Details
Brand
Under Armour
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Upper features Under Armour’s patented Speedform Fit Technology• Heel Counter for added support and stability• Ultra Sonic Seaming that eliminates friction and blisters• Embedded sock liner to added another layer of cushioning• Dual layerd midsole that features Charged Cushioning• 8 millimeter drop
Upper
The upper of the shoe is made from Under Armour’s patented Speed Form Fit technology. This provides a comfortable fit to the runner by conforming to the unique shape of the each runner’s foot. It is snug and supportive. This could be because of the addition of the breathable mesh that covers the upper. This mesh provides a maximum airflow to the foot and helps keep the foot cool and dry regardless of the outside temperature. Runners loved this because it protected them from blisters. Another interesting feature about the upper of this shoe is Under Armour’s use of their unique seaming design. They use what is called Ultra Sonic Seaming that ensures that the shoe is comfortable enough to wear without socks due to the Bemis tape that is used on the inside and outside of the upper. Finally, Under Armour added in an embedded sock liner to help keep the foot free from odors and bacteria and also to add more cushioning to the ride.
Midsole
This midsole is made using a dual layering system. On the top layer is Under Armour’s patented Charged Cushioning. This provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The bottom layer is made using Micro G Foam. This foam improves the responsiveness of the ride and runners described it as springy and lightweight. Overall, this shoe provides a lot of cushioning and comfort, but because of the unique materials, it doesn’t add a lot of weight to the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the Speedform Fortis 2 is designed with flexibility and durability in mind by adding rubber to the high wear areas of the outsole. Fortunately, this does not increase the weight of the shoe. It is also lined with strategically placed flex grooves to promote natural movement.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is designed using a breathable, lightweight mesh material. Not only does this provide maximum airflow to the shoe with the purpose of reducing moisture and keeping the foot comfortable and dry all day, the material is specifically designed to be lightweight so that runners don’t feel too hot or restricted, to begin with. The upper fits snuggly due to the Under Armour Speed Form design, but it also keeps things comfortable and airy inside the shoe which eliminates the risk of hot spots and blisters.
Comfort
Runners love the comfort afforded by this shoe. This shoe offers a unique combination of being lightweight and also very cushioned too. The shoe uses a dual-layered midsole foam. On the top, runners receive excellent cushioning through the patented Charged cushioning midsole foam. The bottom layers gives the runner added responsiveness through the Micro G Foam. Both layers work together to absorb the shock of each footfall and help the runner stay comfortable mile after mile. The upper of the shoe is lightweight and breathable which kept blisters at bay. Finally, this shoe features Under Armour’s patented Speedform fit technology which molds to the shape of the foot and provides the runner with a customizable fit and feel.
Style
Runners liked the multiple styles and colors that this shoe comes in. The breathable mesh of the upper uses a unique seam system and this comes across in the multiple-threaded coloring. It provides a unique look to a more traditional running shoe. Under Armour shoes tend to look sleek and runners liked that this shoe didn’t make their feet look too bulky.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe features a durable rubber material to protect the foot. In addition to this Under Armour added rubber traction to only the areas of the underfoot that require it due to the fact that they are the highest tread areas and require the highest level of protection from wear and tear. By only including this element on a few select spots of the shoe, Under Armour was able to keep this shoe very lightweight.
Protection
The highest level of protection offered in this shoe comes through the outsole. Instead of lining the entire outsole of this shoe with rugged protective elements, Under Armour only put these design features in the highest wear and tear and tread areas. This protects the runners from the road but also helps keep the weight low. Additionally, this shoe uses a dual-layered midsole foam that protects the runner by absorbing the harmful shock from each footfall. This can reduce injury to the joints in the long run.
Responsiveness
The midsole of this shoe features a dual-layered foam. These two foams work together to provide a highly responsive ride for the runner. The shoe does an excellent job of keeping the runner connected to the road below them and providing excellent energy return. Runners described the fit of the shoe as springy and quick to respond to changes in direction and speed.
Support
In terms of support, the Speedform Fortis 2 provides support to the runner in a few different areas. For one, the shoe comes with a heel counter that locks the foot in place and protects it against unwanted movement that can lead to friction and blisters. Another area of support is through the upper. The upper uses the patented UA Speedform Fit technology that provides a snug fit that helps keep the foot in place but doesn’t make the foot feel confined.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is designed for the roads. The outsole does provide a high level of traction than some other road running shoe, but this shoe is specifically designed as a road running shoe as opposed to a trail running shoe. This is a shoe that runners love for mid to long distance races and training runs.
Price
Runners really appreciated the affordable price. The shoe comes in slightly lower than the average road running shoe on the market today and due to the high traction support found in the outsole, runners commented that this shoe kept its shape longer and needed to be replaced less frequently than other similar shoes which added to its overall value.
Drop
The shoe features an 8mm drop. For the runner who has been running on a traditional heel drop of 10 or higher, but wants to move to a lower, more natural drop, this is a good shoe to help you transition.
Stability
The Under Armour Speedform Fortis 2 is marketed as a neutral running shoe. This means that this is not a shoe that is designed for the runner looking for over or under pronation issues. Because the neutral runner doesn’t need support in improving their gait, this shoe is able to support the natural movement of the foot.
Flexibility
Runners loved the high level of flexibility offered in this shoe. For one, the upper is designed using Salomon’s patented Speedform Fit Technology. This material molds to the shape of the foot and gives the runner a flexible fit that supports the natural movement of the foot. The outsole is designed using flex grooves to promote a freer movement. Runners liked that although this shoe did offer a great level of cushioning, it didn’t get in the way of the natural movement of their gait cycle.
Traction
The outsole of the shoe is designed with strategically placed traction elements. Under Armour added this extra padding to higher tread areas to improve the traction and durability of the shoe. This shoe does come with a higher traction level than some others in a similar class, but this shoe is not suggested for trail running because it lacks an aggressive lug system to keep the runner safe.
Bottom Line
The Speedform Fortis 2 is a comfortable shoe for the runner looking for a road running shoe to take them on long runs or mid-distance runs and races. This shoe features some innovative technology that protects the runner and gives them a very comfortable ride. Starting with the upper, this shoe conforms to the shape of the foot and gives the runner a snug yet breathable running experience. The midsole features a unique dual-layered foam that gives not only cushioning but responsiveness to the running experience. The outsole is made using flex grooves to help promote the natural movement of the foot. Runners love the multiple color options that this shoe comes in and they also love the affordable price tag. This is a unique shoe that blends cushioning, lightweight design, and protection into a stylish, affordable running companion.
