The Best Under Armour Running Shoes in 2023, Tested by Certified Fitness Trainers
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The Best Under Armour Running Shoes in 2023, Tested by Certified Fitness Trainers

Jun 27, 2023

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FEW SPORTSWEAR BRANDS in the past decade have been as influential as Under Armour. Launched in 1996, the Baltimore-based label has consistently churned out reliable, forward-thinking trainers and workout clothes that look as great as they perform. That's doubly true for its running shoes, thanks to the brand's signature tech: UA FLOW, UA HOVR, and UA Charged.

UA Flow is a durable one-piece foam design that's so grippy it eliminates the need for a rubber outsole, making Under Armour's lightest weight shoe yet. Meanwhile the UA HOVR is a proprietary foam purpose built for maximum shock absorption. Lastly, UA Charged's cushioning is optimized for energy return, meaning a springier stride. These innovations are just a few of the many reasons UA has become the second bestselling sportswear brand in America.

With so many shoe models, cushioning options, shoe weights, and heel drops, choosing the right running shoe can take a lot of work. Thankfully, we did the heavy lifting for you. We researched and tested UA's inventory to find the best Under Armour running shoes in 2023.

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This new and improved model has tech features that make it a great choice for race training, up-tempo days, and track runs. One of these additions is a tatami-stitch heel, which aims to provide a more consistent lockdown around the back of the foot, keeping you comfortable for long runs.

The shoe's best feature, however, remains the Flow midsole. The brand's midsole foam has a one-piece design that eliminates rubber on the bottom of the shoe, shaving off precious ounces for an overall lighter shoe. The Warp upper is also feather light while still providing a solid lockdown.

Under Armour enters the super shoe race with the Flow Velociti Elite. This will become your go-to shoe for race day, from fast 5Ks to marathons, and your toughest speed training workouts.

This racer is all about lightweight speed. The new Warp 2.0 upper is breatheable while still locking down your fit. Meanwhile, the brand's ultralight, rubber-free Flow midsole tech and a full-length carbon fiber plate make for a snappy, propulsive ride with solid traction on road surfaces. These kicks are made to go fast, so don't waste them on your more relaxed training days.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

Sometimes you want a shoe that does the job at a price point that won't break the bank. Enter the Charged Assert 9, which offers a ton of cushioning to absorb shock, which means less wear and tear with each stride.

Testers say that the shoe has a secure-yet-cozy fit that makes it a cinch to get through most short-distance runs, and its upper mesh helps with breathability. All these features for under $100 makes the Charged Assert 9 a great value pick.

Sometimes you need an all-purpose shoe that can take you from standing all day at work, to training at the gym, and everywhere in between. Consider the HOVR Machina 3, our choice for the best daily trainer.

The shoe's hero feature: its UA HOVR cushioning, which provides a secure fit and excellent shock absorption to help take the load off your joints when you're on the move. For guys looking for a great everyday trainer, you'll be hard-pressed to find one better.

The Charged Pursuit 3 is another jack-of-all-trade shoe. As with the Assert 9, this model also uses UA's Charged cushioning tech, and the foam padding around the ankle and tough gives optimal support and stability, which comes especially handy for training (think: plyometrics, agility, and strength).

It has a sleek, minimalist design for extra style points, and comes in 16 colorways. In other words, the Charged Pursuit 3 looks as good as it performs.

While the UA HOVR Infinite has a newer model in the Infinite series, its third-generation model has better reviews, and we agree. Featuring the ever-responsive HOVR cushioning tech, wearing this shoe helps propel your step forward for a soft and comfortable stride, which makes it especially useful for longer runs.

The carbon rubber pods in the heel of the sole help minimize high-impact forces too, which can wear you down the farther you run. It's a great option for marathoners who need trainers that can go the distance.

Although this shoe is technically categorized as a “training shoe," the SlipSpeed is durable enough to take on some short runs (think 3-5 miles, max). They're not designed for running, but given their convertible nature, they're a good option for people who want a shoe they can easily slip on for weight lifting workouts that can also handle some short runs.

"They're more of a hybrid shoe/not really a great runner. But I do love them and love the concept of them for ease of use," says Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director.

The SlipSpeed shoe utilizes UA Flow tech cushioning for a lighter, quicker trainer that offers exceptional grip and ground responsiveness. The shoe also employs UA's Boa Fit system, ditching the need for traditional laces, and offers a "turn dial" lacing system that locks in snugness. Another great aspect: the breathable upper material, which gives the feel of a personalized 3-D printed shoe. It also has a unique gel-padded insole featuring UA's ISO-Chill technology, which helps keep your feet cool while running, which comes incredibly useful once summer really heats up.

Sporting a chunky, out-of-this-world design, the UA HOVR Summit Fat Tire Cuff is built to go anywhere, and we mean anywhere. Inspired by mountain bike tires, the Michelin (yes, the tire brand) outsole bottoms don heavily treaded lugs for maximum grip. This is vital when selecting a trail shoe, as terrains are often uneven, which can cause traction issues. UA also opted for a thicker HOVR cushioning, making this shoe built to withstand tons of miles, whether hiking or going on long-distance trail runs. Plus, its stretch bootie collar provides maximum ankle support for uneven terrain.

The Summit Fat Tire features a laceless cord system, which can take some time to get used to, but offers extra snugness. The shoe also has an attachable ankle cuff, which can help protect your dogs from the elements. Some reviewers have noted that this model shoe tends to run snug and small, so we recommend going at least a half shoe size up.

The bold HOVR Phantom 3 serves up style and function, featuring the SpeedForm 2.0, UA's proprietary liner that provides a soft, sock-like fit and ample underfoot support. Meanwhile its UA IntelliKnit is lightweight and breathable, and provides a distinct, cool-looking texture.

Plus, its HOVR cushioning tech helps return energy with each stride, while the molded midfoot and heel cup offers extra stability.

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's fitness team to find the best Under Armour running shoes for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., tested the top Under Armour models to evaluate the energy return of their Energy Web netting, the Hovr foam's softness, and just how well they fit. We also reviewed feedback from our Sneaker Awards testers, who have tried over 200 running shoes.

Jeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who's based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp.

Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.

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FEW SPORTSWEAR BRANDSBest On Running Shoes | Best Hoka Running Shoes | Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet | Best Trail Running ShoesRead more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes