There are so many ways to track your fitness but there’s nothing quite like Under Armour’s Map My Run app which gathers data from the new UA HOVR Machina running shoes while you’re running or walking.
If you’re a serious runner and want to improve your form, the UA HOVR Machina range of racing shoes and the UA Map My Run companion app will not only inform you about every aspect of your session but also provide personalised feedback which is delivered through your earphones at every kilometre.
We reviewed the first version of the UA HOVR and the differences here are the new racing shoes which offer the softness of a distance shoe and the springy feel of a racing flat.
Form coaching has also been improved thanks to more anonymous data from more than 87,000 users around the world.
The UA Map My Run app is hugely popular already but with the UA HOVR Machina 2 they go to another level.
The sensors within the shoes link via Bluetooth and connect to the app to provide real time information that valuable for a runner.
You get your typical information like average pace, distance, time and steps but for the true runner who’s looking to gain any level of improvement there are other forms of data that are literally gathered at the ground level.
Things like cadence, stride length, ground contact time and even foot strike angle which might not interest your typical runner but these are valuable nuggets for serious, semi-pro and pro runners.
This information can be graphed on the Map My Run app and help you become a better and more efficient runner.
The UA Map My Run also works in well if you have an Apple Watch so you can add your heart rate to the information.
And even if you want to run without your phone or Apple Watch, the shoes can remember all of the data and upload them to the app once your phone connects to them again.
The shoes themselves are also remarkably light and comfortable.
We took them out for a run and walk and found them to be a great fit with plenty of spring in the step and excellent stability.
The first thing you need to do is connect your shoe to the app – something you’re not used to doing – but it takes a few seconds and you’re required to keep the right shoe near your phone to complete the connection.
The UA HOVR Machina 2 are built with a “zero gravity feel” which are designed to offer you a cushioned run but also give you an energy return through the moulded UA HOVR foam.
The mineral-infused UA Rush lining also absorbs and reflect back the energy of your foot strikes to help you improve your endurance.
There’s also an external heel counter for added stability and a more secure locked-in feel.
The sole has a Pebax speed plate that also offer an energy return to help with more powerful push offs with each step.
The UA HOVR Machina 2 shoes are priced at $220 and are available now from RebelSport.com.au and UnderArmour.com.au.
