even easier. Atreyu mentions the midsole is now a supercritical, chemically modified EVA and processed with CO2. While it's more bouncy than the previous version, you aren't going to see a huge difference. If you liked the first version, you'll likely enjoy the second version and notice it's more bouncy. To me, it also feels a little bit softer. I like softer midsoles, so I have no complaints.
Now if you're new to the Atreyu Base Model V2, you'll notice it's very light and soft. It provides you enough cushion to run, but if you're a distance runner, you'll likely want another shoe with more cushion to trade off with. Just a few years ago, these types of lightweight shoes were what people raced in. With the rise of carbon plates, we see less of them being made.
The Atreyu Base Model V2 has an exposed midsole, which acts as its outsole too. This means it's not durable, and it collects rocks. I got about 200 miles out of the first version and expected the same out of the second.
I've used the shoe in sand dunes and inclement weather and haven't had any issues. When running on the sandy trails, I've found them to collect a few more rocks than I prefer. As far as traction, I haven't slid around or fallen.
I've liked what Atreyu has done in the last few years. I am a massive fan of the "old school" racing flats, and the Atreyu Base Model V2 reminds me a lot of that. People used to run marathons in these types of things!
The first time I put on the Atreyu Base Model V2, I thought I got the wrong size. The upper is unforgiving and it was so hard just to put the shoe on. After that, it was a lot easier. My first run in the Atreyu Base Model V2 felt good. I took it out for an easy run, and everything felt normal. I felt light on my feet and could pick up the pace quickly.
I've since put about 100 miles on the Atreyu Base Model V2 and done all sorts of runs: easy runs, long runs, tempos, workouts at the track, and even a couple of races. I find the shoe to be great as a faster long-run shoe or a long-interval type of shoe. I feel like I can pick up the pace quickly, and my feet don't tire since the shoe is so light. This is a great lightweight trainer or racer if you're looking for something without a carbon plate.
Who should buy the Atreyu Base Model v2? If you are looking for an inexpensive lightweight racer or trainer. If you miss what running shoes "used to be," or are a big fan of shoes like the original Saucony Kinvara or New Balance 1400.
Who should not buy the Atreyu Base Model V2? If you are looking for a high-cushioned and durable trainer. Suppose you're running on trails or a lot of inclement weather.
In all, I'm a big fan of the Base Model V2. I like what Atreyu has done to the trainer, and I think they continue to fill a void in the 2023 running world. If you had told me in 2013 we would have lacked these lightweight and minimal running shoes; I wouldn't have believed you.
Was paid to write an unbiased review of my choice.
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