The Evolution of the Under Armour Running Shoe

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Under Armour entered the running footwear market with a bang in 2009, announcing the brand's first strides into the running category with 

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UA Illusion

Year Released: 2009

Key Feature: Cartilage and DCE (directional cushioning engineering)

Under Armour’s breakthrough shoe into the running market was introduced with an “Athletes Run” campaign, directed at athletes that use running as a cross training activity. Featuring the UA Cartilage stability control and a patented footsleeve to regulate temperature, the Illusion was the first running shoe from the Baltimore brand.

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UA Mirage

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: AmourGuide cradle and Armour Lastic shock absorbing inserts

The UA Mirage was available for men and women in a spectrum of colorways in ‘09. Weighing in at 13.2 ounces, the focus of the Mirage was to stabilize and smoothly transition runner’s gaits. Borrowing the HearGear system from UA’s successful technical apparel, the ventilated footsleeve combo aimed to keep feet cool and dry.

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UA Apparition

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: ArmourBound cushioning, and lots of it

The Apparition was Under Armour’s most cushioned shoe of the time, weighing in at 11.8 ounces, including a Cartilage Precision Handling technology and a ventilated internal footsleeve to keep feet cool and dry.

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UA Mako

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: ArmourBound, ArmourGuide, ArmourLastic

The Mako is composed of 7-9 milimeters of Cartilage cushioning for “improved effilciency and impact absorption.” With a solid rubber sole and a carbon rubber insert in the heel, this beast of a shoe proves how far the brand has evolved in its 8 year history.

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UA Spectre

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: HeatGear system

Under Armour’s lightest model had an iconic look to match. The mid-volume Cartilage Precision Handling technology improved stabilization while keeping it smooth for runners pounding the pavement.

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UA Revenant

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: Cartilage Presicion Handling technology

The most technical shoe from UA was designed for runners with low arches and moderate overpronation with protective cushioning thanks to the high-volume Cartilage Precision Handline technology.

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UA Blacktip

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: ArmourGuide cradle

The Blacktip resembles the later released basketball line from UA, the Bloodline, in an eye-catching red, white, and red combo. Featuring the key features of the year, ArmourBound, AmourGuide, and ArmourLastic, the Blacktip was available for men and women.

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UA Whipray

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: Cartilage smooth transition system

A ‘whipray’ is a stingray known to hunt smaller fish and shrimp, so perhaps this release was one of aggression for the footwear newbie brand. Key words for this shoe hint at a performance line that erred on the side of caution, sticking to shock absorption, flexibility, and a smooth transition for runners.

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UA Prophet

Year Released: 2009
Key Feature: ArmourBound responsive cushioning and ArmourLastic inserts

The Prophet was at the time considered the company’s lightest “unstructured” shoe, featuring ArmourBound and ArmourLastic for a responsive, shock absorbing ride.

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Under Armour Assert Running Shoe

UA Assert Running Shoes

Year Released: 2010
Key Feature: ArmourBound and ArmourLastic technology

The premise of these shoes is simple: less weight, more miles. set on a highly breathable mesh upper with a signature Footsleeve fit system, the low-profile ArmourBound and ArmourLastic innovations were included in the midsole to maximize the efficiency of the stride.

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UA Micro G Split Running Shoes

Year Released: 2010
Key Feature: Micro G Technology

Considered the best running shoe at the time of their release, the lightweight shoe weighed in at 9.1 oz and featured Micro G for "heel strike rebound" and forward momentum technology.

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MEN’S UA MICRO G® DEFY RUNNING SHOES

UA Micro G Defy Running Shoes

Year Released: 2010
Key Feature:

Perhaps a predecessor to the Spine RPM, the Micro G Defy featured a "skeleton-like" outsole instead of a full tread pattern to decrease weight and increase responsiveness.

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UA Charge RC Storm

Year Released: 2011
Key Feature: Micro G technology

Taking inspiration from the brand's apparel roots, the Storm has a unique ride with a lower heel drop than it's predecessor and a unique multi-paneled upper for a snug, secure fit.

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UA Micro G Mantis Running Shoes

Year Released: 2012
Key Feature: Micro G technology

Equipped with HeatGear uppers and a low-profile Micro G cushioning system, the lastest Under Armour runner sticks to its roots with an apparel-inspired upper and a multi-paneled support system.

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UA Spine RPM

Year Released: 2012
Key Feature: Micro G technology

The original Spine debuted with a bang, calling upon Founder Kevin Plank, and sponsored athletes such as Lindsey Vonn, Tom Brady, and Brandon Jennings to unveil the lastest technology from the Baltimore brand. Focused on the connectivity between a natural running gait and the spine-like construction of the outsole, Under Armour again pushed running as a powerful cross training tool that can't be ignored.

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Micro G Skulpt

Year Released: 2013
Key Feature: Micro G technology

This spring release is built to rebound the energy of your stride forward, recycling your efforts into a forward motion. Notable details are the molded 4D Foam footbed that will conform to your foot and the padded MPZ tongue that upstages any other upper construction you'll see today.

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UA Charge RC 2

Year Released: 2013
Key Feature: Micro G and HeatGear

Working to evolve the anatomy of your favorite running shoe, the RC 2 is UA's most technical running shoe to date, with a stretch HeatGear fabric to wick away sweat, a full-length Micro G footbed, and a padded MPZ tongue.

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UA Charge RC 2 Racer

Year Released: 2013
Key Feature: Super light at 5 oz

Under Armour cuts it down for their core runners, introducing a racing flat version of the UA Charge RC 2. Featuring all of the bells and whistles of its running sister shoe, the racer features a UA Light Speed Grip for an ultra-lightweight traction outsole.

20.

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UA Spine Venom Running Shoes

Year Released: 2013
Key Feature: UA Spine technology

A great option for neutral or mild overpronators that are looking for a bit of cushioning without the weight or drastic heel to toe drop. The latest edition of the Spine receives an upper update, adapting the concept from the outsole with a supportive foam "cage" to remove any unnecessary weight.

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Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes

Year Released: 2013

Key Feature: Molded MPZ panels and Micro G technology

While the poison dart frog inspired look may steal your attention at first glance, the power of the Toxic Six is in the asymmetrical lacing system, neoprene upper, and the molded MPZ panels for a comfortable, snug fit. Add Micro G cushioning underfoot and you've got yourself a powerful weapon.

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