Our verdict

The Under Armour Charged Assert 10, a minor upgrade from its predecessor, is a dream partner for a firm and robust run. Designed with heel strikers in mind, it's a little bit heavy, but delivers a stable ride. In our view, if you are in search of a shoe with an ultra-sturdy outsole and a firm ride, this affordable UA is second to none.

Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable and adaptable
  • Expanded width for added room in the toebox
  • Outsole is just built to last
  • Ample cushioning catering to heel strikers
  • Tailored for heel strikers
  • Doubles as a cross-training or gym shoe
  • Great value for the price
  • Offers stable landings at slower paces

Cons

  • Ride leans towards the firm side, lacking in bounce
  • A bit on the heavy side
  • Still not the best for midfoot or forefoot strikers

Audience verdict

84
Good!

Who should buy

We think that the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 stands out as an outstanding shoe for the following runners:

  • Budget-conscious heel strikers looking for a durable and stable running shoe. 
  • Those who value stability and don't mind a firm midsole.
  • Beginners aiming for a shoe that not only accommodates casual runs, but is also versatile enough for cross-training or gym workouts.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10

Who should NOT buy

For those who prefer running on plush midsoles, or even ones that just lean toward the soft side, this shoe is not the best fit. The ride is notably firm. So, if you're willing to stretch your budget slightly, consider the ASICS Novablast 3. Watching your wallet? We lean towards the Nike Air Winflo 9.

Moreover, this shoe isn't tailored for fast-paced runs—it tends to work better during slower sessions. Instead, we'd recommend considering options like the Adidas Adizero Adios 7 or the ASICS Gel Pulse 13.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

Interestingly, it looks like most of the added weight has gone into the rubber.

The stack height in this new edition measures at 32.0 mm. This is not only lower than the average shoe, but it's also 2.0 mm less than its predecessor.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Heel stack
Test results
Charged Assert 10 32.0 mm
Average 33.9 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

We measured a mere 22.6 mm in the forefoot, including insole and outsole, which implies that the shoe is too thin in terms of foam.

This lack of cushion is not a good thing at all for forefoot strikers.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Forefoot stack
Test results
Charged Assert 10 22.6 mm
Average 25.3 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

This measurement confirms what we've been saying: this shoe is specifically designed with heel strikers in mind.

Sure, with a 9.4-mm heel-to-toe drop, it can accommodate midfoot strikers too. But we wouldn't recommend this one for forefoot strikers.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Drop
Test results
Charged Assert 10 9.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Once again, we're seeing the extremes with the Charged Assert. Measuring at a brick-like 31.1 HA, it's among the firmest shoes we've tested in recent months, which hints at a strategy we believe is quite interesting.

While most of the leading brands are leaning towards softer compounds to cater to the demand for a hyper-plush running experience, UA takes a different road.

We find this approach really cool, as the Charged Assert isn't going to outsell Nike or ASICS shoes in the mainstream market. So, why not think outside the box and serve a niche-market that's largely overlooked by the big boys?

For those curious about soft vs. firm midsoles, be sure to dive into our advanced guide!

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Midsole softness
Test results
Charged Assert 10 31.1 HA
Average 21.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

The CA10's firm ride intensifies when the temperature drops. After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, we measured the shoe's softness at 38.4 HA.

So, if you thought it was firm in comfortable weather, brace yourself for a real brick in winter.

Even though the Charged Assert 10 becomes even firmer in the cold, it holds up great when compared against other similar shoes, increasing only by 23.3%.

It's particularly impressive given that it's tailored for beginners, a group of shoes that often fall short in such conditions.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Charged Assert 10 23%
Average 26%
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

UA decided to play it safe with the insole, which we think is a smart move. At 4.2 mm, it's pretty much the same as any standard insole you'd find out there.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Insole thickness
Test results
Charged Assert 10 4.2 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 361 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is slightly small (66 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 301 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

If the shoe fits right, why change it? That seems to be Under Armour's thinking, given that there were hardly any complaints about toebox space in the CA9.

With the CA10, they've kept things consistent—the toebox width remains virtually unchanged at a roomy 99.2 mm, comfortably accommodating most feet.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Charged Assert 10 99.2 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Some users had pointed out that the toe box felt a bit narrow around the big toe in the v9.

That's why Under Armour has expanded this space by 2.4 mm. This change aims to provide a more comfortable fit for runners with wider feet in the toe area. Now, we measured it at the width here at a generous 77.1 mm.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Charged Assert 10 77.1 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 240 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

One defining feature that sets the Charged Assert 10 apart is its remarkable stability. Naturally, having a firm midsole, as in this shoe, makes achieving such stability much simpler.

Torsional rigidity

To enhance stability from the previous model, the Charged Assert 10 outperformed its predecessor in our torsional rigidity test, earning a 3/5 as compared to the earlier version's 2/5.

Nonetheless, this change is quite minimal and was barely perceptible during our runs.

Test results
Charged Assert 10 3
Average 3.3
Compared to 344 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Under Armour has shown they're attentive to customer feedback by addressing a significant issue found in the CA9 in this new model: heel slippage. The revamped design now features a sturdier heel counter that we've graded as 3/5.

But there's no need for concern—as demonstrated in the video above, a substantial, plush piece of foam shields your Achilles from the heel counter, providing an ultra-comfortable experience for your body's longest tendon.

Test results
Charged Assert 10 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 328 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

As we've mentioned earlier, UA aimed to make this shoe more appealing to both midfoot and forefoot strikers, while not losing its core appeal to heel strikers.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 forefoot

This is clear because the forefoot is now wider than ever, measuring 115.7 mm. It even surpasses the width of the average running shoe.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Charged Assert 10 115.7 mm
Average 114.0 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

Measuring 91.3 mm, the heel is wider in the tenth edition of the Charged Assert than in its predecessor.

This makes it one of the most stable running shoes for beginners available today.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Charged Assert 10 91.3 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

We initially felt some hesitation before conducting our 90-degree bend test in the lab. The shoe appeared a bit stiff underfoot and during our torsional tests. However, with a measurement of 17.4N, the CA10 maintains impressive flexibility!

For this reason, it's a solid pick for cross training, gym sessions, or even casual walks around the neighbourhood.

Test results
Charged Assert 10 17.4N
Average 28.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

However, keep in mind that the shoe maintains this level of flexibility only in mild or warm conditions.

As temperatures drop, the shoe stiffens considerably, as we discovered when we needed to make 35N of force following a 20-minute stint in the cold next to the ice cream in our freezer to bend it to 90 degrees.

Believe it or not, that's a whopping 100.9% increase—one of the most substantial we've ever noted in the lab.

Test results
Charged Assert 10 101%
Average 34%
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
105%

Weight

Indeed, the Charged Assert 10 has gained a bit of weight. Coming in at 10.5 oz or 298g for a US size 9, it's heavier by 0.3 oz or 8g.

Test results
Charged Assert 10 10.51 oz (298g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One of the biggest letdowns with the Charged Assert 9 was its breathability. For a road running shoe, a score of 3 out of 5 was pretty disappointing. That's why we're thrilled to share that this version stepped it up a notch, earning a 4 out of 5 after our smoke-pumping lab test.

The light test indicated the shoe's breathability, particularly in the medial part, has improved. Still, it's not the most breathable shoe in the market—we believe there are better budget-friendly choices for summer training, like the ASICS Gel Excite 9.

When we took a closer look under our microscope, we found that Under Armour sticks with a thick mesh that blocks the air.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 microscope

Sure, the upper might look like a masterpiece under the microscope—seriously, it's crazy how technology evolves—but we also think that UA needs to step up their game for the next Charged Assert. How about throwing in a few ventilation holes?

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 upper

Test results
Charged Assert 10 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 295 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

When it comes to the durability of the upper, the Charged Assert 9 was seriously underwhelming. Put it up against any shoe and it falls flat every time.

Regrettably, Under Armour hasn't switched up the engineered mesh for this 10th edition, so it's no shocker that it scored again a disastrous 1/5 in our Dremel test. Look at debris flying everywhere!

However, keep in mind that we always conduct this test at the same distance on every shoe. This means the reinforced toe cap in the CA10 remained untouched. But while this reinforcement offers some protection, it won't stop those runners who tend to wear holes in their shoes from doing so in this upper.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Toebox durability
Test results
Charged Assert 10 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 229 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The story continues with the heel padding. It also disappointingly scored a 1/5, the lowest grade possible.

What a letdown in an easy-to-improve aspect of this shoe.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Heel padding durability
Test results
Charged Assert 10 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 225 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

After our lab tests, we can say that the Charged Assert series truly represents the epitome of extremes. On one hand, there's an upper that feels really delicate, but on the other, it's balanced out by an ultra-durable outsole that appears to have the longevity of a tortoise.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 outsole

We found ourselves genuinely impressed with v9 in this regard, but with v10, it's like we've been transported to an entirely new universe of toughness in the outsole. And on top of that, the rubber covers the midsole in a much more clever way to ensure optimal protection.

The rubber hardness here is an awe-inspiring 87.8 HC, which stands as one of the most impressive figures we've ever witnessed in the lab.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Outsole hardness
Test results
Charged Assert 10 87.8 HC
Average 80.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 346 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole thickness

And the party goes on. We were already blown away by the above-average 4.9 mm rubber thickness of the prior model, but the Charged Assert 10 takes it up a notch with a jaw-dropping 5.3 mm measurement in our lab.

This is positive for the shoe's lifespan, but it does come with the trade-off of increased weight. Nevertheless, when it comes to budget-friendly running shoes, durability is often the top-priority for many runners.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Outsole thickness
Test results
Charged Assert 10 5.3 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Tongue padding

The Charged Assert 10 truly excels in this area, which also explains its heavier weight.

We clocked the tongue at a staggering 8.5 mm, offering exceptional comfort and entirely eliminating the risk of lace bite.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Tongue padding
Test results
Charged Assert 10 8.5 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

In line with its standing as a value-oriented shoe aimed at beginners or budget-conscious runners, there's no gusset on the tongue, meaning it isn't attached to the sides.

This led to some tongue movements during our fastest runs.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Charged Assert 10 None

Heel tab

There's still a heel tab, so Under Armour, we love your dedication to quality over cost-cutting here!

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Heel tab
Test results
Charged Assert 10 Finger loop

Removable insole

Swapping the insole for a custom one presented no problems for us—it's not glued in at all. We had a hassle-free experience with this process.

Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Removable insole
Test results
Charged Assert 10 Yes