Diadora Frequenza 2 Introduction:
Diadora returns with the Frequenza 2, a shoe designed for tempo paces and fast running. Lightweight, bouncy, and highly responsive, it aims to be a go-to option for those seeking speed without the assistance of a carbon plate. This is the follow up to the original Frequenza which found favour with our reviewers.
Before testing the Diadora Frequenza 2, I had no particular expectations as I had never run in Diadora shoes before. So far I have run around 60km with the shoes, testing them on a mix of long easy runs and tempo paces, mostly around 15 to 20km. While it performs well on easy runs, it truly shines in faster-paced intervals and tempo efforts.
The upper is light, comfortable and retro feeling
Alexandra: From the moment you put them on, the Frequenza 2 feels lightweight and very comfortable to wear.
Heel lockdown is solid, very stable, with generous padding around the heel and extending high up the Achilles. Meanwhile, a rigid insert along the heel’s side provides added stability. The midfoot lockdown is well-balanced as well — not too wide, not too narrow.
In terms of sizing, the shoe runs slightly large. For a more precise fit, I would recommend going half a size down.
I personally really liked the shoe’s style — a very nice soft pink colorway with white and dark pink accents, giving it a retro vibe.
The Frequenza 2 midsole is bouncy and responsive
Alexandra: In terms of midsole, Diadora continues to use its Anima N2 supercritical EVA foam, also found in the Atomo Star. The ride of the Frequenza 2 is both soft and responsive with a great balance between comfort and dynamism. It is on the lighter side for a tempo trainer and you can feel it. After testing the Frequenza 2 at various paces, including long easy runs, tempo efforts and 5-10k paces, I would describe it as a shoe best suited for tempo runs and faster interval sessions.
In terms of comparison, it reminds me of the Hoka Mach 6. This is another lightweight and responsive trainer, part of my everyday rotation that I use for fast sessions on both track and road. The Frequenza 2 offers a similar responsive and bouncy ride (maybe a bit less aggressive).
Something I have really appreciated with this shoe is its cushioning. I had a great experience with the shoes during a 20km long run including a 3x10mn tempo pace effort. This is quite a demanding session for me, that usually generates muscle fatigue. Overall, the shoe provided both responsiveness and comfort. By the end, I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh my legs felt. I had low muscle fatigue and post-run soreness, which speaks to the shoe’s great protection and overall comfort.
The outsole is both durable and offers good grip
Alexandra: The outsole of the Frequenza 2 features Duratech 5000, a wear-resistant rubber compound. I had no slipping issue during my runs with the shoe so far. The rubber coverage feels well-placed, providing a secure grip on various surfaces. So far, I have also noticed minimal wear, which speaks to its durability.
The Frequenza 2 is a true tempo specialist
Alexandra: Thankfully, the Frequenza 2 was a great surprise to me. It is ideal for runners looking for a fast, flexible shoe that performs well during tempo runs, interval sessions, and fartlek workouts. While it can certainly handle easy runs, it truly shines when you push the pace.
Overall, the Frequenza 2 has been a fun and engaging ride. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a responsive, non-plated shoe that can still offer plenty of speed. I’ve really enjoyed training in it and will be adding it to my weekly rotation as my go-to tempo shoe. This release marks an exciting step forward for Diadora’s performance line, offering a combination of quality, aesthetics, and a smooth, energetic ride.
