5 Best Under Armour Running Shoes in 2026

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
5 Best Under Armour Running Shoes in 2026

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Under Armour may seem like a less popular brand when placed alongside Nike and Adidas. However, UA offers various running shoes, and we're here to help you pick the best ones.

We have personally bought (with our own money) and tested running shoes from UA to see which ones truly stand out. We selected our top picks from different categories to save you time. Check them out!

How we test Under Armour running shoes


To save you time, we spend 10-13 hours reviewing every Under Armour shoe. As an independent shoe testing lab, we receive no free shoes from the brand.

Here is our process:

  • We run 30-50 miles on average in each pair. We cover different terrains and run at different paces to personally experience when and where the shoes shine.
  • We cut shoes into pieces and measure 30+ data points related to their performance, such as flexibility, breathability, midsole softness, upper and outsole durability, insole thickness, etc. 
  • We publish all our in-depth reviews on our website, and the reviews include our test results from both the lab and the test runs. 
  • We pick the best of the best based on all the tests we do, inside and outside the lab.

Best Under Armour running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Infinite Elite 2 delivered everything in one shoe – snappiness, deep cushioning, and balanced strides. Lab results verify its midsole offers springy toe-offs, gentle landings, and impressive stability, making it our top choice among Under Armour running shoes.

IE2 is anything but dull, and our energy return test validates our observation with very impressive scores of 72.6% in the heel and 74.8% in the forefoot. These figures indicate it can handle speed training effortlessly.

We can not only run fast, but far too, as IE2 packs tonnes of foam in its platform, 40.1/33.1 mm to be specific. Besides its height, the cushion itself can reduce the effects of impact, with above-average shock absorption scores of 144 SA in the heel and 121 SA in the forefoot.

To ensure a safe ride, the stiff midsole reduces aggressive lateral movement during fast paces. In our attempts to twist the shoe, it resisted firmly, so we rated it with a high 4/5 torsional rigidity score.

Unfortunately, this trainer tipped the scales to a heavy 10.2 oz (288g). Those seeking more agility should find a lightweight shoe.

Pros

  • Explosive energy return
  • Maxed-out cushioning
  • Lighter and faster than version 1
  • Stable despite its towering height
  • Breathable upper
  • Reliable lockdown
  • A-tier durability
  • Improved traction
  • Shines for midfoot strikers

Cons

  • Toebox is a bit narrow
  • Still not a lightweight shoe
  • Not flexible at all
Full review of Under Armour Infinite Elite 2

Best Under Armour running shoes for race

What makes it the best?

The Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 marries propulsion and impact protection well, making it our best Under Armour racer as it’s reliable for any distance. Lab results support our well-cushioned and dynamic experience on the road, topped off with seamless breathability.

Slicing the midsole in half, we found a carbon plate embedded in the cushioning. Testing for the foam’s energy return, the heel impressed with 72.3% and the forefoot a solid 73.3%, which explains the bounce and liveliness we enjoyed in our runs.

Upon each takeoff, gentle landings followed. We credit the platform’s strong shock absorption, reaching above-average scores of 133 SA in the rear and 119 SA up front. These results indicate serious protection and readiness for up to marathon distances.

The ride feels like a breath of fresh air since the upper is extremely breezy. It showcased superior performance in our breathability tests, earning a well-deserved 5/5 score. We had no worries about hotspots and blisters and could purely focus on our performance.

However, its 9.1 oz (257g) weight is excessive for a super shoe. We expected more given its high £230 price. Speed runners who value lightness and agility should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Ultra-breathable upper
  • Top energy return
  • Solid traction
  • Outstanding traction on dry surfaces
  • Wide toebox (for a racer)
  • Smooth transitions for midfoot strikers
  • Complies with World Athletics
  • Built for the marathon distance
  • TPE insole for added responsiveness

Cons

  • Heavier than most rivals
  • Midsole lacks top-tier energy return
  • Outsole durability is a major concern
  • Outsole durability is a major concern
Full review of Under Armour Velociti Elite 2

Best Under Armour daily running shoes

What makes it the best?

Among Under Armour running shoes, we found the Infinite Pro to be the best daily trainer. It’s comfortable for burning everyday mileage with its max-stack and strong ventilation, backed up by lab tests. Plus, we found it draws stability from its stiff build and broad heel.

We measured the stack height of this trainer at 41.3/33.0 mm, comfortably exceeding the lab average. On foot, it’s hard to feel any ground feedback because the foam is so thick. Moreover, we recorded impressive shock absorption scores, especially at the forefoot with 116 SA.

To offset potential imbalances from its height, Infinite Pro features a broad 97.8 mm heel. Moreover, it offers strong resistance to twisting, emerging 18% stiffer than average.

It features a plush knit upper without compromising ventilation. In our test, whatever smoke we pumped in could steadily escape, earning a solid 4/5 in breathability. This pair is not only ready for daily use but also all-year-round wear.

However, it felt heavy in terms of speed and weight. Its thick cushioning pulled its weight down to 10.8 oz (305g), making it 15% heavier than average. Since so many lightweight daily trainers are available, we recommend checking for alternatives if this feature is disappointing.

Pros

  • Comfortable and breathable knit upper
  • Maximalist stack height
  • Stable platform for heel strikers
  • Thick, padded tongue
  • Durable outsole pods
  • Competitive pricing
  • Accurate 8-mm drop
  • Solid traction

Cons

  • Heavy weight
  • Upper durability issues
  • Less than expected shock absorption
  • Stiff build
Full review of Under Armour Infinite Pro

Best slip-on running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Under Armour SlipSpeed Mega fits its name perfectly, with its quick and easy on and off wear because of its flexible and foldable heel, making it our best slip-on Under Armour running shoe in the lab. Its versatile design makes it suitable for activities beyond running. Plus, it’s impressively stable despite its thick platform.

We pinched and folded the heel counter, and it followed immediately, earning the lowest 1/5 stiffness score. This collapsible design allows us to use it for casual wear and daily walks, too.

Underfoot, we measured a mega 40.7/28.8 mm cushion that lifted us off the ground. It offers enough impact protection, but also doesn’t erase surface feedback completely, which is a plus for some runners. Our shock absorption test shows near-average scores of 118 SA in the heel and 105 SA in the forefoot.

Given its height, SlipSpeed Mega counters instability with a broad base. Measuring 117.5/95.0 mm, we surely stayed within the confines of the shoe at all times.

However, it has no ventilation at all, which caused us to overheat during warm weather. Runners who need airflow should find an alternative.

Pros

  • Maximalist cushioning
  • Convertible heel for dual-purpose wear
  • Machine-washable for easy maintenance
  • Lightning-fast BOA lacing system
  • Fantastic toebox durability
  • Ideal for cold weather
  • Unique aesthetics
  • Stable heel
  • Fairly priced for having BOA

Cons

  • Heavier than a brick
  • Slippery on rainy days
  • Outsole wears down fast
  • Narrow toebox
Full review of Under Armour SlipSpeed Mega

Best budget Under Armour running shoes

What makes it the best?

Our runs indicate that the Under Armour Surge 4 is a well-balanced shoe, limiting lateral movement while allowing fluidity for forward movement. It has several elements that cradle our feet in place, supported by a surprisingly durable outsole for its £60 price. Staying far under the £100 range, it’s our best budget Under Armour running shoe.

The lateral TPU heel inserts and broad platform offer a steady presence in our wear tests, keeping us centred within the shoe. They generate twist resistance, which we proved with a 4/5 torsional rigidity score in our assessment. Our calliper also verifies a wide 116.3/94.8 mm base.

Thankfully, the shoe still has a lot of give for bending our feet. In our flex test, it emerged at par with average, enhancing comfort for easy days.

We tested the outsole immediately after minimal signs of use in our runs. Our Dremel shaved off only 0.9 mm of rubber, 18% less than the average. Being extra thick at 4.5 mm, we have a solid layer of protection underfoot, since the outsole won’t easily get punctured.

Sadly, while the outsole can take long mileage, our muscles can’t because of the shoe’s limited shock absorption. Those looking for a highly cushioned feel should go for another trainer.

Pros

  • Good traction
  • Very affordable price
  • Stable and secure ride
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Comfortable heel and tongue
  • Suitable for daily wear
  • Pressure-free lacing system
  • Durable outsole

Cons

  • Very low energy return
  • Weak shock absorption
  • Not for serious running
  • Firm feel underfoot
Full review of Under Armour Surge 4
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.