Details
Brand
Under Armour
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• UA-brand interior cool liner keeps temperature regulated• 360-degree breathability with air vents everywhere around the shoe• Slip-on design with laces• Charged midsole cushioning is responsive and comfortable• Rubber outsole• Breathable sock liner
Upper
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch features an impressive upper with a slip-on design. The shoe does have laces but it’s really easy to tie them once and slip the shoe on and off when it’s time for a run. The shoe can also be worn sockless, although a few runners did experience blister issues. The sock liner is breathable but the neatest part of the shoe? The interior lining which is coated with a substance that helps cool off the foot inside the shoe. Under Armour uses this coating for other gear in their lineup and it works phenomenally well.;Reviewers raved about how well the shoe regulated interior temperature. Many users also added that the cooling effect didn’t just reduce heat build-up, it actually helped the foot feel cooler. This makes the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch a perfect candidate for hot summer runs or for runners who get hot easily. The overall fit of the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is comfortable but a few runners did mention the instep of the shoe felt quite shallow. Those with a high instep may feel that the top of their foot is squished uncomfortably in this shoe.
Midsole
The midsole on the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is made of Charged cushioning. The cushioning is super comfortable and provides plenty of protection and padding without weighing down the shoe. There’s plenty of cushioning for long distance runs and it’ll suit runners who prefer a bit of extra padding underfoot. Reviewers liked that the cushioning was very responsive which greatly improved the ride feel of the shoe.
Outsole
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch features a standard rubber outsole which provides traction and helps the sole stay intact even with regular training sessions and repeated pounding of the pavement. If you take a peek at the outsole, you’ll notice there are holes underneath. They’re meant for ventilation and help the shoe really live up to its ‘Coolswitch’ name. The holes are super breathable but they do tend to catch debris, which reviewers weren’t super excited about. When it comes to traction, the outsole provides an average amount that’s well suited to running on pavement.
Breathability
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides excellent breathability. It’s really the most impressive aspect of the shoe. Not only does the shoe feature an outstanding interior compound that cools off the foot, the shoe also features 360-degree ventilation. There’s really very little chance that your foot with overheat in the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch. The interior lining cools off the foot (and reviewers add that it the material really does make the foot feel cooler. It doesn’t just keep the foot from getting too hot). The sock liner helps wick away sweat. And the shoe ventilates from literally every possible inch. The upper is super breathable. The inside of the shoe features ventilation holes which travel down to the outsole. If you look underneath the shoe you can see the vent holes which allow air to circulate even underfoot. The holes work well but do tend to get pebbles and rocks stuck inside. It’s a small caveat, though, because, otherwise the shoe does a superb job at circulation air and cooling off the wearer.
Comfort
Reviewers found the fit of the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch very comfortable. The 360-degree breathability and cool liner essentially eliminate any potential for heat build-up which really helps promote a comfortable ride. Reduced heat build-up means less of a chance for blisters. The interior sock liner wicks sweat, too, so some reviewers found it comfortable to wear the shoe without socks. The fact that the shoe is so lightweight also helps to contribute to overall comfort. The fit is great, too, although some noted they found the shoe a bit snug. The stretchy upper helps with this a bit. There’s also plenty of midsole cushioning to pad underfoot.
Style
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch comes in various colorways for both men and women. The style is mostly plain, colorways don’t feature bright accents or contrasting tones. Reviewers found the shoe stylish and appreciated the understated design. The shoe can be purchased in the following colors: black, grey, yellow, dark grey, red, blue, and navy. Because the shoe colors don’t have a mix of tones and hues, it’s easy to match the shoe to an outfit.
Durability
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch needs some work when it comes to durability. The rubber outsole is not effective at preventing wear and tear. There’s plenty of cushioning in the shoe, but reviewers point out that the outsole tends to peel off after only a short period of time. Reviewers didn’t have the same complaints about the upper or midsole cushioning which each seem to hold up quite well. If one thing is to be fixed in any proceeding versions of the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch, it should be to make the shoe a bit more resistant. Of course, an increase in durability usually means that ounces are tacked on. The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is not as durable as other shoe options but it certainly is super lightweight.
Protection
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides ultimate protection from overheating thanks to 360-degree breathability with a well-vented upper and air vents in the outsole. The midsole Charged cushioning also helps prevent impact injuries and the rubber outsole provides grip underfoot. A sweat-wicking sock liner helps keep the interior of the shoe free of sweat and moisture which protects users against blister formation. The shoe is one of the best choices for hot summer runs because of its ability to prevent overheating and regular temperature.
Responsiveness
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch’s Charged cushioning is quite responsive, according to reviewers. The lightweight and responsive nature of the shoe makes it a great option for all kinds of training scenarios, whether you’re heading out for a tempo run, fartlek, or long Sunday run, the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides a smooth, responsive ride, that won’t weigh you down, and will cool you off reliably as you move.
Support
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides some support but it’s a fairly minimally structured shoe. Reviewers didn’t find anything to complain about with regard to support and the responsive cushioning does provide a supportive base for wearers.
Terrain
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is mainly meant for road running. The outsole just isn’t resistant enough for dealing with rugged trail conditions. The outsole also features vent holes which tend to catch debris. They would be no match for very muddy trails since mud would definitely get stuck inside the holes, reducing ventilation potential. The upper, too, is super breathable which is great for hot running days, but not excellent for protection against trail debris. The shoe also lacks a rock plate and has a fairly thin outsole.
Price
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is fairly priced at the low-end of the pricing scale. For a new shoe, it’s a well-priced introduction that offers value in the form of an ultra-breathable shoe that’s lightweight and comfortable to wear. It’s true, durability is not the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch’s strong suit, but with most lightweight shoes you’re not going be able to get a high amount of miles out of them.
Drop
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch features an 8mm drop. The result is a shoe that’s suitable for both forefoot and heel strikers. Reviewers had no issues with the standard drop.
Stability
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides enough stability for neutral wearers. Runners will get the stability they need mainly from the upper fit which is stretchy but tight. A few runners found the fit a bit overly snug but sizing up should fix this issue. The ankle collar of the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is tight fitting, too (for some, it was a bit restrictive) but the tighter fit helps to stabilize the wearer’s ankle. The outsole provides plenty of traction for your average road run which also helps to stabilize the wearer.
Flexibility
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch is flexible enough to provide a smooth ride. The upper on the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides the greatest amount of flexibility compared to the rest of the shoe. The upper is stretchy and functions to wrap the foot securely so runners don’t feel unstable. The upper fits well, according to wearers but even with the amount of stretch provided, the shoe fits best with thinner socks. The close to the skin fit of the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch may feel a bit too snug for some, but the shoe never feels hot thanks to the 360-breathability technology.
Traction
The Under Armour Charged Coolswitch provides a basic degree of traction. The outsole is made of rubber and is capable of handling runs on pavement. The shoe is best used for summer runs on dry days and is not appropriate for running on terrain with loose rocks since they will easily get caught in the ventilation holes.
Bottom Line
Here’s the low down on the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch. It’s a solid first attempt from Under Armour at creating a super breathable, lightweight trainer for everyday running and training. It definitely provides some of the best ventilation of any running shoe on the market and features a seriously impressive cool-liner which virtually eliminates the need to worry about overheating. The shoe also happens to be super lightweight which makes a ride in it feel effortless. The 360-degree breathability, low weight, and responsive cushioning are features alone that make the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch worth considering as your new daily trainer for summer runs. A few issues need some attention, mainly the lack of durability, but otherwise, there’s no reason not to consider adding the Under Armour Charged Coolswitch to your running shoe lineup.
