Beneath Armour (UA) grew to become a significant participant within the carbon-plate shoe class when Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi received the 2022 New York Metropolis Marathon in a pair of their OG UA Velociti Elites. Now, UA has come out with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2, which has a number of adjustments to it. The most important addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is the extra Pebax foam midsole, low drop and anatomic toe field. Whereas the primary model shook issues up within the trade, the second model has a number of enticing distinctive options to do the identical.
Let’s get into the small print.
The specs
Class: Carbon-plated racing shoe
Worth: $315.00
Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz) (Unisex dimension M9/W10.5)
Stack: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Accessible: Now
The higher
The higher of the Velociti Elite 2 presents a comfortable match and optimum containment, making certain enhanced consolation all through your run. Geared up with a well-gusseted and mildly padded tongue, the shoe gives a snug and safe match. Moreover, the inclusion of Warp 2.0 overlays within the higher provides construction and enhances breathability, contributing to a extra pleasing working expertise. Regardless of its light-weight development, the Warp 2.0-web-like design ensures sufficient airflow whereas sustaining stability. Whereas I discovered the heel to be a bit comfortable, the rounded forefoot presents ample room for toe splay, shocking for a racing shoe, and enormously enhances total consolation throughout longer distances resembling a half marathon or marathon. One other notable addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is its 360-degree reflectivity, which reinforces visibility throughout night runs, making certain security in low-light circumstances.
The midsole
The midsole of the Move Velociti Elite 2 boasts cutting-edge know-how designed to propel you additional, quicker. The midsole is a singular mix of Beneath Armour’s signature FLOW and Pebax foam, delivering distinctive cushioning and vitality return. In comparison with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2 incorporates 30 per cent extra Pebax foam. Initially, I discovered the froth to be bouncy but stiff throughout my first run within the shoe. Nevertheless, with every stride, the froth started to melt, offering a extra responsive journey that enhanced my velocity and momentum. Moreover, the full-length carbon-fibre plate embedded within the midsole enhances propulsion, facilitating explosive lift-offs and optimizing effectivity throughout your runs. Tailor-made with a low drop and excessive stack peak, this midsole caters to forefoot strikers, providing an aggressive toe-off for peak efficiency. The Velociti Elite 2 boasts the very best authorized stack peak amongst racing footwear available on the market, measuring 39.5mm.
The outsole
By eliminating the normal rubber outsole, Beneath Armour has crafted a seamless journey within the Velociti Elite 2, enhancing agility and responsiveness with every stride. Whether or not tackling observe exercises or navigating gravel trails, the patterned design, together with multidirectional grooves, amplifies traction and grip, instilling confidence-inspiring stability. Designed to endure the rigours of high-mileage working, the outsole ensures longevity and reliability over prolonged use. As somebody who engages in observe periods as soon as to twice every week, the outsole of the Velociti Elite 2 has develop into my most popular alternative, providing unparalleled grip and management in comparison with its rivals
The decision
The Beneath Armour Velociti Elite 2 presents a singular mixture of options that cater to a particular sort of runner. Its anatomic forefoot, comfortable heel/midfoot and low-volume match present wonderful foot safety, making it a great possibility for these in search of a bit extra assist throughout longer races. Regardless of being a bit on the heavier facet for carbon racing footwear, its PEBAX/EVA midsole offers it a light-weight really feel and bounce for each stride. Its low drop and distinctive design set it other than rivals, providing a definite alternative for runners in search of a responsive snappy street shoe. Whereas Beneath Armour has mastered the midsole within the Velociti Elite 2, the shoe falls quick in some areas. The shoe is listed a bit on the pricier facet in comparison with different rivals. General, I’d advocate this shoe to a forefoot striker coaching for a 10K or half marathon. It’s sturdy, snappy, and holds promise in its design. What extra are you able to ask for?
Canadian Working is on the 2024 Boston Marathon with Beneath Armour to have fun the launch of the Velociti Elite 2, the model’s quickest carbon racing shoe so far. You should definitely keep plugged into our socials on Instagram and X for the whole lot Boston this weekend.
