Beneath Armour (UA) grew to become a significant participant within the carbon-plate shoe class when Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi received the 2022 New York Metropolis Marathon in a pair of their OG UA Velociti Elites. Now, UA has come out with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2, which has just a few adjustments to it. The most important addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is the extra Pebax foam midsole, low drop and anatomic toe field. Whereas the primary model shook issues up within the business, the second model has a number of enticing distinctive options to do the identical.
Let’s get into the small print.
The specs
Class: Carbon-plated racing shoe
Worth: $315.00
Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz) (Unisex measurement M9/W10.5)
Stack: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Obtainable: Now
The higher
The higher of the Velociti Elite 2 gives a cosy match and optimum containment, making certain enhanced consolation all through your run. Outfitted with a well-gusseted and mildly padded tongue, the shoe offers a cushty and safe match. Moreover, the inclusion of Warp 2.0 overlays within the higher provides construction and enhances breathability, contributing to a extra fulfilling working expertise. Regardless of its light-weight building, the Warp 2.0-web-like design ensures sufficient airflow whereas sustaining stability. Whereas I discovered the heel to be slightly comfortable, the rounded forefoot gives ample room for toe splay, stunning for a racing shoe, and enormously enhances total consolation throughout longer distances resembling a half marathon or marathon. One other notable addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is its 360-degree reflectivity, which boosts visibility throughout night runs, making certain security in low-light circumstances.
The midsole
The midsole of the Stream Velociti Elite 2 boasts cutting-edge know-how designed to propel you additional, quicker. The midsole is a novel mix of Beneath Armour’s signature FLOW and Pebax foam, delivering distinctive cushioning and power return. In comparison with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2 incorporates 30 per cent extra Pebax foam. Initially, I discovered the froth to be bouncy but stiff throughout my first run within the shoe. Nonetheless, with every stride, the froth started to melt, offering a extra responsive experience that enhanced my velocity and momentum. Moreover, the full-length carbon-fibre plate embedded within the midsole enhances propulsion, facilitating explosive lift-offs and optimizing effectivity throughout your runs. Tailor-made with a low drop and excessive stack peak, this midsole caters to forefoot strikers, providing an aggressive toe-off for peak efficiency. The Velociti Elite 2 boasts the best authorized stack peak amongst racing footwear available on the market, measuring 39.5mm.
The outsole
By eliminating the standard rubber outsole, Beneath Armour has crafted a seamless experience within the Velociti Elite 2, enhancing agility and responsiveness with every stride. Whether or not tackling observe exercises or navigating gravel trails, the patterned design, together with multidirectional grooves, amplifies traction and grip, instilling confidence-inspiring stability. Designed to endure the rigours of high-mileage working, the outsole ensures longevity and reliability over prolonged use. As somebody who engages in observe classes as soon as to twice per week, the outsole of the Velociti Elite 2 has grow to be my most well-liked selection, providing unparalleled grip and management in comparison with its rivals
The decision
The Beneath Armour Velociti Elite 2 gives a novel mixture of options that cater to a selected kind of runner. Its anatomic forefoot, comfortable heel/midfoot and low-volume match present glorious foot safety, making it a super choice for these looking for slightly extra assist throughout longer races. Regardless of being slightly on the heavier aspect for carbon racing footwear, its PEBAX/EVA midsole offers it a light-weight really feel and bounce for each stride. Its low drop and distinctive design set it aside from rivals, providing a definite selection for runners searching for a responsive snappy highway shoe. Whereas Beneath Armour has mastered the midsole within the Velociti Elite 2, the shoe falls quick in some areas. The shoe is listed slightly on the pricier aspect in comparison with different rivals. Total, I’d advocate this shoe to a forefoot striker coaching for a 10K or half marathon. It’s sturdy, snappy, and holds promise in its design. What extra are you able to ask for?
Canadian Operating is on the 2024 Boston Marathon with Beneath Armour to rejoice the launch of the Velociti Elite 2, the model’s quickest carbon racing shoe so far. You should definitely keep plugged into our socials on Instagram and X for every part Boston this weekend.
