Last week Canadian Running got to go behind the curtain at the Portland Under Armour offices. Portland is where the company’s run headquarters are located and where the latest in running innovation is going down.

Offset: 8mm
Cushion: Plush
Weight: 305 grams (men’s size 9)
Available: February 1, 2019
MSRP: $150 CDN

HOVR Infinite.

Under Armour got its start in apparel. The company began by doing clothing for football, but doing it better than it had ever been done before. Years later, it’s gotten into the running game in a big way, and its suite of 2019 shoes shows that.

The Infinite is the lead shoe in the Under Armour 2019 suite. It’s described by the company as a neutral-cushion shoe for long distance training. This Infinite is a trainer that’s priced fairly, made to last, and designed for the goal oriented runner. The other shoes included in the suite are the Velociti 2, the Phantom SE, the Guardian and the Sonic 2.

Runners in Under Armour Infinite. Photo: Under Armour.

The company has updated its connected shoe experience, bringing runners data collection that you can’t find anywhere else. In each HOVR 2019 shoe there is a chip embedded in the right heel that can calculate pace, stride length and distance run and provide feedback on your training progress. This data is all connected and downloaded to your phone or watch through the Map My Run app.

The feedback provided by the app is designed to help the runner improve. Best of all, if you prefer to run untethered from your smartphone, the chip in your shoe will sync with your phone as soon as you become within reach.

RELATED: A sneak peek at the 2019 Under Armour shoe line-up

The Infinite features an entirely HOVR midsole. HOVR technology an evolution of Under Armour charged foam, which lasts longer and maintains its rebound better. HOVR is designed to provide a zero gravity feel with high energy return. This foam allows for a smooth ride, that’s well cushioned while remaining responsive.

The shoe’s upper features a foam collar and tongue for a comfortable feel and zero distractions. The last of the shoe is also gender specific. With the HOVR Infinite, the different needs of a man’s and women’s foot were assessed and accounted for. Researchers found that women’s heels are shorter, arches are more sensitive and their forefoot has less volume. This resulted in changes to the women’s sock liner lifting her heel by 2mm for a better fit in the collar.

UA Infinite. Photo: Joel Vosburg

The outsole is where companies can skimp on materials and most consumers won’t notice. But Under Armour kept their outsole durable with a full sheet of pure blown rubber. The rubber on the outsole is also cut horizontally to allow for natural movement and flex underfoot.

I ran in the shoe for several weeks, and really enjoyed it. I used the Infinite primarily for easy, longer days. The shoe is a smooth ride without feeling too plush, my ideal long run shoe. I also did a few 200’s on the track and found the shoe handled pretty well. If you’re used to a stiffer shoe when doing speed work, I’d consider something like the Under Armour Velociti 2 for a slightly snappier ride, but if you’re a one-shoe-for-everything kind of person, the Infinite has you covered.