Can runners substantially improve their running abilities purely by employing virtual-coaching feedback from their own shoes? We have given six readers a pair of UA Connect shoes, to test this attractive prospect and we will be reporting back on their experiences.

The Under Armour 2021 Connected range of running shoes, with their combination of UA HOVR cushioning, personalised data and coaching, provide a unique experience that could help you run faster and further.

Moving TECH

As tech makes its way emphatically into sports, Under Armour has jumped on board and embedded a high-fidelity sensor in the midsole of the right foot of every pair of UA Connect, which connects digitally and seamlessly to the MapMyRun™ app via Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE). The sensor is fully protected from the elements, and will last the lifetime of the shoe without needing to be charged.

This simple, seamless connection allows the UA HOVR shoes to track a variety of metrics and data on your run…

This simple, seamless connection allows the UA HOVR shoes to track a variety of metrics and data on your run, including distance, pace, splits, cadence, stride length, and lifetime distance. It allows runners not only to track and analyse their runs, but also to gain insight into their running form.

In 2020, UA took connected running to the next level with the introduction of real-time Form Coaching. This personalised feature helps you maintain your form and prevent it from breaking down in the middle of a run by providing real-time, personalised guidance, helping you better manage your risk of injury and improve your performance.

First Time Metrics

In our testing, for the first time, we were able to enjoy measuring foot strike angle and ground contact time, and study the results at our leisure in the post-run analysis. This new metric undoubtedly gave us deeper insight into form – especially useful on longer runs, where form tends to break down due to fatigue. Now it’s time to see what our six readers will experience. Keep an eye on the RW social media feeds and the March/April issue of Runner’s World to see how it goes.

For a look at the UA shoes with Connect – https://underarmour.co.za/collections/hovr-shoes

READ MORE ON: PARTNER CONTENT running-shoes under armour Under Armour HOVR Infinite