Episode 6 of our running shoes review series "Sole Mates" sees us chat with Soh Rui Yong, a 2-time SEA Games Marathon Gold Medalist, who discusses the UA Flow Velociti Elite with host John Yeong
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Singapore's premier running specialty iRun Singapore, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
Carbon plates and super shoes has captured the imagination of runners the world over, but not everyone understands the need for a variety of shoes in your shoe rotation and the correct use for each type of shoe for the nature of your run.
This week on "Sole Mates" we turn our attention to the UA Flow Velociti Elite, Under Armour's first foray into full-length carbon plated road racing shoes. How well would they fare in a world of Alpha Flys and Metaspeeds?
We ask Soh Rui Yong, who is no stranger to elite competition from track races to full marathons, about what he looks for in a good race shoe.
As with all our shoe review episodes, we first share the shoe's specs and latest upgrades, and then bring in every day runners for an honest opinion about what they like and dislike about each of the shoes we feature.
Key Highlights & Specifications
So what's new about the UA Flow Velociti Elite compared to earlier shoes from the UA Flow series? What are significant updates from earlier editions of UA Flow running shoes, and is it worth your money to get an upgrade?
1. Updated Upper
The UA Warp 2.0 offers a lightweight lockdown and allows for increased breathability compared to earlier editions of the UA Flow series. Its construction keeps the foot in place during fast movements without weighing the shoe down.
The upper materials used allow ample airflow within the shoe, keeping feet cool and making for more comfortable feet. It's a great option for those seeking containment and support in a lightweight and breathable shoe.
2. Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is what Under Armour markets as the game-changer. The Pebax foam upper section is said to deliver higher energy return, while the one-piece Flow Foam on the lower section provides responsiveness and long-lasting cushioning.
That said, Rui Yong did caution that performance racing shoes are generally less durable than your daily trainers on average, so use these shoes for the right types of runs.
The result is a consistent and comfortable ride that can handle regular use without compromising performance or comfort. The unique combination of cushioning and energy return can help improve comfort and performance for runners.
3. Enhanced Support
This shoe is designed with support in mind. It features a torsion system that stabilizes the foot and a molded heel counter that prevents slippage and provides extra support. These features work together to create a secure and stable fit, making this shoe a great option for those who need extra support during their runs.
4. Stack Height & Drop
An increase in stack height from earlier Flow series shoes which are generally seen as racing flats, with the Velociti Elite having an overall stack height of 36mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot, for an overall drop of 8mm.
Soh Rui Yong's Experience Running in the UA Flow Velociti Elite
What do you like about the shoe?
The UA Flow Velociti Elite is by far the most cushioned Under Armour shoes for competition, which is really important for me. But what I love most about this shoe is how lightweight it is. It's incredibly responsive and gives me the support I need during my runs.
What would you like to see changed in future iterations of this shoe?
I think the UA Flow Velociti Elite is already pretty impressive, and I feel privileged to have played a part in the development of this shoe having raced in the protoype version in the 2021 Valencia Marathon.
But if I had to choose one thing to improve, it would be the weight. If they could somehow add even more cushioning without adding more weight, that would be great too. But I know that's asking for a lot.
Who would you recommend this shoe to?
This shoe is definitely designed for speed. It's perfect for fast sessions on the track or on the road with a marathon pace or slower.
I wouldn’t recommend someone to use this for slow jogs as it just doesn't provide the same level of responsiveness that you would need for a slower pace. So, while I would definitely recommend this shoe for faster running, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Overall Shoe Rating
Comfort: 4.5/5
Stability: 5/5
Responsiveness: 4.5/5
Grippiness: 5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Taking all this into consideration, Rui Yong would give the UA Flow Velociti Elite an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 soles.
The UA Flow Velociti Elite is currently going for S$299 and can be purchased from any Under Armour stores, online at UA.com or via iRun Singapore.
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