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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
