I’m a Running Coach, and I’m Ditching All My Other Sneakers for This Comfy Italian Pair

People always say, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” But my last trip to Italy was 250 miles away from Rome in what’s known as Run Valley — an area about 40 minutes outside of Venice that houses the production facilities and headquarters of some of the world’s finest athletic brands. So, when in Run Valley, I, a running coach, did as the Italian runners do and wore an Italian-made shoe from the legendary brand, Diadora. 

If you’re unfamiliar, I describe the brand as somewhat old-school — but with an edge. While the brand was developed in 1948, its 2025 team of designers, marketers, and testers looks like a group straight out of Brooklyn. Cool. Artistic. Authentic. That’s also how I describe the Atomo Star, the cushioned running shoe I came to love in the Italian Valley trails and in Manhattan’s finest sidewalks (and some streets, when I’m feeling fiery). 

Diadora Atomo Star

The kicks are pumped up. Foster The People would be proud. Super cushy, lots of stability, and a design reminiscent of street art are all features that, to me, make them a standout. The feeling and kickback they provide, though, make them a show-stopper. 

You think you know a super trainer? Think again. These are cushioned without sinkage. Supportive without restriction. Versatile without setbacks. Take them on your half-marathon training journey for easy runs, fartleks, track workouts, and even walks to the grocery. They’ll feel good every time. 

I have 28 pairs of running shoes in my closet, and I’ve only reached for these since they landed at my door more than two months ago. Coming back from a knee injury, I needed something to ward off the aching pain I became all too familiar with after finishing two back-to-back marathons in the fall. These were like a Band-Aid on old throbbing wounds that cleared everything up and got rid of the scarring. 

They kept my pronation at bay and gave me the confidence to get back into the swing of tempo runs to gear up for 5k and half-marathons I have on the agenda. 

While I can’t promise you a complete European makeover, complete with sub-7 splits and PRs galore, I can promise you that in these, you’ll have a good time. 

Also of note: they’re made in Italy. Period. Name another running shoe made in the country where its brand originated. Your time researching this is much better spent perfecting the pronunciation of stracciatella gelato. I’ll help you with it. Straw-key-uh-tell-uh. Who would’ve thought? 

Now I’ll help you with purchasing your next favorite wear-on-any-run-or-walk shoe. Bellissimo. 

More Running Coach-Approved Cushioned Running Shoes

Equipe Nucleo Running Shoes

Nike Vomero 18 

Asics Novablast 5 Lite-Show

Hoka Clifton 10

Puma Deviate Nitro 3