The weather is finally getting to a place where you are don't need as many layers to keep warm just to go for a run, or you may just be ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Under Armour Infinite Elite
Under Armour Slipspeed Mega
Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
Under Armour Inifinite Elite
About: The Under Armour Infinite Elite is a maximalist shoe built for endurance running. One glance at its massive stack height made of UA's newest HOVR+ beaded foam gives the impression that it will be like running on a cloud. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While the new foam does provide significant cushioning and protection, the ride is surprisingly (and disappointingly) stiff. Additionally, the knit upper is thick and inflexible resulting in it being a bit warm.
On the positive side, the thick, cushioned midsole does indeed provide lots of protection and stability. While it certainly is not built for speed due to both its weight and lack of responsiveness, when it comes to daily runs on tired legs it gets the job done. Moreover, it gets more comfortable with time and with its durable outsole, is well-suited to last without breaking down. All in all, while the Under Armour Infinite Elite isn't a "fast" shoe, it is a work horse. For UA fans looking for a neutral, yet stable, cushioned shoe ready to go for some longer, slower miles it may be just right, but it would benefit from more springiness, lighter weight, and better breathability.
As an endurance shoe, the Infinite Elite is made to go the distance. With its maximalist construction, it provides stability, cushioning, and durability for the long run.
Things We Liked:
"I really enjoyed the cushioned, stable feel on days when my legs were tired but I had more miles to run."
"It’s nice to have a light weight option that can withstand a long distance run while providing cushion and comfort."
Areas for Improvement:
"The construction of the upper needs improvement. The thick knit was hot and didn't stretch and the (relatively) wide midfoot made it difficult to get them laced comfortably. I found myself over tightening the laces to compensate which resulted in my toes going numb on several runs."
"The shoes are a little bit wide for my foot."
Final Thoughts
The UA Infinite Elites delivered the comfort for long distance runners. For runners that require support this shoe is an excellent option for short distance and recovery. The material made with the shoe also provides your foot the air needed to keep cool.
The UA Infinite Elites offers extreme comfort made with thick cushion that provides a bounce back for runners to keep going. For all types of runners the shoe is light in weight which will make a run enjoyable. Many options and multiple colors are offered for the shoe that will match all types of athletic clothes. Shoe can be used for different type of workouts not just running.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 9.3oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road
- Fit: True to Fit
- Ideal for: Recovery or Long Distances
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Under Armour Slipspeed Mega
About: The Under Armour SlipSpeed Mega hit the shelves on February 14th, redefining the boundaries of performance and style. This newest iteration in the SlipSpeed lineup takes everything we adore about the trainer and elevates it to a new level, catering to the bold, style-forward athlete.
Under Armor SlipSpeed Mega was first debuted at UA Next athletes at the beginning of the 2024 at their All-America camp and had a very limited release in early January with two exclusive colorways of Fire & Ice. More colorways have officially arrived!!
Things We Liked:
"I really like the convertible heal, having the ability just to slip them on to quickly but when I need the lock in, when putting on some miles, I can quickly and easily pull the heal up."
Areas for Improvement:
"My biggest long term concern is the BOA system, and the longevity of it. This is my first pari of shoes that have this on them so I don’t have enough experience with it. Time will tell here.
Fit/Feel/Comfort:
"I have worn several UA shoes in the past and these by far are the most comfortable and cushioned UA shoes out there. They are true to size and with the ability to customize the feel, via the BOA® system gives you max comfort with just a turn of the dial."
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a great versatile shoe, these are the ones. Easy to slip on for a quick walk, errands or even after the gym to slipping fully into the shoe for you and locking in for your run or intense gym workout. I can’t stress enough the comfort in these Under Armour shoes, I can wear these all day.
Buy:
Unisex
UA Velociti Elite 2
About: Under Armour, renowned for its commitment to innovation, has once again expanded the boundaries of their footwear with the Velociti Elite 2 – a “super shoe” with unique attributes that will attract a distinct crowd with its anatomical foot shape, wider toe box, and low-drop.
With its sleek design and vibrant colorways, the Velociti Elite 2 not only performs like a champion but also looks the part ! One of the most striking features of the Velociti Elite 2 is its lightweight construction. crafted with web-like WARP mesh uppers (that you can actually see through) these shoes offer a snug, locked-in fit to keep you cool while blazing on the race course. Built to endure the demands of high-mileage running, the outsoles’ multidirectional grooves boost traction and grip without wear and tear – offering longevity for its runner.The Velociti Elite 2's advanced midsole blends Under Armour's FLOW and Pebax foams for exceptional cushioning and energy return, featuring 30% more Pebax foam than its predecessor. Despite its slightly heavier build for carbon racing shoes, it still provides a lightweight feel, energy-saving responsiveness, and impressive bounce. Equipped with a full-length carbon-fiber plate, low drop and high stack height, the entire midsole caters to mid-forefoot strikers providing effortlessly explosive toe-offs.
These have become my new favorite trainers! I really feel the shoe kick in with faster tempos and during progressive runs.
Things We Liked:
"It's awesome to finally have a performance shoe from UA."
"Though every detail about this shoe was crafted for marathoners looking for their next super shoe, I feel this shoe is ideal for 10k through half marathons. It's still a little heavy in comparison to its competitors, and the extra weight can add up significantly ass the miles stack up."
Areas for Improvement:
"It's minor, but the laces are too long. I don't "lace lock" my shoes so there's a lot of lace dangling and flopping when I ran."
"For the price of the shoe, the weight is still the biggest set-back. "
Final Thoughts
"The Velociti Elite is a true performance distance running shoe that can compete with the major players in the run footwear category. The Elites are light, nimble, stable, and punchy with the carbon fiber plating and Flow rubber-less outer sole.
"Weighing in at 8.2 oz., they're not quite as light as the some other super shoes at 7.0 oz., but an ounce of weight is negligible for most who are truly able to put these kicks to the test. The slimmed down outer sole makes for less energy transfer to the ground on foot strike, and the carbon fiber plate responds with profound snappiness on toe off for hard, sustained distance running.
The shoe's upper design is extremely light, breathable, durable, and comfortable in tests, but leaves a bit to be desired in terms of colorway and pattern. Lady Marmalade comes to mind. But, if we're putting function over form, the Velociti Elites could easily turn heads twice: first at the starting line with chuckles, and second at the finish line with PRs.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 8.2oz
- Price: $250
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road
- Fit: True to Fit
- Ideal for: Speed, Long Distances
Check out the other shoes in the Spring Shoe Guide.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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