The Most Comfortable Shoes

Comparing the differences between the comfort of the model 000 and model 001

A lot of work goes into making comfortable shoes. All brands say they are comfortable, most are tolerable but very few are actually comfortable. That is why Atoms has invested a ton of time and money creating the most comfortable pair of shoes on the market. The model 000 and model 001 are two sides to the same comfort coin that is really comfortable.

Don’t believe us? You shouldn’t. Every shoe brand says their shoes are comfortable but we have the receipts to prove it. As of the time of writing this, we have 5,052 published reviews across our products. When doing a quick search, you’ll be able to read over 1,000 of reviews that mention the word comfortable, another 486 use the word comfort, and 480 say they are comfy. Our favorite metric is that over 1,000 of our customer reviews specifically use the word love.

How did we do it? It comes down to all of the thoughtfully designed details that made us the most comfortable shoe brand on the planet. We started with fit. Atoms invented quarter sizing because 60% of people have a quarter size difference between their left and right foot. Ever go try on shoes and an 8 is a bit tight but an 8.5 is a bit loose? We have an 8.25 for you. When talking to customers, we learned that many of them want some wiggle room for their toes. The ability to get a quarter size allows the flexibility of getting a precision fit for those that want it or that extra space to spread out.

Next came our proprietary midsole. Most brands use a 1 inch block of rubber that isn’t very comfortable to stand on nor is it flexible enough to move with your foot as you walk. Brands use it as a way to ensure durability but the rubber midsole will outlive the longevity of the upper material making it a poor trade off. We use a custom foam we developed that is designed to form to your feet over time. This foam is a soft, cloud-like feeling that moves with the muscles in your foot.

Since we used a foam midsole, we then added a thin traditional rubber outsole to the model 000s and a cage construction for the model 001. More on that later. The circular cutouts on the outsole on both models ensure that the outsole is light while adding a branding element to the minimalistic design of the shoes. This creates for a more balanced trade off among comfort, durability, and weight compared to a rubber midsole and outsole combination of other brands.

While the model 000 was designed for comfort from the ground up, the model 001 was designed for support and stability that some felt the model 000 was lacking. While looking very similar as the model 001 borrowed many of the design elements of the model 000, it offers a very different experience. Think of when you last went shopping for a mattress. You found a mattress you liked and it probably came in three different versions: plush, standard, and firm. You may love the experience of one and find it very comfortable while another person will think it is uncomfortable and prefer a different experience. Comfort is often subjective but we offer two different experiences based on what you need in a shoe.

The model 001 creates that supportive experience through the cage construction that was previously mentioned. We wrapped the same foam midsole with a cage that locks in place so your foot rolls forward in a more supportive motion as one cohesive and confident step versus how the model 000 allows for your foot to roll in a more natural motion. Moreover, there is a lip which the upper material is attached to along with a firmer heel cap that provides ankle support and limits the range of motion compared to the model 000. The end result is a more supportive experience given the added structure throughout each step.

Regardless of your preferred experience, the comfort allotted in the shoes is unparalleled compared to other brands. We further this comfortable experience in both models by creating a durable yet breathable upper material. We again went after a more balanced approach by using a knitted fabric that is much more durable than wool and other materials that tout breathability yet are much more breathable than traditional fabrics in the likes of canvas shoes. This balance in trade offs allow for your feet to stay cool and reduce swelling as you go throughout your day. An under talked about element of comfort that many of us only notice when it is too late.

Finally, we iterated on the laces. Atoms use Stretch Laces that are elastic and allow for you to buy the style of a traditional sneaker but gain the functionality of a slip on. While these are a feature of the shoes, they also aid in comfort. The added stretch of the laces provide some extra give which can extend the range of motion as you step or reposition yourself while you’re sitting. The Stretch Laces are much more forgiving than traditional laces that can further aid in the discomfort of traditional shoes brands.

Learn more about the model 251. Our collaboration with Youtuber Marques Brownlee aka MKBHD is based off the model 001 but is available in a vegan leather design through a low and high top variant. It also extends the feature set by being waterproof with the model 251.1.