Under Armour Charge RC Review

These days, I no longer consider myself a runner. I was a track and cross country athlete in high school and college, and continued to run a couple of years after graduation. That was followed by a steady decline in fitness and basically abandoning running as a serious endeavor. It was slowly replaced by cycling, and in the past year or so that has become a fairly serious activity for me, to the tune of 7 to 10 hours of riding/week and regular racing.

My plan this fall was to tackle cyclocross racing fairly seriously, while also working on phasing back into my training both running and strength training - all with the goal of becoming stronger and fitter for the cycling road season next spring. I figured it was time for some new shoes to help keep this new routine going forward.



Under Armour is not known for "serious" running shoes. What started as a business born in the truck of a college student's car selling clothing has become a juggernaut in the athletic industry. I think it is fairly obvious to compare them to Nike, with similar humble beginnings though slightly different paths to hugeness. Nike started with shoes, and eventually expanded to everything. UA started with clothing, and is now knocking off other industry segments. They have dabbled in shoes apparently, but the Charge RC is clearly their first jump into the deep water of technical, serious running shoes.

In my opinion, their first attempt is a winner. I am not 100% sure how the Under Armour Charge RC got on my radar, but what caught my eye first (aside for the eye popping colors) was the materials. The choices in material for the construction of this shoe seem innovative and forward thinking. The upper has a stretchy toe box and the main part of the upper is some sort of rubber like material. Apparently UA has used the various materials in the compression and temperature regulation clothing into this shoe. What I can say is that the fit is fantastic, instantly comfortable. In addition, the sock liner and the way the tongue are constructed are extremely well fitting and comfortable.




The midsole is a low profile, minimal drop and uses an interesting foam. It feels well cushioned, though not overly soft. It has a great road feel. It reminds me a bit of the Zoom Air of old. The midsole also has some sort of carbon fiber type plate that provides a bit of support and (so UA says) energy return. The outsole is very grippy with a nice amount of natural flex.

Overall, this shoe seems to allow for very natural foot movement and seems to allow for almost barefoot like feel but with a layer of cushion and support. I am very impressed with the contraction - these days many shoes in my opinion suffer from poor quality control. Some shoes I have bought in recent years required me to go through several pairs of the exact same model and size to find a matching pair with well aligned glue and sewing. The Charge RC are, to use a car review term, delivered with very high fit and finish standards.



At this point I don't have much negative to say. Clearly the color design is not for everyone. Neon is back in 2012, so expect to see a lot of crazy color ways in the athletic goods world. The shoes do come with both hot pink and black laces, so one can tone it done a bit. The price is a bit high, though there seems to be a lot of technology packed into the shoe (mostly through the use of interesting materials).




For my needs, which these days are lower mileage and a high percentage of intervals, this shoe seems perfect. Having only done a few runs in it, I can't speak to long term durability yet. But the fit, feel, and finish of this shoe are excellent. If Under Armour continues to put out models this well designed and executed, they will be a major player in the technical running shoe game.

Written by Crime Dog