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REVIEW: Under Armour HOVR Phantom
Okay, I hated them. That was my initial impression. Under Armour’s latest offering, the HOVR Phantom, a new middle-distance running shoe, has an elastic sleeve around the ankle opening. The first time you put them on, you immediately go; that’s not right. It’s feels wrong. Your socks bundle up, and you need a shoehorn to…
Okay, I hated them. That was my initial impression. Under Armour’s latest offering, the HOVR Phantom, a new middle-distance running shoe, has an elastic sleeve around the ankle opening. The first time you put them on, you immediately go; that’s not right. It’s feels wrong. Your socks bundle up, and you need a shoehorn to get them on. Stupid idea, I said, casting them into the deepest recess of my shoe locker.
Two weeks later, circumstances dictated that I had to wear them on a run. I cursed myself for leaving my other shoes at in the car, shoe-horned my HOVR (said: Hover) Phantoms on, tugged and yanked the shorty socks into place and set off for a light 5km run.
Two kays in, I looked down at them with a WTF look. They were really comfortable. I mean, REALLY comfortable. They had a lot of cushioning, a Godsend for my ageing, well-worn knees. While not springy, per se, they were very light and easy on the knees. I bounced down the road like a springbok.
Under Armour claims that this new cushioning in the HOVR Phantom is attributable to a new “Energy Web,” which is better at directing and, importantly, returning energy. This new “Energy Web” (sounds sci-fi, hey?) is a structure made of wax-based foam, which is better for energy return, softness, and adaptivity.
And be damned if that didn’t appear genuine. Running felt lighter and faster. I tried a fast kilometre and had a pretty good time. The next day was a longer 10km tempo run, and they were very comfortable again. Under Armour’s spiel reckons it’s ” literally like wrapping your foot in a pillow—but one that’s so super-light that you forget it’s there.” That’s a bit over the top, but only a bit. They are comfortable.
The next day, there was an HIIT session, all indoors, so I thought I’d try it there. Once again, I wrangled my feet past the elastic sleeve and went to the workout. The workout consisted of lots of exercises like speed skaters, ladder runs, burpees, etc., which required a lot of lateral ankle movement and, subsequently, support.
Here’s where I eat my words: They were amazing, and I loved the ankle support. I wore them around the house for a day, unaware I had them on. They’re a great shoe.
Available for good sporting outlets for around $220.
