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About the reviewer
Potential bias in review
1. I have harsh mechanics
2. I am a neutral runner
3. I have a standard to narrow, accommodating foot shape
4. My left foot turns out slightly (slight toe out), which leads to an awkward flow of my left heel and tends to rub the ground when my mechanics get tired. This leads to some outsoles dying quickly in combination with my harsh overall mechanics.
5. I am a pro level sweat machine. This is one of the reasons I have a good rotation of shoes, I like to let them air out.
6. I started running at an older age, no proper training and my steady pace is in the mid 9 minute per mile range.
My size 12's came in weighing: Left 11.5 Ounces, Right 11.5 Ounces
Sample size weight: (Men size 9) 9.9 ounces
Heel Stack: 40 MM
Drop: 5 MM
Upper: Engineered Recycled mesh, anatomical toe box
Outsole: Topo proprietary rubber outsole strategically placed
Midsole: Zipfoam with updated configuration, along with an OrthoLite insole
MSRP: $165 USD
Surfaces ran on: Concrete, black top, dirt, grass, pine needles, limestone/gravel in dry conditions. Wet Concrete and blacktop
Distances: 5-6 miles with a long run of 15 miles for a total of 62 miles total. I was also not resting the shoes, so I got to experience what it would be like as a daily trainer.
Laces: Ribbed type of laces, had no issues with coming unlaced. Very nice laces
Tongue: While not gusseted, it does have the typical Topo design lace loops which along with a great midfoot design keeps the tongue well place and I have yet to experience any tongue movement in a Topo shoe with this design (4th Topo shoe reviewed)
Upper material: A more luxurious upper material than in the Phantom 4, but it is also not bulky feeling or overstuffed with padding. It feels "just right" for this runner
Heel: Nicely structured, semi-rigid heel system. I did not experience any heel slippage, rubbing or irritation and did not have to do anything unusual to get a nice lock down Collar: They have just the right amount of padding for this runner in the shoe set up. It is not too puffy, but provides nice protection and comfort.
Toe Room: I am a fan of Topo's anatomical design, it works very well for my mechanics.
The outsole design is strategic placement, which allows for some nice flexibility in a shoe with traditional max cushion stack height. The outsole performed very well in dry and wet conditions. It does not have a traditional grid pattern of any kind that you can watch the degradation of the rubber by looking at nubs for example, it is a "flatish" design which can be concerning for traction on first glance. However, the traction was great.
With that said, at 62 miles in, I am seeing some noticeable wear in my main wear area. My left outer rear pad is my main wear area and I have been know to wear out some brands very quick. While it is showing some wear, I am projecting an average durability for the outsole. For those that have lighter wear patterns, you will get above average wear out of these shoe
I believe the Atmos shares a similar platform to Topo's Trail shoe, the Vista. Link to my review here: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4128/topo-athletic-vista
In my miles with the Vista (which I still wear), I really enjoyed the underfoot experience with the foam, so I was curious if I would have a similar enjoyment with the Atmos 2.......I did. This is up there as one of my favorite traditional maximalist road shoes now. The foam has a nice softness and response to it on the run. It is not an aggressive bounce, but rather a supportive structured feedback with my mechanics on the run.
I am able to vary speeds with relative ease, which is nice for a shoe a lot of people may view as a recovery/easy day shoe only. With the flexibility of the outsole, the lighter weight, well balanced mechanics and responsive foam the Amos 2 could easily be a versatile daily trainer for some runners. In fact, that is how i would personally use it.
Some competition that also has reviews on WeeViews:
Tarkine Autopilot: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4236/tarkine-autopilotNotes: I have these shoes closely rated. Atmos is a little lighter and a bit more of a higher end upper, Autopilot's price is the main positive over the Atmos. For me, these shoes are very close. Both versatile Traditional Max trainers that will treat you right.
Skechers Burst: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4081/aero-burstThe Burst was a surprise shoe for this year and is a very good shoe. For me it is a clear tier behind the Atmos and Autopilot. It really needs a diet and weight balance
Salomon Aero Glide 3: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4037/salomon-aero-glide-3-23636While this may not fit exactly into a traditional Max category, it is still a great shoe worth mention in this scenario. If I am including this in comparisons and ratings, it is right there with the Topo and Tarkine shoes
Reviews on the site that I was not a part of:
Mizuno Wave Sky 9: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4247/wave-sky-9
Altra FWD Via: https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4228/fwd-via-2
Taking off the reviewer hat and putting on a consumer hat, this is a shoe I would consider purchasing and using for myself. Topo's mechanics, designs and foams work well with my mechanics and this is a shoe I would be strongly considering for having in my rotation. I like a shoe that can do more than "1" thing, even if it is spectacular at that one thing. The Atmos 2 is very good at multiple things, including a great shoe to walk in (been wearing it to work).
My beginning miles in this shoe was time to also be during coming back from a severe ankle injury and it has a stable underfoot mechanic that did great for me. On my 15 mile long run, I was able to vary my speeds easily, my legs felt good at the end, no pain points or hot spots. It is a shoe that will take care of you.
Have fun on the trails
Shoes provided for purposes of review by Topo Athletics
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