Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
7mm
Breathability
8.3/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Medial Bumper• 4D Foam• Micro G foam midsole• HeatGear fabric upper• MPZ technology in the tongue• External heel counter• Light Speed Grip in outsole
Upper
The upper of the Under Armour Charge RC 2 uses articulated upper flex capability in its fabrics which add to the shoe’s responsiveness. It even copies the bending of the foot while you’re running so, it’s stable enough to provide protection while still remaining flexible enough to provide for a more dynamic run. It also utilizes HeatGear fabric to wick away moisture while running and keep the feet cool and dry. You’ll find that the environment of the shoe is very well ventilated, more so than you might find in most other running shoes. Sweat won’t linger, so you won’t have to worry about any foul odors. The MPZ technology that’s located in the tongue padding adds to the overall comfort of the shoe.
Midsole
The Micro G foam padding in this midsole delivers solid cushioning throughout your stride. Since this is a full-length foam, it does a very good job of protecting your foot during the heel strike and also helps with each toe-off as you’re running, making the experience a more dynamic one. It also has a Medial Bumper made from TPU, and this works to cradle the arch of your foot. As a result, this shoe works for runners who need a more support in the arch. It prevents your ankle from rolling while you’re running.
Outsole
The outsole on the Under Armour Charge RC 2 is composed of a Light Speed Grip material. It’s been placed strategically in areas that are at risk for more wear and tear, taking the initiative to prevent unnecessary damage and ensure that you’ll be keeping this pair of running shoe for a long time. This shoe was designed for running on roads, and the outsole protects the sole unit and delivers a high level of traction while you’re on the road. The outsole also features flex grooves which add to the overall flexibility of the shoe and thus, more natural foot movement.
Breathability
As you might expect, the breathability of the Under Armour Charge RC 2 all starts with its upper. This upper utilizes articulated upper flex capability to not only respond to the movements of your foot but also keep a relatively stable temperature and level of breathability.
Comfort
One of the most important aspects of a running shoe, and particularly a running shoe that you take out on long distances, is the level of comfort it provides. While the Under Armour Charge RC 2 isn’t downright uncomfortable, it does leave something to be desired in the category of runners with high arches. Some of these runners have reported that the underfoot sole was a bit hard, and as a result, impacted the efficiency of their run. The shoe can also be seen as being a bit too stiff, something that will definitely affect your performance in the long run. With all of that being said, however, it should definitely be noted that reviewers said the shoe was quite roomy. As a result, you probably won’t have to order a size up in order to compensate for foot swelling.
Style
Style isn’t the most important thing when it comes to picking out your next running shoe, but you best believe that it plays a good part in choosing a running shoe. Under Armour chose to capitalize on the budding nostalgia that you’ll find just about anywhere, electing to use dark tones mixed with bright, poppy colors. One such option features a black main color with bright pink accents to ensure that your running shoes turn heads. The design itself is fairly sleek and minimalistic, giving you a classic look as you run.
Durability
The durability of the Under Armour Charge RC 2 mostly factors in in terms of the outsole. It’s made of a durable rubber material that allows for the protection of problem areas that are the most prone to ordinary wear and tear. This will allow you to stay protected while also allowing you to have plenty of traction around turns and curves. This material is also quite lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about it weighing you down as you run. You can also count on the proprietary technology in the upper to stay strong throughout your gait cycle, keeping you from rolling your ankle or getting inundated with water or mud during extreme weather situations.
Protection
The protection on the Under Armour Charge RC 2 really all starts from the ground up. It has a padded tongue as well as a toe cap that will give you that added level of protection while you’re running. Runners who need additional arch support will appreciate the arch support in this shoe. At the same time, it gives you an enhanced fit and protection as well as durability. The midsole does a great job of absorbing shock, something that’s especially useful when running on the unforgiving surface of your average road. The job is completed at the outsole, where the durable rubber material keeps the foot from taking in any of the shock.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the Under Armour Charge RC 2 is solid, thanks to the responsive full length foam midsole. The outsole gives a high level of traction while simultaneously responding to all of the subtle movements of the foot. You wouldn’t expect this level of responsiveness from a shoe with an outsole as thick and hard as the one that’s featured on the Under Armour Charge RC 2, but this running shoe is definitely an anomaly in that regard. There’s also 4D Foam, which is a foam unit that sits on top of the main midsole layer. The materials molds to your foot, allowing for natural foot movement and adding to the overall responsiveness.
Support
In terms of arch support, the Under Armour Charge RC 2 was built for stability. The built-in arch support and stability features, including the medial bumper, support the foot and help prevent overpronation. The upper also supports the foot by providing a secure, snug fit. The external heel counter also helps support the back of the foot and secure the foot in place.
Terrain
As you might have guessed from all of the features of the Under Armour Charge RC 2, this running shoe is definitely built for road surfaces. The outsole provides good traction on asphalt, pavement, and track. It can be used on light trail, but to get the best life out of your shoe, keep it to the surfaces it is intended for.
Price
In terms of price, the Under Armour Charge RC 2 isn’t too expensive, considering the stability features it provides. The Under Armour Charge RC 2 goes for around $120. While this pricing might be a little high for some, runners who are looking for a supportive, durable shoe should definitely consider the Charge RC 2.
Drop
In terms of heel to toe drop, the Under Armour Charge RC 2 has a 7mm drop. This is below a standard drop, but far from a minimal drop. However, when changing to a shoe with a lower or higher drop, make sure to slow adjust in order to prevent injury.
Stability
The Under Armour Charge RC 2 provides good stability. It’s been specifically built to provide good arch support. The Medial Bumper helps support your foot in order to provide a neutral pronation. The 4D Foam provides a custom-like cushioning, conforming to your foot shape, offering support for your foot type.
Flexibility
Normally with a shoe as tough and durable as the Under Armour Charge RC 2 is, you’d expect it to rank very low in terms of flexibility. With that being said, you’d be pleasantly surprised to find that this simply isn’t an issue with this latest offering from Under Armour. The shoe is light and durable, but its outsole is specifically designed to respond deftly to your natural foot movements. When you couple this with a midsole that likewise adapts itself to your foot shape, you have a running experience like no other.
Traction
The outsole of the Charge RC 2 featuring the Light Speed Grip provides good traction on the road. The Flex Grooves on the outsole allow natural foot movement and add to the overall traction of the shoe. This shoe can be used on light trail conditions, but will provide the best traction on the surface it was intended for. It’s worth noting that reviewers did not mention any major traction issues when using the shoe on wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
The bottom line with the Under Armour Charge RC 2 is that it’s been designed to take full advantages of all the latest technologies and advancements in the running shoe world without succumbing to the pitfall that all too many running shoes fall prey to–heavy weight. Its roomy nature is enough to ensure that you probably don’t have to purchase a size up, but it’s tight enough to ensure that your foot won’t move around in the shoe. Its midsole and outsole work in harmony with each other to affect your run in a very positive way, and it’s all being offered at a price that, while not the lowest we’ve ever seen, is still affordable and reasonable enough for runners who are looking for a good supportive, durable running shoe.
