Diadora are in the second round of iterations for their recent running shoe line. The Gara which blew people away in its first iteration returned with very minor updates as did the Frequenza. On first inspection, the Cellula looks like not much has changed.
However, the Cellula 2 has had some updates under the hood. A rebuilt midsole promises more energy return and a softer forefoot to make the miles fly by. The original was a very comfortable and well built shoe which lacked energy return. How has the addition of Anima N2 changed the ride of the shoe? We put the miles in to find out.
Upper and Fit of the Diadora Cellula 2
What works for me
From the off, it is clear to see that the Cellula 2 is a plush and well built shoe. The heel cup has had a lot of padding added since the first version and there is a heel loop to help pull them on. The tongue itself is a rather skinny affair which is helpful as it doesn’t add to the overall bulk of an already fairly heavy shoe which has already gained some timber from its first version. That said, the protection offered by the tongue against lace bite is more than adequate.
The lockdown of the shoe is very good, I have had no issues with finding and maintaining a solid hold. Furthermore, there are no areas of rubbing or irritation thanks to the quality of the materials on offer. Despite the warmer temperatures we have been facing recently, breathability hasn’t been an issue. Although, with the overall plushness of the upper, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did get a little sweaty in the height of summer.
It is a well made shoe with a comfortable, durable upper which, depending on your personal fashion preferences could double up well as a lifestyle shoe.
What doesn’t work for me
It is a very comfortable upper which does hold my foot in all the right places. As ever, with a plush, padded upper in wet months, there is the issue of drying. When the Cellula 2 gets soaked, it does take a couple of days to dry out properly which may be an issue if it is your only shoe.
A more pressing (pun intended) problem for some may be the narrowness of the forefoot. Lengthwise, I find the shoe to fit very well and true to size but even with my fairly average width feet, I have had to loosen the laces towards the bottom of the lace chain to avoid my feet feeling a little claustrophobic. If you are a real widefoot runner, it may be very wise to try before you buy the Cellula 2.
Midsole and Ride of the Diadora Cellula 2
What works for me
The original Cellula was not a particularly lively shoe. It offered good softness and dampening but didn’t give much back in terms of energy return. I stepped into the Cellula 2 after running about 350 miles in the Vomero Plus and the Vomero Premium. Instantly, I could feel the difference in terms of energy return. The addition of the Anima N2 puck in the forefoot has really added to the comfort factor for me as a forefoot striker but I am struggling to find the energy return it promises.
Now, this is not a deal breaker. There is a space in a rotation for an easy day shoe which just soaks up the shocks and lets you plod through your recovery runs. However, it does mean that the Cellula 2 is quite limited in its use scenarios. The lack of energy return is more than just a feeling. Using my Stryd pods on runs lets me see that it is taking me more power to hit the same paces than is required when wearing either of the Vomero shoes.
While this isn’t the end of the world, it is worth bearing in mind. The aim of a recovery and easy day shoe is to help you save energy for those harder efforts. That said, I really do quite enjoy the feel of the landing in the Cellula 2. It has a dense feel which is yielding underfoot. It doesn’t have the pop of other shoes but it is a shoe which I can happily jog along in for a good 90 minutes or so.
This is another shoe which seems to soften to the foot after an initial break in period. Around the 50km mark, the Anima and Anima N2 foam does seem to have opened up a little and made the initial step in softness a consistent feel across the whole run.
What doesn’t work for me
I am not sure that this counts as not working for me, I think it is a feature rather than a bug, but the lack of energy return and real rocker feel do make it a shoe which I will only reach for if pace isn’t a priority. For example, if I know that I am running with a couple of people who pace push on the morning run, the Cellula 2 will stay on the rack. The weight and the lack of liveliness do limit the types of running which I want to do while wearing it.
Other than that, the midsole and ride comes down to a matter of taste. For some, the depth of cushion, density of the foam and general stability will be a real bonus. For those who prefer a wilder ride, would probably do well to look at other shoes in the segment.
Outsole of the Diadora Cellula 2
Grip and Traction
This is probably my biggest issue with the Cellula 2. Diadora seem to have forgotten that pavements in autumn get slippy and slimy. There is very little traction to be found on those mornings after the rain has fallen, when the leaves cover the tarmac and paving slabs are slick. Over the first 70km I have run in the shoe, I haven’t found this to improve as the rubber wears a little.
In the dry it is fine, however, as it is autumn in the UK, there are very few dry days to be found. While I haven’t found myself hitting the deck yet, I have definitely found myself avoiding some corners which I know are going to be treacherous. Taking a shortcut across a muddy patch of grass is a definite no in these.
Durability
With the build quality and density of the foam, I believe that the Cellula 2 will last a good long time. After my 70km so far, there is very little wear to be found and now that it has broken in a bit, the foam actually feels softer and more comfortable than straight out of the box.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At €170 the Cellula 2 does find itself in some of the higher price tiers for daily shoes. On the plus side for the value we have the build quality and materials used. These are high-quality, robust and comfortable. There is also the foam which I believe will last a good long time underfoot. Whether the puck of softer Anima N2 will decay at a faster rate than the denser Anima foam around it remains to be seen. It is also a very comfortable shoe to wear all day so adds value as a lifestyle option too if it fits your aesthetic.
On the other hand, the lack of versatility which I have found with the shoe does reduce its value for money somewhat in my mind. At times when money is tight for many, a large shoe rotation is a luxury and a shoe with a more Swiss Army Knife versatility is probably appreciated. The Cellula 2 will see you through some slower long runs and easy daily miles but it would not be my first choice for much else.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
As mentioned above, the Cellula has its niche in the easy and pace pressure free mileage zone. It won’t be most people’s workout shoe and I’d be surprised to see it on race start lines. However, the stability it offers along with the durability mean that it could be a good option for those who want a dependable daily which soaks up the shocks and lets you focus on doing the distance.
Final Verdict
The Cellula 2 is a well made shoe which has gained weight since its first version and while the tweaks under the hood have definitely added to the comfort, I am not sure that they have added much to the versatility. If you are looking for a one shoe to rule them all trainer, keep looking. However, if you are looking for a dependable, well-built daily shoe which will suit the majority of foot strikes (even if not foot widths) you could do a lot worse than try this Italian workhorse.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
Diadora Cellula 2 vs Diadora Cellula
Andy: On initial visual inspection, I genuinely thought that the only change was making adding a 2 onto the lateral name plate of the shoe. The tech sheet and running in them showed me that much more had changed. As a very forefoot striker the addition of the Anima N2 in the forefoot is definitely noticeable. While I may not have found it adds much liveliness to the shoe, it definitely adds more comfort. Aesthetically, I probably prefer the first version. That said, it has no impact on the performance of the shoe which is the key factor in everything.
Ivan: I found the first version less bulky on foot. I’m glad they fixed my length issues, though.
Diadora Cellula 2 vs Nike Vomero Plus
For me, this is a very one sided contest. The Vomero Plus is a shoe which you can throw on and run a range of sessions in. From easy runs to more tempo focussed efforts the Vomero Plus just offers me more as a runner. Both are very well built shoes which will last a long time. I am up to 200 miles in the Vomero Plus now and it is still a beautiful run. The Cellula 2 is super comfortable up to some decent distance but doesn’t really give as much back as the Vomero Plus. For me, the Vomero Plus is one of the shoes of the year so beating it is always going to be a tough task.
Diadora Cellula 2 vs. Nike Vomero Premium
In usage, these shoes have much more in common than the Vomero Plus and Cellula 2. Both are weighty shoes although the Vomero Premium doesn’t run as heavy as the scales say. The difference comes in the price and ride. At £209.99, the Vomero Premium is a hugely expensive shoe. While it is well made, The Cellula 2 is just as well built and will last a very long time. As far as the ride goes, what the Cellula 2 lacks in energy return over the Vomero Premium it makes up for in stability.
Nike Vomero Premium vs. New Balance More v6
Overall, from my experience, I would say that these are pretty similar feeling shoes. Both are big, soft and best for easy running. In my use so far, I would probably say that I prefer the Cellula 2 as it has the puck of Anima N2 in the forefoot which just gives it that easier landing for my forefoot strike. Again, this is a battle which comes down to ride preference. Both are very comfortable and come in for the same price. It’s a good time to be a runner.
Nike Vomero Premium vs. Brooks Glycerin Max
While I haven’t had the Glycerin Max 2 on foot yet, I have got a lot of time on feet in the original version. Again, this is a monster of a recovery shoe. It gives all day comfort and buckets of cushion with the DNA Tuned foam. It is in the midsole where these 2 shoes differ.
The softest part of the Glycerin Max is the heel. The big cell foam is most prevalent there to soften the landing. Meanwhile, the forefoot is small cell material which is firmer for a more explosive toe off. The Cellula 2 finds the softest part of the foam in the forefoot puck of Anima N2 with the denser Anima in the heel. Your choice in these shoes is probably dictated by where you land.
Other Opinions
Ivan’s Take on the Diadora Cellula 2
I mostly agree with Andy’s thoughts on the upper of the Diadora Cellula 2. I found the first version a bit too short and narrow in the forefoot. The updated version now fits perfectly in length but feels even narrower, especially around the pinky toe. It creates noticeable pressure there. Other than that, I haven’t had any issues. It’s a bit odd, though, that the tongue is so thin given how well-padded the rest of the shoe is.
As for the ride itself, I must say I’m quite underwhelmed. I’m a light runner with a high cadence, and the shoe feels like it works against me. It’s heavier than the last version, and the denser, stiffer, less rockered midsole makes the ride clunky for my stride. The added weight compared to its predecessor, which I enjoyed more, doesn’t help either. I know Diadora can do better. One of my favorite daily trainers is the Blueshield Mythos Volo 5. That shoe offers plenty of cushioning without ever feeling cumbersome. The extra heft really kills the Cellula 2 for me as a proper daily trainer for me. It’s not that I dislike dense cushioning – it works fine for recovery runs – but I need some assistance on tired-leg days too.
Living in Scandinavia I’m also experiencing some of the same issues with grip as Andy. A shame cause there is plenty of it and I don’t foresee any issues with durability either in any department of the build of the shoe
If I were to recommend the Cellula 2, it would be for a heavier runner than myself. It suits someone who wants a well-cushioned, durable shoe that feels stable and works for easy runs, general fitness, or even casual wear. In that case, it’s definitely a solid option.
