12 Best Under Armour Running Shoes

Under Armour, which began as a clothing firm in 1996 by University of Maryland football star Kevin Plank, did not enter the running shoe market until 2009. Following the advent of the SpeedForm series of shoes five years later, the brand started to acquire momentum among runners. Simply put, this assortment demonstrated that Under Armour could develop a well-crafted running shoe that could compete with the popularity of its sports clothing.

The SpeedForm technology used UA’s garment experience, bringing advances from the clothing industry into running shoes. The upper of the SpeedForm Apollo, for example, was actually made in a bra factory—an unusual option at first look, but the company’s knowledge with textiles helped UA produce a fabric with an almost seamless finish that gave a tight fit and exceptional durability. Though most of the discussion nowadays is on midsole foams and cushioning, other aspects of the shoe also have an impact on performance. As a result, Under Armour’s ability to create comfortable and breathable uppers is critical.

Not only running, but also hovr-ing

In 2018, Under Armour introduced Hovr, a unique cushioning platform that has since replaced the company’s earlier EVA-based Charged foam in several of its models. To manufacture it, UA collaborated with Dow Chemical to develop a novel foam composition based on olefin wax. As a consequence, the foam is more durable and strikes a balance between a cushioned ride, low weight, and a hard sensation at toe-off.

(This distinct composition distinguishes itself from other manufacturers’ new foams, which often use thermoplastic mixes instead.) Hovr foam is paired with Energy Web, a mesh fabric that surrounds the foam core to assist it retain its form and maximise energy return. UA debuted Flow foam, the company’s lightest cushioning substance to date, in early 2021. It’s tough enough to act as both the midsole and outsole of shoes like the Velociti Wind, so there’s no need for extra heavy rubber on models like the Velociti Wind.

List of best Under Armour running shoes

1) Under Armour running: Hovr Sonic 4

Price: $57.20 – $181.46

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Since its introduction, the Sonic has been lauded for its winning blend of soft cushioning and vibrant energy return. The current model adheres to that recipe. The Hovr foam midsole is securely wrapped in a compressive mesh called Energy Web, preventing its expansion so that more energy returns to you with each stride. (It’s still the same construction that’s been utilized since the shoe’s second edition for a comfortable but responsive ride with “bounce factor that jumps right off the asphalt,” as one of the best Under Armour running shes.)

An exterior TPU heel counter provides stability, while the outsole is made up of a combination of blown rubber and high abrasion rubber for grip and durability. The Sonic 4 has a new stretcher engineered mesh top that breathes well and has built-in “wings” that wrap around your foot for a tight fit. Overall, the Sonic is a genuine do-it-all road shoe that is comfortable for extended runs while yet being fast enough for speedwork.

Pros

• MapMyRun is an app that allows you to log and analyse your runs.
• Suitable for both speedwork and regular runs.
• Hovr Sonic 3 is lighter.

Cons

• Overpronators may not get enough assistance.

2) Under Armour running: Hovr Phantom 2

Price: $159.00

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The Hovr Phantom is the Sonic’s cushier, somewhat heavier twin, and it’s designed for a luxurious ride. The Phantom’s midsole, like the Sonic’s, is comprised of Hovr foam encased in an Energy Web mesh, so the soft cushion holds its form and gives lots of energy return while you run. UA made some changes to the upper for better support and breathability, switching to a flexible flat weave and adding a sturdier midfoot saddle. The Phantom now boasts a more sock-like fit that tightly covers the foot, thanks to a moulded gender-specific sockliner. On the bottom, a complete rubber outsole gives outstanding traction and should last for a long time.

Pros

• MapMyRun is an app that allows you to log and analyse your runs.
• For lengthy runs, enough cushioning and underfoot protection are provided.
• Breathability and support are aided by several upper stretch zones.

Cons

• Heavy
• There is less flexibility in the midfoot.

3) Under Armour running: HOVR Infinite 3

Price: $65.45 – $152.94

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It’s quick and eager to go past the blocks. We were dashing through the streets in the Under Armour running shoes SpeedForm Gemini 3.

This sneaker, like the Velociti Wind, is amazingly light! It didn’t weigh us down, and its presence was imperceptible. Add in the shoe’s bouncy midsole, and you have the ideal combination for speed.

Even better, the top wrap provides excellent support. Despite being so thin and light, it performs a wonderful job of keeping the feet in place. And, hey, it’s a breathable upper!

The SpeedForm Gemini, unlike other tempo shoes on our portfolio, is NOT stiff. Yes, it’s responsive, but it also has enough give to keep your feet comfy from the first to the final mile. Furthermore, there is no need to break it in.

It doesn’t hold back on style, just like a real Under Armour sneaker. Nothing beats the Under Armour Speedform Gemini 3 for dazzling onlookers with both speed and flair May it be Nike, Puma or any other major brand shoe in this category nothing beats Under Armour Speedform Gemini 3.

Pros

• Some runners believed the Under Armour SpeedForm Gemini 3 was refreshingly light on their feet.
• According to one tester, the top section was able to organically adapt to the curve of the foot, resulting in glove-like covering.
• According to a number of customers, the textiles readily enabled air to enter the shoe and kept the foot cool and dry.
• This shoe’s modern design and aesthetics have earned good feedback.
• A runner spoke about how he didn’t need to break in the shoe since it felt comfortable and responsive right away.

Cons

• Some testers reported that the rear of the top unit felt rough and rubbed uncomfortably against their skin.
• According to some customers, the front area of the shoe was a little tight.
• Some runners claimed that the underneath platform was harsher than in earlier generations.

4) Under Armour running: Charged Bandit 6

Price: $55.57 – $90.00

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Skechers isn’t the only company demonstrating that a solid running shoe can be purchased for less than $100. Since its introduction in 2015, Under Armour’s Bandit has been a cheap favourite, and the current edition maintains the shoe’s reputation as a flexible low-cost trainer. The Charged foam is meant to absorb impact forces (though heel strikers may find it unusually hard), and a TPU element sandwiched within the midsole gives further stability. The current version has more padding around the collar, which is a considerable improvement over the Bandit 5’s thinner, irritant-prone material.

Pros

• Suitable for both uptempos and everyday runs.
• The ride is light and quick.
• Plush collar padding has been improved.

Cons

• Heel cushioning that is firm

5) Under Armour running: Hovr Machina 2

Price: $150.00 – $185.95

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With the Hovr Machina, Under Armour has joined the increasingly congested industry of “fast but cushioned” midsoles. The second iteration is similar to the first: A big slab of Hovr cushioning wrapped in Energy Web is bolstered by a two-pronged Pebax plate in the forefoot, which improves responsiveness at toe-off. On extended runs, testers commented that the combination offered a wonderful blend of cushioned softness and dynamic energy return. The successor to the Machina now sports a new mesh upper that promotes ventilation, while carbon rubber pods on the outsole provide more traction with outstanding wear resistance. The Machina 2 is a wonderful choice if you desire a responsive feel in your daily trainer.

Pros

• The soft Hovr foam midsole provides enough heel cushioning.
• Toe-off is quick because to the forefoot plate.

Cons

• Some testers found the rocker-style sole to be a little clumsy.

6) Under Armour : HOVR Machina Off Road

Price: $59.95 – $195.95

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Under Armour’s HOVR Machina Off Road is a trail shoe that also works well on the road. So, if you’re searching for a reliable commuting shoe, this trailblazer is a good choice. And if a great blend of comfort and reactivity is what you’re looking for, this shoe will not disappoint. Except for the fit, everything about the Machina Off Road screams trail-ready. There are different trail shoes to pick from if you prefer a supportive wrap.

Under Armour HOVR Machina Off Road: Designed for speed and durability.

Under Armour’s HOVR Machina Off Road trail shoe is outfitted with a slew of cutting-edge innovations from the company to provide lightness, responsiveness, and protection. To that end, here are some of the trail-specific features of the shoe that you’ll undoubtedly love:

Cushion that is lightweight and responsive. This is due to the shoe’s use of the brand’s featherlight HOVR foam, which is encased by the mesh energy web to increase energy return in each stride.

Heavy-duty defence. The UA HOVR Machina Off Road has a Vibram outsole, which is common in trail shoes. It is a high-strength rubber substance that runs the length of the sole to protect the underfoot from pebbles and sharp objects while also providing a surefooted grip on the trails.

Pros

Grip: The HOVR Machina Off Road has excellent grip on steep ascents and descents, rough terrain, and tarmac.

Comfort: Trail runners like the cushion’s plushness and good impact absorption. According to them, even after lengthy hikes on the route, their legs and feet felt like they could keep going.

Cons

Thin tongue: There is very little cushioning, which does not protect against lace bites.

Narrow toe box: Even those with thin feet find it a little confining.

7) Under Armour : Hovr Guardian 2

Price: $80.01 – $106.04

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The Guardian builds on UA’s Hovr/Energy Web cushioning composition by adding added stability characteristics for overpronators. The medial post in the midsole is the most noticeable change, but there’s also a beefed-up exterior heel counter to provide more support and keep your heel in place. The cushioning is relatively stiff, as with the Infinite, but an EVA sockliner provides adequate step-in plushness for comfort as the mile count rises. What’s the catch? All of that technology, along with a solid rubber outsole, makes these shoes rather weighty and rigid.

Pros

• The outsole is tough and can resist a lot of wear and tear.
• The midsole is quite supportive and relatively solid.

Cons

• Less energy is returned.

8) Under Armour : Hovr Infinite 3

Price: $67.77 – $133.06

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The Infinite is Under Armour’s premier distance shoe, and it’s particularly plush for optimal comfort on long runs. It’s built on a huge slice of Hovr foam. (Our RW Shoe Lab testing revealed that it is stiffer than the Sonic, although testers raved about the cushioning after lengthy road runs.) The standard combination of Hovr cushioning and an Energy Web wrap delivers effective shock absorption and energy return without feeling too spongy or packing out at the conclusion of longer-distance runs. Underfoot, the outsole is studded with rubber from heel to toe for a secure grip, while deeper grooves beneath the forefoot aid in the shoe’s flexibility. A moulded EVA sockliner provides a plusher feel to the overall design, making it a capable and comfortable trainer for runners who expect to put in a lot of miles during their next marathon training cycle.

Pros

• MapMyRun is an app that allows you to log and analyse your runs.
• Outsole is quite durable.
• Ample cushioning with a reasonable level of softness; not too squishy.

Cons

• Stiff
• Less suitable for high-speed tasks.

9) Under Armour : Hovr Guardian 2

Price: $80.01 – $106.04

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The Guardian builds on UA’s Hovr/Energy Web cushioning composition by adding added stability characteristics for overpronators. The medial post in the midsole is the most noticeable change, but there’s also a beefed-up exterior heel counter to provide more support and keep your heel in place. The cushioning is relatively stiff, as with the Infinite, but an EVA sockliner provides adequate step-in plushness for comfort as the mile count rises. What’s the catch? All of that technology, along with a solid rubber outsole, makes these shoes rather weighty and rigid.

Pros

• The outsole is tough and can resist a lot of wear and tear.
• The midsole is quite supportive and relatively solid.

Cons

• Less energy is returned.

10) Under Armour : Flow Velociti Wind

Price: $104.06

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The Flow Velociti Wind is an essential new product from Under Armour. It is built for speed, and it feels quick mostly because of what the design does not include: a hefty protective rubber outsole. Instead, the shoe makes use of UA’s innovative Flow cushioning substance, which is strong enough to be used as both a midsole and an outsole. It’s also got a redesigned Warp upper with tape-like overlays in crucial locations for increased support without adding weight.

The Velociti Wind is a fast and lightweight bike that is ideal for speedwork and even extended races. “The cushioning is comfortable but not sluggish, making it ideal for tempo runs.” “It has tremendous bounce and a sleeker, less bulky profile than more cushioned sneakers like the Hoka Mach 4,” one tester remarked. “The Velociti Wind offered an excellent combination of cushioning and responsiveness, blending into the background and letting me to just enjoy running.”

Pros

• MapMyRun is an app that allows you to log and analyse your runs.
• Upper is breathable and airy.
• The cushioning is substantial, yet responsive and agile, with superb ground feel.

Cons

• Some testers believed that the rounded midsole was less stable.
• pricier than comparable daily trainers

11) Under Armour : Charged Bandit Trail Gore-Tex

Price: $90.73 – $96.54

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The Charged Bandit Trail takes the adaptable low-cost trainer and beefs it up for the dirt. The Charged midsole and grooved outsole are the same as on the road version, so anticipate a strong heel and decent flexibility. The key distinctions are located on the top and outsole: A Gore-Tex upper keeps water out and TPU overlays enhance durability, while an off-road lugged high-abrasion rubber outsole offers traction. Not concerned about the rain? Non-GTX men’s and women’s variants are also available at a lower price.

Pros

• Upper is water-resistant.
• Affordably priced all-weather protection

Cons

• Hovr foam is more responsive than charged cushioning.

12) Under Armour : Charged Pursuit 2

Price: $27.60 – $70.00

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The Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 blew us away with its very comfortable and light build for the price of $70.

We took this shoe through 50 miles of testing, and it has performed well from start to end. The foam cushions the foot so nicely that each step feels like you’re walking on air.

Furthermore, it does not place any strain on the feet. This is by certainly one of the lightest shoes we’ve ever worn, and we love it!

It may lack the bells and whistles of higher-end sneakers on the market, but it performs just as well, particularly in terms of traction. We had no problems with steadiness on both dry and slippery roads.

We were as surefooted as heck even in tight bends!

To top it all off, the Charged Pursuit 2 from Under Armour is a guaranteed style winner. It’s so elegant that turning heads is a piece of cake.

Pros

• The looks of the Under Armour Charged Pursuit 2 are quite enticing to those who have tried it.
• Those who do not wish to limit their movements and speed will appreciate the lightweight build of this road running shoe.
• Many customers have commented on how reasonable the pricing of this product is.

Cons

• A few testers have reported shaky in-shoe experiences, claiming that the top isn’t as secure as anticipated.
• Someone has claimed that the upper is unable to breathe properly.

3 distinguishing features of Under Armour running sneakers

Novelty

In comparison to many other running shoe makers, the Under Armour brand is relatively new. As a result, they are more in tune with current trends and can provide designs that appeal to the present market.

Outstanding marketing

Nike and Adidas may thrive with eye-catching advertisements and easy marketing strategies, but UA takes a different approach. Under Armour running shoes are designed with the customer and their performance in mind, rather than the product.

technologically advanced

Under Armour is one of only two companies that provide running shoes that can be wirelessly linked to a phone app. They receive marks for mixing technology and exercise in a novel manner with this invention.

Under Armour runners’ notable technologies

HOVR

The HOVR is one of Under Armour’s midsole technological advancements. Because of the softness and lightness of the midsole, HOVR running shoes promise to provide a zero-gravity experience. This produces an effective energy return that many runners equate to Adidas Boost.

Micro G (Microgram)

Under Armour’s Micro G is a midsole component that is 30% thinner than competitors. Users who like greater ground touch can choose UA running shoes with Micro G. This technology has also been shown to be beneficial in other Under Armour shoe categories, such as basketball and training.

Cushioning with a Charge

Charged Cushioning is a dual-density midsole technology with a hard heel and a soft forefoot. This pattern fosters a forceful heel strike and a lively toe-off.

SpeedForm

SpeedForm is a revolutionary top featuring a smooth seamless fabric fused with a moulded heel cup to provide a second-skin sensation and a stable rearfoot grasp. While other companies have their own upper technology, the SpeedForm structure is unique.

Runners who choose shoes with sturdy but lightweight uppers have favoured the SpeedForm technology.