Details
Brand
Under Armour
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• UA Speedform technology makes for seamless upper• Perforated upper provides improved breathability• Ultrasonic welded seams in the upper help to keep foot snug and secure• Dual layered midsole cushioning• Charged foam and Micro G cushioning both provide great energy return• Blown rubber outsole• Flex Grooves featured in outsole• Foam infused heel• Anatomical rubber outsole provides increased flexibility
Upper
The mesh upper of the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 showcases the brunt of the changes since the previous version. The revamped upper is composed of a cotton-like fabric. This makes the upper slightly more breathable than before because of the wider openings. The shoe fits like a sock and provides a very snug and comfortable fit. Runners found that there were no uncomfortable pressure points or areas that felt irritated. The UA SpeedForm technology means that the upper is seamless which allows wearers to run sockless in the Apollo 2. Ultrasonic welded seams ensure the foot is snug and secure while running.
Midsole
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 has a midsole with a fair bit of cushioning. The midsole cushion provides great impact protection. The midsole features a dual layer cushioning system. Charged cushioning is layered on top of Micro G foam. Both of these cushioning materials have great energy return. The Micro G foam, in particular, provides efficiency in terms of rebound during toe off. The shoe’s construction enables runners to experience a natural ride while still getting enough protection from impact.
Outsole
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 has a rubber outsole. The shoe was mainly constructed with the road in mind so the sole’s lugs are uniformly flat.;This shoe doesn’t perform too well in very wet weather. It’s even worse if you end up slogging through mud. Plan to keep this shoe for urban running.;You’ll also notice that there are prominent grooves in the outsole. These forefoot grooves help to improve the shoe’s overall pliability. They also help to promote a natural running motion. Some runners found the blown rubber outsole didn’t last as long as they would have hoped and noticed that it showed wear and tear early on in their training.
Breathability
The upper of the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 does a great job at ventilating. The revamped upper on the Speedform Apollo 2 does a much better job when it comes to breathability than the original version of the shoe. The upper features larger opening and is thus more breathable. The larger openings allow for better air circulation and help to reduce sweat buildup inside the shoe. Runners commented that the shoe did a great job of draining out water during wetter runs. There is a kind of wet-suit like material incorporated around the heel cup which some runners found a bit uncomfortable. The material promoted the formation of blisters for some. Others appreciated the quick-drying ability of the material.
Comfort
Many reviewers were extremely pleased with the comfortability of the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2. They found the shoe quite comfy even when wearing it sockless. The seamless interior of the shoe did not cause blistering or hot spots for most runners. Another welcomed fact about the Speedform Apollo 2 is that very few runners ran into fit issues with the shoe. The Apollo 2 fits snugly and securely without causing uncomfortable pressure points.
Style
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is a sleek looking shoe. It has been aesthetically improved since the first version of the shoe. The new design is much cleaner and modern. It looks like a fashion sneaker as opposed to a heavy-duty running trainer. The design is subtle and stylish enough for the shoe to be worn outside of running. The color options, for both men and women, are bright and fresh. The Speedform Apollo 2 is not a boring looking shoe. Far from it!
Durability
The durability of the shoe was one of the main complaints from reviewers. The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 has a blown rubber outsole. The outsole is very flexible and responsive but lacks the ability to withstand repeated pounding. This might just be a deal breaker for those who want their shoes to last a while. Many runners tend to retire their running shoes and use them for walking or to wear for quick errands. If the outsole of the shoe is rubbed raw there might not be enough life left in them to get more use out of them via everyday use, which is unfortunate.
Protection
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is quite lightweight. It also enables runners to have a fast, responsive running experience. But the fact that the shoe is lightweight does not mean that it doesn’t provide adequate protection. The shoe provides ample cushioning to protect runner’s from excessive impact and the repeated pounding of distance training. Runners found that they felt adequately protected underfoot but were still able to enjoy a fast, effortless ride in the Speedform Apollo 2.
Responsiveness
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 shines when it comes to responsiveness. The shoe provides a responsive ride and since it’s so lightweight it makes for a great speedwork or race day shoe. The dual-layered midsole is composed of two types of cushioning material. The Charged foam and Micro G foam both provide excellent energy return. The outsole also features a blown rubber construction which provides additional energy return. Most runners enjoyed the great ground feel and bouncy energy return in the Speedform Apollo 2.
Support
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is best suited for neutral runners or supinators. That said, the shoe still lends adequate support to these types of runners. The Apollo 2 manages to provide a secure fit that’s anything but sloppy. The Ultrasonic welded seams in the upper ensure that the wearer’s foot is snug inside the shoe. The shoe also features good arch support in the midfoot and the foam infused heel enhances the shoe’s overall support. The outsole, despite having durability issues, provides a nice supportive base for the wearer.
Terrain
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is intended for road running. It can handle different running surfaces just fine but it will perform best on the pavement. It will keep runners in urban settings stable. The shoe is definitely not meant for the trails. The uniformly flattened lugs in the outsole of the shoe are just not aggressive enough to handle off-road running.
Price
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 features a low to midrange price tag. The pricing is fair for a shoe that performs so well for its intended use. The Apollo 2 offers up great comfort in a lightweight package. It’s also stylish enough to wear outside of running situations so it can do double duty.
Drop
The overall drop in the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is 8mm. It’s not a zero-drop shoe but it’s below the average standard drop for most running shoes. This shoe is an option for both forefoot and heel strikers alike. The flexible construction ensures a natural rolling motion of the shoe. The light weight of the shoe also helps runners feel unencumbered. The shoe is definitely edging towards a more minimalistic feel without compromising cushioning and protection underfoot.
Stability
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is not made to correct biomechanical issues. The neutral shoe is made for runners who run fairly efficiently. Regardless, these types of runners will find that they are adequately supported in the Apollo 2. The dual layer midsole cushioning, composed of Charged Cushioning and Micro G foam, provides a good, supportive base. The shoe also features good arch support in the midfoot. In addition, the blown rubber outsole provides a stability underfoot. Runners won’t feel unsure of their footing when running in the Apollo 2. The shoe’s upper also does a good job at ensuring a secure fit, providing stability. The sock-like fit, created with the help of Ultrasonic welded seams, means that the wearer’s foot will not slip and slide inside the shoe.
Flexibility
Another area where the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 shines is its flexibility. The outsole, despite lacking durability, it’s extremely flexible. It helps to provide a natural ride for runners. The outsole also features Flex Grooves which also promote a natural running motion. Virtually all reviewers found the shoe moved nicely during their runs. The flexibility aided in providing a fast ride for runners. The upper is also flexible. Constructed with a flexible cotton material, the shoe wears like a snug sock. The flexible upper accommodates foot swelling and increases comfort for the wearer. The Apollo 2 is a good option for a runner looking for a lightweight shoe with some give. The ample flexibility, though, does not make for a sloppy, unsecured fit. The shoe still remains supportive underfoot.
Traction
The blown rubber outsole on the Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 provides decent grip for road running. The shoe would also perform well at the track for speedwork. The outsole keeps runners grounded and supported when the weather is fair. In excessively rainy weather, runners may need to take caution. The flattened lugs in the outsole are grippy enough to keep runners grounded on the roads but in wetter conditions, the grip isn’t the best. Quite a few runners commented on the poor traction of the Apollo 2. The shoes are fine when it comes to drier weather but in rainy conditions, the shoes lack the ability to grip the ground very well. This is definitely a point that could be improved in the next version of the Speedform Apollo 2.
Bottom Line
The Under Armour Speedform Apollo 2 is a neutral shoe meant for road running. The lightweight shoe is perfect for speedwork or race day. The shoe edges towards a more minimalistic design but remains well cushioned. Runners will feel protected underfoot and enjoy adequate cushion to help pad each footfall. The shoe also happens to look good. The fresh, modern design can easily be worn for non-running activities and even worn out casually. The Apollo 2 can even be worn sockless thanks to its seamless construction. There were numerous concerns about the outsole of the shoe. Quite a few runners commented on the outsole’s poor durability. Runners found that the outsole was the first part of the shoe to show wear and tear. Still, the Apollo 2 is priced fairly and the pros outweigh the cons. This shoe is a good option for a biomechanically efficient runner looking for a lightweight shoe that still provides a well-cushioned base.
