Last year I reviewed Under Armour’s HOVR Infinite shoes, a comfortable shoes that syncs with a smartphone to showcase running data via Bluetooth and the MapMyRun app. They are a really nice pair of shoes that I have used not only for running, but also for cross training and even a few times as a casual-wear shoe given it’s neutral muted color and simple look. The UA HOVR Machina was just recently released, and is an expansion on the capabilities that a “smart shoe” can provide.
The other cool tech is in the Machina’s construction itself. They showcase a new carbon-filled propulsion plate that is said to provide a more powerful push, and thus, making you faster as a result.
There is also a noticeable cushion – evidently immediately when slipping them on. I could tell that they had boosted this from the Infinites (20% more according to UA). Even with these changes, I did not receive any blistering or foot discomfort, but still felt that I would have appreciated more support. They just feel firmer and the miles did not bring as much springiness forward as I had hoped. It’s also a little on the heavier side overall – making the firmness even a little more evident to me.
As for the look – they are fine, but not the most sleek and fashionable on the surface. I’m usually one who is all about the ability to utilize running shoes in different settings (i.e. running and travel/casual), but the Black/Halo Grey/Red combo seemed a little “dad” shoe-y. But hey, I’m a father of three, so whatever. The more colorful versions look as if they may scream a little more “running”. However, 1) looks are subjective and 2) if a shoe is comfortable and provides me with all my running necessities I don’t give a rip what it looks like!
The Machinas run about $150 – placing it in the higher echelon of running shoes – but not exorbitantly high. It’s a bit above average, but that price for “smart shoes” isn’t all that bad when you think about it.
Details:
Shoe: UA HOVR Machina ($150)
Specs:
- Offset: 8mm
- Weight: 10.4 oz
- Engineered mesh upper
- Sprint spike-inspired Pebax® speed plate for increased return & more powerful push-offs
- Solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight
- Carbon rubber pods under the heel deliver greater traction & durability at high-impact strike zones
- External heel counter for added stability & a locked-in feel
- UA HOVR™ technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
- Compression mesh Energy Web contains & molds UA HOVR™ foam to give back the energy you put in
Thank you to Under Armour for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
