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Under Armour’s SpeedForm Slingshot aims to defy the limits of speed

Under Armour

Under Armour has got into running in a big way and their SpeedForm Slingshot delivers with an extremely lightweight trainer designed for those with speed on their mind.

ua under armour speedform slingshot

A team of Under Armour footwear experts challenged themselves by analyzing some of the world’s fastest runners and wanted to make them even faster. In the end, they delivered with the SpeedForm Slingshot, a niche running shoe that showcases the best of the minimal movement.

The slingshot is light, seriously light. It slips on the foot and barely feels like it’s there. The “burrito tongue” is sock-like and wraps around the foot securely and comfortably and can be easily adjusted to fit any foot (i.e. it’s great for both narrow and wide feet). You often have to remind yourself that you’re even wearing shoes. You will of course notice the additional attention you’re getting, by wearing a shoe that looks just as good as it feels.

The Essentials:

Release date: Spring 2016
Type of shoe: Lightweight, minimal
Heel-to-toe drop: 7 mm (23 mm; 16 mm)
Weight: 7.5 oz. (men’s size 9), 6.3 oz. (women’s size 9)
Technology: SpeedForm®, Dyneema®, Charged Cushioning®, Micro G®, Pebax®
Price (MSRP): $170
Terrain tested: Roads, crushed gravel
Kilometres tested (so far): 70 (including strides and speed intervals)

The upper features a seemless, single woven fabric. It is constructed using one of the world’s strongest fibres, dyneema, a material that is stronger than steel but light enough to float on water. The shoe is extremely light and comfortable on the foot. The single woven upper wraps around the forefoot and created no unwanted friction or rubbing.

The lightweight design of the shoe and its natural flexibility also helps strengthen the foot while encouraging a more mid-to-forefoot strike. It is ideal for distances up to 10-15K.

One minor problem is that the thin heel construction offers very little in terms of support and fails to lock the foot into place. As a result there is a tendency for the heel to slip and rise, especially when running at faster paces. This may also create some friction with a potential for blistering.

UA-Slingshot-1

The sole features a number of exciting technologies including the dual-layer midsole that combines Charged Cushioning® on top of Micro G® foam. Together these deliver a balanced blend between lightweight cushioned support and responsiveness. A Pebax® propulsion plate in between the midsole layers also acts as a launching pad for each stride you make and also adds a feeling of support and stability.

The outsole is composed of blown rubber that offers durability, responsiveness and flexibility and features anatomical flex grooves that help produce an even smoother ride.

Whether you’re looking for a go-to shoe for leisurely runs around the neighbourhood or a performance-enhancing tool for speedwork or racing, the Slingshot may be a shoe for you.

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