Under Armour Infinite Elite

One word sums up the Under Armour Infinite Elite: comfort. This is a new model presented January in Barcelona, and are one of the big hitters for 2024.

This model of the Infinite line has a chance of being nominated as one of the best shoes of the year in one of the most complicated and popular categories: cushioning and maximum comfort.

The first thing that caught my eye about these Under Armour Infinite Elite was their design. The colorway established for the launch is a very bright yellow that fades to black as it approaches the heel. A very marked style that won't leave anyone indifferent.

What type of runners do we recommend them for?

You might say that they are suitable for all runner profiles, but perhaps they are not suitable for all situations. Any runner of any weight or morphology could well have these Under Armour Infinite Elite. They offer a very comfortable and stable run at medium and low paces. They are probably not the fastest shoes on the market, nor do they pretend to be. They are those shoes that you want to wear when you want to do a training without complications, or a race of a certain distance.

At the Barcelona event, we had the opportunity to speak with Under Armour's product manager, Jonathan Hutnyan. For him, these shoes are not about being "specific to one type of runner, but about versatility, and working for various types of runners and using technologies to transmit comfort, safety, security, protection, and enjoyment."

What we liked most about the Under Armour Infinite Elite

Guaranteed cushioning

You're not going to fall short on cushioning with the Under Armour Infinite Elite. For those of you with joint problems, and are always asking us for shoes with good cushioning, this model is an excellent option. For the heel and midsole area, Under Armour has used some of its most important technologies. For example, the midsole uses UA HOVR + foam. This is one of the most important innovations of the company, where its engineers have been putting more focus in recent years.

Maximum stability

Another point in favor of the new Under Armour Infinite Elite is stability. In addition to having a very firm foam, the design of the midsole has a width that provides extra stability in the tread.

For me it is very important to analyse the stability of a shoe because it is something that we do not notice when we run a few kilometres, but can cause problems when we have been running for a long time.

In addition to this sole, this model incorporates a small piece of TPU in the heel area to guide us in the tread.

Comfortable mesh

The last point I would like to highlight is the protective mesh of the Under Armour Infinite Elite. It is a highly effective UA IntelliKnit mesh. Nowadays, the vast majority of shoes have very comfortable upper structures and this model is one of the best.

It has a combination of density and breathability that makes it very comfortable.

Jonathan Hutnyan emphasized this technology: "It's a patented Under Armour fabric, and we are able to set up different zones for the stretch and lockdown of the fabric. For example, in the forefoot and instep, it's stretchy and breathable, more open, and it conforms to the foot as you flex and run. But then, in the midfoot and heel, it's locked down."

Models similar to the Under Armour Infinite Elite

When I first saw them, I compared them to another of my favorite shoes for easy run moments: the Adidas Ultraboost Light. Other similar models in other brands could be the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26, the New Balance 1080 v13, Brooks Glycerin 21 or Nike Invincible 3.

Possible improvements

The weight of 368 grams in a model like this can feel quite heavy. Although it is not noticeable during the run, it is an aspect that they will probably improve in future versions.

From the first glance, it is evident that the Under Armour Infinite Elite is focused on providing exceptional cushioning. With a considerably thick midsole and a design that suggests comfort, these shoes are a clear example of Under Armour's commitment to providing innovations in the running market.

From the moment I took them out of the box, it was clear that we were in for something special. The thick midsole and design that screams comfort immediately caught my eye.

Putting them on for the first time, it felt like my feet were being embraced by a cloud. The feeling of comfort and protection was instant. These shoes are not only sturdy, but they also convey a great feeling of warmth and coziness.

I think the Infinite Elite are a reflection of Under Armour's commitment to innovation in the running world, and with these shoes they have definitely succeeded. They are the perfect balance between performance and comfort, which makes them an ideal choice for my workouts and races where you don't have to worry about time.

Target runner profile for Infinite Elite

These shoes are aimed at a wide range of runners, but especially those looking for a comfortable and cushioned running experience. They provide support that gives confidence in every step, and are ideal on long runs or low intensity workouts.

They are an excellent choice for those who enjoy long, leisurely runs, where the priority is comfort and impact protection.

What I liked most

What I like most about the Infinite Elite is their incredible cushioning. Its HOVR midsole offers a nice bouncy feel and excellent shock absorption, making every step smooth and comfortable. Plus, the wider design around the heel provides additional stability, giving you confidence on uneven terrain.

The upper is also remarkably comfortable. The IntelliKnit fabric adapts perfectly to the foot, providing a personalised fit and a great feeling of security when running, especially against lateral movements. The perforated part over the forefoot allows for ventilation, which is especially useful on hot days. In addition, the padding on the ankle collar and tongue ensures a soft, chafe-free fit.

The durability and grip of the Thinweb outsole are also highlights of these shoes. I feel confident and stable when running on all types of terrain I might encounter on the road, even in wet conditions.

Possible upgrades for the Under Armour Infinite Elite

Although the cushioning is excellent for long, easy runs, I felt that perhaps the weight of the shoe is a factor to consider for improvement, as they can feel a bit heavy compared to other models on the market.

Conclusion

The Under Armour Infinite Elite are a solid option for runners looking for exceptional cushioning and long-lasting comfort. They are ideal for long, relaxed workouts where the priority is to enjoy the run without worrying about joint impact. Although they could improve in terms of weight, their sturdy construction and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice for runners who value protection and comfort on their runs.