Under Armour Infinite Elite review

After testing the Under Armour Infinite Elite in the lab, we’re convinced that it’s:

• A top choice for runners seeking superior joint protection and plush comfort—offering premium-level materials at a more affordable price.
• One of the best models Under Armour has released in recent years, making it a must-have for fans of the brand.
• Ideal for easy runs and casual walks, especially for those who appreciate maximalist designs with a thick, ultra-cushioned midsole.

We believe the Infinite Elite’s biggest flaw is its excessive weight, making the ride feel sluggish and far from responsive. Runners looking for a more nimble shoe that can handle varied paces should consider the ASICS Novablast 5 or the HOKA Skyflow—both lighter and more versatile alternatives.

Additionally, we do not recommend this shoe for warm climates, as the thick knit upper traps heat and restricts airflow. Those who need a similarly cushioned yet more breathable option should look at the Brooks Ghost Max 2 or the ASICS Nimbus 27, both of which provide better ventilation for hot summer runs.

Under Armour hasn’t focused much on high-stack running shoes, but the trend is now unavoidable—every major brand has embraced ultra-cushioned designs hovering around the 40 mm mark. While UA took its time, the Infinite Elite finally brings top protection.

We started our series of precise measurements and tests by recording 39.9 mm in the heel. This puts it among the most highly-padded shoes on the market, standing alongside max-cushion models like the PUMA MagMax Nitro.

The forefoot is impressively cushioned at 31.8 mm, making it a top choice for midfoot and forefoot strikers who want a zero-ground feel and superior joint protection.

Under Armour listed an official 8 mm drop, and our precise measurements recorded 8.1 mm. In our experience, this level of accuracy is rare, at this offset makes the Infinite Elite a highly-versatile option for any footstrike pattern.

One area where Under Armour lagged behind competitors was in foam technology. While HOVR performed similarly to lower-tier EVA foams from other brands, there was no doubt they needed something more to compete with high-end, max-cushion daily trainers.

HOVR+ replaces EVA with TPU, enhancing softness and energy return while also increasing weight, as TPU is naturally denser. For instance, the Under Armour HOVR Sonic 6 measured 27.0 HA on our durometer and felt ultra-firm, whereas the Infinite Elite registered 19.3 HA, providing a noticeably softer ride.

That said, the running experience remains is balanced, and you shouldn’t expect an ultra-plush foam underfoot. In fact, it feels incredibly similar to Light Boost in the Ultraboost 5X, which is not a surprise as it's a very similar TPU-based foam.

TPU typically withstands cold well, and it performed solidly in our test. After 20 minutes in the freezer, it became only 23% firmer.

The insole is basic EVA with no standout features in energy return, measuring 4.5 mm in thickness.

One of the key design elements required for max-stack shoes is a rocker to counteract the stiffness from the extra foam, and Under Armour addressed this effectively.

The heel features a noticeable curve and extension that helps heel strikers roll forward smoothly, while the forefoot benefits from a moderate, early-stage toe spring. Nothing overly aggressive or bothersome—just the necessary amount for a smooth-transition ride.

Unlike many other Under Armour models, this shoe delivers a somewhat-spacious feel right from the start—though the ultra-stretchy knit might have tricked us. Since we focus on hard data, not guesses, we created a precise 1:1 replica of the toebox.

Once the replica was complete, we took our first measurement, and it came in above average at 96.3 mm. Turns out we weren’t too far off in our initial impression.

The second measurement, taken in the big toe area, came in at 72.5 mm. 

However, since this shoe features a knit upper instead of mesh, it accommodates wider feet a bit better than the number might initially suggest.

Our measurement of 27.7 mm confirms there’s more than enough vertical space, ensuring toes have room to move naturally without restriction.

In our experience, this average design contributes to a pressure-free fit that feels effortlessly comfortable.

One of the standout qualities of the Infinite Elite is its amazing stability—something rarely achieved in maximalist shoes. We tested it across various conditions, and every step felt great, unlike many high-stack models that struggle with lateral support.

We discovered that Under Armour integrated several stability-enhancing features, including a plastic heel cup, a reinforced heel counter, and an ultra-wide landing base. This makes it a solid choice for neutral runners and, in our view, also those with mild stability needs.

We anticipated a high score in this test, and after careful assessment, we landed at 4/5. It's clear to us that the multiple flex grooves on the outsole proved essential, allowing for slightly more lateral flex than the shoe’s size would typically suggest.

The heel counter felt quite firm, earning another 4/5—comparable to those in stability shoes. This result makes it a solid choice for heel strikers who need a bit of extra support.

This shoe is massive. From the moment we unboxed it in the lab, we were struck by its gargantuan build. After picking our calipers, we discovered that our 118.6 mm forefoot measurement fully confirmed our initial impression.

However, it’s the heel that truly stands out. At 103.8 mm, it’s one of the widest we’ve tested in the lab. In our opinion, this makes it ideal for runners seeking extra rearfoot stability, though its ultra-chunky width might feel excessive for some.

Those flex grooves we mentioned earlier when discussing torsional rigidity make another appearance here, enhancing longitudinal flexibility as well.

We tested the Infinite Elite by bending it to 90 degrees and recorded a 31.6N score—quite flexible for such a high-stack design!

The biggest drawback of the Infinite Elite is its noticeable bottom-heavy feel while running. We tested it on the scale, and at 11.10 oz or 315g, it could definitely use a diet in the next update.

This makes it better suited for easy-paced runs and for runners who prioritize max cushioning over a lighter build. After testing it, we’re convinced that those seeking a nimble, fast-responding ride will find it overly sluggish underfoot.

One of the most striking features of the Infinite Elite is its IntelliKnit upper. Right from the start, we found it exceptionally plush, offering a comfort-driven fit that wraps around the foot. However, like most knit-based uppers, it raised concerns about ventilation here in the lab.

Unfortunately, our evaluation confirmed that breathability is severely lacking, earning a mere 2/5 in our assessment. This makes it a poor choice for summer conditions, but on the flip side, runners in colder climates will appreciate its warmth-retaining properties.

We moved the upper over a bright light source and observed that it blocked most of it. This is a clear indicator of restricted airflow.

Next, we took a closer look under the microscope and examined the tightly woven, dense-knit fabric.

As expected, it revealed a thick, heat-trapping construction that enhances step-in comfort but severely limits ventilation. Again, while this structure is great for winter running or simply for everyday use, it’s something to keep in mind for warmer months.

In our opinion, the Infinite Elite’s IntelliKnit upper excels in delivering a cozy fit. We’re convinced it will take quite a few more shoe tests in the lab before we come across another upper that feels this comfortable.

Another common drawback of knit-based uppers we often observe in the lab is limited durability. However, the Infinite Elite defies expectations, earning an impressive 4/5—proving that a long-lasting knit upper is entirely achievable.

It's also worth noting that the upper features side reinforcements, providing extra durability for runners who tend to wear holes with the pinky toe.

The heel padding performed adequately, though it wasn’t as impressive as the upper’s durability, earning a more average 3/5.

Moving to the outsole, Under Armour opted for a different compound called ThinWeb, which we found to be quite grippy despite its average hardness—measuring 77.5 HC in our lab tests.

In terms of coverage, the outsole offers plenty of protection. While there’s some exposed midsole in the center, it sits deep enough that wear is unlikely, especially compared to the surrounding outsole material.

We fired up the Dremel again and recorded just 0.9 mm of wear. We think this is a solid result, confirming that early outsole degradation won’t be a concern.

There’s no shortage of rubber here, with 3.7 mm of outsole thickness. Given the shoe’s high weight and the outsole’s solid performance, trimming it down to 2.5 or 3.0 mm could have been a smart move.

In our view, the Infinite Elite is a reasonably priced running shoe, especially for those who prioritize premium materials in the upper and outsole over pure performance or a lightweight build. The midsole, while not outstanding, is not a drawback by any means for a shoe priced like this.

Unfortunately, Under Armour omitted reflective elements—a missed opportunity for enhanced visibility and safety during post-dusk runs.

The lacing system combines punched eyelets at the top with knit-integrated lace loops in the lower section—an interesting design that, in our experience, provided a secure fit. This hybrid setup worked seamlessly for us.

By this point in the review, it’s evident that Under Armour prioritized plush-step comfort, and the tongue plays a major role in that. They didn’t hold back on cushioning, packing in a generous 9.3 mm of foam to create a snug, pressure-free instep experience.

The tongue is partially gusseted—our preferred setup for daily trainers. A great touch!

The shoe's heel includes a finger-loop tab, making it effortless to slip on or adjust the fit afterward. Plus, it looks nice.

The insole is fully removable, making replacements quick and easy.