Details
Brand
Under Armour
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Dual blown and carbon rubber along the outsole• Embedded sock liner for added cushioning• Arch Form midsole to that provides responsive cushioning• Lateral side arch support• Breathable mesh upper• Heel counter to lock the foot in place• 8 mm drop
Upper
The upper of the shoe is where runners can expect to see the biggest changes and updates from the previous model, the Under Armour Speedrom Gemini 2.0. Runners commented that this previous model didn’t provide adequate air flow to the foot and that the upper felt to stiff. The new upper fo this shoe features revolutionary Bemis tape to keep the seamless upper together without the need for friction causing seams and additional weight. The entire upper has a redesigned look that utilizes a mesh material with larger ventilation holes to ensure that air can reach the foot and keep the entire foot cool and dry, even during long runs in hot weathe r. Runners describe the upper as “sock-like”. Even the tongue and the ankle of the shoe are lined with a soft, breathable material for an additional level of comfort.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe features UA’s patented Arch Form midsole design. This midsole is designed to mold to the shape of the foot and provide a cushioned, customizable fit. This also provides ample arch support for runners with weak arches. Runners also appreciated the embedded sock liner. This sock liner is soft and absorbent. It is designed to add comfort while wicking sweat away from the foot. It also provides an additional layer of cushioning too. The shoe also features a heel counter in the midsole of the shoe that locks the heel in place and eliminates the risk of unwanted movement that can lead to friction and blisters.
Outsole
This shoe utilizes both blown rubber and carbon rubber in its design. The entire underfoot is lined with blown rubber which tends to be lighter and less dense than carbon rubber. This primary outsole material provides the runner with a springy landing pad that provides amazing energy return and feedback. To increase the durability of the shoe, Under Armour added a layer of carbon rubber to the heel as well. Runners were pleased to find flex grooves all along the underfoot which helped balance the added cushioning of the midsole with a more flexible outsole.
Breathability
Under Armour worked hard to improve the breathability of this shoe from the previous version. The upper of this version is made using an open mesh material that is much more breathable and allows air to flow freely to the foot. This reduces the risk of hot spots and keeps the foot cool and dry which reduces the chance of acquiring a blister. Even the tongue of this shoe is lined with the open, breathable mesh to give this shoe 360-degree breathability.
Comfort
This shoe received high marks from runners in terms of comfort. From the breathable upper to the cushioning of the midsole, the shoe is designed to provide the runner with a plush ride that will protect them on their long runs and during their daily workouts. The arch form midsole technology cradles the foot and provides a customized fit for each individual foot. Runners who needed additional arch support found this shoe to be exceptionally comfortable.
Style
This shoe is offered in a wide variety of different colors. The styling provides a classic look, but runners can create a alter the look depending on the color option they select. The color options range from eye-catching and bright like a neon turquoise to a basic, sleek design with black and white. Regardless of the color selected, runners report that this is a fashionable shoe that looks great crossing the finish line or running errands around town.
Durability
Although the price of this shoe is higher than some runners wanted to pay, in the end, they found it to be worth the price tag because of how long-lasting it was. Runners were pleased with how well the shoe held up to wear and tear due to the dual rubber, carbon and blown rubber, that is layered along the heel of the outsole. Additionally, the Arch Form midsole retains its shape even after long miles. This shoe is the ideal shoe for long runs and races because it holds up exceptionally well to wear and tear.
Protection
The key protective element to this shoe can be found in the midsole. The midsole foam is comprised of various technologies that including a lateral arch support that Under Armour refers to as Arch Form. This protects the runner who is looking for added arch support and runners who are prone to injury commented that this element helped improve their gait and lead to fewer injuries. Likewise, the outsole is comprised of a dual rubber material that protects not only the runner from the elements found on the road but it also protects the rest of the shoe from wear and tear.
Responsiveness
Although the material in the outsole of this shoe is thicker and the drop is higher, runners reported that cushioned provided in the midsole is very responsive. Runners felt safe and secure changing direction and pace and found the energy return of the midsole to be efficient.
Support
There are multiple support elements designed into this shoe. For starters, the heel counter found in the heel of the shoe provides the runner with a secure fit that removes the risk of blisters along the Achilles. Furthermore, runners found the arch support to be superior in this shoe. Due to the midsole which uses the Arch Form design, runners received unbeatable arch support because this midsole actually molds right to the shape of the foot.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the urban adventurer. The thicker outsole makes this a perfect shoe for pavement. This shoe even has enough traction that it can handle runs or walks on moderate trails. The responsive midsole also makes this a great choice for the athlete looking to participate in group fitness classes like CrossFit, Zumba, or Body Pump.
Price
This shoe is slightly higher in price than the average running shoe on the market today. Runners who are on a budget will want to find another shoe. However, runners who did purchase this shoe commented that due to the durability this shoe provides, it is actually a great value because it lasts much longer than shoes that are a lower price.
Drop
This shoe has a drop that is slightly lower than a traditional drop shoe. At 8 millimeters, runners who are used to running with a traditional drop shoe will need some time to adapt to the slight difference. The lowered heel drop means that runners can expect less natural push off in the heel and a less forward projection. While this shoe is not low enough to be considered a natural or minimalist running shoe, this shoe can be used as a good transitional option from traditional to minimalist running.
Stability
This shoe is a neutral running shoe and is not designed for the runner with over or under pronation issues. However, due to the added lateral arch supports found in the midsole of the shoe, runners reported that the Speedform Geminis 2.1 does provide light support for the runners whose foot tends to roll slightly inward during their gait cycle. While this is not a shoe designed to alter the gait cycle or improve the runner’s form, it can provide adequate relief for this issue.
Flexibility
This shoe does a great job of finding the right balance between cushioned and flexible. Many long-distance running shoes provide a great amount of cushioning but end up being too bulking and cumbersome. This shoe can hit the right balance between the two. Runners can expect to find flex groove along the underside of the shoe to promote a flexible movement. Likewise, the redesigned upper of this shoe provides the runner with a fit that moves with the foot and doesn’t hinder the natural movement of each footfall.
Traction
The underfoot design of the shoe is created to grip the road. The underfoot design is rugged and although this is a shoe designed for pavement running, the underside of this shoe looks more like a trail shoe. This shoe also comes with two rubber materials of the outsole in the heel of the shoe that adds an extra level of traction. Runners commented that running on wet terrain was not an issue for these shoes.
Bottom Line
This shoe is designed for the runner who is looking for a companion for their long distance runs and races. The shoe provides enough support and cushioning to take the runner on long runs comfortably and without the irritation of fatigue. This added cushioning, and the Arch Form midsole absorbs the shock of each footfall and returns the energy to the runner. This shoe is a neutral running companion, but runners with slight issues with over pronation found this shoe to ease the pain that can be caused by this. The shoe is slightly over budget for some runners, but the durability of the Speedform Gemini 2.1 can justify the coast. Runners found the dual material of the outsole to act as a protective barrier to the rest of the shoe and helped the shoe maintain it’s new look and feel even after extensive use. The color options are plentiful and range from bright and eye-catching to sleek and classic. Under Armour takes their customer’s suggestions seriously, and runners can expect to see the key changes from the Speedform Gemini 2.0 to the Gemini 2.1 in the upper and through the added durability and flexibility.
