The Atoms Model 000 is a straightforward casual shoe with an interesting twist in terms of sizing and fit, it’s available in quarter sizes. Any time a company does something fun with the way they sell shoes, I’m immediately interested. So is quarter sizing a gimmick or does it actually translate into greater comfort? That’s what I’m going to figure out. Let’s get to it.
Fit
I wear a size US 11.5 in most brands. My foot is actually a touch bigger than an 11 when measured on a brannock device. I had Atoms send a size 11.5 and it fits exactly how I’d expect. Could I have sized down to an 11.25? Sure. But that would be less wiggle room in the toebox than I prefer. So while the Atoms Model 000 runs true to size, you can dial in the fit exactly the way you’ve always wanted and get a more customized 1:1 fit.
But what about wide footers? The 000 is wide footer friendly. But…you have to be patient. At first the shoe feels slightly narrow. You have to break them in. They mold to your foot nicely over time. Both the insole and the upper form around the lines of your foot. That’s helped by the high quality elastic laces (similar to what was used on the UA HOVR Machina). The elasticity of the laces helps the upper accommodate all foot types with the added bonus of tying them once and never having to worry about it again.
Cushion
While Atoms doesn’t say the type of foam compound, I believe it’s a soft EVA. Think Nike’s Cushlon. Whatever it actually is, it’s plush enough for all day casual wear. I really liked walking in them. The Model 000 is a really good theme park shoe because it’s flat, neutral, and soft enough to allow you to be on your feet all day. I’m not sure how long the midsole will last, but I would guess it’ll be similar to other EVA midsoles where you get 300-500 miles out of them. That’s a lot of casual wear.
Materials
The Model 000’s mesh-like upper is a TPU yarn blend with only one seam at the heel. Other than the TPU yarn blend, the only other materials are the metal eyelets and elastic laces. Oh yeah, there’s also an antimicrobial lining on the insole which should keep the shoes smelling better for longer. It’s a very simple construction…everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Traction
The outsole is flat rubber with circles cut out to provide traction. It’s not great in snow, ice, or on slick wet surfaces. The Model 000 is 100% a summer shoe. So just be aware of that limitation.
Support
There’s not much support, this is a casual shoe after all. The tongue is gusseted to help keep you on the footbed and the rear end has a good-sized internal heel counter. It’s not much, but again, it does the job for a casual shoe.
Overall
The Atoms Model 000 is a simple, comfortable casual shoe. When offices open back up post-pandemic, it’ll be perfect for the occasion. At $129, it’s a little expensive given the materials used. Personally, I find it fun to support up and coming brands even if the shoe is $10-$15 too expensive. After all, competing against the big shoe companies isn’t easy. I appreciate all of the small brands that try.
In summary, if you’ve been looking for something with a more dialed-in fit, the quarter sizing is perfect for you. And most important of all for a casual shoe, the comfort of the Model 000 is fantastic and it’ll work well as your summer do everything shoe.
How to Buy the Atoms Model 000
The Atoms Model 000 is currently available in multiple colorways at Atoms.
Thanks to Atoms for sending a pair to test. Atoms was not given any editorial control of the review. This review is based on our weartesters’ experiences using the shoes for speed workouts, trail runs, treadmill training, long runs, casual wear, and more.
