Atreyu Daily Trainer 2 Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Michael Ellenberger and Ben David

Atreyu Every day Coach 2 ($170 USD)

Introduction

Ben: The Atreyu Working Co continues to quietly make stellar trainers. Whereas it is probably not a family title, the Austin-based model has garnered a cult-like following. After they got here onto the scene a couple of years in the past, I used to be wowed by their sneakers’ simplicity, affordability and smooth design. The Base Mannequin seemed like nothing else in the marketplace (and ran that method too). The Race Mannequin is an especially energetic carbon-plated choice and priced far under the rest in the marketplace. Atreyu continues to evolve underneath the considerate management of founder Michael Krajicek. 

With the tagline of ” “Premium simplicity, on a regular basis efficiency”, the Every day Coach 2, constructing on the well-received Every day Coach 1.2, is a extra versatile, longer-lasting mannequin, utilizing new “CPU (Casting Polyurethane) outsole expertise.” for the outsole, a compound that’s far lighter than the prior rubber and which contributes drastically to the large 54g drop in weight. Michael calls this newest mannequin one in every of “premium simplicity” and it’s that. The totally trendy supercritical 60% TPE / 40% PEBAX® blended foam midsole gives safety, responsiveness and cushion in methods which might be much more substantial than earlier Atreyu fashions. 

The shoe is snug, peppy and enjoyable. Let’s say it clearly: The Every day Coach 2 stays true to its roots whereas providing up a extra superior trip and better consolation. Let’s take a better look. 

 

Michael: Atreyu got here on the scene at precisely the appropriate time for me. In February 2020, I used to be recent out of legislation faculty, holding off an ever-present sore Achilles, and churning by way of sneakers shortly, stacking mileage for an enormous 12 months forward. After all, we all know what occurred in 2020 (I simply searched my overview – printed February 17, 2020 – not one point out of “Coronavirus” or “pandemic”!), however the Atreyu Base Mannequin was a vivid spot for me that 12 months; I went by way of my trial pair and a number of other extra, racking up the miles in Atreyu’s most stripped-down mannequin. Since then, the model has expanded – we’ve reviewed the earlier Every day Coach, the Every day Coach 1.2, the Race Mannequin and its predecessor The Artist, the Base Mannequin 2 and Base Mannequin 3, amongst others. For sure – we’re large Atreyu followers right here at RTR.

And towards that backdrop, I used to be so excited to check the Every day Coach 2. A full revamp – and a real step-up in school, priced at practically twice what the unique Base Mannequin went for – was music to my ears. I took it on a run the day it arrived, and lots of extra since.

Execs:

Easy trip (Ben)

Upgraded supercritical foam is pleasant (Ben/Michael)

Terrific higher (Ben/Michael)

Extraordinarily gentle for a each day coach with a huge 54g drop in weight from v1 (Ben/Michael)

Cons:

Most comparable sneakers (along with your title subsequent to every)

Nike Pegasus 41 (Ben, Michael)

Nike Pegasus Plus

Adidas EVO SL (Ben)

Brooks Hyperion Tempo (Michael)

Brooks Launch 11 (Michael)

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s 7.7 oz / 218g (US9)

Prior Model Weight: 9.3oz  / 264 g (US 9)

  Pattern Weight: males’s  7.7 oz / 218g US9, 7.5 oz / 213g US8.5

Stack Peak: males’s 30 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot (6 mm  drop spec) 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Ben: Upon step-in, you notice that is an upgraded Atreyu mannequin. Whereas the Base Mannequin was colourful, enjoyable and energetic, this shoe gives extra assist and cushion underfoot. It additionally builds on the success of the Every day Coach 1.2 which additionally represented a major improve over v1 even whereas it stays on the similar 30/24 stack peak. My measurement 9 suits extraordinarily nicely. 

The 40% Pebax / 60% Supercritical TPE foam is noticeable even when simply strolling round the home on the brink of head out the door. The froth is responsive with out being overly opinionated or prescriptive. 

The lockdown is very nice right here. No pinching or want to make use of a runner’s loop. 

The higher itself is what Atreyu founder, Michael Krajicek, is asking AstroKnit: ‘Superior Structural Thread with Strengthened Orientation.’ The ‘high-tenacity and elastomeric fibers’ are breathable however supportive and portend to be extremely sturdy. 

I can say that to this point the higher appears extremely sturdy and reliable. The considerably sheer materials could also be a difficulty for some because it’s very see-through however, just like the Atreyu Race Mannequin, I form of favored it. 

Michael: I actually solely have positives to say concerning the higher and match right here, so let me jot down my two negatives earlier than I overlook: first, Ben’s coloration is cooler than mine, and I’m jealous (that’s a subjective destructive, however I’m the reviewer right here!), and subsequent, the laces are form of a ache. They’re flat, however they don’t twist flat; they have an inclination to twist up in a bunch and I usually discovered myself struggling to untie them, particularly with gloves on. These items are minor.

The positives are way more substantive. First, the fundamentals – the match right here is sweet. My 8.5 is on the snugger facet – these in-between ought to measurement up – however I’d nonetheless name them true-to-size. They’ve a slim midfoot however a comparatively huge toebox, I believe they need to match loads of ft.  I’ve no points with lockdown or hotspots. And (regardless of my grass-is-greener envy), they do look sharp, each within the Atreyu traditional white, and my extra delicate gray. Michael and co. know the best way to design a operating shoe that’s fashionable and distinctly Atreyu.

In sum, I actually suppose these are well-constructed, and Atreyu made some extent of reinforcing the higher to supply sturdiness – that’ll be key, as a result of once more, these at the moment are a premium-priced choice ($170), and whereas I had 6 pairs of the unique Base Mannequin and nil higher rips, I did hear of it occurring – I believe that might be negated right here. 

Midsole & Platform

Ben: As famous above, the midsole feels actually responsive and energetic, actually extra so than within the Base Mannequin and the Every day Coach 1.2. This can be a extra advanced Atreyu shoe whereas remaining true to its roots. It’s nonetheless a easy shoe, with a no-nonsense trip. 

In some ways it’s the anti-Nike, feeling homegrown, simple and extremely simple to love. The Atreyu motto, in any case, is ‘honor simplicity.’ Michael Krajicek notes that the purpose of the newly designed midsole is ‘to pack each ounce with bounce whereas sustaining a mid-cushion stack for on a regular basis coaching.’ Nobody would declare that that is meant as a race-day shoe, although it’s not afraid to go quick. 

That is a simple, smooth-riding shoe for these not pining for a mega-stack, over-constructed each day coach. It’s gentle and ethereal, with a pleasant accommodating platform.

Michael: A part of why this shoe prices greater than earlier than is that it bears a top-shelf midsole: a 40% Pebax / 60% Supercritical TPE mix that appears and feels deluxe. Atreyu calls it the “C.U.S.H. midsole” (Compression and Uplift Synchronization Hub) however no matter you wish to name it, it’s good – and right here’s the factor. It’s good, responsive, and supportive… at “solely” 30mm. 

That is what actually obtained me, as a result of I believe so many people are used to mega-stack trainers which might be, admittedly, extraordinarily bouncy and comfortable – due to course they’re! 

They’ve obtained a golf-ball-height of fabric beneath. I anticipated some compromise right here, however I’m probably not certain I’ve discovered it, functionally – the Every day Coach feels amply cushioned with out coming throughout wobbly or over-compensating with mush. It’s a extremely, very nice mix. 

That’s to not say a bit greater than the 30/24 stack peak wouldn’t have labored right here – I believe there’s a method that Atreyu might have packed 26/32 or 28/34 and nonetheless maintained a “midstack” portfolio. However, within the spirit of “reviewing the shoe because it comes,” I actually can’t complain about something right here. It feels cushioned sufficient, I’m not on the market jarring my bones, wishing for extra cushion. In a blind check, I undoubtedly would have guessed greater than 30mm, so I suppose that’s value one thing.

Outsole

Ben: The outsole is made up of what Atreyu is asking ‘Floor Resistance Impression Safety Casting Polyurethane.’ The acknowledged purpose is to make use of ‘as little materials as potential to advertise “floor really feel,” whereas being extremely sturdy.’ Whereas earlier Atreyu fashions had a shorter life span, this ‘GripCast’ outsole guarantees so as to add longevity to the shoe. 

Michael: It goes with out saying that the outsole right here will outlast the now-retired Base Mannequin there’s a extremely slick (as in “cool,” not as in “slippery”) dual-layered “Floor Resistance Impression Safety Casting Polyurethane” outsole that works wonders right here. I had no points, even on snowy days – which I actually didn’t count on, simply wanting on the shoe. Frankly, I believed I might need to carry these again for less than clear, dry days, however not so – there’s grip right here to match the sturdiness. It’s not a path shoe (and there actually isn’t a lot tread/lug to talk of) however they do have a chunk into the bottom that’s spectacular.

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Ben: To sum up, right here we’ve got a extremely purposeful, enjoyable each day coach from a model that’s simple to like. The Every day Coach 2 is straightforward, likable and no-nonsense. It additionally represents an elevated Atreyu shoe, maybe their most advanced shoe but, with enhanced foams and a terrific higher. It’s not seeking to compete with the mega-stack sneakers in the marketplace right now, however fairly provide a streamlined, easy trip that simply works. Whereas some added stack within the heel can be appreciated, this shoe stays true to Atreyu’s identification and consistent with their ‘honor simplicity’ tagline. In case you’ve thought of shopping for an Atreyu shoe earlier than or are in search of one thing totally different, the Every day Coach 2 deserves an opportunity.

Rating: 9.7/10 

(Slight deductions for value and forl wanting a bit extra foam within the heel)

😊😊😊😊😊

Street Scoring Rubric

Journey (50%): Match (30%): Worth (15%): Type (5%):  

New Smiles Enjoyable  Rating!  Out of 5 This rating is about how pleasing/enjoyable the expertise is on the run, or within the case of race kind sneakers how efficient it’s to race.

😊😊😊😊😊(copy paste as many smiles as you want)

Michael: On the run, the Every day Coach 2 offers the most effective of each worlds. It’s gentle, sharp and springy sufficient to deal with exercises, however there’s simply sufficient cushion there to deal with simple miles with ease. I’ve made this remark earlier than and obtained pushback, so I could be within the minority, however I do suppose the shoe may benefit from an 8mm drop – a barely extra elevated geometry from a pair millimeters of rear stack might work right here, I believe – however I overview the shoe as it’s, and it’s nonetheless fairly a pleasing proper. The (lack of) weight – about 7.5 oz. in my M8.5 – is noticeable and likewise actually advantages the trip right here.

Look, Atreyu has stepped into the large leagues. Contemplate my conclusion for the preliminary Every day Coach: “This isn’t a shoe that’s going to essentially wow runners, however for $110, it’s rattling dependable, and admittedly is likely one of the finest bets for brand spanking new or high-school/faculty runners who want one thing that may deal with the mileage with out breaking the financial institution.” A purchaser is spending $170 now, so we will’t overview with that form of equivocation – and admittedly, I don’t suppose you must. In case you de-logoed this and known as it a prototype Pegasus 42, a Tracksmith Elliott 2, a Brooks Hyperion 3 – runners would consider you. That’s to not say it’s not distinctly Atreyu – it’s, and in the end the look means that – nevertheless it’s additionally a way more mature shoe than we’ve seen earlier than from this model (to be honest, I believe the identical might be mentioned concerning the Race Mannequin, which stays by far the most effective <$150 MSRP’d racer you should purchase), and one that’s in-line with most model’s trendy trainers of 2025. Mild, easy, enjoyable – it is a runner’s shoe. 

I really like the Every day Coach 2 in a method I haven’t liked an Atreyu since Base Mannequin v1. The Base Mannequin 3 nearly obtained me there – it was essentially the most polished Atreyu shoe I had tried but – nevertheless it nonetheless had these caveats: it is a nice shoe in case you don’t want a rubber outsole or it is a nice shoe in case you’re in search of one thing stripped-down. The Every day Coach doesn’t make these concessions. This can be a nice shoe. Interval.

Michael’s Rating: 9.8/10 

😊😊😊😊😊

7 Comparisons

Atreyu Every day Coach 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: I didn’t check the 1.2 iterative replace (RTR Evaluate), however I did extensively check the Every day Coach 1, and the DT2 is a major replace over its predecessor. I did like the just about door-to-trail if including to shoe weight outsole on the DT1 – and actually favored its snug cozy higher – however the DT2 is an enchancment in practically all methods. It’s extra enjoyable, extra responsive, and only a better-fitting shoe throughout the board.

Ben: Ditto to primarily every part Michael says above. The Every day Coach 2 is a extra advanced shoe. 

Adidas Evo SL (RTR Evaluate quickly)

Ben: These two sneakers are remarkably related, with the Atreyu icertainly flying method beneath the radar. They’re each gentle, snappy, with an excellent higher and able to run quick. To me, the Adidas rides sooner and at a greater value level of $150 so it takes the sting right here.

Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: The Pegasus Plus might be my favourite coach in Nike’s lineup (or a really shut second behind the Invincible 3), and it has extra similarities than variations with the DT2. Each are snappy and surprisingly gentle, however I believe the ZoomX foam and geometry of the Pegasus Plus is barely superior to that of the Atreyu. Plus, whereas the Atreyu higher is sweet, I believe the Turbo-homage, racing-stripe type of  the Plus is difficult to beat. I choose the Nike.

Nike Pegasus 41 (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: The Plus’s little brother (and the Premium’s actually little brother!), I believe that is most likely essentially the most direct comparability I’ve. Each are extra agency than not, and each have purposeful, not flashy, uppers. The decrease stack Atreyu is a huge 2.3 ounceslighter. They’re not dissimilar, however I choose the Atreyu for its pop and lack of harshness that I nonetheless really feel the Zoom Air items convey to the Pegasus. In case you like one, you’ll most likely like the opposite.

361 Ventus (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: The Ventus can be a good – a shock decide within the 361 lineup. It’s additionally markedly softer (and better stack at 35/27) than the DT2, regardless of being noticeably firmer than the Eleos within the 361 line and a few runners will choose that. I like each, however I choose the slide edge that the DT2 has. 

Brooks Hyperion 2 (RTR Evaluate)  and Hyperion Tempo (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: I favored the Hyperion Tempo rather a lot, although it’s arduous to seek out lately. I perceive the Hyperion 2 to be fairly related – I haven’t worn it. I believe the Atreyu could be very a lot in that vein, however I truly like the way it feels greater stack, and a bit extra “common” than the Brooks really feel (which really feel like modified racers, fairly than “true” trainers. That higher on the Tempo, although, is classy. Each nice – you possibly can’t actually go improper.

New Stability Gasoline Cell Insurgent v4 (RTR Evaluate

Ben: I didn’t get alongside overly nicely with Insurgent v4 from New Stability. I discovered it to be fairly unstable within the heel and considerably mushy. The Atreyu is neither of these issues. The stack is greater within the New Stability, however the Atreyu feels sooner and gives a extra streamlined match. I’d go along with the Atreyu.

The Atreyu Every day Coach 2 might be obtainable March 2025

Tester Profiles

Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 23 marathons. He holds PRs of three:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he nonetheless enjoys pushing himself and mixing his operating with supporting quite a lot of causes. Observe him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA 

Michael is a patent legal professional and graduate of Northwestern College Legislation College. Previous to legislation faculty, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embody a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR on the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.

Buying at our companions under is far appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun

Samples had been supplied at no cost for overview functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through purchasing hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are solely the authors’.