Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• TPU toe cap adds protection• Anti-Microbial Ortholite Sock Liner protects against moisture and odor• Full lengths EVA midsole foam• TPU heel counter for added stability• High Abrasion Rubber and blown rubber along the outsole• Aggressive lug system• Synthetic suede overlays for added support• Engineered mesh upper for added ventilation
Upper
The upper of the Chetco 2.0 has seen some key redesign elements from the original version. For starters, the engineered mesh used in the upper is thicker than the original and provides more tear protection and is less adverse to the elements found on the trail. To add an even greater layer of durability, Under Armour included synthetic, suede overlays. This also helps provide structure and support to the runner. A TPU toe cover helps protect runners from dangerous or surprising elements found on the trail and the TPU heel counter works to lock the foot into place. Runners commented that the overall footprint of this shoe is wider, providing a more comfortable, roomy toe splay.
Midsole
Since the weight of this shoe is already high due to the added materials of the upper and outsole, the Under Armour engineers decided to go with a lightweight, cushioned, full-length EVA midsole foam. This midsole foam provides lightweight cushioning and protection, helping to provide a smoother transition through the gait cycle. Included in the midsole is an antimicrobial ortholite sock liner. This added feature helps keep runners feeling fresh and clean mile after mile.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe uses all the most durable outsole materials on today’s market. For starters, the entire base of the outsole is covered in a high abrasion rubber to protect against the elements found on the trail and resist wear and tear. Layered over specific places on the high abrasion rubber, runners will also find blown rubber which is softer and creates a more comfortable ride. These materials work together to keep runners secure, protected, and comfortable on the trail. The outsole also comes with an aggressive lug system that is great for uphill and downhill running. The heel design of the outsole provides superior shock absorption.
Breathability
One of the updates Under Armour made to the newer Chetco 2.0 is a redesigned upper. The redesigned upper has a more durable and breathable engineered mesh material throughout. This material has a visibly ventilated look that helps air circulate into and out of the shoe. This helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe, keeping the runner comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. The increased breathability also helps to protect runners from blisters and hot spots that can form in unventilated shoes.
Comfort
Many runners used this shoe as an everyday wear shoe for work and travel. They reported that the lightweight EVA midsole foam combined with the supportive features throughout make this a good option for standing and walking all day without discomfort. On the trails, the added protective elements keep runners comfortable even on rough terrain. Details like the TPU heel counter and toe cap ensure that runners stay safe and comfortable. The breathable upper reduces the risk of blisters that can cause discomfort and pain to runners. The Anti-Microbial ortholite sock liner adds another layer of cushioning and helps to wick water away from the foot.
Style
This shoe has a distinctly rugged look. It is made to look like it is designed for the tough outdoors. The color pallets are dark, almost brooding, and the materials have a distinctly rugged look. This shoe is not designed for the runner who likes vivid colors and eye-catching designs, rather, this shoe is designed to blend into a natural setting.
Durability
The redesign of the original Chetco includes added durability features to help keep this shoe looking and feeling new for an extended amount of time. Runners commented that with these newly added features, they were able to wear these shoes for longer without the need to replace them, making them an even better value than the first model. The key durability details include a redesigned upper and added rubber to the outsole. The engineered mesh has been remade to be even more powerful. The mesh is covered in high wear areas with a synthetic suede overlay system that keeps the mesh protected and tear proof. Additionally, more high abrasion rubber has been added to the outsole for increased durability. The TPU toe cap around the toes helps prevent the upper from wearing down too.
Protection
Trail runners know that a quality trail running shoe must provide the runner with a high level of protection. The Chetco 2.0 provides just that. Starting in the upper, the synthetic suede overlays act as a protective barrier between runners and the elements, deflecting debris that can be found on the trail. Additionally, the engineered mesh and the Anti-Microbial ortholite sock liner help to keep the foot chamber dry and ventilated, protecting the runner from painful blisters and hot spots. The aggressive lug pattern on the outsole keeps runners safe and secure on uneven terrain and slippery conditions. Finally, the TPU toe cap provides an added layer of protection against rocks, roots, and other trail debris that can seriously injure runners on the trail.
Responsiveness
The full-length EVA midsole foam provides the runner with a moderate level of responsiveness. This is not a highly responsive shoe and has not been designed to connect runners to the ground below them, but it is responsive enough that runners felt comfortable responding to changes in terrain and direction with little effort.
Support
This shoe received high marks for its added supports found throughout the engineering of this shoe. For starters, the upper provides enhanced supports through the synthetic suede overlays that are layered on top of the engineered mesh. This overlay system helps keep the foot in place and reduces unwanted side to side movement. Likewise, the TPU heel cradle in the back of the shoe helps to lock the foot in place. This keeps the runner safe from friction that can lead to painful blisters. The full-length EVA midsole foam unit provides runners with a smooth transition from toe off to heel strike.
Terrain
This shoe is made for the trails, but runners commented that it can easily transition to light road running too. The added high abrasion rubber and the aggressive lug system of the outsole make this the perfect trail running companion because it provides added traction and grip. Runners also commented that this shoe is great for all day walking and working due to the added cushioning, so runners should not limit this shoe to just the trails.
Price
The low price tag of this shoe makes this a good option for those who are just getting into the trail hiking or running game and are looking for an affordable shoe to start them off. This shoe is versatile enough to wear on the trails and the roads and many runners also commented on its ability to be worn all day long for walking or working. The versatility of the shoe saves runners money because they do not need to purchase multiple pairs of shoes.
Drop
This shoe features a traditional drop. The traditional drop helps propel runners forward, providing a supportive fit that requires less energy exertion on the part of the runner. Since this shoe has a traditional heel drop, runners who are used to running on a traditional drop will not need time to adjust to this shoe.
Stability
This shoe is labeled as a neutral running shoe, but runners found that it includes some details that can help with mild stability issues. For starters, the base of this shoe has a wider footprint, giving the runner a more stable landing pad. Additionally, the TPU heel cradle system helps keep the foot aligned and helps to improve the runner’s gait cycle.
Flexibility
This is not the best shoe for the runner who is looking for that lightweight, flexible fit like a minimalist racing and running shoe. The added durability in the upper and outsole are designed to protect the runner and keep the shoe looking and feeling new for longer, but with that added protection and durability, runners sacrifice flexibility.
Traction
One of the areas where this shoe really shines is in the traction department. Just by flipping the shoe over and looking at the aggressive lug design of the underfoot, runners can easily see that this shoe is designed to attach securely to the ground below it and hold on. The tough lug pattern and the high abrasion rubber combine to make a super grippy outsole. Runners commented that this toughness is perfect for steep incline and decline hiking and running.
Bottom Line
Whether runners are looking to attack some tough trail hills, race their fastest trail 5k, or simply enjoy a comfortable jaunt through the woods or the roads, the Chetco 2.0 is a good choice. The redesigned 2.0 has reconsidered the comfort, protection, and durability of the first iteration, increasing all these elements at a lower price tag. The upper has a new, thicker and more breathable mesh that is layered below synthetic overlays for added support. The outsole has an aggressive lug system that keeps runners safe and secure on uneven and treacherous terrains. Runners reported that the high abrasion rubber of the outsole helps protect the runners from elements found on the trail and also provides a long-lasting lifespan for the shoe. Runners reported that they did not need to replace this shoe nearly as often as they did with other high-quality trail running shoes. One of the best features about this shoe is the cost. It is well below the average cost of trail shoes on today’s market, and while it is on the heavier side, runners were happy to trade a few extra ounces for the increased durability.
