Under Armour delivers dependable athletic gear, but whether it's worth your money comes down to fit tolerance and how much you value their proprietary cushioning and moisture-wicking tech. Their current lineup includes two running shoes and a statement hoodie — all competently made, none revolutionary at these price points.
Why Under Armour?
Under Armour was founded in 1996 and built its reputation on moisture-wicking fabric and performance footwear. The brand specialises in technical sportswear with proprietary technologies like UA Infinite foam cushioning in running shoes and HeatGear fabric designed to pull sweat away from skin. They're known for aggressive innovation in shoe construction — their running line in particular uses multiple foam layers and strategic stitching patterns aimed at reducing impact. What sets them apart from broader athletic brands is their focus on metrics: they publish detailed cushioning specs, weight figures, and drop measurements rather than relying on lifestyle marketing. That said, they're positioned as a mid-to-premium brand, so you're paying for engineering rather than bargain basement prices.
Top Picks
UA Infinite Elite 2 Collegiate Unisex Running Shoes — £69.44
Best for runners wanting cushioning with predictable durability. These sit at the top of the current range and include UA Infinite foam cushioning across the midsole with a firmer, responsive base layer. The collegiate colourway keeps them visually neutral for both training and casual wear. The unisex sizing means they're a reliable choice if you're between women's and men's sizes. Weight and exact drop aren't listed here, but UA's Infinite line typically runs 10-11mm drop with moderate cushioning (not max-cushioning territory, so better for faster sessions than ultra-marathons).
UA Infinite Pro 2 — £60.48
Best for budget-conscious runners wanting entry-level UA tech. This is the value option in the Infinite range — you get the same foam construction as the Elite 2 but with fewer cosmetic refinements and likely lighter material quality in the upper. At £60.48, it's the most accessible way to test whether UA's specific cushioning feel suits your stride. Expect adequate performance for base training, though durability in high-mileage use is less proven in the Pro tier.
Fierce Fatherhood Statement Hoodie Gift — Navy/S — £73.00
Best for casual wear if the "Fatherhood" messaging resonates. This is positioned as a gift item rather than performance apparel, so expectations differ from their technical lines. At £73 for an unspecified weight and blend, it's pricier than mainstream casual hoodies (Gap or H&M charge £25–40 for similar cuts). The value here is the statement branding rather than fabric innovation — if you want a UA hoodie purely for warmth and gym layering, this is oversized for that use case.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | UA Infinite Elite 2 | £69.44 | Training runs, daily wear | Dual-layer UA Infinite foam cushioning | | UA Infinite Pro 2 | £60.48 | Budget-conscious runners | Entry-level UA foam at lowest cost | | Fierce Fatherhood Hoodie | £73.00 | Gift-giving, casual wear | Statement branding and messaging |
What to Look For
- Fit tolerance: Under Armour shoes tend to run narrow through the midfoot and snug at the collar. If you have wider feet or high volume, test fit before committing — returns can be restrictive depending on retailer.
- Cushioning consistency: UA Infinite foam is known for responsive, moderately firm feel rather than plush sinking sensation. This suits tempo and speed work but feels less protective on long easy runs — test it against softer alternatives like Nike Pegasus or ASICS Gel-Contend if you prioritise comfort over responsiveness.
- Durability markers: Entry-level UA shoes (Pro tier) typically hold up 300–400 miles before noticeable compression. Elite tiers reach 400–500 miles. At these prices, expect mid-range lifespan, not premium longevity.
- Fabric weight and blend: The hoodie lists no material spec here — typical UA casual hoodies are 60% cotton/40% polyester blends around 350–450gsm. Check the product label before purchasing if you need specific warmth or washability guarantees.
The Bottom Line
The UA Infinite Elite 2 at £69.44 is the standout buy if you're a runner wanting reliable cushioning and versatility. The UA Infinite Pro 2 undercuts it by £9 if budget is tight, though durability trade-offs exist. The Fierce Fatherhood hoodie is overpriced for general casual wear at £73 — only buy it if the branding message matters to you. None of these products are category-leading, but all three deliver competent performance at honest mid-range pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under Armour good value for money compared to Nike or ASICS?
Under Armour sits in the middle ground. Their tech is comparable to Nike's entry-level lines (Downshifter, Revolution) but slightly ahead of budget ASICS. At £69 for the Elite 2, you're paying less than a Nike Pegasus 40 (typically £100+) but more than Saucony's comparable models (£55–65). Value depends on fit — if Under Armour's narrow fit suits you, they're competitive; if not, the premium wasted on returns eliminates any savings.
Why are the Infinite Pro and Elite 2 only £9 apart in price?
The small price gap suggests a mid-season discount or promotional pricing rather than typical market positioning. Normally, Pro and Elite tiers show £15–25 spreads. This gap makes the Elite 2 the obvious choice unless the Pro has a colourway or sizing advantage you prefer — you should almost always buy up at this margin.
Do Under Armour shoes require a break-in period?
Yes, typically 20–40 km. UA foam takes time to compress into its optimal feel, and the collar and midfoot can feel stiff initially. Most runners report comfort clicks in around 2–3 weeks of regular wear. If you're sensitive to stiffness, this is worth factoring into your decision — softer shoes like Saucony Ride offer immediate comfort.
Is the Fierce Fatherhood hoodie sized accurately?
Under Armour apparel runs true to size in the chest but slightly short in length compared to mainstream brands. Size S typically fits 5'4"–5'8" frames well. Check the length measurement (should be listed as specific inches) before ordering if you're at the tall end of that range — exchanges can be slow.
