Reviews You Can Rely On

Atlas Run Review

With its minimalistic design, spring-loaded suspension, and smaller crampons, this snowshoe is designed for running on packed snow and ice
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Atlas Run Review (If running is your thing, the Altas Run is well worth the money.)
If running is your thing, the Altas Run is well worth the money.
Credit: Matthew Blake
Price:  $270 List
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Manufacturer:   Atlas
By Hayley Thomas ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 23, 2022
59
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation - 30% 4.0
  • Traction - 25% 6.0
  • Stride Ergonomics - 15% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Bindings - 15% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Atlas Run is a minimal, 22-inch long snowshoe equipped with a spring-loaded suspension to help propel you through the snow. The small crampons are great for ice and packed terrain, but this shoe is not meant for deep fresh snow or the backcountry. The smooth decking dumps snow with every step, and the BOA fit system is easy to adjust on the go. The initial binding adjustments include positioning the top of the strap in place with velcro, which can take a little guessing and checking, but overall it's an easy system to use. The Altas Run will surely add a little pep to your step if you're looking to run on packed snow and ice.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to run in
Spring-loaded suspension
Natural stride
Smooth decking dumps snow
BOA fit system is easy to adjust
REASONS TO AVOID
Speed Helix binding takes a minute to fit to your shoe
Poor float on deep snow
Traction is better while running than walking

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Atlas Run is a unique snowshoe made especially for the winter runner. It is relatively short and extremely lightweight. This 22-inch snowshoe weighs 2.3 pounds, which is lighter than any other option in our test suite. Read on to see if the Altas Run is the right option for you.

Performance Comparison


atlas run - the altas run is a niche snowshoe for those those enjoy a faster pace.
The Altas Run is a niche snowshoe for those those enjoy a faster pace.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Flotation


As the name suggests, the Altas Run is made specifically for running. Since most people do not run through deep snow, it does not concern itself much with float. The single-piece construction of the Speed V-Frame and Nytex decking for flotation paired with the Nytex Infinity Decking and the overall small stature keep the shoe very lightweight. The soft and smooth decking helps dump snow with every stride. While this shoe won't keep you on, or even close to, the surface, it works as it's supposed to on packed trails.

atlas run - needless to say, the run is not meant for deep snow.
Needless to say, the Run is not meant for deep snow.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Traction


The Run has minimal toe and heel crampons when compared to the other options in our test suite. The Dual-Trac toe crampon has four aluminum teeth at the toe and one larger one on the ball of the foot. The heel crampon is made of two small rails, each with three teeth. This minimal shoe provides a decent amount of traction, although it seems to work much better in higher-impact situations, so it grabs the snow a little better while running than it does while walking. The smaller, sharper teeth also work great on ice, so you can tackle varied terrain without worrying about slipping.

atlas run - the crampons work great for flat terrain, but struggle on steep...
The crampons work great for flat terrain, but struggle on steep inclines.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Stride Ergonomics


The unique Atlas Spring-Loaded Suspension provides a pep to every step, propelling you forward while you run. It also provides impact absorption, ensuring that your knees, hips, and ankles are protected on long cold winter runs. The small Speed V-Frame is about 8 inches at its widest and 22 inches long, ensuring that most people can run without adjusting their natural stride. The only issue we have with the Run is that the spring is so springy it kicks a decent amount of snow onto your backside, so it's best to wear waterproof pants.

atlas run - the small stature of the run makes these snowshoes very easy to walk...
The small stature of the Run makes these snowshoes very easy to walk in.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Ease of Use


This compact and minimalist snowshoe is simple and lightweight. The flexible Nytex decking is quiet, which is a must for a running snowshoe. It is only offered in one size, which is a double-edged sword. This 22-inch snowshoe can support loads from 75 to 190 pounds. This doesn't mean you cannot use the shoe if you weigh 200 pounds or more, but the more weight, the more you'll find yourself post-holing in deep snow.

atlas run - these minimal snowshoes do not have a heel lifts as running in them...
These minimal snowshoes do not have a heel lifts as running in them would be very uncomfortable.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Like the rest of the snowshoe, the binding is small. The BOA fit system is very easy to use and can be adjusted on the fly. The position of the top of the binding can be adjusted and is held in place by Velcro. Adjusting its placement can be a little cumbersome, but if you don't plan on running in a wide variety of shoes, you won't need to readjust it often.

atlas run - the velcro strap is impossible to adjust once you tighten the...
The Velcro strap is impossible to adjust once you tighten the binding, so it's important to find the right placement before tightening.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Bindings


The Speed Helix binding is low-profile and mostly easy to use. It fits a wide variety of shoes but takes a moment to get set up. Once it is properly fit to your shoe, it's very comfortable, but it can pinch a little if it's not properly fastened. The BOA Fit System is found on a few high-performing snowshoes in our test suite and has quickly become a favorite. It's easy to adjust on the fly and distributes tension evenly.

atlas run - once adjusted properly, the run bindings are quite comfortable.
Once adjusted properly, the Run bindings are quite comfortable.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Should You Buy the Atlas Run?


The Atlas Run is a very niche snowshoe. It is not meant for trekking through deep snow or taking on the backcountry. It is also not particularly inexpensive. That being said, if you are looking specifically for a snowshoe to run in, the small, lightweight Speed V-Frame, Nytex decking, and Spring-Loaded Suspension work together to propel one foot in front of the other effortlessly.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?


If you are looking for a snowshoe to run in but don't want to fork over the cash, the Crescent Moon Eva Foam will add a little pep to your step without breaking the bank. It does not provide as much support or traction, but it's fun and bouncy like the Atlas Run. If you want to slow things down with a long backcountry hike and you're looking for the best of the best, the MSR Lightning Ascent is the snowshoe for you. If you plan on hiking around on ice, the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite is a great option.

atlas run - if you plan to hike through deep snow, it is in your best interest...
If you plan to hike through deep snow, it is in your best interest to check out some of the other options in our test suite.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Hayley Thomas