After the release of the light and speedy Flow Velociti Wind 2, Under Armour is now focussing on runners looking for stability and support in a neutral runner. 

Fully tested and validated by UA Athletes, the all new third iteration of the UA HOVR Machina running shoes represents the latest in UA’s run footwear development. Under Armour states the UA HOVR Machina 3 features a firmer and more responsive forefront HOVR cushioning. Also included are an updated heel capture system to make for a fast and comfortable run.

 The UA HOVR Machina 3 has a totally new midsole design which the company claims enhances smooth landings without losing responsiveness or explosive lift-offs. However, unlike the previous two iterations, Under Armour has omitted the Pebax propulsion plate, an interesting development seeing how popular carbon plates have become, especially on higher end shoes.

Back though is the inclusion of carbon rubber pods under the heel which should deliver greater traction and durability at high-impact strike zones. This while there’s an external TPU heel wrap for added support and lockdown fit, with what the company calls engineered warp spacer upper that is breathable and which contains no overlays or seams.  

The shoe remains on the heavier side, adding 10 g over the previous model, now standing at 300 g per shoe (Men's, size 9) and 272 g for Women's size 7. The 8 mm offset between heel (28 mm) and forefoot (20 mm) remains the same. 

All being equal, there is one technological aspect that makes (certain) UA shoes stand out above the rest - the inclusion of a Bluetooth sensor which provides you with running data both while running and afterwards. The Machina 3 connects to UA MapMyRun for real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace and stride. The embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve performance. Indeed, this does actually pay off, with a 2020 study noting UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther.

“The UA HOVR Machina 3 delivers the next evolution of UA HOVR technology with a softer heel and more responsive forefoot for explosive takeoffs. ‘Faster, Softer, Lighter’ have been the driving experiential factors that have informed the Machina series’ design and function, and the latest edition delivers on these performance tenets like never before,” notes Douglas Smiley, product director for Compete Run Footwear at Under Armour.

The UA HOVR Machina 3 is available in South Africa and is priced at R3 299. It is available online: https://underarmour.co.za/ and at UA Brand Houses across SA.