If you haven’t heard of Diadora yet, let me introduce you to a brand that’s quickly gaining traction in the running world. Diadora, an Italian company, has been around for decades but made its mark in the U.S. running shoe market in 2009. Since then, their shoes have steadily grown in popularity, with more runners reaching for their models each year.
Now, with the release of the Diadora Cellula (pronounced chell-you-la), they’ve taken a bold step into the world of high-cushion daily trainers. I’ve put in 20-30 miles in these shoes, and I’m excited to share my experience. The Diadora Cellula is part of their 2024 lineup, designed for easier paces and daily mileage. It complements Diadora’s versatile range, sitting alongside the Frequenza, a bouncy uptempo shoe, and the Gara Carbon, their long-distance racer. Each shoe offers its own unique ride, making Diadora a solid choice for runners looking to build a well-rounded shoe rotation.
Key specifications:
Brand: Diadora
Model: Cellula
Weight: 9.8 oz. (277 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 33 mm
Toe: 28 mm
Heel drop: 5 mm
Carbon plate: No plate
Price: $170
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
Upper
The upper of the Diadora Cellula combines functionality and style, offering a solid balance between breathability and support. Its nylon air mesh and microfiber construction create a “sandwich” effect with two layers—an outer non-stretch layer for structure and an inner perforated liner for ventilation. This design ensures your feet stay cool, especially during long runs. The overlays, made from a soft suede-like material, add a touch of durability without sacrificing comfort.
At the back, the Diadora Cellula features a rigid heel counter with extensive padding, stretching up to the last lace area. This design locks the heel securely, preventing any slipping while providing enough cushioning without feeling bulky. The wide toe box offers ample room for natural toe splay, making it ideal for runners looking for both comfort and performance.
Midsole
The midsole of the Diadora Cellula combines comfort and performance, making it ideal for runners seeking a dependable and cushioned experience. Powered by ANIMA technology, the midsole increases reactivity by 30% while reducing weight by 20%, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition from heel to toe. This makes it feel light underfoot without compromising on support. While it doesn’t offer the bouncy, spring-like feel of some trainers, the Diadora Cellula provides a stable, plush ride that absorbs impact well, perfect for those who enjoy steady, long-distance runs.
The shoe also features a removable DDATTIVO insole, which adds an extra layer of comfort and breathability. This high-density foam insole helps keep your feet cool and reduces fatigue by providing excellent cushioning without unnecessary weight. It also has antibacterial properties to help eliminate odors, making the shoe more comfortable for extended wear. Overall, the midsole design of the Diadora Cellula ensures a reliable and comfortable ride, ideal for racking up the miles in a stable and supportive package.
Outsole
The outsole of the Diadora Cellula is built to withstand the toughest conditions, thanks to the DURATECH 5000 rubber compound. This special material covers high-wear areas, ensuring durability far beyond standard rubber. Whether you’re running on slick surfaces or rough terrain, the grip feels solid and reliable, giving you confidence with every step. Though it might not lead the pack in grip, it’s certainly above average, especially in damp conditions.
Who can benefit from the Diadora Cellula?
The Diadora Cellula is ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning in their daily workouts or long-distance runs. It’s particularly suited for those with a neutral stride who weigh 80 kg or more. With its high stack height of over 33mm and a 5 mm drop, it provides a stable and cushioned ride, making it a great choice for medium-paced or long-distance runs. The shoe is designed to support heavier runners while offering good responsiveness and durability thanks to Diadora’s Anima midsole technology and Duratech 5000 rubber outsole
Verdict
The Diadora Cellula is a neutral and fairly stable daily trainer that seamlessly complements the other two more dynamic releases, Frequenza and Gara Carbon, in rotation. Alternatively, it stands strong as a “one-shoe-only” choice for many runners, catering to their needs for easy going weekly runs and occasional fitness or casual wear purposes as well. While the ride might not offer the same level of fun or propulsion as many other daily trainers nowadays, it provides ample comfort and protection in a finely designed “package,” as expected from the Diadora brand.