Right then, let's have a proper look at the Under Armour Velociti Elite 2, shall we? For you serious runners out there, always on the hunt for that extra edge, Sundried's been digging into the nitty-gritty of Under Armour's latest crack at the supershoe market: the Velociti Elite 2. We've sifted through what the experts and you lot - the actual runners - have been saying to give you a straightforward breakdown.

The Big Picture: A Step Up, But Not Quite Top of the Pops

The general consensus from the running boffins is that the Velociti Elite 2 is a move in the right direction for Under Armour. However, it's not quite knocking on the door of the top-tier supershoes just yet. A common grumble revolves around the midsole - it's a bit of a two-parter, see. You've got the bouncy Pebax foam up front where you need that push-off, but underneath the carbon plate, there's a firmer EVA-based foam they call Flow. Now, this combo, according to many, takes the edge off the energy return, meaning you don't get quite the same spring in your step as you do with those supershoes that are all superfoam, all the way through. Plus, and this is a sticking point for a lot of experts, the Velociti Elite 2 is a bit on the heavier side compared to its rivals. So, the feeling is, it might struggle to fully justify that premium price tag when there are lighter options out there that often feel more responsive for everything from a quick 5K to a full marathon.

A Silver Lining? Who Might Fancy These?

It's not all doom and gloom, mind you. Some reviewers have pointed out that the Velociti Elite 2 has its own quirks that might appeal to certain runners. If you're someone who prefers a more solid, grounded feel underfoot or if you've got wider feet and struggle to find racing shoes with enough wiggle room in the toebox, these could be worth a look. There's also a feeling that if the price were to drop a bit, putting them more in line with those "super trainer" type shoes, their unique ride could make them a more tempting proposition.

The Good Bits: What's to Like?

Right, let's talk about the bits that have got reviewers nodding in approval:

• Breathability Bonanza: The Warp 2.0 upper gets a proper thumbs-up for being incredibly airy. This thin, almost see-through stuff with its lattice design really locks your foot in comfortably while letting your feet breathe. The labs at runrepeat.com even gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for breathability, putting it right up there with the most ventilated supershoes.
• Carbon Fibre Backbone: The inclusion of a full-length carbon plate sandwiched in the midsole is another plus. It gives a lovely stiff and propulsive feel when you're pushing off. Flexibility tests clocked a high score, confirming that stiffness and its potential for an explosive lift.
• Grippy Without the Rubber: Loads of testers rave about the traction from the rubberless FLOW outsole, especially on dry roads and the track. This clever design integrates the grip right into the midsole cushioning, meaning no need for a separate rubber layer, which should, in theory, save weight (though as we've said, that's a bit of a debate).
• Room to Breathe Up Front: A surprisingly spacious toebox is a real win for those who find standard racing shoes a bit too snug. Runrepeat.com's measurements put it at 94.9 mm at the widest point and 74.0 mm at the big toe.
• Smooth Transitions: The shoe's design, with a measured heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, helps with a smooth and efficient stride, particularly if you land on your midfoot.
• Race Legal: Importantly for you competitive types, the heel stack height of 37.9 mm is within World Athletics regulations.
• Decent Cushioning: With 37.9 mm in the heel and 31.9 mm in the forefoot, there's a good amount of cushioning on offer, suggesting they're built to handle longer distances like marathons.
• A Touch of Bounce: The thin (2.0 mm) TPE sockliner adds a little bit of extra responsiveness underfoot.

The Not-So-Good Bits: Where Could They Improve?

Now for the areas that have raised a few eyebrows:

• Not Quite a "Supershoe" Feel: Despite the hype and the price, the general feeling is that they don't quite deliver the out-and-out performance you'd expect from a top-tier supershoe. That dual-foam midsole, with the firmer EVA layer holding back the Pebax, seems to be the main culprit, limiting that all-important energy return.
• A Bit Heavy on the Scales: At 257g for a UK size 8 (US men's 9), they're noticeably heavier than many of the other racing supershoes out there. When you compare them to featherweights that come in under 200g, this difference is hard to ignore. Interestingly, they're even heavier than the original Velociti Elite.
• Midsole Lacking Oomph: That combination of foams means the energy return isn't quite up to scratch for a top-end racer. The firmer EVA layer just doesn't give you that energetic rebound you're after.
• Durability Concerns: The rubberless FLOW outsole, while grippy on dry surfaces, is made of a softer material that lab tests suggest might wear down significantly faster than traditional rubber outsoles.
• Low Ceiling in the Toes: While the toebox is wider, it's apparently not very tall, which might be a bit of a squeeze for those wanting more vertical space.
• Potential Instability for Heel Strikers: The geometry of the shoe might make it a bit wobbly for those who land on their heels, especially with a narrower heel midsole.
• Pricey for What You Get: The premium price tag is a major sticking point for many, who feel it's hard to justify given the weight and midsole performance compared to the competition.
• Inconsistent Specs: There's a discrepancy in the claimed heel-to-toe drop by Under Armour compared to lab measurements, which raises questions about the accuracy of their specifications.

The Numbers Game: Key Technical Specs

To give you a clearer picture, here's a table summarizing the key technical bits and bobs as reported by different sources:

The Feel on the Run: Fast, Firm, and Forefoot-Friendly

The ride of the Velociti Elite 2 is generally described as quick and aggressive, encouraging you to pick up the pace and land more on your forefoot. However, a common theme is that they feel firmer underfoot compared to many other supershoes. Some runners might like this for faster sessions and shorter races, while others might find it less forgiving over longer distances like a marathon. The carbon plate definitely adds a noticeable propulsive feel, especially when you're really pushing the pace.

That lower heel-to-toe drop (around 6 mm) tends to favour those who land on their forefoot, allowing them to really engage the carbon plate for that aggressive toe-off. Heel strikers might find the lower drop less comfortable and could experience more strain on their calf muscles, particularly at slower speeds. Midfoot strikers generally report smooth and efficient transitions. While Under Armour markets these for middle and long distances, including marathons, many reviewers have reservations about their suitability for the full 26.2 miles due to that firmer ride and slightly heavier weight compared to softer, more cushioned marathon favourites. However, some elite athletes have found success in them at the marathon distance, so it's not a hard and fast rule. The rubberless FLOW outsole provides great grip on dry surfaces, but its softer nature does raise concerns about how it will hold up over time and on varied terrain.

The Fit and Comfort: Room Up Front, Snug Elsewhere

In terms of how they feel on your feet, the Velociti Elite 2 generally gets praise for that wider toebox, offering plenty of space for your toes to splay, which can help prevent blisters. However, the potential for a low toebox and some upper folding if you've got narrower feet are worth bearing in mind. The lightweight Warp 2.0 upper provides a secure and comfortable lockdown, and the heel fit is generally snug, as you'd expect from a racing shoe. However, the thin heel counter might irritate some more sensitive runners. Overall comfort seems decent for shorter races and faster workouts for many, but that firmer midsole might become less comfortable over longer distances for some. The slightly scratchy feel of the upper's overlays might mean you definitely need to wear socks, and there have been a few mentions of things like cheap-feeling laces and a non-gusseted tongue.

The Competition: How Do They Stack Up?

When you put the Velociti Elite 2 up against the big hitters, it often falls a bit short. The Nike Vaporfly series, for example, is generally preferred for being lighter and having a bouncier, more propulsive feel. The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is also consistently highlighted as a lighter and better-performing option in a similar price bracket. Compared to the Hoka Rocket X 2, it's a bit more nuanced, with some finding the Rocket X 2 bouncier, though the Velociti Elite 2 might offer a touch more stability. The Saucony Endorphin Pro series is often seen as better value with its full superfoam midsole, and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro series is another top-tier marathon shoe to consider.

The Final Verdict: A Decent Effort, But Tough Competition

In conclusion, the Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 has some appealing features: that super breathable upper, a propulsive carbon plate, excellent grip on dry surfaces, and a wider toebox. However, it's heavier than many of its rivals, has a firmer ride due to that dual-foam midsole, and the premium price might be a tough sell for many runners when there are lighter and often more responsive alternatives out there. While they could be a good fit for loyal Under Armour fans, those needing a wider toebox, or midfoot strikers who prefer a firmer feel, potential buyers should really think about the weight and firmness, especially for longer races. They might be best suited for shorter distances or faster training sessions for some. Given that they do seem to pop up on sale from time to time, a discounted price could make them a more attractive option. Ultimately, while the Velociti Elite 2 shows promise, there are generally stronger contenders in the supershoe market for runners who prioritize lightweight design and maximum energy return.