SHOE REVIEW: Under Armour Velociti Elite 2

Under Armour (UA) became a major player in the carbon-plate shoe category when Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi won the 2022 New York City Marathon in a pair of its OG UA Velociti Elites. Now, UA has come out with its successor, the Velociti Elite 2, which has a few changes. The biggest addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is the Pebax foam midsole, low drop and anatomical toe box. While the first version shook things up in the industry, the second version has several attractive unique features that will do the same.

Let’s get into the details.

The specs

Category: Carbon-plated racing shoe
Price: $315.00
Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz.) (size M9/W10.5)
Stack: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Available: Now

The upper

The upper offers a snug fit and optimal containment, ensuring enhanced comfort throughout your run. Equipped with a well-gusseted and mildly padded tongue, the shoe fits comfortably and securely. Additionally, the inclusion of Warp 2.0 overlays in the upper adds structure and enhances breathability, contributing to a more enjoyable running experience. Despite its lightweight construction, the Warp 2.0 web-like design ensures adequate airflow while maintaining stability. While I found the heel to be a little snug, the rounded forefoot offers ample room for toe splay, which is surprising for a racing shoe, and greatly enhances overall comfort during longer distances, such as a half-marathon or marathon. Another notable addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is its 360-degree reflectivity, which enhances visibility during evening runs, ensuring safety in low-light conditions.

The midsole

The midsole boasts cutting-edge technology designed to propel you further, faster. The midsole is a unique blend of Under Armour’s signature FLOW and Pebax foams, delivering exceptional cushioning and energy return. Compared to its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2 incorporates 30 per cent more Pebax foam. Initially, I found the foam to be bouncy but stiff during my first run in the shoe. However, with each stride, the foam began to soften, providing a more responsive ride that enhanced my speed and momentum. Additionally, the full-length carbon-fibre plate embedded in the midsole enhances propulsion, facilitating explosive lift-offs and optimizing efficiency during your runs. Tailored with a low drop and high stack height, this midsole caters to forefoot strikers, offering an aggressive toe-off for peak performance. The Velociti Elite 2 boasts the highest legal stack height among racing shoes on the market, measuring 39.5 mm.

The outsole

By eliminating the traditional rubber outsole, Under Armour has crafted a seamless ride in the Velociti Elite 2, enhancing agility and responsiveness with each stride. Whether you’re tackling track workouts or navigating gravel trails, the patterned design, along with multidirectional grooves, amplifies traction and grip, instilling confidence-inspiring stability. Designed to endure the rigours of high-mileage running, the outsole ensures longevity and reliability over extended use. As someone who engages in track sessions once or twice a week, the outsole of the Velociti Elite 2 has become my preferred choice, offering unparalleled grip and control compared to its competitors.

The verdict

The Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 offers a unique combination of features that cater to a specific type of runner. Its anatomic forefoot, snug heel/midfoot and low-volume fit provide excellent foot security, making it an ideal option for those seeking a little more support during longer races. Despite being a little on the heavier side for carbon racing shoes, its PEBAX/EVA midsole gives it a lightweight feel and bounce. The drop is listed as 8 mm, but it feels lower, and works well for faster runners accustomed to a lower-drop shoe.

While Under Armour has mastered the midsole in the Velociti Elite 2, the shoe falls short in some areas. The shoe is listed a little on the pricier side compared to other competitors. Overall, I’d recommend this shoe to a forefoot striker training for a 10K or half-marathon. It’s durable and snappy, and holds promise in its design. What more can you ask for?

Canadian Running is at the 2024 Boston Marathon with Under Armour to celebrate the launch of the Velociti Elite 2, the brand’s fastest carbon racing shoe to date. Be sure to stay plugged into our socials on Instagram and X for everything Boston this weekend.