Under Armour Women's Surge 3 Running Shoe

Product Information

The Velociti Wind 2 won praise from RW testers for its surprising durability and grip, and this new, updated design retains those attributes. The shoe still has a full-length layer of Flow cushioning, but it’s tweaked to be even softer and lighter, according to Under Armour. The Clone upper, a design feature found across the Under Armour running shoe line, is a woven fabric that’s crafted with a specialized stitch pattern that allows your shoe to adjust its shape to fit your foot when you put it on. The Hovr Phantom used to be Under Armour’s max-cushion shoe, but the Mega 3 has eclipsed it. This plush trainer features even more midsole foam than the Phantom, along with a new Clone upper. If you want all the padding, the Mega 3 Clone has it. And just like Under Armour’s other running shoes, the Elite’s Flow midsole is designed to be durable, so there’s no need for a separate rubber outsole. Cutting the rubber out of the design makes the shoe substantially lighter, giving it an edge over racers from other brands (including the Endorphin Elite and the Vaporfly). The ultralight upper on top provides a close wrap around the foot and maximum breathability, so your feet stay cool even when you’re really cranking.

Derived from olefin wax, Hovr creates a firm feeling at toe-off, which helps you push hard and maintain fast paces. Under Armour uses Hovr in its training shoes, giving models like the Infinite 5 and Machina Clone 3 a firm, but smooth feel underfoot.

Under Armour brings its Hovr cushioning to the trail with the Hovr Speed. As the name implies, it’s designed to be a lightweight, speed-focused model for spirited trail running and racing.

Along with companies like Hoka and On, Under Armour is part of a “new” wave of running shoe brands that launched in the past few decades. Founded by University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank in 1996, Under Armour’s technical base layers rapidly gained popularity among athletes, leading to broader appeal for shorts, sweats, and other athletic apparel.Other brands, like Asics, New Balance, and Hoka, use different midsole materials that create a similarly soft, pillowy feel. Generally speaking, you won’t get that sensation with Under Armour shoes. On the bottom, the segmented rubber outsole keeps the shoe flexible—no clunky strides here—and carbon rubber placements under the heel add durability. Compared to the rest of the UA lineup, the Mega 3 dials up the cushioning, and it’ll treat your feet to a plush ride on your next training run. The Expert: I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Under Armour. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I’ve updated it regularly as Under Armour releases new shoes and running shoe tech. What to Consider When Shopping for Under Armour Running Shoes That broad derision, however, is based on an antiquated view of the brand. Under Armour has learned from its mistakes, and its recent shoes are better, with improved cushioning foams and supportive, well-fitting uppers. Despite the derision, many runners have found success with UA shoes: Most notably, Sharon Lokedi won the 2022 New York City Marathon wearing a pair of Flow Velociti Elites.