I’m a dedicated runner always on the hunt for the perfect shoe, especially for my long runs and daily training sessions. After putting in some serious miles with my older running shoes, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair that could handle the high-mileage demands of my routine.
That led me to the Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoes. I’ve heard a lot of buzz about its new cushioning technology and comfortable fit, so I was really eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
From the moment I unboxed them, I was struck by their modern, sleek design and what felt like a truly plush midsole. The knit upper looked incredibly breathable, and the shoe seemed substantial enough to offer serious protection on the pavement.
My main goal with this purchase was to find a shoe that could offer maximum comfort and absorb impact effectively, so the “maximalist” design of the Infinite Elite was a huge selling point.
I’m excited to share my thoughts on how this shoe performs on the road, how it handles different distances, and whether it’s the right fit for other runners with similar needs.
Comparison
| Feature | Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoe | Diadora Women’s Running Equipe Atomo | Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow Hiking Shoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Long-distance running, daily training, recovery runs | Daily training, long distances, tempo runs | Hiking, walking, daily use |
| Audience Score | N/A (User-driven data) | N/A (User-driven data) | N/A (User-driven data) |
| Best Price | ~$160 USD | ~$190 USD | ~$120 USD |
| Arch Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Weight | 11.5 oz (326 g) | 7.9 oz (224 g) | 8.8 oz (250 g) |
| Lightweight | No | Yes | Yes |
| Drop | 8 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (heel) / 28 mm (forefoot) | 30 mm (heel) / 25 mm (forefoot) | 26 mm (heel) / 20 mm (forefoot) |
| Cushioning | UA HOVR+™ foam | DD Anima foam | Fuze Foam |
| Outsole | Thinweb rubber | Duratech 5000 rubber | All Terrain Contagrip® |
| Upper Material | UA IntelliKnit | Air Mesh Nylon | Engineered mesh |
| Traction | Good on wet/dry pavement | Excellent on wet/dry pavement | Superior on varied terrain |
| Fit | True to size, narrow toe box | True to size, snug fit | True to size, accommodating fit |
| Removable Insole | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orthotic Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rocker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Very flexible | Moderate |
| Purpose | Cushioning, Durability | Responsiveness, Speed, Training | Grip, Comfort, Versatility |
As a runner who prioritizes comfort and durability for long-distance training, I’ve had the pleasure of putting the Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoes through their paces.
My typical weekly mileage hovers between 40 and 50 miles, with a mix of easy runs, long efforts, and occasional tempo workouts. Finding a shoe that can handle this kind of volume while keeping my legs feeling fresh is a top priority.
The Infinite Elite, with its promise of a new “UA HOVR+™” cushioning system, seemed like a perfect candidate. After accumulating hundreds of miles in these shoes, I’m ready to provide a deep, technical dive into their performance, fit, and overall value.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the shoe’s aesthetic. It’s a modern, maximalist design. While some shoes in this category can look bulky or clunky, the Infinite Elite has a surprisingly streamlined appearance.
The sculpted midsole, which flares out slightly at the heel, gives it a visually appealing profile. The UA IntelliKnit upper, with its subtle texture and two-tone color, felt premium to the touch.
The shoe felt substantial in my hands, which was expected given its focus on cushioning, but it didn’t feel overly heavy. This balance of a solid build without feeling like a brick was a promising start.
Upper: The UA IntelliKnit Experience
The upper is a critical component of any running shoe, dictating fit, comfort, and breathability. Under Armour’s choice of the UA IntelliKnit material here is a key technical feature.
Unlike a traditional engineered mesh, this knit material is both adaptive and structured. On foot, it feels soft and flexible, almost like a high-quality sock. This allows it to conform to the shape of your foot, minimizing pressure points.
The knit is not uniform; there are micro-details and different textures woven in, providing targeted containment and breathability. For instance, the area around the toebox is a more open weave to allow for airflow, while the midfoot section has a tighter pattern that works with the lacing system to lock the foot down.
The fit is what I would describe as true to size in length, but it’s worth noting the width. While it has an accommodating toebox, it’s not as wide as some competitors like the Altra Torin or even some Hoka models.
For my average-width foot, it provided a perfect, secure lockdown without any constrictive feeling. The ankle collar and tongue are well-padded, contributing to a plush step-in feel that made the shoe comfortable right out of the box.
There was no need for a “break-in” period. Over long runs, the breathability of the upper held up well. I tested this shoe in varying temperatures, and while it’s not a super-ventilated, airy upper, it managed to keep my feet from overheating even on warmer days. The internal structure works seamlessly to provide a snug fit without being overly tight.
Midsole: A Deep Dive into UA HOVR+™
This is where the Infinite Elite truly sets itself apart. The star of the show is the new UA HOVR+™ cushioning. This foam is a clear evolution from previous UA HOVR models.
While the original HOVR was known for its energy return, it often felt a bit firm or muted. The HOVR+™ foam in the Infinite Elite is a game-changer. It’s significantly softer and more plush, providing a noticeable amount of bounce and responsiveness.
The foam feels less like a traditional foam and more like a collection of tiny, springy beads, which is likely the secret to its impressive energy return. When you land, it absorbs the impact and then gives a gentle, propulsive spring back, making each stride feel a bit more effortless.
The technical specifications of the midsole further highlight its purpose. With a 36mm heel stack height and a 28mm forefoot stack height, the shoe sits firmly in the maximalist category. This high stack provides an enormous amount of underfoot protection.
The 8mm heel-to-toe drop is a standard measurement for a daily trainer and feels very natural. It’s not so high that it feels awkward and not so low that it puts excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. The ride is consistently smooth and well-cushioned.
For long, easy-paced runs, the shoe feels like a cloud, protecting my joints and muscles from the repetitive impact of the pavement. For tempo runs, the responsiveness of the HOVR+™ foam allows for a surprisingly snappy ride.
It’s not a lightweight racing shoe, but the energy return makes it feel faster than its weight might suggest. The midsole is wide and stable, which is crucial for a high-stack shoe, preventing any wobbly or insecure feeling.
Outsole: Traction and Longevity
A great midsole is only as good as the outsole that protects it. Under Armour has equipped the Infinite Elite with a Thinweb rubber outsole. This is a strategic design choice.
Instead of a thick, heavy slab of rubber, the Thinweb system uses a lightweight, durable rubber placed in key high-wear areas of the forefoot and heel. This provides excellent durability and traction where you need it most while keeping overall weight down.
In my testing, the outsole’s grip was reliable on both dry and wet pavement. I ran through some light rain and the shoe maintained a secure foothold with no slipping. The outsole also features deep, anatomically placed flex grooves.
These grooves, which run from the medial to the lateral side of the shoe, follow the natural flexing angles of the foot. This enhances the shoe’s flexibility, contributing to a smooth and natural toe-off, which is a great feature for a shoe this cushioned.
After hundreds of miles, I have found the durability of the Thinweb rubber to be exceptional. There is minimal wear and tear, and I am confident this outsole will last well beyond the typical mileage of a standard running shoe.
Overall Performance and User Experience
The Under Armour Infinite Elite has become my go-to shoe for the majority of my weekly mileage.
Long Runs: This is where the shoe shines. The combination of the plush HOVR+™ cushioning and the secure IntelliKnit upper provides a ride that makes covering double-digit miles feel almost effortless. My legs have consistently felt less fatigued after long runs in these compared to other trainers.
Recovery Runs: The supreme cushioning makes it a fantastic shoe for easy-paced recovery runs. It provides the protection needed to let your legs rest and prepare for the next hard workout.
Daily Training: Its versatility makes it a great daily trainer. It’s responsive enough to pick up the pace a little on easy runs and handles varying surfaces without issue.
Comfort: The overall comfort is top-tier. From the step-in feel to the smooth ride, this shoe is built for a comfortable experience.
Final Verdict: The Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite is a home run. It’s a high-mileage workhorse that delivers on all its promises of plush cushioning, premium comfort, and reliable durability.
It’s an ideal shoe for runners who need a dependable and comfortable trainer for the bulk of their weekly mileage. While it may not be the fastest shoe in your rotation, it will certainly be the most comfortable.
If you’re looking for a shoe to make those long runs feel a little less taxing and a lot more enjoyable, the Infinite Elite is an excellent choice and a true competitor in the premium daily trainer market. It has earned its place as a staple in my running shoe lineup.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning for long runs and high mileage.
- Highly durable with a long-lasting outsole.
- Secure and breathable knit upper.
- Good for runners who prioritize comfort.
Cons
- Heavier compared to other running shoes.
- Narrow toe box may not be ideal for all foot types.
- More expensive than the Salomon shoe.
Why should choose Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoes
Based on the specifications, you should choose the Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoe if your primary goal is to find a high-cushion, durable shoe for long-distance training.
Its standout feature is the UA HOVR+™ foam, which provides an exceptionally soft and responsive ride, helping to absorb impact and reduce fatigue over many miles. While it is on the heavier side compared to some racing shoes, this weight contributes to its sturdy build and high durability, making it a reliable workhorse that will last.
The UA IntelliKnit upper also provides a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring your foot is locked down and breathing well, even during the longest runs. If you’re a runner who values comfort and a shoe that can handle a lot of mileage without breaking down, this model is an excellent choice.
FAQs
Is the Under Armour Infinite Elite a good shoe for race day?
While the Under Armour Infinite Elite is an excellent training shoe for covering long distances comfortably, its weight of 11.5 oz makes it a bit heavy for race day. It’s best suited as a durable workhorse for daily training and recovery runs where its plush cushioning and durability are most beneficial.
How does the cushioning of the three shoes compare?
The Under Armour Infinite Elite offers the most generous cushioning with a 36mm heel stack height and its specialized UA HOVR+™ foam.
The Diadora Equipe Atomo has a lower stack height and is designed for a more responsive, faster feel, while the Salomon Ultra Flow has the lowest stack height and uses Fuze Foam, focusing more on comfort and stability for walking and hiking rather than high-impact running.
Which shoe is the best value for money?
Based on the prices provided, the Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow Hiking Shoe at ~$120 USD is the most affordable option. However, the best value depends on your purpose.
If you need a durable, cushioned running shoe for high mileage, the Under Armour Infinite Elite at ~$160 USD offers great value. If you prioritize a lightweight and responsive running shoe, the Diadora Equipe Atomo at ~$190 USD might be a better investment.
Are these shoes suitable for all foot types?
All three shoes are categorized as neutral and have a removable insole, making them orthotic friendly. However, the Under Armour shoe has a reputation for a narrow toe box, which may not be comfortable for individuals with wide feet.
The Diadora and Salomon shoes have a more true-to-size and accommodating fit.
Final Thought
A quick summary of the key findings from the review data reveals a few important points about the Under Armour Men’s Infinite Elite Running Shoes. While the shoe delivers on its promise of superb cushioning for daily training, it is noted by some reviewers to be on the heavier side.
This weight, combined with a knit upper that may lack breathability in warm weather, means the shoe is best suited for easy, relaxed miles rather than fast-paced workouts or race days.
It’s an ideal choice for runners who prioritize leg protection and a plush, comfortable ride for their regular training routine, and who need a durable shoe to handle high mileage.
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