Under Armour’s HOVR Infinite is designed as a high-mileage running shoe, making it an excellent choice for marathon training. With the latest technology and a focus on comfort, this shoe is built to support you through those long runs, without compromising on performance. Here’s my experience after running 64 kilometres in these shoes, and everything you need to know.
Connected Technology for a Smarter Run
One of the standout features of the HOVR Infinite is its built-in technology. If you’ve ever been frustrated by waiting for your GPS watch to connect, this shoe will make your life much easier. The shoes come equipped with a sensor embedded in the insole, allowing the shoes to connect to your phone in the same way you’d connect wireless headphones. The sensor tracks key metrics like speed, distance, cadence, and stride length, and automatically uploads this data to the Under Armour MapMyRun app as soon as your phone is in range.
While the shoe’s chip doesn’t use GPS on its own, it’s easy to calibrate to your stride for accurate data. If you’re caught without your watch, or if it dies during a run, the HOVR Infinite serves as a reliable backup. The chip doesn’t require recharging and will continue to work for the life of the shoes, updating with new features as the app is updated. One of its most useful functions is tracking the total mileage on your shoes, helping you monitor their wear and tear over time.
Performance Features and Comfort
The HOVR Infinite is built to deliver a cushioned and responsive ride, similar to other popular neutral running shoes like the Asics Gel Nimbus or Brooks Glycerin. The shoe uses Under Armour’s proprietary HOVR foam, designed to provide a high energy return. When you first step into the shoe, the cushioning feels firm, but as you log more kilometres, it becomes extremely comfortable and supportive, making it a solid choice for long-distance running.
The midsole is wrapped in a fishnet-like fabric to limit the foam’s expansion when compressed, which helps maintain stability. Additionally, the engineered mesh upper keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable, with reflective elements for visibility during early morning or evening runs.
Gender-Specific Design for Better Fit
Under Armour has designed the HOVR Infinite with gender-specific construction based on research into the anatomical differences between men and women. For example, women tend to have shorter heels and more sensitive arches, so the shoe’s sock liner and tongue are softer and higher to accommodate these differences.
Durability and Support
The HOVR Infinite features a robust outsole with thick rectangular pods to provide support, along with deep grooves for flexibility. While the shoe is built for high-mileage running, the rubber outsole adds some weight, though it doesn’t feel heavy underfoot. The outsole design ensures that the shoe can handle the rigors of marathon training without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.
My Experience After 64 Kilometres
After running 64 kilometres in the HOVR Infinite at the start of my marathon training, I’m impressed by the comfort and cushion it offers during long runs. Despite being a heavy-footed runner, the shoes felt light on my feet, especially when I was doing speedwork on the track. The cushioned ride provides a smooth experience, and the support in the midsole is excellent, helping to absorb impact during longer runs.
Final Thoughts
The Under Armour HOVR Infinite is a fantastic shoe for high-mileage runners. With its responsive cushioning, connected features, and durable design, it’s built to handle the demands of marathon training. The added benefit of tracking shoe life and providing performance data through the MapMyRun app makes it a great tool for serious runners looking to improve their training and performance.
