To pick the best Under Armour running shoes, I reviewed the brand’s shoe lineup and spoke with a brand rep to learn about its current models and distinctive features. How We Selected The Best Under Armour Running Shoes They can only stretch to a certain point, however, and once they reach that point, they lock in place, creating a supportive, secure wrap around your foot.Įach chevron-shaped area can stretch and retract independently as you move, and together, they provide a snug, sock-like fit that constantly adjusts to the shape of your foot while running. When you place your foot inside, the fibers in these raised areas stretch and flatten out to accommodate the unique shape of your foot.

The Clone stitching creates chevron-shaped areas of lofted fabric fibers all over the upper. The Clone upper, a design feature found across the Under Armour running shoe line, is a woven fabric that’s crafted with a specialized stitch pattern that allows your shoe to adjust its shape to fit your foot when you put it on. It’s worth noting that the Velociti Elite, UA’s top running shoe, uses a different, high-performance version of Flow than the brand’s other shoes. It creates a firm, responsive sensation that’s ideal for going fast. (This is very abnormal: Most midsole foams wear down quickly when exposed to contact with the ground.)įlow cushioning gives Under Armour’s top racing shoes, like Velociti 3, their superb durability and grip. Like Hovr, Flow is an exceptionally durable cushion: It’s so strong that UA uses it as both a midsole and an outsole, making the shoe even lighter.

Under Armour uses Hovr in its training shoes, giving models like the Infinite 5 and Machina Clone 3 a firm, but smooth feel underfoot.įlow cushioning is Under Armour’s lightweight racing foam, which is infused with nitrogen and carbon dioxide gasses to make it as springy and propulsive as possible. Hovr is a proprietary cushioning foam that’s especially durable and shock-absorbent–it resists packing down, so the cushioning wears out more slowly than ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), the most commonly used cushion material in running shoes.ĭerived from olefin wax, Hovr creates a firm feeling at toe-off, which helps you push hard and maintain fast paces. Under Armour uses two main cushioning foams in its midsoles called Hovr and Flow. Let’s take a closer look at the brand’s signature tech and features.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing: If you prefer shoes that create a firm, stable platform and don’t squish under your feet, Under Armour shoes could work well for you. They lack the soft, bouncy cushioning feel of other models, like the Nike Alphafly or New Balance 1080. Despite the derision, many runners have found success with UA shoes: Most notably, Sharon Lokedi won the 2022 New York City Marathon wearing a pair of Flow Velociti Elites. Under Armour has learned from its mistakes, and its recent shoes are better, with improved cushioning foams and supportive, well-fitting uppers. That broad derision, however, is based on an antiquated view of the brand. UA shoes can be a bit divisive-the brand gets routinely dragged by users on the Running Shoe Geeks subreddit because of the poor performance of its first running designs. The best shoes in the Under Armour lineup fall into two categories–everyday training shoes (including new models for trail running, like the Hovr Speed) and racing shoes. What to Consider When Shopping for Under Armour Running Shoes I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I’ve updated it regularly as Under Armour releases new shoes and running shoe tech.

I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Under Armour. The Expert: I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. Lately, new models like the Flow Velociti Elite prove that the best Under Armour running shoes can keep pace with the big players in running. After a tough start, it gained traction in the running market in the last 10 years with its SpeedForm running line. Under Armour released its first running shoes in 2009. Founded by University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank in 1996, Under Armour’s technical base layers rapidly gained popularity among athletes, leading to broader appeal for shorts, sweats, and other athletic apparel. Along with companies like Hoka and On, Under Armour is part of a “new” wave of running shoe brands that launched in the past few decades.

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