Earlier this month I received an email from an Under Armour representative regarding an “exciting new running shoe launch”, with the offer of a pair to try out before the product hits the stores in July.
Their brand new shoe is called SpeedForm, and will be available in an eye-catching array of colors – lime green, blue, orange and red. Under Armour SpeedForm weighs in at a fraction under 6 ounces (approx. 170g), is super flexible and is manufactured with virtually no seams, stitching or insole. A somewhat unique fact is that SpeedForm is the first athletic shoe manufactured outside of a footwear factory. According to the pre-launch marketing literature, Under Armour Speedform was built in a bra factory, inspired by the bra-maker that used their knowledge of how to clothe the body to create the first Apollo spacesuits!
Here’s a straight-out-of-the-box pic of the size 9.5, bright red pair I received yesterday.
Today I’ve been wearing them sockless around the house all day, and I have to say they are extremely comfortable – almost slipper-like in fact. Tonight I ran in the SpeedForm for the first time on a brisk 10 miler (with socks) and they performed exceptionally well – no hot spots, zero rubbing, great flexibility and super comfortable. Actually, they kind of reminded me of one of my favorite shoes, the Inov-8 Road-X Lite 155. I almost went sockless on the run, but decided not to risk blisters or hot spots, and save that experiment for a shorter run in the next couple of days.
So, initial impressions are rather good and I’m looking forward to logging more miles in the coming weeks. I may even give them an outing at a local July 4th 5K. We’ll see….
Speedform will be available for purchase in July on UA.com for $120.
Update [3/4/14]:
Under Armour recently released the Speedform Apollo – a 7oz performance shoe that according to Competitor Magazine “feels as if it’s almost painted on your foot.” The Apollo features a 8mm stack height (24mm heel/16mm forefoot), perforated upper, seamless heel cup, and smooth, ultrasonic welded seaming for next-to-skin support & comfort.
The Apollo is available for $99.99 at Zappos.com. Click on the image below for more details:
