Details
Brand
Under Armour
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Under Armour Storm Technology keeps water from entering the shoe• Removable sock liner made with Charged Cushioning• Micro G Midsole Foam provides responsive cushioning• Michelin Wild Gripper provides amazing grip
Upper
The upper of the shoe has been described as flexible, lightweight, breathable, and protective. The material used in the creation of the upper is a comfortable soft mesh. Under Armour covered the mesh upper with a rubber material for maximum durability and protection. Runners commented that they felt totally protected from the elements on their runs and never experienced a rip or tear in the upper. However, the key feature of this upper is the Under Armour’s patented Storm Technology. This wraps the shoe in a protective, water repellent coating the keeps the foot dry and cool. Even though the shoe is covered in layers of protection, runners still commented that the upper felt breathable and lightweight. Even on longer or hotter runs, runners commented that their feet never overheated or developed blisters or hot spots.
Midsole
Runners described the midsole of this shoe as extremely comfortable. Under Armour selected their patented Micro G Midsole Foam for the Speed Tire Ascent Low. This material is bouncy and provides the runner with a responsive cushioning. It does an amazing job of absorbing the harmful shock of each footfall. The full-length foam also returns the energy to the runner to reduce fatigue. Runners also appreciated the removable sock liner that comes with this shoe. The sock liner is made using Charged Cushioning which cradles the foot and gives each runner a unique fit because it adapts to the shape of each foot. Although this midsole foam and midsole unit provide excellent cushioning, Under Armour is able to keep the weight low and the profile low to the ground as well.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe provides Under Armour’s signature grip and a high level of traction. Under Armour uses their Michelin Wild Gripper for this shoe. This is actually the same rubber used on Michelin tires, so runners can feel confident about the level of traction provided. This shoe is designed for any terrain in any condition. Runners commented that this is an all season shoe because of the water repellent protective upper and the intensely grippy outsole. The outsole utilizes a unique lug system. The lugs on these shoes are smaller and multi-directional and are designed to mirror the trail to provide maximum traction.
Breathability
Although one of the key features of this shoe is the Under Armour Storm Technology that repels water, runners commented that the upper is surprisingly breathable and light. The closed mesh design keeps water from entering the shoe but still allows air to flow into the shoe which helps to prevent moisture and friction. Even runners who were racing in hot conditions commented that they didn’t have to worry about their feet overheating or about the painful risk of blisters.
Comfort
Due to various thoughtful design elements, runners were overwhelmingly pleased with the comfort provided by these shoes. The midsole, especially, received very high reviews in terms of the comfort it provided to the runner. Runners found the Micro G Midsole foam to not only be durable but provided the right amount of responsive cushioning. The shoe also comes with a removable sock liner made with Under Armour’s patented Charged Cushioning. This cushioning molds to the shape of the foot, creating a unique, personalized fit for every runner. Runners also commented on the breathability of the upper and how comfortable it kept them during their runs.
Style
Right off the bat, runners noticed the unique look of this shoe. It comes in a plethora of two-toned colors that runners found to be very eye-catching and unique. Many runners commented that the average trail shoes look very rugged, but this one looked more like a casual athletic shoe which was a welcomed change. The shoe comes in a variety of different color combinations to choose from.
Durability
The upper, midsole, and outsole of this shoe all feature different durability elements. The upper is made using Under Armour’s patented Storm Technology that repels water. It is also designed using a closed mesh that not only keeps the runner safe from trail debris, but it also keeps the upper from fraying or developing any holes or tears. The midsole is made using Under Armour’s revolutionary Micro G Midsole Foam. Runners found this midsole foam to be very responsive and reported that it didn’t break down or lose its shape like other midsole foams on the market. Runners loved the fit and feel of the Michelin Wild Gripper, but some reported that it began to break down too quickly.
Protection
Since this shoe is designed for some of the toughest terrains, runners were not disappointed with the level of protection offered. An obvious protective feature is its superior durability and traction provided by the Michelin Wild Gripper rubber that lines the outsole. This ensures that runners feel safe and protected regardless of the terrain or the conditions. The upper of the shoe also comes equipped with a protective toe cap to guard against elements on the trails like rocks or roots.
Responsiveness
One of the key reasons why this shoe is so fast is because of the high level of responsiveness provided. The shoe features a lower profile and heel drop which keeps the runner feeling close to the ground and connected to the trail beneath their feet. This enabled runners to make quick and efficient changes to their direction or pace and adapt to the changes in terrain. The midsole features the Micro G Midsole foam which runners found to provide a responsive cushioning that actually returned energy to the runner with each footfall.
Support
One of the key support features offered in the Under Armour Speed Tire Ascent Low is the removable sock liner that can be found in the shoe. This sock liner features the Charged Cushioning that is unique to Under Armour shoes. This molds to the shape of the foot, provided additional support and cushioning for the runner while they traverse some of the toughest terrains. Additionally, the entire upper is covered in a rubberized material which adds support for the runner by keeping the foot in place.
Terrain
Whatever terrain you have in mind, the Speed Tire Ascent Low can handle it. This shoe was designed for some of the toughest terrains out there and that is why runners love this shoe for an obstacle course race like the Tough Mudder or Spartan races. The Michelin Wild Gripper outsole is designed to provide superior traction and is designed specifically to shake off excessive mud or dirt to ensure that the runner stays safe on the trail. Since the upper of the shoe is water repellent thanks to Under Armour’s Storm Technology, this shoe is great for muddy, rainy or just overall slick runs too. Regardless of the weather or the conditions of the trail, runners felt safe and secure in this shoe.
Price
This shoe is slightly above average when it comes to cost. Runners found the few extra dollars to be worth it though because the shoe is so versatile and protective. This shoe is great for all types of trails so there is no need for the runner to spend money on different styles of trail racing shoes, which saves them money in the long run.
Drop
The Under Armour Speed Tire Ascent Low has a low drop and low overall profile. This means that the entire shoe is closer to the ground, creating a flatter, safer running experience. At 4.5 millimeters, runners reported that they could feel the ground below them and this helped them make safe and efficient changes in direction and pace and respond to changes on the terrain as well. This shoe is a natural running shoe and doesn’t come with added cushioning in the heel like some other running shoes on the market today.
Stability
This shoe is not a stability shoe. While there are many great shoes on the market for pronation issues and added arch support, this is not one of them. This shoe is more focused on supporting the natural movement of the foot than imposing stability technology to change the way runners move.
Flexibility
The upper of this shoe is where you can expect to find the most flexibility. The upper utilized a closed mesh system that moves with the foot and conforms to each unique foot shape to provide a flexible, supportive fit. The entire shoe has a lower profile and is closer to the ground. The midsole moves with the foot and creates a cushioned landing pad that promotes natural movement.
Traction
The grip on this shoe is better than the vast majority of shoes on the market today. Runners commented over and over again about how safe and secure they felt regardless of the conditions of the trail. The outsole is designed using Under Armour’s patented Michelin Wild Gripper. This outsole utilized multidirectional, various sided lugs to grip the ground below. The rubber is extremely grippy and does a great job of protecting the runners against slips, even in slippery and wet or rainy conditions. Runners commented that even while running through mud, they felt completely confident and secure.
Bottom Line
Runners loved the aggressive grip and superior traction provide by this shoe. Under Armour keeps the shoe relatively lightweight and provides a low profile that enables the runner to go fast and stay safe. The various technologies provide responsive cushioning, protection against water, and traction. The cost is slightly higher than some runners feel comfortable with, but overall, this shoe is a great value.
