Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Variety of size for all needs and foot dimensions• Full-length EVA sock liner for comfort and custom fit• Full-length Micro G foam for cushioned landings and explosive takeoffs
Upper
For running and other athletic activities, shoes should have varying degrees of mesh that will tighten and hold the foot in place. This will result in less friction and blisters in practical terms over the long term. This is one of the strengths of the Speed Swift as it comes packaged with a lightweight mesh allowing for increased ventilation to the foot. This gives the shoes a comfortable feel for even long runs and use. The shoe has a comfortable feel and avoids the problem some competing running shoes have where the toes rub on the upper fabric during movement. The shoes may feel tight at first wear but will stretch around the toes and foot like rubber gloves and feel as if they were made just for the wearer. This is a great perk for those on long runs, marathons, jogs, or hikes.
Midsole
The midsole comes with a Micro G foam cushion that allows for soft landings and high-powered takeoffs. It is responsive to falls or abrupt stops and offers good traction, but there isn’t a whole lot of it — meaning the cushion may be a bit on the thin side. The shoe also comes with a sock liner for added comfort and stability. It will fit most foot sizes depending on chose size due to the sock liner and design of the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole is pretty special in this particular shoe. It is made out of Anatomica rubber, which offers a great natural traction. and performance enhancement for athletic endeavors.
Breathability
The shoes are very versatile and breathable for the athletes out there and runners. The mesh allows for an increased ventilation and locks the foot down in place for a comfortable fit.
Comfort
This is one of the shoe’s strongpoints. The shoes are very comfortable to slip on and off, wear and move around in. The lightness and material are made for running and will offer a very comfortable way to stay in shape on both long runs and sprints. Besides lightness, the shoe is very flexible and allows for rotation easily. The mesh also allows for breathable ventilation into the shoe so airflow can get inside and keep the foot from sweating or getting uncomfortable during runs. Many other shoes leave runners and athletes with blisters and joint pains, but the Micro G. Speed Swift has this base covered with the way it is constructed out of light but durable material.
Style
The shoe definitely hits the style mark on point. There are many color and design options available from the tail and black to various shades of grey to reddish black. The bottom or outsole has a unique design with multiple colors, depending on what you select, and a layered or grid pattern near the front sole (toe cap). The sides have an almost see-through checkered pattern with diagonal lines biting into the section below the toe cap and heel, right below the shoe laces. Toward the back of this pattern is the Under Armour emblem. The back section of the shoe above the outsole, on mid and upper sole sections, is a further stylish color design (same color usually as the side pattern).
Durability
The shoes come with an arch reinforcement construction with the added benefit — besides precise fit and foot guidance — of a more durable and robust built for long-term wear. The anatomical rubber outsole also offers a reinforcement for practical and long-term use, thus making the shoe durable during even the most athletic of activities.
Protection
The shoes are designed for running, so lightness, ventilation and adherence are first and foremost. Protection against harsh weather elements may be lacking, but the shoe does the job for most basic activities while focusing on sports as the core strength.
Responsiveness
The shoes are very responsive to movement with their lightweight and cushion design around the midsole. The cushion allows for quick maneuverability on a run. This technology the shoes come with, called the Micro G foam, also offers great padding and support for takeoffs and abrupt stops.
Support
The shoes offer a lightweight upper base at the mesh linings of the upper sole, which may not mean much for long outdoor hikers or those that want strong shoes under harsh weather elements. However, the shoes were designed with lightness and running in mind. The base of the shoe or midsole, as well as the upper soles side linings, offer a nice grip on the foot for support.
Terrain
The shoes are running shoes designed to run on pavement but can be used on track and field, and inside gyms. Although taking them far into the countryside is not recommended, the midsole and sole upper mesh covering are strong enough for basic activities.
Price
The price is pretty standard for this type of athletic shoe. It isn’t as outrageous as some of the other shoes on the market with multiple special features for traction or bigger brand recognition. This shoe is a great running shoe and a shoe for a variety of athletic endeavours. You can use it in the gym, for cross fit, or even weightlifting and wrestling practice. It is quite comfortable and versatile for these purposes, so the price is icing on the cake for what you are getting. The other thing to keep in mind regarding the price is it seems pretty varied, depending on the retailer, for this shoe. The Amazon listing, which includes resellers and other retailer prices has a very wide range, so if you shop around you can get a deal on these shoes.
Drop
The heel drop is important for running shoes because it measures how fat or wide a running shoe’s heels feel. It measures the difference between the forefoot thickness and the heel thickness. It is also referred to as the offset. In the Micro G Speed Swift’s case, the offset or drop is 6mm. This is lower than many shoes out there where the standard is at about 10mm. It also means with these shoes it is small enough (or the difference between heel and forefoot material weight) where the shoe feels comfortable on runs and is less of a hindrance on foot, but still has that drop cushion. In this case, it feels more of a protective covering, which is nice as the trend lately is for shoes to be as close to a barefoot as possible.
Stability
Due to the tight mesh and design in upper sole, above the mid-sole cushion, the shoes will wrap around your foot as if you were born with them on and not tend to loosely move around as some other shoes do.
Flexibility
The shoe is very flexible due to its mesh design and rubber sole. It is light and made to move around in quickly. It is a runner’s shoe by nature and fits this role nicely. The Micro G Speed Swift delivers a combination of cushioning, traction and protection in a slim and stylish form factor.
Traction
The Anatomical rubber outsole is pretty good for traction. You will be able to stop and go on a whim, and both take off and land very smoothly. It is no soccer shoe nor is it a shoe for rock climbing. However, for what it is designed for, the shoe performs remarkably well. As a runner who does quick sprints of less than 100 yards, you need a shoe very comfortable in taking off, and that will allow traction onto the runway. This shoe is designed for this type of activity.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy going on walks often, running or jogging uphills and hiking, consider the Micro G Speed Swift. This shoe will feel natural on your foot, tightening around your sole and toes into a light, tight and comfortable fit. They are also robust and durable enough for long-term use, although the cushion may feel a bit small. When out and about comfort and lightness are paramount and this is where the shoes excel. Consider, purchasing a half-size larger than what you are used to due to the fact they run a bit smaller than advertised.
