Our verdict

Though the marketing hype around it isn't very loud, we think that the TriBase Reign 5 can easily compete with the flagship trainers in its niche. The shoe's got everything it takes to be a perfect CrossFit shoe without copying other successful models. We love that it comes in its own unique design which consequently turns some heads at the gym.

Pros

  • Impressive impact protection
  • Extremely comfortable wraparound
  • Upper breathes well
  • Excellent upper durability
  • Provides stability for lifting
  • Dependable ankle support
  • Really nice grip on various surfaces

Cons

  • Drop is higher than stated
  • A bit stiff

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

We strongly believe that the TriBase Reign 5 from Under Armour is a real gem that happens to be undermarketed and underappreciated. Having experienced the shoe ourselves, we can recommend it to the following folks:

  • gymgoers who do a little bit of everything, from squats to rope climbs
  • athletes who prefer a low-to-the-ground feel (lower stack and drop)
  • Crossfitters looking for "something else" that's on par with the Nike Metcons and Reebok Nanos

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 review

Who should NOT buy

We found that the TriBase Reign 5 is on the stiff side and doesn't bend that easily for planks, lunges, etc. So if you value manoeuvrability, consider the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 or the Nike Free Metcon 5 instead.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 lab test

Breathability

To our delight, the UA TriBase Reign 5 is one of those rare cases where the upper combines durability and breathability quite successfully. The fact that our feet remained fresh all throughout the workout had a really positive impact on our performance.

To assess the shoe's breathability in an objective way, we pumped smoke through its upper to see how fast all of it passes through the material.

We rated the Reign's breathability as 3 out of 5. Not the highest score, yes, but a good trade-off given how wear resistant the fabric is.

Holding the upper against a bright light reveals how many ventilation holes are present throughout the upper.

Of course, we turned to our microscope to take a closer look at the shoe's unique Warp upper.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 micro

What we saw was a very intricate intertwining of various threads that all work together to create that fine balance of aeration and protection.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 microscope upper

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We couldn't wait to put the shoe's unique Warp upper to our Dremel test.

Applying the tool to the toebox for a whole 12 seconds with a 3.2N force and 10K RPM speed, we were astonished by its abrasion resistance. It got away with really minor damage and was still very much wearable!

The TriBase Reign gets a solid 4 out of 5 on our durability scale.

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 19 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding on the other hand didn't do so well. After only 4 seconds of drilling, it ripped apart quite significantly.

We rated this part of the upper with the lowest score of 1 out of 5. 

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 1
Average 2.3
Compared to 17 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

As for the outsole, we got some fairly average results.

Starting with the hardness of the rubber, our durometer showed 85.4 HC. This is a very typical level of hardness for training shoes.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Outsole hardness
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 85.4 HC
Average 84.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
71.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.5 HC

Outsole durability

To assess how easy it is to wear through the outsole, we applied the Dremel to it for 22 seconds.

We then measured the depth of the dent with a tread gauge. The tool showed 1.23 mm which is a little deeper than the average.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Outsole durability

It doesn't necessarily mean that the TriBase Reign 5 is going to be destroyed sooner than most shoes. But we recommend limiting its use to the gym if you want to extend the shoe's shelf life.

And if you need a pair for outdoor workouts, we highly recommend the Reebok Nano X2 TR Adventure.

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 1.2 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 15 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Another factor that helps to predict outsole durability is its thickness. Measuring it with a caliper, we found that it is 4 mm thick in the Reign 5. This is a pretty average outsole.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Outsole thickness
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 4.0 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
2.8 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

Weight

Working out in the UA TriBase Reign 5, we never felt like it was a heavy shoe.

Our scales show that the shoe weighs 12.3 oz (350g) in a men's US size 9. Even though it is an ounce heavier than training shoes on average, it is about the same as similar Crossfit shoes.

The Reign 5 also lost some weight compared to its predecessor which came in at 13 oz (369g).

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 12.35 oz (350g)
Average 10.79 oz (306g)
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

The TriBase Reigns have a reputation for being pretty grounded shoes. And the 5th iteration is no exception.

We measured the heel stack at 22.3 mm which is a few millimeters lower than the average.

This setup made us feel in touch with the ground and in control of the movements.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Heel stack
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 22.3 mm
Average 24.4 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Heel stack
36.2 mm

Forefoot stack

The trainer also proved to be low in the forefoot. With a caliper reading of 17.5 mm, it is about a millimeter lower than average.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Forefoot stack
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 17.5 mm
Average 18.4 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
27.7 mm

Drop

The brand states that the Reign 5 has a heel-to-toe drop of 2 mm. This nearly-zero drop is one of the reasons why athletes keep choosing this UA trainer.

However, based on our own stack measurements, the drop is much higher than that! We found it to be 4.8 mm instead! That's a crazy discrepancy.

While this is not a big deal for most gymgoers, we think that people who are after that minimalist offset may be disappointed.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Drop
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 4.8 mm
Average 6.0 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1.8 mm
Drop
13.4 mm

Midsole softness

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

Looking at our durometer reading, the cushioning is not very plush in the Reign 5. And it shouldn't be! At 26.8 HA, it is exactly the same as the training shoe average.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Midsole softness

The brand uses its renowned Micro G foam for the TriBase Reign 5's cushioning. While it doesn't feel very soft, we definitely experienced plenty of impact protection. Our workout went entirely free from pain and fatigue.

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 26.8 HA
Average 27.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
47.0 HA

Insole thickness

The shoe comes with a pretty standard insole. It adds a very welcome touch of underfoot padding to keep it cozy.

We measured its thickness at 3.9 mm which is a typical insole thickness for a training shoe.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Insole thickness
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 3.9 mm
Average 3.8 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
5.7 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The stiff and flat platform of the TriBase Reign 5 really boosts confidence when lifting.

We felt nice and planted in this trainer.

Torsional rigidity

The shoe's midfoot cage and firm midsole teamed up to create a fairly rigid platform. Twisting the shoe, we rated its torsional rigidity as 4 out of 5. Nearly the stiffest on our scale!

This is a major stability bonus not only for lifting but also for a number of exercises where you rely on a steady base.

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 4
Average 2.7
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe also provides a good amount of ankle support through its moderately stiff heel counter. On a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 3.

Generous padding in this area also contributes to the comfort.

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The TriBase Reign 5 further enhances stability with its wide platform.

We measured the widest part of the forefoot at 112.1 mm, which is a couple of millimeters wider than the average.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 112.1 mm
Average 109.5 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
101.0 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
117.3 mm

Midsole width in the heel

In the heel, our caliper shows that the widest part is 85 mm and it is a couple of millimeters narrower than the average.

We don't think that's critical but a few extra millimeters wouldn't hurt either.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 85.0 mm
Average 86.6 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
76.5 mm
Midsole width in the heel
97.4 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Despite having two large flex grooves in the forefoot, this UA trainer turned out to be on the stiffer side.

We turned to a gauge tool to measure how much force it takes to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. The reading showed 24.9N which is 10% more than the average.

From our own experience, the shoe bends fine for planks and lunges as long as you don't expect the same flexibility as you see in a Nike Free Metcon 5 for example.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 plank

Test results
TriBase Reign 5 19.3N
Average 19.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 29 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
6.8N
Stiffness
37.9N

Grip / Traction

The Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 provides an excellent bite in all gym situations. Be it lifting or pivoting, landing on a box, or using the machines.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Lug depth

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

For our average-width feet, the fit of the TriBase Reign 5 felt right at home. We can confidently claim that it runs true to size and fit.

To back up our experience with data, we measured the widest part of the toebox with a caliper. At 98 mm, it sits in the medium range of cross-trainers.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 98.0 mm
Average 99.9 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
90.4 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
108.0 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

We also made sure that the Reign 5 doesn't get too tapered around the toes.

The width at the big-toe point comes in at 78.4 mm, which is also the average of our lab-tested trainers. 

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 78.4 mm
Average 77.9 mm
Compared to 23 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
65.0 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
87.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

There are no gussets on this UA trainer. But the asymmetrical design of the shoe mouth proved to be pretty effective in locking the foot down and preventing tongue slips.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 None

Lacing

The shoe has lace loops that are attached all the way to its base. It works similarly to Nike's Flywire but is much sturdier.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 laces

Our only complaint about the laces is that they are unnecessarily long.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 lacing

Comfort

Tongue padding

Just like the rest of the interiors, the shoe's tongue is very well padded. We measured its thickness at 6.4 mm, which is a little more than what we see on average.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Tongue padding
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 6.4 mm
Average 5.7 mm
Compared to 30 crossfit training shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

Heel tab

The finger loop on the TriBase Reign 5 has an interesting asymmetrical design.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Heel tab
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 Finger loop

Removable insole

It is easy to remove the shoe's insole and replace it with any other insert of your choice.

Under Armour TriBase Reign 5 Removable insole
Test results
TriBase Reign 5 Yes