Since I am enjoying the Bandit, I decided to try the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 as well. I actually ran in the original UA Sonic a couple of years ago. Under Armour has stepped up their game in shoes. It hasn’t been until around 2018 that I would say Under Armour makes good running shoes. Now they even have an elite team in Flagstaff.
Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8 mm
Heel to Toe Drop: 8.1 oz
I ran in the original Under Amour Sonic HOVR. I skipped the Sonic 2 based on the availability to me. From the Under Amour Sonic HOVR to the second edition, to now, the shoe has gone through massive changes. The Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 has more cushion, as well as being much more firm. In my opinion, it’s come a long way, and better for distance running and more mileage.
Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 Fit:
According to UA, the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 uses an upper made of microthread. This means it dries quickly but also provides a breathable, compression-like fit. The tongue is attached to the footbed and has stretchable support wings. This lets it be able to maintain a snug fit throughout the foot. Thankfully, since the original UA Sonic, there are removable sock liners if you want to put orthotics into the shoe.
The UA Sonic 3 fits well, and I appreciate there are no seams, and it’s breathable. Typically in running shoes, I wear between a 10-11, and the women’s size 10.5 of the UA Sonic fits well. I might have opted for a wide, but it’s not available in wide.
Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 Ride:
Under Armour uses a technology called: “HOVR.” What does that actually mean? HOVR is designed to provide a “zero-gravity” feel. It’s a soft and cushioned shoe. According to UA, it is a more durable foam that provides a premium cushion feel.
UA claims that “the soft cushion core of UA HOVR with the energy web containing the foam creates a more durable foam that provides a premium cushioned feel.”
All of that makes the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 lightweight but responsive. The UA Sonic is designed as a tempo or faster shoe. In Under Armour’s eyes, they want you to run (or even race) your longer workouts, such as tempos. I found it perfect for those types of runs. I’ve run a few different types of runs in it: long runs, easy runs, and a faster workout, and I found it best for longer but faster workouts. It’s one of my favorite long run shoes right now.
I appreciate the amount of tread on the bottom of the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 as well. It’s a shoe I can see myself taking out inclement weather and not worrying about sliding around.
Right now, I’ve put about 100 miles on the UA Sonic 3, and they don’t appear to be wearing down. I suspect I’ll get over 300 miles in them (as I did with the original UA Sonic). I am impressed with how much durability the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 has for the price point of $110.
Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 Conclusion:
Under Armour is doing great things right now. They have a lot of lightweight but fairly cushioned shoes. While they haven’t always been great or durable in the running world, they have definitely stepped up their game. I like the Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 and will continue to use it as my long run/faster run workout shoe.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the UA Sonic?
Have you run in Under Armour?