2018's New Running Experience | Under Armour HOVR Sonic Review

Disclaimer: I received Under Armour's HOVR Sonic running shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Under Armour is releasing a running experience like no other coming next week. Until last year, I hadn't thought of Under Armour as a long distance running shoe brand but my thoughts have greatly changed since experiencing the HOVR technology for myself!


Let me introduce you to the innovative Under Armour HOVR Sonic running shoe. 

Designed for runners of the competitive mindset, the HOVR Sonic is a digitally connected, neutral running shoe featuring HOVR cushioning which offers a 60% energy return. These shoes are like nothing I have seen before, in the best way possible.

As a BibRave Pro, I received white HOVR Sonic running shoes and have been packing on the miles over the last couple months. Here's a look at my personal findings on the HOVR Sonic experience so far.

Under Armour HOVR Sonic

The HOVR Sonic Tech Specs

  • Neutral Cushioning
  • Offset: 8mm
  • Stack Heights: 21mm Heel / 13mm Forefoot
  • Midsole Durometer: 47C Rim / 47C Core
  • Last: D Width; Speedfit + Strobel Construction
  • Weight: 9.6oz
  • Midsole: HOVR Cushioning, 60% Energy Return
  • Outsole: Solid Rubber Forefoot; Carbon Rubber Heel

The HOVR Training Features

Both shoes have a built-in sensor in the sole that tracks distance, cadence, pace, stride length and other data on outdoor and even treadmill runs. This data is stored and easily synced up to your device after the run or you can have the app open while running too.

I prefer to sync my shoes post-run so I don't need to bring my phone with on every run. When I'm done running, the shoes sync via Bluetooth to the MapMyRun app on my phone and all of the running data is stored on my account.


The data can be viewed as a general overview and more in-depth breakdowns are included for pace, stride length, elevation and cadence. This has been hugely helpful for my postpartum recovery and return to marathon training as getting back to a solid cadence is my main goal.

Tracking this data via my HOVR Sonic shoes has served as a personal accountability partner! I am able to compare data and (hopefully) see improvements as training progresses.



For outdoor runs, the HOVR Sonic shoes sensor tracks the weather and route to store on my MapMyRun account as well.


The HOVR Sonic Feel

The HOVR Sonic shoe's neutral cushioning feels natural for me. Though these shoes are on the heavier end of the spectrum, the 60% energy return from the HOVR cushioning evens things out. My feet felt light on the run and I haven't experienced any soreness or discomfort from the shoe.

The shoe's knit upper body offers support and breathability to keep you comfortable covering the long miles. The HOVR Sonic's knit upper comes in white (like mine), red, black and brilliance (neon pink).


Where to Find HOVR

Under Armour's HOVR technology is coming to market on February 1, 2018 and the Sonic shoes are priced at $100.

To receive updates on Under Armour's HOVR technology, visit UnderArmour.com/.


My Final Thoughts

The HOVR Sonic is easily my favorite Under Armour shoe. I plan on wearing these for many of my Grandma's Marathon training runs and potentially the race itself. I'm thinking these shoes will really shine on longer tempo runs and weekend long runs. The fit of the shoes has been very comfortable and syncing the data is a breeze. Geeking out on training data and pushing to new levels as a runner is right up my alley!

The absolute only concern that I have with the HOVR Sonic shoe is the mine are a beautiful bright white and I don't think they will stay that way for long. They may be grey after running through puddles this Spring but that's no trouble. It just means they are well loved and I put the work in!

Weekly Workout Wrap-Up

MONDAY: 

Easy Run: Goal pace 9:40 - 10:00/mile.


TUESDAY: 

Ekhart Yoga's Vinaysa Flow video (17:55)

WEDNESDAY: 

Strides: I got out for an early morning run and dabbled in some strides followed by front and side planks that evening.


THURSDAY

Off

FRIDAY:

A late night, night nursing and an early morning took the wind out of my sails today. Not even coffee could help! {gasp} Stretching and yoga will have to do and running will wait for the weekend.

SATURDAY:

Easy Run (Treadmill): 4 miles and another cold weekend in Minnesota!


SUNDAY:

Long Run (Treadmill): Goal pace of 8:30-8:40/mile. This run felt hard... Coming back into running after having a baby can make paces feel very deceiving. My body was going 8:30/mile but my mind thought we were running 7:30's for how the effort felt! I know I ran this one too hard technically, but pushing myself felt good too.


Do you track training data or prefer tech-free running?

Let's Connect!



Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.

Comments

  1. I'm a huge data geek and I love the idea of my shoes giving me all kinds of information! But I do like a light shoe. It would be a trade off for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wearing a heavier shoe can be a big change! I didn't notice it as much in these, likely because of the 60% return, and they are similar weight to my Adidas Ultraboosts.

      Delete
  2. Wow those shoes look really cool! That built in sensor is kind of neat. Enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are great and you should see the "Brilliance" color (like a neon pink) - love those! The built-in sensor makes downloading data breeze for lazy data nerds like me ;)

      Delete
  3. I am so intrigued with these shoes. I am currently in the market for a neutral running shoe. I will have to check these out in February.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, if you're a neutral runner these are a great fit!

      Delete
  4. Those shoes look neat and all the technology/info is great. They're priced well, too. But, my stability-dependent feet would probably not be very happy with a neutral shoe. The one time I tried a neutral shoe (under the advise of a shoe store person), it was a big fail ;-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true, these could be a tough transition if you need extra stability. I lean towards more minimalist shoes and this was a happy medium between cushion without too much structure. Stick to what makes your feet happy!

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  5. These shoes do not look like the typical running shoe. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, just different. Also, I've worn white shoes before and spiced them up with colored shoe strings. I'd love for my shoes to give me all of that feedback and if they felt great too, it's a win win. Thanks for linking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The white is what caught me off guard initially! They remind me of my tennis playing days - lots of pretty white shoes back then ;) I like your idea of using colored show strings. I'm loving the fit of these so far! The 20-mile test runs will have to wait a couple more months though ;)

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  6. Technology in your shoe?? Now that's pretty cool!! Unfortunately, I need a stability shoe and have gotten used to a much lower drop. But I do love the look of these especially for gym days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure - and they will stay nice and white in the gym :)

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  7. These running shoes seem like a must have, Amy! Excellent specs and I would love to have them. A proper shoes are crucial when running!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely, Agness! Properly fitted shoes are a must.

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