Review: UA Flow Velociti Wind

A few weeks ago we got our hands on a pair of Under Armour’s latest shoes, the Flow Velociti Wind. Touted as the fastest running footwear UA has ever released, they arrived with high expectations. So over the last few weeks we’ve put them through plenty of miles, across varying terrain and an array of different session types. From long, slow distance runs to short speed reps, and everything in between, they’ve had a thorough once over!

To begin with, they look fast. The aesthetic is typical of a lightweight, low profile, relatively minimal shoe. There’s a little bit of bling to give them some personality, but nothing overly flashy. The upper is robust and snug, with some give to allow your feet to move around a little. They’re very comfortable, made from a breathable mesh that affords some give where you want it and support in the areas it’s needed. It’s a medium to narrow fit, with a firm heel cup that holds you in place, and just enough room in the toe box for a cosy fit that doesn’t allow your foot too much space to move aorund.

The midsole is where the big advances have been made by UA when compared to their previous footwear. UA Flow is the lightest midsole technology ever used by the brand. It utilizes a responsive, grippy and supportive singular-foam compound that eliminates the rubber outsole, hence reducing weight and creating a smooth ride. With an 8mm drop and neutral fit, they’re a safe option for most people. The shoe gives plenty back off the road, with a smooth transition through footstrike and a bit of bounce off the pavement. They feel fast and have adequate absorption to reduce the pounding from longer road runs. What’s more, they’re grippy on any surface, which was a pleasant surprise considering the outsole is essentially the midsole with the tread etched into it.

Overall, we’d consider these to be an ideal shoe for general, short to medium length runs and tempo work. They have a build quality that suggests you’d get plenty of volume out of them, and a fit that suits most people. However, if you’re after something for those really long days or you have a heavy footstrike, you may prefer something with a bit more support.

PRODUCT DNA:

• Weight: Men’s 9 – 8.5oz (241g) / Women’s 7 – 8.02oz (227g)
• Price: $220.00
• Heel: 26mm
• Forefoot: 18mm
• Offset: 8mm
• Stockists: UA Brand Houses, underarmour.com.au, Pace Athletic & rebel
• RRP: $220AUD