Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
9 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Solid rubber outsole• UA Spine chassis foam technology used in part of the midsole unit• Micro G foam for rebound and energy return• Seamless breathable mesh upper• Cushioned foam upper for additional foot support• TPU Heel Counter that locks the runner’s foot in place• Molded 4D Foam Sock Liner that conforms to the shape of the runner’s foot• Padded heel collar that holds the foot in place• 9 mm heel-to-toe drop
Upper
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable with its breathable mesh upper. The upper unit has a cushioned foam material underneath it for added security, comfortable foot coverage, and ventilation. This cushioned foam material gives the runner’s foot additional support without making the shoe feel heavier. Under Armour added this MPZ padding to the upper, when compared to the original version of the Spine. The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 uses an overlay system that is fused onto the upper, rather than stitched to it. The wearer will experience a foot-hugging fit as the overlay system actively works with the lacing system. Some wearers commented that this shoe fit like a glove and they had difficulty getting it on. This running shoe features a TPU heel counter and underfoot insole that mold to the shape of the runner’s foot. The insole is a molded 4D Foam Sock Liner. This material instantly shapes itself to support the way in which the runner’s foot waves and curves. The heel collar keeps the rear of the foot locked in place, preventing the foot from slipping out. The heel collar is not very rigid so there is minimal irritation or feelings of discomfort during wear. Overall, the upper unit offers the runner a soft, supportive, secure and comfortable fit.
Midsole
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 utilizes two types of foam technology throughout the midsole unit. The first foam technology is the UA Spine chassis, which looks and acts like the human spine. The purpose of the UA Spine chassis is to give the wearer underfoot structured support from the heel to the forefoot area. Micro G foam is then placed above the UA Spine chassis. This foam technology is a durable and very responsive material. Runners experience a springiness or bounce-back during each step. The Micro G foam also uses energy produced from impact to make the runner feel stronger during each stride. This foam material gives runners a cushioned landing and is lighter and more streamlined than traditional foams. Wearers commented on the wonderful comfort provided by this Micro G foam, saying it was just enough foam without increasing the weight of the shoe.
Outsole
Under Armour made use of a solid rubber compound when designing the Spine Venom 2. The design and structure of the outsole are the same as the old version of the Spine. This rubber material is placed in areas of high wear and tear, improving the durability of the outsole. In addition to durability, the rubber outsole gives the runner traction on the roads. Another key feature of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 outsole is flexibility. Under Armour designed the outsole of the Spine Venom 2 to work with the midsole unit to give runners natural foot movement. Runners are able to stay engaged throughout the running stride.
Breathability
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is constructed with a breathable mesh upper. Most running shoes are built with a mesh upper that offers runners breathability, as this is important when running in hotter conditions. Under Armour designed the upper unit of the Spine Venom 2 to allow air to flow through the shoe, keeping the runner’s foot at a comfortable temperature mile after mile. The mesh upper allows moisture to be carried away from the foot, keeping the runner’s foot drier and healthier.
Comfort
Wearers commented highly on the comfort of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2. There are many features of this shoe that were designed to provide runners with a comfortable ride. First of all, the curved shape of the shoe follows the natural foot shape. Then, you have the solid rubber outsole that adjusts with the foot’s natural movement. The foam technologies used in the midsole unit cushion the foot without sacrificing structure. Under Armour designed the upper unit to keep the foot at a comfortable temperature and to provide the runner with a snug-fitting shoe. The breathable mesh material used in the upper unit of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 keeps the runner’s foot well-ventilated so it doesn’t become overheated or irritated from a build-up of perspiration. The molded 4D Foam Sock Liner and heel collar adjust to the shape of the runner’s foot without causing irritation or discomfort. The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is comfortable enough to be worn as an all day shoe, especially if you are standing on your feet most of the day.
Style
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is available in a wide range of sizes. This running shoe has a curved shape, which lets the runner’s foot become well-accustomed to the shoe while wearing it. This shoe is only available in a normal or medium width so it not the best shoe for a runner with wide feet. This running shoe fits true to size.
Durability
The solid rubber mixture Under Armour employs in the outsole of the Spine Venom 2 is built to last. Durability is an essential element of a running shoe, as it has to withstand the consistent pounding of pavement. Under Armour placed strategically placed this solid rubber compound in sections that get worn down faster, protecting against the abrasive character of asphalt and light trails. The midsole unit of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is made from a durable Micro G foam material. This material engages with the runner’s foot during a run but does not wear down quickly.
Protection
The rubber outsole protects the shoe from the wear and tear that occurs from consistent road running. The structural overlays of the Under Armour Spine Venom upper unit hug the foot, which keeps it secure during a run. The TPU Heel Counter protects the runner’s foot from coming out of the shoe, by locking it in place. The molded 4D Foam Sock Liner featured in the upper unit prevents the foot from slipping. The Under Armour symbol on the side of the shoe has reflective properties, which enhances visibility in low light conditions. This reflective symbol is on the top of the tongue and on the front of the shoe. There is also a reflective strip on the rear of the shoe.
Responsiveness
The Micro G foam that is used in the midsole unit of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 delivers unparalleled rebound and energy return. The runner experiences excellent bounce in every step. The superior energy return provided by this running shoe will motivate runners to go longer and further. The molded 4D Foam Sock Liner and padded heel collar respond to the shape of the runner’s foot, adapting to its movement and curves with each mile.
Support
There are many features of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 that are working simultaneously to support the wearer’s foot. The UA Spine chassis foam technology delivers structured underfoot support from heel to toe. This support is carried through the runner’s gait cycle. The cushioned foam underneath the breathable mesh upper gives additional support to the runner’s foot. The TPU Heel Counter and heel collar work together to support the rear of the foot.
Terrain
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is built for road running. However, the durable rubber outsole will perform on the treadmill or on light, well-maintained gravel trails. Reviewers have also used this shoe for weight training at the gym and other cardio activities such as the elliptical machine.
Price
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is a reasonably priced running shoe. This shoe falls below the average price of an Under Armour running shoe, the average price of a road running shoe, and the average price of a neutral running shoe.
Drop
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 features a 9 mm heel-to-toe drop. This is lower than the standard 12-mm heel-to-toe drop. This particular shoe is considered a low drop running shoe. The heel height of both the men’s and women’s versions of this particular shoe is 26 mm while the forefoot height is 17 mm.
Stability
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is a neutral running shoe. The arch support in this shoe is low. The featured TPU Heel Counter adds firmness to the rear of the shoe, helping to maintain stability through the heel and ankle.
Flexibility
The outsole of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 is flexible as it gives the wearer natural freedom of motion. The breathable mesh material of the upper and the structural overlays of the upper offer the runner additional flexibility as it hugs the foot.
Traction
The rubber outsole of the Under Armour Spine Venom 2 grips the road and helps the runner feel strong and confident with each stride.
Bottom Line
The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 offers runners and athletes a comfortable ride and wear. This lightweight neutral running shoe keeps the foot locked in place with a foot-hugging upper, yet gives runners a flexible feel. The mesh material used throughout the upper provides runners with the ventilation they need for a cool and dry run. The Under Armour Spine Venom 2 performs well whether you are are running a race, doing speed work, logging some miles or doing some weight training at the gym. The Micro G foam used in the midsole gives the wearer energy return and rebound while the solid rubber outsole provides excellent traction.
