Under Armour (UA) are true masters of their craft when it comes to modern athletic footwear. Equipped with HOVR cushioning technology, the brand’s iconic sneakers deliver maximum comfort, optimal energy return, and no shortage of style. As if that weren’t enough, running shoes such as the new Machina 3 are also compatible with UA MapMyRun, a subscription-based fitness app that offers real-time coaching and precise tracking, amongst other things. Brains and brawn? That’s just the way these folks roll. We recently took the HOVR Machina 3’s for a run, and not any run, the world-famous City2Surf. Initially, we were worried that we’d have to ‘break in’ the shoes before they were comfortable enough for a long run, but it was actually quite the opposite. They deliver from the get-go.
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Runners at the 2022 City 2 Surf event in Sydney, Australia | Image: Under Armour
Like their predecessors (Machina 2), the HOVR Machina 3 running shoes come fully loaded with high-performance features. However, the brand has upgraded the visual layout, resulting in a stylish and youthful allure. Customers can choose between a variety of striking silhouettes, each of which generates an eye-catching interplay between colour, material, and pattern alike. We prefer the black and white silhouette for its streamlined sensibility, though counterparts such as stone and jet gray certainly pop in the colour department.
On the technical front, the Machina 3 running shoes are every bit as brilliant as one might expect. Engineered warp spacer uppers cultivate supreme lightness and breathability whilst aerodynamic heels with external TPU wraps deliver extra support and a tight fit. Each pair is also strategically designed sans overlays or seams so as to endure all kinds of activity without causing irritation. Additional features include moulded EVA sockliners for added comfort, channeled rubber outsoles for durability, and the patented HOVR cushioning to reduce impact and maximise energy return.
Not just stylish and supportive, the UA HOVR Machina 3 sneakers are also quite smart. Connect them with your UA MapMyRun account to unlock all kinds of advanced benefits. With this technology at your disposal, you can track and analyse your running metrics and even gain access to real-time coaching. This is the next tier of improved performance in that it quite literally turns you into a better runner. Who needs a fitness band when you can score these killers instead? Purchase a pair directly through UA’s website or through leading footwear retailers.
Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 | Image: Under Armour
Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 | Image: Under Armour
The author of this article was provided a pair of Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 shoes for the purposes of this review.
