Tech Runner

When you think of Under Armour, you typically think of underlayer clothing. Although the company has recently moved into the football sector by providing the kit for Liverpool FC, primarily they’re known for clothing that fits snugly around your contours, for performance sake – tight, elasticated, long sleeve roll-necks, sports vests, running apparel, that sort of thing.

But much like Skechers  has recently done with their Go Run line of running shoes, Under Armour now seems like they are making a move toward producing legitimate performance running shoes with the SpeedForm – taglined “A running shoe that actually fits”.

The Speedforms are certainly a colourful bunch (image courtesy of Gizmodo)

Now, TR checked out quite a few reviews by other sites in writing this article, and not one seems to be unable to not link these shoes to bras – so we may as well join the party. And this is because, instead of working out how to make a new shoe using conventional methods, Under Armour went a bit left field, and went to a bra factory.

But there is method to this madness. Citing undergarment manufacturer Playtex’s involvement in designed the Apollo lunar landing’s space suits, Under Armour realised that bra companies know everything there is to know about getting a comfortable fit. They moved their manufacturing and design there and came up with something unique – the Speedform.

It features the first ever seamless heel cup for a running shoe and all the rest of the seams are ultrasonically welded, which means they have no stitching whatsoever – you won’t feel a single seam when wearing them. There is also a silicone grip around the heel that locks on your foot.

The toe of the shoe is also anatomically moulded, so your toes are guided into set positions for optimal comfort. We mentioned the unique way that Reebok’s U-Form+ shoes mould to your feet recently, and it’s interesting to see another manufacturer coming up with an innovative way to ensure a perfect fit. The base and footbed are also specifically designed for foot position, fit and comfort, with a full-length, proprietary 4D Foam embedded sock liner and a Micro G midsole.

The shoes weigh 170g apiece and will be out later this month. There’s no news yet on a definitive UK price, but it is believed that Under Armour will be selling the Speedform running shoes in the US for $120 (£80) a pair. They’re also certainly an eye-catching prospect too, with multiple colours promised to be available, including pink, orange, blue and green. We expect you won’t be short of envious glances sporting these bad boys.

[Via Pocket-Lint]