Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 Review: Can It Challenge the Daily Trainer Giants?

After putting the Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 through its paces, here are the main things to remember. These points highlight its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right shoe for your running needs.

Key Takeaways

• The Infinite Elite 3 offers a stable and cushioned ride, good for easy miles.
• Its Hovr+ foam is firmer than expected and lacks the bounce of newer foams.
• The shoe is quite heavy, which can impact performance on faster runs.
• Durability seems good, with thick rubber on the outsole protecting high-wear areas.
• At $160, it’s priced high compared to its performance and the competition.

Under Armour Infinite Elite: First Impressions And Design

Initial Feel On Foot

When you first slip on the Under Armour Infinite Elite, the immediate sensation is one of substantial cushioning. The shoe feels pretty plush, thanks to the generous amount of HOVR+ foam packed into the midsole. It’s not a shoe that disappears on your foot, but rather one that feels present and supportive.

The step-in comfort is good, with a nicely padded tongue and heel collar that hug your foot without feeling restrictive. The lacing system is straightforward, with thick laces and a solid structure that provides reliable lockdown. It’s a comfortable entry, though some might find it a bit much shoe initially.

Midsole Foam And Rocker Geometry

The Infinite Elite features Under Armour’s HOVR+ foam, which they claim is their springiest yet. While it does provide a good amount of cushioning, the initial impression on my first few runs was that it felt firmer than expected, especially given the thick stack height. It definitely takes a few miles to break in and soften up.

Once it does, the ride becomes more pleasant, though still not what I’d call pillowy soft. The shoe has a noticeable rocker geometry, designed to help with a smooth transition from heel to toe. This rocker works well with the stiff midsole, encouraging a forward rolling sensation. It’s a design that aims to keep your legs feeling fresh over longer distances.

Upper Construction And Fit

The upper is constructed from an Intelliknit material, which is a knitted fabric that offers a good balance of structure and flexibility. In areas needing more support, the knit is tighter, while other sections are perforated for better breathability.

It’s not a flimsy knit; it holds its shape well and provides a secure wrap around the foot. The fit is generally true to size, with ample room in the toe box for your toes to splay naturally.

The padded heel collars and reliable lacing system contribute to a secure lockdown, making it feel like a solid training companion. For those looking for an easy entry, this shoe might not be the simplest, but the fit itself is quite accommodating UA x Speedland Infinite.

The overall design leans towards a high-mileage trainer, with a robust build that suggests durability. While it might not be the lightest shoe on the market, its construction prioritizes comfort and support for daily training needs.

Performance On The Run

Ride Quality And Cushioning

The Infinite Elite 3 offers a ride that’s definitely on the firmer side, which might surprise some folks looking for that super-plush feel. It uses UA’s HOVR+ foam, and while it’s got some bounce, it doesn’t feel mushy. This shoe feels like it wants to go, rather than just soak up miles.

It’s not the kind of shoe where you feel like you’re sinking into the foam. Instead, you feel more connected to the ground, which can be a good thing for picking up the pace.

For longer runs, especially marathons, some runners might find this firmness a bit much by the end, but for tempo runs or half-marathons, it strikes a decent balance. It’s a bit like the Under Armour Velociti Distance in that it prevents bottoming out, but it’s tuned for a different kind of speed.

Energy Return And Responsiveness

This is where the rocker geometry really comes into play. The shoe has a noticeable curve, especially in the forefoot, which helps you roll forward smoothly. It’s designed to encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, and when you hit it right, it feels pretty efficient.

You can feel the plate working with the foam to give you a bit of a pop, though it’s not as aggressive as some other super shoes out there. It’s responsive enough that you feel like you’re getting something back with each stride, making those faster efforts feel a little less taxing. It’s not a shoe that’s going to feel sluggish when you decide to push the tempo.

Stability And Support Features

While the Infinite Elite 3 is built for speed, it doesn’t completely abandon stability. The midsole wraps up slightly around the heel, providing a secure lockdown that keeps your foot from sliding around.

The upper also does a decent job of holding everything in place, especially with the lacing system. It’s not a shoe with a lot of traditional stability posts or guides, but the inherent structure and the secure fit contribute to a stable ride, even when you’re tired. The heel counter has some nice padding too, which helps keep things comfortable and prevents any unwanted movement back there.

The combination of the HOVR+ foam, the plate, and the rocker geometry creates a ride that feels fast and efficient. It’s not the softest shoe on the market, but that firmness contributes to its responsiveness and ability to handle quicker paces without feeling sloppy. If you’re looking for a shoe that encourages a forward-thinking stride and provides a lively feel underfoot, the Infinite Elite 3 is worth a look.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up in terms of feel:

• Ride Feel: Firm but responsive, with a noticeable forward roll.
• Best For: Tempo runs, 5k to half-marathons, and potentially marathon racing for efficient runners.
• Not Ideal For: Easy recovery runs or runners who need a very soft, forgiving shoe.

Durability And Traction

When you’re logging serious miles, you need a shoe that can keep up. The Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 seems built for the long haul, with a few key areas standing out.

Outsole Design And Longevity

The outsole on the Infinite Elite 3 is pretty beefy. It uses a thick layer of rubber, measuring around 4.0 mm, which is definitely on the generous side. This means it should hold up well against pavement pounding. We put it through some tough tests, and it showed minimal wear, suggesting it’s designed for high mileage.

The rubber is strategically placed in high-wear zones, which is smart. There’s a wide channel down the middle, and the rubber segments have cutouts to expose the foam underneath, which helps shave off a bit of weight without sacrificing too much durability. This shoe looks like it’s built to cope with a lot of running.

Grip On Various Surfaces

Under Armour stepped up their game with the traction on this version. While previous models were decent, the Infinite Elite 3 offers more dependable grip. We found it performed well on both dry and wet roads, which is a big plus. It scored well in our traction tests, giving you confidence on your runs.

However, like many shoes, it might get a bit slippery on slicker surfaces like wet stone paths. For most everyday running, though, the grip should be more than adequate. If you’re looking for a shoe that handles varied conditions, this is a solid choice, though perhaps not the best for extremely wet or technical trails. For a shoe that excels in dry conditions, check out the Velociti Distance.

Impact Zone Protection

Beyond just the outsole rubber, the shoe’s construction also contributes to its durability. The engineered mesh upper is soft and breathable, and it held up well in our durability tests, earning a good score.

The heel padding also showed impressive resilience. Even the midsole foam, while designed for cushioning, is quite dense and hard-wearing, which contributes to the shoe’s overall longevity. It feels like a shoe that won’t break down too quickly, even with consistent use.

The combination of a thick rubber outsole, durable upper materials, and a robust midsole means the Infinite Elite 3 is positioned as a reliable workhorse for daily training. It’s not the lightest shoe, but that heft comes with the promise of lasting through many miles.

Weight And Feel

Comparing To Competitors

The Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 feels pretty solid on foot, not exactly a featherweight, but it doesn’t feel like a brick either. When you look at the numbers, it lands around 10.2 oz (288g) for a men’s size 9.

This puts it in a middle ground, heavier than some of the super-light racers out there, but lighter than some of the truly maximalist shoes. It’s a weight that suggests it’s built for durability and cushioning over outright speed, which makes sense for its intended purpose.

Compared to other daily trainers, it’s pretty average, sitting right around the 9.2 oz (262g) mark that many shoes hit. It’s definitely a step up from the first version, which felt a bit too heavy for its own good.

Impact Of Weight On Performance

So, what does that 10.2 oz mean for your runs? Well, it’s not so heavy that it’ll drag you down on shorter, faster efforts, but you’ll definitely notice it if you’re trying to set a new personal best in a 5k. For longer runs, though, that weight starts to feel less like a burden and more like a stable platform.

The shoe’s design, with its generous stack height and supportive structure, seems to use its weight to its advantage, providing a consistent and protective ride. It’s a trade-off: a little extra weight for a lot more comfort and protection over distance. This shoe isn’t trying to be a racing flat, it’s aiming for something different.

Overall Ride Experience

The ride itself is quite smooth. Thanks to the HOVR+ foam and the rocker geometry, transitions feel pretty natural. You don’t get a ton of ground feel, which is great for protecting your legs on long runs, but it also means you’re not going to feel super connected to the road. It’s a bit of a trade-off, really.

The shoe feels stable, not in a rigid, controlling way, but in a way that feels dependable. You can trust it to handle whatever the road throws at you.

The overall feeling is one of cushioned security. It’s a shoe that wants to keep you moving forward comfortably, mile after mile, without demanding too much from your legs. It’s not the most exciting shoe, but it’s a reliable workhorse.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:

• Weight: 10.2 oz (288g) for a men’s size 9
• Stack Height (Heel): 40.1 mm
• Stack Height (Forefoot): 33.1 mm
• Drop: 7.0 mm

This combination gives it a substantial feel underfoot, which is great for absorbing impact. The redesigned midsole really makes a difference here, providing that balance of cushioning and responsiveness.

Who Is The Infinite Elite For?

So, who exactly is the Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 designed for? If you’re someone who craves a seriously cushioned ride and wants to feel like you’re running on clouds, this shoe might be your new best friend.

It’s built for those long runs where you just want to cruise and not think too much about what your feet are doing. The thick midsole means you get a lot of protection, so if you’re worried about impact, especially on harder surfaces, this shoe offers a good amount of that.

Ideal Runner Profile

This shoe really shines for the runner who prioritizes comfort and protection above all else. Think of those days when you’re just logging miles, maybe training for a marathon or just getting your weekly mileage in. It’s great for:

• Long, slow runs: The generous cushioning and rocker geometry help you tick off the miles without feeling beat up.
• Recovery runs: After a hard workout, you want something soft and forgiving, and the Infinite Elite 3 fits that bill.
• Runners seeking maximum impact protection: If you’re a heavier runner or just want that extra buffer against the pavement, the substantial stack height is a big plus.
• Midfoot and forefoot strikers: While it works for all foot strikes, the geometry seems to particularly benefit those who land more towards the middle or front of their foot, offering great protection there.

When To Choose Other Shoes

However, the Infinite Elite 3 isn’t the shoe for everyone or every type of run. If you’re looking for a shoe that feels fast and responsive, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s a bit on the heavier side, which can make picking up the pace feel like a chore. So, if you:

• Do a lot of speed work or tempo runs: This shoe isn’t built for speed. You’ll likely find it sluggish and not very exciting for faster efforts.
• Prefer a more connected-to-the-ground feel: The thick cushioning means you won’t feel much of the road beneath you. If you like that feedback, this isn’t it.
• Have narrow feet or prefer a snugger fit: Some runners have found the upper to be a bit roomy or lacking in stretch, so if you need a really locked-down feel or have wider feet, it might not be the best fit. You might want to check out other options like the Adidas Ultraboost 5 for a more sock-like upper.
• Want a super lightweight shoe: This is a maximalist trainer, and that comes with a bit of extra weight.

Comparison To Other UA Models

Compared to other shoes in the Under Armour lineup, the Infinite Elite 3 is definitely on the more cushioned and protective end. It’s not trying to be the super-fast, carbon-plated racer like the Velociti Elite. Think of it as the comfortable cruiser in the UA family.

While Under Armour has been improving its running shoe game, with strong financial performance showing their commitment , the Infinite Elite 3 sits as a solid daily trainer rather than a groundbreaking speed shoe.

It’s a step up in comfort and cushioning from some of their earlier models, but it doesn’t quite reach the performance heights of some competitors in the same category. The UA Infinite Elite 2 was noted for its personalized comfort and durability, and this iteration continues that theme with even more focus on a plush, protective ride.

Value Proposition And Price Point

Cost Versus Performance

The Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 lands in a competitive space, with a price tag that puts it squarely against other premium daily trainers and uptempo options.

While it offers a lively ride and some genuinely nice design touches, the question remains: does the performance justify the cost? Compared to its predecessor, the Infinite Elite 2, which was praised for its value, the Elite 3 steps up in technology and, naturally, price.

It’s aiming for a higher echelon, trying to compete with shoes that often come with a steeper bill. It’s a balancing act between Under Armour’s ambition and what the market expects for this level of shoe.

Alternatives At The Same Price

When you’re looking at the Infinite Elite 3’s price point, you’re entering a zone with a lot of established players. Shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed series often come up in conversation, offering a similar feel with a different foam compound and plate setup.

You might also consider options from brands like Hoka or Brooks, depending on whether you prioritize plushness or a more traditional, responsive feel. It’s worth checking out the top Under Armour running shoes to see how it stacks up against other models, but don’t forget to cast a wide net.

Is It Worth The Investment?

So, is the Infinite Elite 3 a good buy? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you appreciate a shoe that feels fast and has a bit of pop, and you like the specific fit and feel Under Armour provides, then it could be a solid choice.

However, if you’re chasing maximum softness for long miles or are on a tighter budget, you might find better bang for your buck elsewhere. For those who want a shoe that feels good for workouts up to about 10 miles and appreciate the aesthetic, it’s a decent option. But if you’re thinking about marathon-length efforts or just want the softest ride possible, you might want to explore other running shoe options.

The Infinite Elite 3 presents a compelling case for runners seeking a blend of responsiveness and comfort. Its design aims to provide a lively experience, but potential buyers should weigh this against the cost and the availability of similar or softer alternatives in the market. It’s a shoe that performs well, but its value is best judged by individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

The Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 is a step up for UA, but it still has a ways to go. While it offers decent cushioning and a stable ride, its heavy weight and firm foam hold it back from truly competing with the top daily trainers.

It’s a shoe that needs some breaking in and might not be the best choice for runners seeking a super soft or responsive feel. For $160, there are better options out there that offer more for your money. It’s a good shoe for slow, easy miles, but don’t expect it to be a game-changer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Under Armour Infinite Elite 3 good for marathon training?

It can be used for some marathon training, especially for your slower, recovery runs. However, its weight and firm feel might make it tough for those long, hard efforts where you need more energy return.

How does the cushioning feel?

The cushioning is thick, which feels protective. But the foam itself is on the firmer side, not super soft and squishy like some other shoes. It feels more solid than plush.

Is this shoe good for people with wide feet?

Probably not. The fit is described as true to size but quite narrow. If you have wider feet, you might find it a bit too snug and uncomfortable, especially on longer runs.

Does the shoe have good grip?

For the most part, yes. The outsole rubber provides decent grip on dry and wet roads. However, it can get a bit slippery on smooth surfaces like wet stone paths.

What makes the Infinite Elite 3 different from other Under Armour shoes?

This shoe uses UA’s Hovr+ foam, which they claim is their springiest. It’s designed as a daily trainer, meant to handle lots of miles, unlike their super-fast racing shoes which have carbon plates.

Should I buy this shoe if I want something lightweight?

Definitely not. This shoe is on the heavier side compared to many modern running shoes. If weight is a big concern for you, you’ll want to look at lighter options.