Under Armour’s New Halo Collection Has Every Shoe Runners Need
Under Armour is stepping into a new era of footwear with the launch of UA Halo, a shoe collection that promises runners everything they need to stay at the top of their game. Built for the everyday athlete, UA Halo introduces a holistic approach to performance with a shoe for every purpose.
The Halo shoe collection features three shoes built to carry you through every training session and get you over the finish line on race day. The line-up includes an everyday running shoe, a gym shoe, and a racing shoe, helping to satisfy your need for a full complement of athletic shoes.
The new collection represents an evolution in the DNA of Under Armour’s training shoes. According to Under Armour, its new design ethos aims to reflect a deeper sense of balance, purpose and performance. At the center of this evolution is a design shift. Now, the brand’s iconic double-arch logo is functionally integrated into the design, becoming part of the sneaker’s structure.
The logo serves as a visual signature with real performance benefits, paired with UA’s Hovr superfoam for powerful energy return and impact absorption. The logo is embedded directly into the structure of the shoe to improve both balance and stability and to marry form to function in a unique way.
But is this new collection the right choice for you? The best place to start is a look at the daily running shoe; the Under Armour Halo Runner. To give you a taste of what to expect from the Under Armour Halo collection I’ve been putting the Halo Runner to the test on the road during my training sessions. Here’s a look at whether you should add this neutral running shoe to your shoe line-up.
Test Run: Under Armour Halo Runner
Built with energy-returning cushioning technology and ultra-stable arch support, Under Armour says the Halo Runner is designed for everyday athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritise comfort, support, versatility and style. This shoe leans into everyday comfort and stability in a 224g package (size 4UK) with a 5mm drop.
The shoe’s construction ensures every stride feels powerful, responsive and grounded. It’s the type of shoe you grab on days when you want to feel supported but with a slightly more relaxed fit.
UA’s Hovr superfoam provides exceptional energy return and impact absorption, making long runs and recovery sessions a dream. The ultra-supportive arch midsole gives you a grounded feel underfoot and helps to prevent those inevitable niggles that rear their ugly heads during a long run.
The shoe features a comfortable, breathable mesh upper that keep things cool, even when the South African summer heat isn’t playing games. The shoe’s dynamic fit system hugs the foot just right without feeling restrictive while the durable traction pattern on the outsole gives you a great amount of traction on your runs.
I have a lot of room for toe splay in the toe box of these runners and my feet can wiggle around without feeling boxed in. As for the ride, the Halo Runner is responsive without feeling too bouncy. It’s a great shoe for zone 2 and recovery runs when you really need to dial it back.
I also really love that the shoe gives me an option to reach for a 5mm offset when I need a shoe that promotes a more natural strike. Most of the shoes I have in my rotation promote heel striking, taking strain off the lower leg and Achilles tendons. But, by the time my Saturday long run comes around — especially after a tough week of running and training — I find I need to take a little pressure off my knees and hips. This mid-drop shoes gives me options and I love it for that. Having said that, if you have issues with your Achilles, this may not be the shoe for you.
I was a little unsure about the Halo Runner at first. My first 3km outing in the shoe left me uninspired. The shoe felt quite hard underfoot. My second outing was a 5km zone 2 run and it softened up a lot more during that run. I’ve since taken it out numerous times and it’s grown on me so much. It’s also important to consider that I don’t usually run in mid-drop shoes so I probably also needed time to adjust to the 5mm drop before it felt comfortable to run in.
Should you buy this shoe?
Under Armour fans will love the new Halo Collection. There’s a shoe for every type of training and race day. For casual runners looking for an everyday training shoe that will get you through any type of run, the Halo Runner is a great choice. As far as mid-drop shoes go, the UA Halo Runner is a great choice. You’ll get excellent stability, a comfortable ride, and your knees will thank you.
Shop the UA Halo Runner shoes at Under Armour stores nationwide and online at R2,999.
