Introduction to the Diadora Frequenza
KALEB: Everybody is aware of that Diadora has lengthy occupied the fashion house, however up to now, it’s by no means fairly nailed the efficiency aspect of issues (not less than in relation to operating footwear). A lot of the Diadora critiques that Consider within the Run has written go one thing like this: “It’s effective, and it’s definitely a looker, however the efficiency isn’t something particular, and I in all probability wouldn’t pay the beefy Italian price ticket for a shoe this heavy.”
Of their protection, Diadora’s mission appeared near-impossible: make runners trendy. As any Altra fan will let you know (relaxation in peace, Aldren, our former stability reviewer turned Altra gross sales rep), it doesn’t notably matter what a shoe seems like so long as it really works for the runner. In that method, Diadora has been combating an uphill battle attempting to get the identical individuals who have been prepared to put on one thing as goofy-looking because the [insert really any Brooks shoe here; haha good ol’ Brooks punchline] to care much less about efficiency and extra about trend. When pressured to decide on between cutting-edge seems and high quality efficiency, the pink carpet goes to lose 9 occasions out of ten.
That’s till you lastly handle to mix the 2.
Arguably, it began with the Atomo V7000 again in April of final 12 months, however undeniably, the Gara Carbon solidified it: Diadora lastly took a break from the catwalk and acquired within the kitchen to start out cooking. The Gara Carbon lastly, lastly, appeared to nail the wedding of utility and sexiness. Not solely was it a real race-day possibility, full with a mushy, PEBA-based midsole, a carbon plate, and premium higher supplies, however it additionally nailed Diadora’s mission of being a hot-looking choice to lace up on the road. Backside line: Diadora lastly confirmed up.
The Frequenza (which suggests frequency, or turnover, in Italian) is Diadora’s try and maintain the momentum from the Gara Carbon going into the remainder of the Diadora efficiency line: it’s a light-weight, plateless tempo shoe with a supercritical EVA midsole and a few lofty claims. Supposedly, the Frequenza’s power return rivals that of some plated footwear in the marketplace. So, did Diadora spend all its wow-factor on the Gara? Or is there nonetheless sufficient left within the tank for some tempo?
