Review: UA Flow Velociti Wind 2
The original Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind was the best running shoe offering yet for the brand. It was a big leap forward in comfort and function, with an emphasis on keeping the weight down without compromising on support. This iteration sees a few subtle changes, which further advance what was already a fantastic shoe for general runs and tempo efforts. One key change that was noticeable on longer runs was they’ve upped the feel of stability by improving the heel cup to better lock you in place. The Tatami Stitch Heel delivers a more consistent lockdown, which is something that will be appreciated by those after a shoe that covers every aspect of their training regime, from speedwork to easy, long runs. There’s also a new moulded EVA sockliner which also increases comfort and counterbalances the firmness of the sole.
The one-piece Flow midsole connects the outsole with the midsole, making rubber outsoles obsolete without sacrificing grip. This also helps reduce the weight by a small margin. In both wet and dry conditions, the grip is great, and don’t go thinking the durability is poor as a result – You’re likely to get many months of wear out of these kicks. The underfoot feel is firm and reactive. They don’t have the extreme softness that’s common in the high stack shoes that are popular today. It’s a nice change that gives you a more natural feel and greater proprioception. With an 8mm offset, they’re also kind on the calves and Achilles.
Aesthetically, they look fast! The colourways are unique and stand out from the crowd, with modern, stylish finishes that catch the eye.Plus, the connectivity element is one of the really appealing things with most UA running shoes. Through the UA MapMyRun app you can track and analyse your running metrics. Provided you have you phone with you, it can also provide real-time advice on how to improve your performance.