REVIEW: Under Armour HOVR Machina 3

Under Armour has made some significant improvements to the HOVR Machina line. The Machina was designed to offer the cushioning of a distance trainer and the speed of a racing flat. The first two iterations featured a Pebax plate, which has been eliminated in the Machina 3. However, the addition of a dual-density foam midsole makes for quick transitions from landing to toe-off. 

Category: neutral cushioning
Men’s: 301 g (10.6. oz.)
Women’s: 269 g (9.5 oz.)
Stack height: 28 mm
Drop: 8 mm

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The upper

I really like the new design of the upper, which is made of a seamless engineered warp spacer mesh that is more breathable than previous versions. The molded EVA sockliner and sleeker lacing system hugged my foot, preventing any slippage. The heel has an aerodynamic design, meaning that it flares at the top. I was concerned that this might rub or cause blisters, but I found that it comfortably supported my ankle and Achilles better than many other shoes. The external heel counter has been reduced to a smaller TPU heel clip, offering just enough structure without adding bulk. 

The midsole

The midsole is where you will notice the biggest changes in this shoe. The first two versions of the HOVR Machina were touted as Under Armour’s premier plated shoes. The company decided to replace the Pebax plate with a dual-density HOVR midsole foam in the Machina 3, which is firmer and more responsive under the forefoot and softer under the heel. This helps propel you forward and turn over quickly, while still providing ample cushioning. This version of the Machina is actually a bit heavier as a result, but it feels faster and lighter, thanks to the energy return of this midsole.

Like its predecessors, the Machina 3 has a bluetooth chip embedded in the midsole that connects with the UA MapMyRun app. This analyzes metrics like cadence, stride and pace to provide real-time form coaching tips.

The outsole

The outsole of the HOVR Machina 3 is more robust than the last version, which adds a bit of weight but also offers better durability and traction for year-round running. I actually didn’t notice the increased weight during workouts, which speaks to how snappy that dual-density midsole is.

Final thoughts

The changes to this shoe really elevate it to a new level. I expected it to feel highly cushioned, thanks to the thickness of the midsole foam. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much it rolled me from mid-foot to forefoot, and how responsive and fast it felt, given its somewhat bulky appearance.

The Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 is a versatile performance trainer and a great option for runners who want to feel fast in workouts but still crave cushioning on every step.