Exactly one year after the launch of the already excellent HOVR Infinite, Under Armour introduces the brand new HOVR Machina. Not an update but a new model that has 20 percent more cushioning, greater responsiveness, more energy return, and a weight that is 23 grams lighter, for a total of 283 grams.
Faster
From a dynamic point of view, more lightness also means more efficient running and, therefore, more speed. But the main features of Machina are not limited to this. In fact-thanks to the inclusion of a 2-pronged, carbon-filled Pebax® spring propulsion plate-the new Machinas improve thrust and roll phase.
I believe this is the first time that the plate-a feature of the fastest shoes on the market-has been put on such a cushioned shoe. Of course you can’t expect the performance of a shoe that weighs half as much and is designed only for racing, but the benefits are there, especially in terms of pushing efficiency.
From an initial test (in-depth review will come later), the Machinas proved to be fast but without being so extreme as to compromise comfort in any way.
More comfortable
The 20 percent increase in cushioning is already felt in the first few steps, though without making it appear saggy in any way. Comfort also amplified by a lightweight, soft and breathable mesh upper. In short, as you may have guessed, we are talking about a shoe with which – thanks to the good balance between responsiveness and comfort – you can tackle any kind of training. Especially in high-volume preparations where high travel distances make cushioning and protection the key elements.
And if you then add in excellent responsiveness, you’ve come full circle!
More connected
Thanks to the insertion of a chip in the right shoe, the Machinas connect via Bluetooth with Under Armour’s MapMyRun app (and soon for Apple Watch and Garmin devices) for more precise gait analysis with ground contact times, stance angle and much more data. But that’s not all because, with the introduction of Form Coaching, real-time analysis of all gait parameters allows runners to understand when fatigue leads to a more disjointed and therefore less efficient and more risky movement in terms of potential injuries. A smart shoe, in short.
But now the question we have all been asking: why is the sensor not present in both shoes? The answer is very simple: to optimize costs and thus make the shoe still affordable for every runner.
My personal opinion is that, in the ideal world, it would be nice if there was a “premium” version with sensors in both feet.
Ultimately
Under Armour took a different direction for its HOVR Machina, trying to combine cushioning and performance especially to address long runs. The addition of technology is a very important feature, especially because it turns the shoe not only into a mechanical element but also into a support for data analysis.
– Release date: February 7, 2020
– Drop: 8mm
– Weight (men’s size 9 US): 283 g
– Weight (women’s size 7US ): 241 g
More info at: www.underarmour.it