Under Armour Men's 3023017-004 Trainers

Product Information

The breathability of the shoe was pretty good. The knit material provides good breathability and lets airflow through the shoe at a pretty standard rate. In terms of walking or just working out at the gym, it's comfortable; but for the hard impact of running, it just is not. An unpleasant ride in the HOVR Phantom 2 The Clone upper stretches and contracts to match the shape of your feet, even as they swell up over the course of your run, so you get a snug fit that won’t feel constricting on longer efforts. The upper also features a rigid external heel counter that supports your heel and ankle, so the shoe won’t feel wobbly when cornering or running across uneven ground.

The sole has pronounced toe spring, where the sole curves upward off the ground under your toes, which helps you roll smoothly from landing to toe-off. It’s topped off with a knit upper that boasts good breathability and creates a secure fit. The weight of the HOVR Phantom 2 is one of the things that also cause the shoe to be very underwhelming. It weighs 11.5oz/327g., which is very heavy for a running shoe (average weight for road running shoes is 9.7oz/274g. It definitely just feels heavy and dead underfoot, so this is not a very responsive or fast shoe. Just fine durability And just like Under Armour’s other running shoes, the Elite’s Flow midsole is designed to be durable, so there’s no need for a separate rubber outsole. Cutting the rubber out of the design makes the shoe substantially lighter, giving it an edge over racers from other brands (including the Endorphin Elite and the Vaporfly). The ultralight upper on top provides a close wrap around the foot and maximum breathability, so your feet stay cool even when you’re really cranking. The underside of the Flow layer has an undulating pattern of grooves that reliably grip the road. And, in standard Under Armour fashion, it’s durable enough to withstand repeated impacts, so the shoe won’t wear down after a few miles, unlike most shoes with exposed midsoles. That means there’s no need for a separate, heavy outsole, which shaves off considerable weight. Under Armour brings its Hovr cushioning to the trail with the Hovr Speed. As the name implies, it’s designed to be a lightweight, speed-focused model for spirited trail running and racing.Outsole: Plenty of rubber provides for ample traction. The rubber seems durable and high quality. After 140km mainly on the road there is no wear that I can see. The Hovr Machina 3 Clone is a step up from its predecessors. Its redesigned midsole features two types of Hovr foam: A firmer version in the forefoot, and softer one in the heel. The combination creates strong impact absorption on landing and more lively toe-offs. That said, don’t expect a super bouncy shoe–the Machina felt decidedly firm in my testing. Finally, the outsole is made from a combination of lightweight blown rubber and tough carbon rubber. The blown rubber reduces weight, while the carbon rubber, placed under the heel, adds durability where you need it most. Both materials are scored with grooves, boosting the shoe’s flexibility. Midsole: UA call it ‘HOVR cushioning’. According to the company it involves ‘a full-length, soft HOVR surrounded by a mesh ‘Energy Web ‘ that creates a zero-gravity feel and energy return.’ Wow – zero-gravity feel!!! HOVR Foam: It is not a hugely soft ride. The Pegasus 37 and Clifton 7; they are both way softer. But you can definitely feel the softness of the HOVR Foam, especially if you are a heel striker. It is an incredibly responsive shoe, fine for long runs or shorter tempo efforts.

Derived from olefin wax, Hovr creates a firm feeling at toe-off, which helps you push hard and maintain fast paces. Under Armour uses Hovr in its training shoes, giving models like the Infinite 5 and Machina Clone 3 a firm, but smooth feel underfoot. The Velociti Wind 2 won praise from RW testers for its surprising durability and grip, and this new, updated design retains those attributes. The shoe still has a full-length layer of Flow cushioning, but it’s tweaked to be even softer and lighter, according to Under Armour.

Under Armour earned a bad rep among runners early on and hasn’t been able to shake it. Today, the most popular complaint with Under Armour’s current shoes is that they’re too firm. I happen to agree with the sentiment, based on the UA shoes I’ve tried over the past year or so, including the Machina 3 Clone and the Flow Velociti Elite. That broad derision, however, is based on an antiquated view of the brand. Under Armour has learned from its mistakes, and its recent shoes are better, with improved cushioning foams and supportive, well-fitting uppers. 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. With its relatively low weight, tough outsole, and smooth ride, it’s a standout choice for everyday training and walking, too—and you won’t have to spend a fortune to get a pair. 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. 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.