Under Armour HOVR Sonic 2

Under Armour SONIC 2 - World record breakers?

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I have a confession. Despite regularly purchasing UA apparel and rarely being spotted running around Cardiff without sporting a backward-facing UA cap, it is simply not a brand I have previously considered synonymous with running.

However, when a friend approached me and asked if I would be willing to run a marathon for charity with the added dimension of obtaining a world record, I had little hesitation in pulling on the UA Sonic 2 and putting them to the ultimate test.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Responsive
• Digitally connected running
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Narrow fit for wider feet
• Cushioning means, you lose some natural ‘feel’ with the ground
• Can lose traction on wet smooth surfaces

Shoe specs

First impressions & appearance

The Under Armour Sonic 2's are extremely easy on the eye. Unboxing, my first thought is that these pair of shoe wouldn't look out of place in a "back to the future movie." Thank goodness, RunRepeat didn't send me a blue hedgehog. 

The micro-tonal black knit contrasting perfectly with the vibrant neon orange and green midsole certainly has connotations of a shoe that has arrived from the future. The shoe also comes in a range of including black, grey, white and blue.

It is clear that there has been some time and effort in incorporating design and technology into this shoe to make it aesthetically appealing.

It has a thick knit upper that appears to be robust and breathable. The midsole "incidentally" incorporates UA's HOVR technology not only boast a good degree of cushioning, but also allows a good degree of flexion when pulling the toe box towards the heel. This bodes well.

I am aware that looks can be deceiving. However, if we are judging a book by its cover, I can assure you that your first meeting with the Sonic 2’s will at least have you intrigued about what these shoes can offer.

Comfort & fit

It is not every day that I would agree to run a marathon with less than a week’s notice, let alone run it in a brand new pair of running shoes. Neither may I add would I advise any readers to follow suit.

However, when RunRepeat gave me the opportunity to review the Sonic 2, a spontaneous marathon offered an ideal scenario to test the qualities of this running shoe right out of the box.

On this basis, it is a credit to Under Armour that I was able to complete the distance with only one minor issue.

Overall, from a comfort perspective, there are a number of features that make the Sonic 2 an extremely comfortable shoe.

Firstly, the shoe is extremely responsive. The HOVR foam does what it was designed to do which is, in essence, giving back the energy return you put into each step.

The shoe feels relatively light and bouncy, which reflects UA’s claim of a ‘zero gravity’ feel. This is an aspect that my aging knees are certainly grateful for. Any shoe that can reduce impact and give something back in return is a winner in my book.

However, no shoe is perfect, feel, and performance are two different things. The knit itself (while reassuringly study), allows a good amount of movement. You have wiggle room for your toes, yet at the same time, your foot still feels secure within the shoe.

The securing qualities within the shoe are found with little details such as a slightly unique tongue construction. While suitably padded for extra comfort, it is also attached to the footbed by support wings.

Further to this, the TPU heel counter means that your foot is held into place from toe to heel. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is essentially a flexible, durable plastic. In light of that, your heel will feel supported, yet with the ability to allow movement.

The only (aforementioned) issue with the comfort and sizing of the Sonic 2 is concerning the fact that as a runner with slightly wider than average feet, the shoes are a narrower fit. 

While running a marathon, this meant that I was experiencing some pain as my feet expanded in the heat. I had to stop and adjust the shoe, slackening the laces as much as possible.

Fortunately, as the marathon was run at a relatively slow pace, this rectified the issue. However, be aware that the fit is certainly snug.

Upper

The upper consists of a robust micro thread knit that provides a breathable and durable exterior to the shoe.

The complex weave (below) provides a premium quality material. This is versatile in its ability to keep the feet well ventilated in the heat while offering protection from the elements in more inclement weather.

In relation to our marathon quest, as the miles counted down on a sweltering hot summers day, and with a world record in site, my feet were grateful for both the ventilation and the protection offered by this durable and well-ventilated exterior.

Aside to a minor sizing issue (see comfort), how many running shoes with 0 miles within their running life would leave both feet unscathed with neither a blemish nor abrasion in site following a challenging rural marathon?

Midsole

The Midsole is the engine room of the Sonic 2 and is essentially where the magic happens.

The UA Sonic 2 incorporates UA’s flagship technology in the HOVR cushioning. This is surrounded by an ‘Energy web’ (as you would expect with any shoe with a celebrated cushioning technology this means a relatively standard 8mm heel drop).

The energy web is created from a mesh fabric that wraps the cushioning core. This means that there is highly reactive charged foam ready and waiting to deliver an effortlessly responsive energy return with each step.

Essentially, the energy web does the job of harnessing the energy input by not allowing the cushioning foam to lose its shape. Any impact during the run is absorbed by the foam and instantly returned to the foot in the form of energy.

So in basic terms, what does the HOVR technology mean for the runner and my experience of the Sonic 2 during my marathon world record attempt?

In simple terms, from a running perspective, this means that you maximize the effort you put into each step. When you think the force of each step is approximately 2-4 times bodyweight, the energy return and responsiveness of the shoe cushioning means every stride should feel light and effortless.

Returning to my world record attempt (as a result of the midsole), not only did I feel more efficient as the miles ticked by, but my fatigue levels were kept at bay as well.

Construction

The construction of the Sonics 2 encompasses a durable micro thread knit weave upper with a lightly reinforced material lining offering both breathability and durability.

The tongue of the shoe is padded and encased within a robust and easily tied and comfortable lacing system. Within the shoe itself, you will find a removable anti-microbial sock liner for customized comfort and fit.

Below this, the shoe is built around a charged foam midsole containing UA’s HOVR technology which essentially consists of three layers - the HOVR foam itself, the energy web, and the blown rubber outsole.

Further to this, the heel counter adds support to the shoe with the TPU heel counter as per above.

Outsole

The outsole is an elaborate patterned network of blown rubber which is a lightweight material and incredibly responsive. This adds the overall ‘zero gravity’ feel of the shoe.

Directly beneath the heel, you will feel a reduced impact in each stride due to a high abrasion rubber which helps absorb ground contact.

I did feel a slight loss of traction underfoot on extremely smooth and wet services. However, this is not uncommon in a standard running shoe.

Technology

The digital advances in shoe technology have been an interesting development from shoe manufacturers over recent years. It only seems like yesterday that Nike developed a removal chip to communicate with the I-pod.

However, focusing on the UA Sonic 2, is it evident that UA has made advancement in the digital capabilities of shoes that this technology is already built into the shoe?

To utilize UA’S record sensor technology, you will firstly need to download the UA Mapmyrun App on your smartphones.

The digital connectivity between the shoe and the App is controlled via Bluetooth. The chip is contained with the right shoe, and all that is required to activate it is a simple tap of the foot to establish a connection with the App on your phone, and off you go.

The process is relatively seamless the stats such as pace, distance, and time is recorded along with interesting "extras" such as stride length and cadence. It is also nice to have vocal feedback through your earphones as you run.

The only downside is that you have to have your phone while you run to record all of the detailed stats. If you are a more experienced runner, you will find your Garmin stats more sophisticated in managing your training needs in regards to stats.

However, the digital connection is a nice touch and connects you to UA’s world of likeminded runners.

Performance

In my view, any shoe that is a record-breaker has to be considered a quality shoe. For me, the Under Armour Sonic 2 are indeed that.

From the perspective of someone who hasn’t previously run in any of Under Armours selection of running shoes, it has been a pleasure to review these trainers.

Every aspect, from aesthetics to comfort, has been considered. Because of that, UA has designed a shoe that delivers a durable, comfortable ride that also potentially improves individual performance due to the effortless response and feel from the HOVR technology. 

Personally, I feel that this is a versatile shoe and is essentially a ‘Jack of all trades’ in some senses. Its lightweight design enables it to function well as a faster shoe which is great for those tempo runs, while its robustness and comfort lend itself well to those longer runs where you need to feel a reduced impact.

Interestingly, Under Armour market the Sonic 2 as a faster pace shoe due to the HOVR technology and its light weight.

However, I do feel that because of their versatility, the Sonic 2 are not exceptional at any one particular thing. There are faster, lightweight, and possibly more robust shoes on the market that can outperform these shoes.

That said, from a performance perspective, the UA Sonic 2 delivers exactly what they say on the tin. A lightweight, responsive shoe delivering a ‘zero gravity’ feel and you can’t ask for more than that.

Conclusion

In answer to the question ‘could the Sonic 2’s be record breakers?’ The answer for me in regard to the very pair that I own is an emphatic yes!

From a review perspective, what does this mean?

Well, the fact that this shoe accomplished this feat right out of the box, means that rest assured, this shoe is an extremely comfortable, lightweight shoe with a technology (HOVR) that only adds to your efficiency.

Add to this, the digital connectivity and aesthetic appeal then quite possibly UA is on the road to breaking their own records in the running shoe arena. 

As mentioned above, if you are looking for a versatile shoe that has a tick in a majority of boxes, you won’t go far wrong with the UA Sonic 2’s.

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 2: Connected to the ground?

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These Bluetooth enabled smart shoes are reportedly comfy out the box. This may be true, but what will break first on a long run: me or the shoes?

The UA HOVR Sonic 2

Introduction

This is a review of the Under Armour HOVR Sonic 2 shoe. I know the Under Armour brand more for their apparel rather than their shoes.

As someone who normally sticks to the ‘classic’ running brands, testing these shoes is going to be a voyage into the unknown.

General Notes

The shoes have an interesting colour combination on them, though it is not something I would normally go for.

But, the bright foam is mitigated by the back upper, which means they aren’t too gaudy. The upper also has an interesting “crochet” effect, if that’s what you’re into.

The shoes are Bluetooth enabled to allow a direct connection with the MapMyRun app. Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive about trying these shoes.

I often wonder if gadgets are tagged onto the kit for the sake of it, to the detriment of their original function.

I already had the MapMyRun app downloaded on my phone, along with Strava, ViewRanger, and Endomondo. I mean why have one app when you can have six or seven?

I also had an account set up, so the shoes connected relatively easily.

The instructions in the box were quite minimalist. Downloading the app and setting up an account would make the process slightly more laborious.

Technophobes might find it a little baffling from the box instructions. Luckily, the website has expanded instructions making connecting the shoes simple for pretty much everyone.

Inside of the box

The long run

Having run a couple of shorter road runs (5-15km) in them, I decided that I would give the shoes a proper test on my hilly, traily, 100km ultra-marathon route.

I uploaded my long run route to mapmyrun.com. I assume this means my shoes will know where they are, even if I don’t?!

I did worry about how the Bluetooth connectivity would work with my Bluetooth earphones also connected. But, this turned out not to be a problem.

The nitty-gritty

I think that there are a couple of things that make a good shoe, comfort and durability are my main criteria with the price also being an important factor.

Comfort and fit

These shoes are indeed comfy straight out of the box. The toe box is nice and wide, which makes them comfortable for longer runs as your feet swell.

Wide toe box

The shoes feel very light when you are wearing them. But, the arch support can be clearly felt when you put the shoes on and the sole is quite stiff.

This was a slightly unusual feeling for me. I often go barefoot, but it didn’t cause me any irritation once I got used to them.

No bend at all in the sole except for at the toes

I have been struggling with a calf problem recently. Having the 8mm drop, rather than barefoot like I’m used to, really seemed to help me run without too much pain whilst I recovered.

The shoes were breathable and the upper mesh was nice and light, making it great on the long test run in the heat. The mesh also provided support and kept my feet comfortable and secure.

I did think the back would rub at the ankle over a longer distance as soon as I put the shoes on. The heel/ankle enclosure section of the shoe is very stiff compared to the other shoes I have had.

I always wear thick socks and I still got a small blister on my right ankle after 30 miles. I don’t normally get blisters from my shoes, so this was unusual.

It may prove to be a more significant problem for those who wear thinner/no socks.

Grubby feet and blisters – the shoes did well though, you should have seen some of the others!

Some small stones did get lodged in the bottom of the shoe, which was slightly annoying whilst running.

However, I think it is unlikely that this would be a large problem when the shoes are used as intended (i.e road running as opposed to on trail).

The shoes were comfortable, cushioned, springy, and responsive on the road. The stiffness and cushioning did make the trail harder to connect with under-foot, but I can’t fault the grip.

More of a hypothetical; I suspect the upper may allow in quite a lot of water when running in the wet (as it’s nice and breathable). But as it’s currently dry as a bone outside.

I have no way of seeing if this is true.

Durability

So far, I have no complaints. The shoes have held up really well, even when up against much rougher terrain than they were designed for.

Soles after ~70 miles wear

Price

These shoes are at the cheaper end of the spectrum for road shoes (around £70 from sports retailer sites). When you add in the free year of MVP on mapmyrun.com, they are extremely good value.

The free year of MVP on mapmyrun.com is a brilliant extra for these shoes. It allows you to access training plans and other premium features.

This means you can make the most of your shoes without forcing you to purchase MVP separately. The training plan feature would be particularly good for newer runners.

The bottom line

Having to drop out at 53km was very disappointing. I had a virus all week and was still struggling to breathe on race day, so I’m glad I managed to get as far as I did.

If I had carried on I would have kept these on my feet, even given the choice of two other tried and trusted pairs in my drop bag.

Shoes in action

The MVP function on mapmyrun.com allows for live tracking, which was fantastic as it allows people to follow your race remotely.

They see how you’re getting on (and in my case where to come and rescue me from!)

The shoes held up incredibly well. They are road shoes, and I tested them on some very traily trail. They got me up even the steepest hill with no worries about grip.

They are quite bouncy on road too and very comfortable. 

I will be testing them more on road over the next few months as I train for a 10km road race. I have absolute confidence that they will continue to perform well.

But most of all, these shoes are vegan. I am a vegetarian, and I’m really glad that no animals were harmed just so I can go running in comfort!