Topo Atmos 2 Review
The Topo Atmos 2 is a neutral road running shoe offering a maximum level of cushioning. It is best suited to easy runs and long runs. Like all Topo running shoes, the Atmos 2 features a broad, rounded toe box designed to give the feet room to spread on impact. This allows you to gain cushioning, stability, and propulsion from your feet, while also helping them become stronger over time as they are able to function more naturally inside the shoe.
The Atmos 2 has a good level of padding inside the heel cup and around the collar. Combined with the well-padded tongue, this gives the shoe a very plush and comfortable step-in feel. The upper and heel counter are both softer and more pliable than in the previous version, allowing the upper to wrap around the foot more effectively. The tongue includes two loops to keep it centred and prevent it from slipping during runs. The engineered mesh upper is breathable without being overly airy, so it remains comfortable even on colder runs.
There is an additional lace eyelet at the top, allowing you to achieve a more secure heel lock or use a runner’s knot if required.
The stack height has increased by 2 mm to 40 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot. The updated ZipFoam midsole is noticeably softer and offers more compression than the previous version. While it is still not as soft as some competing models, it provides a distinctly more cushioned feel than before. The midsole also features a rocker geometry, designed to keep the foot moving smoothly through the gait cycle. This helps promote a more upright posture and maintain cadence.
The 5 mm drop encourages a more midfoot landing, helping to load the foot effectively and allow it to spread on impact. However, heel strikers will still find the shoe accommodating, as the rocker helps guide the foot through to toe-off.
Topo’s philosophy is centred around encouraging natural movement, allowing the foot to function as intended. This can promote better running posture and help build strength in the feet over time. Within their range, some models are more flexible and encourage the foot to do more of the work, while others—like the Atmos 2—combine a higher level of cushioning with a rocker geometry that assists the running motion.
The Atmos 2 sits in the latter category. While it still allows room for toe splay and maintains a low drop, the softer midsole and rocker reduce the workload on the feet and legs. This makes it a good option for runners who are newer to more natural footwear, as it provides a degree of support and cushioning while still encouraging better foot function. It is also well suited to recovery runs or early morning runs when the body feels less responsive, as the smooth, cushioned ride helps maintain an efficient stride with less effort.
Although the signature Topo fit remains—snug at the heel, secure through the midfoot, and wide at the forefoot—the ride has changed significantly. The original Atmos had a firmer, more structured feel, providing more feedback from the ground and a more pronounced rocker effect. It could feel quite directive in how it guided your stride.
The Atmos 2, by comparison, has a softer and more flexible midsole, making the rocker less noticeable. This results in a more natural and controlled ride. I found it easier to settle into relaxed, easy-paced runs compared to the previous version. After over 100 miles of use, the midsole has softened slightly but has not lost its structure or protective feel.
Much of my mileage in the Atmos 2 has been during early morning runs—shorter efforts when the body is still waking up. The softer cushioning and subtle assistance from the rocker have been particularly beneficial here, helping the legs ease into the run and transition more comfortably.
The Atmos 2 is best suited to easy and long runs. While it is relatively lightweight (approximately 284 g for a men’s UK 8 and 227 g for a women’s UK 5), the overall feel of the shoe lends itself more to steady, relaxed running rather than faster efforts.
In terms of sizing, Topo shoes are similar in length to Altra, Brooks, Saucony, and 361. If you typically wear Hoka, New Balance, Karhu, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, it may be worth trying half a UK size smaller for a comparable fit. For example, a UK 11 in Topo is similar in length to a UK 11.5 in Hoka.
In summary, the Topo Atmos 2 delivers a significantly different ride compared to its predecessor. It is now softer, more cushioned, and better suited to easy-paced running, making it a strong option as a comfortable, high-cushion daily trainer for relaxed miles.
Alternatives to Topo Atmos 2
361 Degrees Meraki 7: A much narrower fit with a thinner midsole. This makes the Meraki 7 more flexible with a bit more feel for the ground. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-meraki-7-review/
New Balance 1080v15: A much softer ride with a bit of bounce. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-1080v15-review/
Altra FWD Via 2: A similar broad rounded toe box. The midsole is firmer with a more responsive feel to the ride. A lot more natural, less of a rocker. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-fwd-via-2-review/
Brooks Glycerin 23: Similar level of softness with a narrow-pointed toe box. A bit more bounce to the cushioning. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-glycerin-23-review/
Inov-8 Roadfly Max: A similar broad rounded toe box. Firmer more responsive ride. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-roadfly-max-review/
Saucony Triumph 23: A snugger fit in the toe box and more responsive ride. More aware of the width of the base in these than the Atmos 2. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-triumph-23-review/
Altra Torin 8: A zero drop shoe with a broad rounded toe box promotes a midfoot landing and a more natural running action. No rocker to carry you a long you must run in these. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-torin-8-review/
Karhu Mestari 1.5: A rocker and the Karhu Fulcrum both provide some propulsion. A bit more controlling feel to the ride. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-5-review/
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