Our verdict

The KURU Atom 2 is an outlier in the world of ultra-light running shoes packed with supercritical foams. On the one hand, its unforgivingly low energy return and heavy build will turn many runners away, but on the other hand, the shoe's orthopaedic heel support and step-in comfort can feel like a godsend for people with foot conditions. In other words, you need to be in this KURU shoe's specific target audience to fully reap the benefits of the Atom 2, even at its high price point.

Pros

  • Orthopaedic heel support
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Balanced midsole softness
  • Excellent upper and outsole durability
  • Predictable medium fit
  • Reliable outsole traction
  • Fantastic side-to-side stability

Cons

  • Feels dull due to low energy return
  • Less shock absorption than expected
  • Unapologetically heavy
  • Not for serious running

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

The KURU Atom 2 should be on your radar if your request includes the following:

  • a supportive shoe that's built with the intention of easing the heel pain
  • a comfortable shoe for easy runs and long hours of walking and standing

KURU Atom 2 review

Who should NOT buy

If you came here in search of a performance running shoe, you will be disappointed with the shoe's cushioning properties and heavy weight.

There are plenty of lighter max-cushioned road shoes with much higher shock absorption and energy return measurements that are also available at a lower price point. Some of the best alternatives currently include the ASICS Novablast 5, the Nike Vomero 18, and the Brooks Ghost Max 2.

KURU Atom 2 lab test

Cushioning

Shock absorption

New

With KURU's reputation built around foot comfort and pain relief, we expected high shock absorption results from the KURU Atom 2. Like all of the brand's shoes, it features the proprietary KURUSOLE plate under the heel, which acts as a cradle for the wearer's heel pad to minimise the impact of prolonged running and walking.

But to our disappointment, the lab test recorded pretty underwhelming results of 117 SA in the heel and 96 SA in the forefoot. While these are decent measurements themselves, we found them surprisingly low for the shoe's thick platform and the promise of 'heeling better.'

For reference, the brand's Triple Max Ion showed better results at 122 SA in the heel and 105 SA in the forefoot.

KURU Atom 2 Shock absorption heel
Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Atom 2 117 SA
Average 128 SA
Compared to 266 running shoes
Number of shoes
52 SA
Shock absorption
170 SA

Energy return

New

KURU promises 'even more energy return' in the Atom 2, but seeing its exceptionally low measurements (only 40.9% in the heel and 49.5% in the forefoot), we can't even imagine how dull the original shoe was...The rebound is practically absent here, even for a daily trainer.

And while this makes the KURU Atom 2 more stable, it negates the shoe's ability to pick up the pace.

Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Atom 2 40.9%
Average 58.4%
Compared to 263 running shoes
Number of shoes
38.0%
Energy return
82.0%

Heel stack

The shoe's below-average shock absorption becomes even more perplexing when we consider its towering platform.

Following the World Athletics standard for measuring stack height, our calliper recorded a tall reading of 39.9 mm.

KURU Atom 2 Heel stack
Test results
Atom 2 39.9 mm
Average 34.6 mm
Compared to 458 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
48.1 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot, on the other hand, proved to have a standard stack height of 26 mm.

KURU Atom 2 Forefoot stack
Test results
Atom 2 26.0 mm
Average 26.0 mm
Compared to 458 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
38.5 mm

Drop

Contrary to the brand's specs, we measured the KURU Atom 2's drop at 13.9 mm instead of the promised 10 mm.

This large discrepancy confirms that the shoe's target audience is strictly limited to runners with a heel striking pattern and walkers.

KURU Atom 2 Drop
Test results
Atom 2 13.9 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 458 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Even though the KURU Atom 2 doesn't feel particularly plush underfoot, we found that its EVA-based KURUSOLE+ foam is on the softer side of the spectrum.

With a durometer reading of 20.0 HA, it proved to be on par with the running shoe average (which also leans towards the softer side in recent years). This makes for a pleasantly comfortable ride for easy runs and walks.

KURU Atom 2 Midsole softness
Test results
Atom 2 20.0 HA
Average 20.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.9 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
36.1 HA

Rocker

Putting the KURU Atom 2 against the rulers, we found that its toe rocker is moderate, but the heel curve is quite pronounced for a support-oriented shoe.

This further confirms the fact that this KURU shoe is better suited for heel striking and walking, making the ride smoother from the rearfoot.

KURU Atom 2 heel design

What's more, we couldn't help but notice how much the Atom's heel design resembles HOKA's Swallowtail!

KURU Atom 2 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large

Width / Fit

We are happy to report that you can expect a predictable fit in the KURU Atom 2's regular medium width.

Having created a gel mould of the shoe's interiors, we measured the widest part of its forefoot at a standard 95.2 mm. This is right on par with the category average for a men's US size 9.

And if you need more space, the shoe is also available in a wide variant.

KURU Atom 2 Width / Fit
Test results
Atom 2 95.2 mm
Average 95.2 mm
Compared to 213 running shoes
Number of shoes
88.5 mm
Width / Fit
102.4 mm

Toebox width

On the downside, we can't subscribe to the brand's promise of a 'wide toebox'

Measuring the mould's width in the big toe area, our calliper showed only 70.7 mm, making it even a little narrower than average.

But while it's still within the medium range and allows for a decent toe splay, we wouldn't describe it as wide. And if the latter is what you're after in a running shoe, you can find better options here.

KURU Atom 2 Toebox width
Test results
Atom 2 70.7 mm
Average 73.3 mm
Compared to 213 running shoes
Number of shoes
66.7 mm
Toebox width
82.4 mm

Toebox height

The vertical space of this KURU shoe also made us frown a bit as our calliper recorded its toebox height at only 22 mm.

Significantly lower than average, it can result in pressure points and make the shoe less comfortable for people with hammertoes, ingrown toenails, or other toe issues.

KURU Atom 2 Toebox height
Test results
Atom 2 22.0 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 212 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
34.1 mm

Traction / Grip

Traction test

New

Testing the gripping capacity of the KURU Atom 2, we found that this shoe can keep you surefooted on both dry and wet city streets.

With a friction coefficient of 0.44 in the forefoot, it may not be the tackiest on particularly slippery surfaces (like wet stone or tiles), but it gives enough confidence for most urban scenarios.

Test results
Atom 2 0.44
Average 0.47
Compared to 257 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.11
Forefoot traction
0.83

Outsole design

New

The rubber outsole runs the entire length of the shoe except the midfoot area. We found that it helps shave off some grammes without affecting the grip.

Deep flex grooves break up the shoe's rubber layer in the forefoot, allowing for decent flexibility.

KURU Atom 2 Outsole design

Flexibility / Stiffness

The aforementioned flex grooves and moderate forefoot stack allow for some decent pliability in the Atom 2's forefoot.

Recording the amount of force needed to bend this KURU shoe by 30 degrees, we found that it took no more than the category average at 15.7N.

KURU Atom 2 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Atom 2 15.7N
Average 15.0N
Compared to 260 running shoes
Number of shoes
4.0N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

Unfortunately, we are yet to see a lightweight KURU shoe in our lab...

Tipping the scale at a whopping 12.9 oz (366g), the Atom 2 proved to be one of the absolute heaviest options in our running shoe catalogue. It is even heavier than Brooks's Beast GTS and Addiction GTS!

We think that this clunker can turn many potential buyers away, as it can make even easy runs feel like a chore.

KURU Atom 2 Weight
Test results
Atom 2 12.9 oz (366g)
Average 9.3 oz (265g)
Compared to 459 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.3 oz (149g)
Weight
12.9 oz (366g)

Breathability

The incredibly sturdy nature of the shoe's NOVAKNIT upper material has a downside when it comes to ventilation.

Unlike regular open-cell mesh, this tightly-woven fabric didn't let the smoke pass through the toebox so easily in our breathability test above.

Even though the material looks so transparent against the light, it is not as airy as it seems.

KURU Atom 2 Breathability Microscope test

You can see how thick and compact the weave is in our microscope shots.

KURU Atom 2 Breathability Upper under microscope

All of these findings convinced us to lower the shoe's breathability score to only 2 out of 5. It's not the best option for breaking a sweat in the summer heat.

Test results
Atom 2 2
Average 3.7
Compared to 388 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

Even though KURU doesn't position the Atom 2 as a stability shoe, the level of lateral support it offers made us stop and think about which category it belongs to.

Our feet felt so securely locked inside the shoe that we could hardly imagine them rolling and wobbling uncontrollably.

Torsional rigidity

The shoe's stout platform and stiff KURUSOLE component in the rearfoot generated some serious torsional rigidity through the midfoot as well.

Assessing its stiffness in our manual test, we didn't hesitate to give the Atom 2 a high score of 4 out of 5. Thus, we believe that people with mild or even moderate overpronation could feel sufficiently supported in this KURU shoe.

Test results
Atom 2 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 437 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

A moderately stiff heel counter also contributes to the shoe's secure foothold and side-to-side support.

Even though we rated its stiffness with a moderate score of 3 out of 5, it feels much more rigid at the base of the heel, thanks to the plastic KURUSOLE component.

Test results
Atom 2 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 421 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Our calliper measurements also confirmed that the KURU Atom 2's platform offers nice and broad contact points with the ground.

Showing 114.5 mm in the widest part of the forefoot, the shoe's midsole proved to be just as wide as most other running shoes.

KURU Atom 2 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Atom 2 114.5 mm
Average 114.4 mm
Compared to 459 running shoes
Number of shoes
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

And at 92.7 mm in the widest area of the heel, the KURU Atom 2 also proved its more heel-friendly setup, being a few millimetres wider than average.

KURU Atom 2 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Atom 2 92.7 mm
Average 90.8 mm
Compared to 459 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

While the shoe's NOVAKNIT upper falls short of breathability, it compensates for it with fantastic durability!

The fabric resisted our Dremel drilling beautifully, remaining practically intact! We don't see this very often with road running shoes, but this KURU shoe deserved the highest score for toebox durability - 5 out of 5!

Test results
Atom 2 5
Average 2.6
Compared to 322 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Even the shoe's inner lining proved itself as a highly wear-resistant material.

Earning a high durability score of 4 out of 5 in our Dremel test, it will take a lot of wear and on-and-off action before you start seeing serious damage in this part of the shoe.

Test results
Atom 2 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 316 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

The shoe's outsole durability also looks very promising, showing a moderate damage of 1.1 mm after an aggressive 18-second drilling session. It is comparable to the other daily trainers we've tested.

Test results
Atom 2 1.1 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

A 3.2 mm thick outsole is yet another puzzle piece to the shoe's outsole durability, promising a solid lifespan for the KURU Atom 2.

KURU Atom 2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Atom 2 3.2 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 455 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.1 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

Underfoot padding is put to the max in the Atom 2 as it features a generously cushioned insole with a heel thickness of 6.6 mm. It creates a cosier step-in feel and contributes to the overall comfort.

KURU Atom 2 Insole thickness
Test results
Atom 2 6.6 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 454 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.8 mm

Removable insole

Not only is it well-padded, but the shoe's Ultimate Insole also has an ergonomic shape that offers a touch of arch support in the midfoot.

KURU Atom 2 Removable insole
Test results
Atom 2 Yes

Midsole softness in cold (%)

The shoe's poor breathability makes it a more suitable option for the colder season instead. But what about its cushioning?

Our 20-minute freezer test showed that the KURUCLOUD+ only firmed up by a moderate 21% and remained decently soft at 24.3 HA. This means that the shoe will not turn into a hard brick when the temperature drops.

KURU Atom 2 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Atom 2 21%
Average 25%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
1%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Reflective elements

None of the shoe's components reflected light in our dark room test.

KURU Atom 2 Reflective elements
Test results
Atom 2 No

Tongue padding

The KURU Atom 2's abundant interior padding also showed up in its tongue and collar.

The tongue, in particular, returned a high calliper reading of 9.9 mm, keeping the potential lace bites at bay.

KURU Atom 2 Tongue padding
Test results
Atom 2 9.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 456 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

This KURU shoe's tongue has a traditional non-gusseted design, meaning that it's not attached to the rest of the upper on the sides.

However, it is covered with a fabric overlay in its base to help minimise some of the unwanted shifting and sliding.

KURU Atom 2 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Atom 2 None

Price

Most runners in search of a solid daily beater for running and walking will find this KURU shoe quite expensive. Especially considering its lack of shock absorption and an alarmingly low energy return.

But if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or any other foot conditions that call for a more orthopaedic type of footwear, you may find this investment worthwhile.

KURU Atom 2 Price
Test results
Atom 2 $169
Compared to 459 running shoes
Number of shoes
£45
Price
£280

Heel tab

There is no finger loop at the back, but you can use the shoe's extended heel collar to ease the on-and-off.

KURU Atom 2 Heel tab
Test results
Atom 2 Extended heel collar