Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Anatomical rubber outsoles• EVA sock-liner• Synthetic mesh overlays• Structured heel• Shock absorption
Upper
The custom fit features of this shoe continue into the mesh upper material. The synthetic overlays are multi-functional towards the support of the shoe, improving structure for the heel and connecting to the laces to provide a customized adjustment while lacing. As the heel is held in place by the structured heel cup, the foot remains balanced in each stride as you run. While the synthetic overlays keep the foot in place, the open construction of the mesh material provides breathable support. Like the midsole, this material allows air to travel through the shoe. It is also reported that the lightweight tongue is just thin enough to become crooked and roll up while you put the shoe on. A quick fix before you run, and you won’t have to worry about the shoes again once you’ve left the starting line.
Midsole
With technology that is efficient and supportive, this shoe will keep your foot dry and clean as well as absorb shock. The midsole has two layers of protection, with a cushioning first layer of foam and second layer sock-liner. Underfoot cushioning is made with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), creating a full-length sock-liner. The features of the sock-liner help keep the foot dry and cool. Just underneath the sock-liner is the lightweight Charged Cushioning® foam, which provides shock absorption and converts shock into responsive energy. This dual-layer midsole not only provides responsiveness but also a custom fit.
Outsole
As mentioned, the rubber outsole prevents undue impact with uneven road surfaces, as well as traction that limits slipping on wet surfaces. The flexibility of this shoe is in part because of the anatomical outsole, how the rubber is designed to the natural form of the foot. Great sturdiness is not compromised by the breathable and flexible materials.;Keep in mind that while the form-fitting design improves the athlete’s practice, the sizing leans toward a half-size smaller than average. It is best to know your own criteria before buying the best running shoe for your foot. This shoe is rated to be wider than other thanks to the anatomical shaping of the outsole.
Breathability
The upper portion provides excellent breathability. For the runner who is used to support, but needs an airy fit the mesh material and knit textile are comfortable and airy. These materials, as well as the synthetic overlays, can cause the foot to fit like a glove while maintaining their breathability. The breathable upper material combined with the midsole sock-liner keep the foot ventilated and comfortable. Breathability is one of the key rated factors of the Charged Reckless.
Comfort
Under Armour has an army of shoes for comfort lovers. The Charged Reckless joins the ranks in comfort with their common features of EVA sock-liners, lightweight rubber outsoles, and mesh upper material. Having flexible performance from these features, the customizable flexibility of these shoes tend to have a tight fit. This tight fit is not all-around, as the forefoot area allows for a bit of space and the padded collar provides comfort without constricting the lower ankle.
Style
While the mesh upper materials have gained popularity over the years, running shoes have become available to those with wider feet. This mesh style of the Charged Reckless provides comfort for wider feet. As your foot is able to flex the material to make room wherever room is needed with the shape of your foot. The aesthetic style is designed with two different colors combined in each section of the shoe. With multiple neutral black, white, blue, and grey combinations and various other shades of red, orange, pink, crystal, and green.
Durability
The lightweight construction of the Charged Reckless is durable for those who do not run every day, longstanding durability for 3-4 runs per week. Perfect for if you tend to run while traveling and need a lightweight shoe to bring in your luggage. The outsole does provide durable stability for road surfaces, but these have been reported to be an immediate break-in shoe. With the form-fitting features of the outsole and mesh upper, your foot will merely conform to and adjust the shoe to your peak performance.
Protection
The durable outsole has a rubber that will protect from wear and tear. The design of the rubber is strategic to the shape of the foot to provide anatomical protection against uneven surfaces and traction in areas of high-wear. The construction of the Charged Reckless will keep heels, arches, and the balls of your feet reinforced.
Responsiveness
The explosive quality of these shoes will enhance your performance while keeping your feet cushioned. Special mention to the technologies in the midsole to balance out shock absorption for the entire lower portion of your body as you run. The responsiveness of the Charged Cushioning® foam reverts the shock of your stride into effective energy for your performance. This midsole stabilizes your run and acts in tandem with the other technologies of the shoe to enhance comfort.
Support
The support these shoes give is moderate to nice. The heel is supported by the synthetic overlays, the anatomical grooves of the sole give nice arch support as well as adherence to the natural shape of the foot. Not every runner has an even stride, and if you find that your foot rolls inward instead of your heel touching evenly down onto the ground, you will gain neutral support by the Charged Reckless as prevents under-pronation (or supination). In comparison with other Under Armour running shoes, the heel of the Charged Reckless is more structured than that of the Apollo 2, which has a seamless heel.
Terrain
Meant for road surfaces, these shoes perform well with loose gravel and wet surfaces. The traction of the rubber soles will enhance every stride of your run, keeping your mind off of the logistics of the terrain and in the zone. Travel to various multi-surfaced areas in one run and trust that the Charged Reckless will support your feet and balance on the go.
Price
You will find these shoes available for purchase at a range of prices on Amazon and directly through Under Armour’s website or retail stores. The price is reasonable and can be competitive with other shoes of the same nature.
Drop
The Charged Reckless has a moderate 8 mm drop between heel and forefoot. Causing the foot to fall to the ground with an even pressure. The cushioning features of the midsole combined with this drop create a balance between the shock to the joints, creating more comfort than you would feel if the drop was at a higher number.
Stability
There are two major components which contribute to the stability of the Charged Reckless, the anatomical outsole, and the structured heel. As you run from heel to toe, the shaping of the rubber outsole performs tremendously to your foot’s advantage. Providing excellent natural stability, this bottom portion of the shoe leads into a fixed gait, with neutral pronation, and shock absorbing features up through the legs. The structured cup of the heel also keeps the foot stable.
Flexibility
The word reckless plays into the structured flexibility of the Charged Reckless. As one of the shoes best features, the flexibility is engrained into the design of each section of the shoe. From the custom fitting of the mesh upper materials to adhere to your feet’s individuality to the anatomical shaping of the rubber outsole this shoe allows for maximum flexibility and comfort.
Traction
The rubber outsole of this shoe is a high performer when it comes to traction–offering a sure footing on surface traction, such as loose gravel on roads and fresh rain or other wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Under Armour Charged Reckless is a comfortable running shoe. The cushioning technologies in the midsole enhance performance, while the design of the entire shoe–with a special shout out to the anatomical outsoles–remains flexible and lightweight. With great heel and arch support, these shoes will add time to your running stamina, and energy to your joints.
