Atoms Review: Comfortable Knit Sneakers or Overhyped?
Are Atoms Shoes really making shoes that fit perfectly, or is it just Instagram and influencers talking about them?
We combined professional opinions and verified customer feedback to give you a fair and open review of daily comfort versus long-term durability. We focus on the experiences of primary testers and the opinions of experts to help you decide if the brand's promise of a perfect fit is worth the money.
This review looks at the Atoms Model 000, Model 001 casual sneakers and Model 251 (MKBHD) using only exclusive sources:
- WearTesters – “Atoms Model 001 Performance Review” (Professional review blog)
​ - Zappos – Atoms Model 000 Customer Reviews (Review platform)
​ - Reviewed.com – “Atoms shoes review: Are they the next Allbirds?” (Professional review site)
​ - Reddit – “Thoughts on Atoms shoes” thread (Community discussion)
​ - Believe in the Run – “Atoms Model 000/001 Review: Splitting The Differences” (Running/casual shoe review blog)
​ - Atoms.com – “Best Walking Shoes: Why Atoms Model 000 Is the Ultimate Choice” (Brand article)
Benefits for You:
- Real tester experiences and expert opinions
- Verdicts from multiple platforms
- Direct quotes for transparency
- Clear guidance on who should (and shouldn’t) buy Atoms shoes
About Atoms
Atoms.com is known for its minimalist knit trainers, socks, laces, masks and clothes that are comfortable to wear all day. Atoms started out as a direct-to-consumer brand and grew in popularity thanks to Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) promoting it. The brand focusses on quarter-size precision sizing (there are no half-sizes, only quarter-size increments for a perfect fit). Their most popular model, the Model 000, has elastic laces (tie once, slip on forever), breathable knit uppers, cushioned soles, and a design that can be washed in the machine.
Atoms trainers cost between $139 and $159 and are aimed at city professionals, travellers, and casual wearers who want lightweight, versatile shoes that can replace several pairs. There are also performance socks, replacement laces, and clothes.

Atoms Meta Review - Insights and Highlights
Discover firsthand opinions about Atoms. Is it a hit or miss? We’ve aggregated user and pro reviewers feedback for you. below are the key takeaways:
Pros:
"The biggest change on the Atoms Model 001 is the Eternal sole unit (which is a great marketing name because of the implied longevity). It’s basically a rubber-ish cupsole that encapsulates the cushioning. The foam seems to be the same soft EVA and is still comfortable under foot. But now the sidewalls and edges of the outsole use recyclable TPV and are built to last."
"Comfort is enhanced with achilles pillows on both sides of the heel. It makes the rear of the shoe more comfortable and improves lockdown. It’s now easier to loosen the laces and have the foot stay inside the shoe."
"Just like the Model 000, the Model 001 is 100% vegan and recyclable. It’s also machine washable."
"Every pair felt pretty good when I tried it on—if I had been presented with any one of them and told it was a size 9, I would have accepted it without question."
"Atoms’ soles are both squishier and bouncier than any other shoes I’ve worn. That is, my feet felt like they sank in while standing still but felt propelled as I walked around. This took some getting used to, but once I did—which took about an hour—it felt heavenly to wear them. They also had zero break-in time, so no hot spots or other comfort concerns from the start."
"Atoms are definitely more comfortable than Stan Smiths, Supergas, and Converse."
"Atoms appear to be as good as they, and most reviewers, claim. Superb shoe."
"They are great on my flat feet for long walks."
"These sneakers are everything you promised. Great job."
"Love the sizing…These are a perfect fit for both feet."
"Walking in it feels great…The Model 000 will keep you comfy with a two-part construction midsole made with a proprietary blend of EVA foam and blown rubber."
"The shoe has a stretchy sock-like feel that is easy to put on and never tight."
"Overall, this shoe delivers a great balance of style, comfort, and practicality for everyday wear."
"These are good-looking shoes that feel great after long days on your feet."
"If you’re looking for good walking shoes that combine all-day comfort, stylish minimalism, and lasting durability, the Atoms Model 000 stands out as the top recommendation in 2025."
"From cushioning to breathability, it’s engineered for both comfort and longevity—making it the best walking shoe for men and women alike."
"The Atoms Model 000 is equipped with…adaptive arch support for neutral feet…This combination ensures your feet stay energized and aligned."
"But none offer the combination of style, ease, and smart comfort like the Atoms Model 000."
"From day one, these felt like they were made for me…After six months, they’re still my go-to—even for casual dinners."
"I have a pair of Atoms 000 and 001 and they are the most comfortable shoes I own."
"Most amazing comfortable shoe. I have Allbirds and I hands down prefer the Atoms. Worth the money and the hype. I will never travel without them."
"Bought one a couple of years ago and they’re supremely comfortable but pricey... Unfortunately they’ve ruined all other shoes for me comfort wise so still gonna buy another pair"
"I just bought my 3rd pair… They truly are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. And I love their design & that they go with everything."
"I love the 251. Comfy as hell, waterproof, supportive, stylish AF. Get compliments all the time… Great shoes… these sneakers are the bomb."
Cons:
"Is the Atoms Model 001 worth $179? This the most difficult question with the Model 001. $179 is a lot. It’s even a lot in the sneaker market even when you factor in the premium build quality and recyclable materials. A typical casual or lifestyle shoe like this will retail in the $100-$120 range and may even include some recyclable materials. That’s a huge difference in price."
"No the Atoms Model 001 is not wide foot friendly. Atoms says the following on its website: “Atoms are designed for regular-sized feet; for wide-sized feet, check out our future offerings.”"
"For me, $129 for a pair of casual sneakers is a lot—pricier than $95 Allbirds."
"In the box, the shoes look not unlike orthopedic golf shoes."
"Plus, not everyone has the wherewithal to follow through with returning something by mail, no matter how easy it is (I say this as someone with a closet littered with the ghosts of online shopping orders I meant to return and never actually did). This is bad enough when you're stuck with one thing you didn’t like much, but it’s especially bad when you have to keep four extra items that didn’t quite fit and for a hefty price."
"My only reservation is that I must remove the copper woven sole to use my prescription inserts."
"I tried teaching ballet class in them, but the elastic laces allowed my heel to pop out a couple of times."
"Not quite suitable for a run, but perfect for a walk in the park."
"I do wish that I could have purchased the grey color outright."
"I personally feel this shoe would benefit from a slightly wider toe box. And that’s my biggest criticism of this shoe."
"The Model 000 felt weirdly snug in the midsole, yet I had plenty of room…between my toe and the front of the shoe."
"The Atoms 001 is wildly narrow…this shoe felt uncomfortably tight and constricting at first."
"They are not for those with wide feet, and give them a bit of time to break in."
"Experts suggest replacing walking shoes every 300–500 miles."
"I personally find them really ugly. Looks like it simply tries to AJ1 without anything special about it"
"I find them ugly and cheap looking, like an off-brand $20 Jordan replica. It’s a shoe you’d expect to find at Walmart and doesn’t look like a premium or just average shoe."
"My unboxed a pair today and the sole on my right shoe was literally peeling off."
"Do not buy the 000s. The foam sole crushes. Mine last 3-4 months before the edges are crushed and unusable… Sucks since I like the solid and simple sneaker concept."
"While they are the most comfortable shoes i have ever worn, the 000 didnt last long. The outer sole creased bad and deformed from the heel area due to constant herl pressure i guess. The outer sole grip faded and shoes got dead slippery."
Final Thoughts:
"The Atoms Model 001 is a comfortable, simple, well-built casual shoe that’s wearable all day. The price is steep, but the Model 001 brings durability, is machine washable, and built sustainably. If you’re already a fan of what Atoms is doing, you’ll love this shoe.
If you’re not price sensitive and looking for a super comfy casual shoe to wear to the office, the Atoms Model 001 may be exactly what you’re looking for. The nice thing is you can give the Model 001 a try easily because Atoms’ 30-day exchange/return policy makes it a no risk proposition."
"But Atoms are comfortable, and the precise sizing is hard to beat for anyone who falls into the population of people with different-sized feet and is bothered by it......Here’s what I think: If you like Allbirds but don’t like matching with everyone in your office or having to pick out your pair from a sea of identical shoes after yoga, Atoms are an equally comfortable—albeit more expensive—alternative. "
"Most Zappos reviewers say that the Atoms Model 000 is a very comfortable, lightweight, and stylish everyday trainer that works well for long walks, long shifts on your feet, and running errands. Many buyers say they can "stand...for hours" and that the shoes are "worth every penny."
Customers always praise the perfect fit (even for in-between sizes), soft cushioning, and easy slip-on style of the elastic laces. They often say that Atoms are their new favourite casual trainers that go with almost any outfit.
Some people say that Atoms aren't great for running, niche activities like teaching ballet, or if you need to take out the copper insole for orthotics, but the overall opinion on Zappos is very positive: Atoms are great as high-end everyday walking and work shoes, especially if you value comfort and ease of use."
"The Model 000 flat-out won me over…This shoe really works for me."
"The Model 000 was definitely that, and I look forward to wearing it more."
"I’d recommend grabbing a pair of these…if you like the feel of wearing running shoes every day but need something that looks, well, not like a running shoe at all."
"People on Reddit have mixed feelings about the MKBHD collab aesthetics and build. Some people say they are "ugly," "cheap looking," and have problems like peeling soles and crushed foam. Others say the Atoms are the most comfortable shoes they own and have even bought more than one pair.
People often worry about the price and how long they will last, but happy customers keep saying that the comfort and design are "worth the money and the hype," especially for travel and heavy daily use. This shows that fans are very excited and critics are just as blunt."
"If you're wondering what the best walking shoe is today, the answer is clear: the Atoms Model 000. Whether you’re strolling through city blocks or running errands all day, it offers the comfort, hygiene, and performance that modern life demands."
"Atoms shoes are a conditional yes for urban walkers and professionals who care about comfort. They are very comfortable, have a simple style, and fit perfectly for many people, but they are also very expensive and not very durable.
People who buy from Zappos often say that the shoes are "so comfortable" that they can stand for hours and call them their "go-to casual trainer." They like how light they are, how easy they are to put on, and how versatile they look. Atoms' own tests show that the Model 000 is the best walking shoe of 2025. It has adaptive arch support, breathable uppers, copper-thread odour control, and long-term comfort for 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
Reddit adds important nuance: fans say Atoms are the "most comfortable shoes I own," "worth the money and the hype," and buy second and third pairs. However, many users say that the foam sole on the 000 can "crush" in 3-4 months, the grip can become "dead slippery," and some people don't like how they look or how the refund process works.
In short, you should buy Atoms shoes if you want to be comfortable all day, like a clean, simple look, and don't mind paying a little more for them, even if some models wear out faster or have mixed reviews. If you want the best long-term value for your money, or if you need sneakers that are very durable and are very sensitive to what the sneaker community thinks, the cross-source evidence suggests that you should treat Atoms as a try-with-returns option instead of an automatic purchase."
What sizes are available for Atoms shoes?
Atoms offers quarter sizes for men (3.5–15) and women (5–16.5), allowing for a more precise fit than standard sizing. You can even order different sizes for each foot, addressing the common issue of foot size asymmetry.
How does the Atoms Home Try-On work?
The Home Try-On program lets you try multiple quarter sizes at home. Keep the best-fitting pair for each foot and return the rest with a prepaid label.
What materials are Atoms shoes made from?
Models use vegan, recyclable materials, with antimicrobial copper threads in the lining for odor control.
How do I clean Atoms shoes? Are they machine washable?
Some models are machine washable, but the brand generally recommends spot cleaning with a soft brush and air drying. Always check care instructions for your specific model.
What is the Atoms return policy?
Atoms offers a 30-day return window for a full refund (free returns in the US) and a one-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects.
How long does shipping take, and what does it cost?
Atoms typically ships within 24–48 hours, with complimentary shipping and returns in the US.
Do Atoms shoes come in different widths?
Currently, Atoms shoes are only available in a standard (medium) width. There are no wide or narrow options, though customer demand for more widths is noted.
Can I change the insoles in Atoms shoes?
Yes, Atoms shoes have removable insoles, allowing you to use custom or orthotic inserts.
