29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Atoms

United States

Atoms is a direct-to-consumer sneaker brand known for its untraditional sizing, which uses quarter sizes. It sells shoes, socks and laces through its own online shop.

Facts
ModelDirect-to-consumer
Beta launch2018
Public launchJune 2019
SizingQuarter sizes, size per foot
Websiteatoms.com
Segment
Premium
Categories
FootwearAccessories
Sales channels
E-commerce

What is Atoms?

Atoms is a direct-to-consumer sneaker brand, operated by Atoms Inc. and sold online. It is known for its untraditional sizing, which offers quarter sizes and lets customers choose a different size for each foot.

History

Atoms debuted in beta in 2018 and went through an invite-only phase to refine its approach before a full public launch in June 2019. At launch the sneaker came in three colourways: black, white and a black-and-white combination.

Products and positioning

The range on its online shop includes Model 000, Model 001, Kids Model 123 and the Model 251 Low, alongside socks, laces, face masks and gift cards. The brand's focus is fit, particularly for people whose feet fall between standard sizes. Its direct-to-consumer approach means customers buy straight from the company's own website.

Why it matters

Atoms is an example of a digital-native footwear label that built its product around a fit problem and sold directly to consumers, without a wholesale network.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Atoms shoes?

Atoms offers quarter sizes and lets customers choose a different size for each foot.

Where can you buy Atoms?

Atoms sells directly to consumers through its own online shop.

All brands