Is Under Armour Worth Buying? A Breakdown of Their Best Running and Lifestyle Picks
Under Armour delivers genuine value across running shoes and everyday wear, though performance varies by product line. The Velociti Pace stands out as their premium running shoe at £99.95, while the Infinite Elite 2 at £69.44 offers solid everyday performance at a lower price. Their lifestyle pieces like the Fierce Fatherhood hoodie fill a niche between casual and statement wear.
Why Under Armour?
Under Armour, founded in 1996, built their reputation on performance-engineered sportswear and footwear. They specialise in moisture-wicking fabrics, responsive cushioning systems, and durable construction—but they're not premium-priced like Nike or Adidas at similar performance tiers. Their shoes typically feature UA Hovr or charged cushioning technology, which means responsive bounce without excessive weight. The brand sits in the mid-range sweet spot: better durability and tech than generic brands, better value than luxury competitors.
Top Picks
Velociti Pace Running Shoes (Size 8) — £99.95
Best for serious runners who want responsive ground feel without a premium price tag. The Velociti Pace combines a lightweight mesh upper with UA's energy-return cushioning system, designed for tempo runs and racing. At under £100, it punches above its weight for intermediate and advanced runners seeking a nimble, direct ride.
Ua Infinite Elite 2 Collegiate Unisex Running Shoes — £69.44
Best entry-level value for daily running and gym work. This is Under Armour's bread-and-butter trainer—soft cushioning, breathable mesh, and a durable rubber outsole designed for neutral runners. At £69.44, it's ideal for beginners or runners who rotate multiple pairs without breaking budget.
Under Armour Infinite Pro (Men's) — £130.00
Best for maximum daily cushioning and stability. The Infinite Pro sits above the Infinite Elite 2 with firmer arch support and enhanced midsole technology, targeting overpronators and runners needing extra structure. The £130 price reflects its position as Under Armour's premium everyday training shoe.
Ua Infinite Pro 2 — £60.48
Best budget pick if you're willing to compromise on cushioning for portability. The most affordable option in the current range, suited to lightweight runners or cross-training rather than high-mileage road running. At £60.48, it's a no-fuss gym or casual shoe.
Fierce Fatherhood Statement Hoodie (Navy/S) — £73.00
Best for casual wear with purpose. A unisex hoodie that doubles as a statement piece for gift-giving, combining Under Armour's usual cotton-blend comfort with a defined design. At £73, it's mid-range for licensed hoodie wear but solid if the messaging resonates.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Velociti Pace | £99.95 | Tempo runs, racing | Lightweight mesh, energy-return cushioning | | Infinite Elite 2 | £69.44 | Daily training, beginners | Soft cushioning, unisex sizing, durable | | Infinite Pro | £130.00 | Overpronators, max cushioning | Enhanced arch support, premium midsole | | Infinite Pro 2 | £60.48 | Cross-training, gym use | Budget-friendly, lightweight | | Fierce Fatherhood Hoodie | £73.00 | Casual wear, gifts | Defined statement design, unisex fit |
What to Look For
- Cushioning level: Under Armour's Infinite series uses softer, more forgiving midsoles (around 10mm stack height), while the Velociti Pace sits lower (8mm) for direct ground feel. Choose based on your preference for plush vs. responsive.
- Sizing accuracy: Under Armour runs true-to-size on most models, though the Infinite Pro offers wider toe box options in some sizes—worth checking if you have broader feet.
- Mesh breathability: All current models use textile uppers rated for warm-weather running; none are designed for winter or wet conditions without additional protection.
- Outsole durability: Expect 300-400 miles of wear from rubber outsoles on Infinite models, 250-300 miles on the lighter Velociti Pace due to thinner rubber.
The Bottom Line
The Velociti Pace at £99.95 is the standout performer if you're a committed runner seeking speed and responsiveness. For casual runners or gym work, the Infinite Elite 2 at £69.44 offers unbeatable value. Neither will disappoint, but neither reaches the premium feel of top-tier Nike or Adidas shoes—Under Armour delivers solid, no-frills performance at honest prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under Armour good value for money?
Yes—Under Armour shoes typically cost £20-40 less than equivalent Nike or Adidas models with similar cushioning and durability. The Infinite Elite 2 and Velociti Pace both offer strong performance for their price points, though they lack the prestige or cutting-edge tech of premium brands.
Are Under Armour running shoes good for beginners?
The Infinite Elite 2 is specifically designed for beginners, offering soft cushioning, stable geometry, and affordable pricing at £69.44. It won't outperform specialist shoes but provides a safe, comfortable introduction to regular running without premium investment.
What's the difference between Infinite Elite 2 and Infinite Pro?
The Infinite Elite 2 (£69.44) is lighter and more cushioned for neutral runners doing easy miles. The Infinite Pro (£130) adds firmer arch support and a stronger midsole for overpronators or runners needing extra stability. Choose Elite 2 for comfort, Infinite Pro for control.
Can I use Under Armour shoes for gym workouts as well as running?
Yes—all current models work for gym training, weight work, and cross-training. The Infinite Pro 2 at £60.48 and Infinite Elite 2 at £69.44 are especially suited to mixed training since their wider platforms and softer cushioning handle lateral movement and weightlifting stability better than the Velociti Pace, which is optimised for forward running.
