Below Armour (UA) grew to become a serious participant within the carbon-plate shoe class when Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi received the 2022 New York Metropolis Marathon in a pair of their OG UA Velociti Elites. Now, UA has come out with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2, which has just a few adjustments to it. The most important addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is the extra Pebax foam midsole, low drop and anatomic toe field. Whereas the primary model shook issues up within the trade, the second model has a number of engaging distinctive options to do the identical.
Let’s get into the main points.
The specs
Class: Carbon-plated racing shoe
Worth: $315.00
Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz) (Unisex measurement M9/W10.5)
Stack: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Out there: Now
The higher
The higher of the Velociti Elite 2 affords a cosy match and optimum containment, making certain enhanced consolation all through your run. Outfitted with a well-gusseted and mildly padded tongue, the shoe offers a cushty and safe match. Moreover, the inclusion of Warp 2.0 overlays within the higher provides construction and enhances breathability, contributing to a extra pleasant working expertise. Regardless of its light-weight building, the Warp 2.0-web-like design ensures satisfactory airflow whereas sustaining stability. Whereas I discovered the heel to be a bit of comfortable, the rounded forefoot affords ample room for toe splay, stunning for a racing shoe, and significantly enhances total consolation throughout longer distances similar to a half marathon or marathon. One other notable addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is its 360-degree reflectivity, which reinforces visibility throughout night runs, making certain security in low-light circumstances.
The midsole
The midsole of the Movement Velociti Elite 2 boasts cutting-edge expertise designed to propel you additional, sooner. The midsole is a novel mix of Below Armour’s signature FLOW and Pebax foam, delivering distinctive cushioning and power return. In comparison with its predecessor, the Velociti Elite 2 incorporates 30 per cent extra Pebax foam. Initially, I discovered the froth to be bouncy but stiff throughout my first run within the shoe. Nonetheless, with every stride, the froth started to melt, offering a extra responsive trip that enhanced my velocity and momentum. Moreover, the full-length carbon-fibre plate embedded within the midsole enhances propulsion, facilitating explosive lift-offs and optimizing effectivity throughout your runs. Tailor-made with a low drop and excessive stack top, this midsole caters to forefoot strikers, providing an aggressive toe-off for peak efficiency. The Velociti Elite 2 boasts the best authorized stack top amongst racing footwear available on the market, measuring 39.5mm.
The outsole
By eliminating the normal rubber outsole, Below Armour has crafted a seamless trip within the Velociti Elite 2, enhancing agility and responsiveness with every stride. Whether or not tackling monitor exercises or navigating gravel trails, the patterned design, together with multidirectional grooves, amplifies traction and grip, instilling confidence-inspiring stability. Designed to endure the rigours of high-mileage working, the outsole ensures longevity and reliability over prolonged use. As somebody who engages in monitor periods as soon as to twice per week, the outsole of the Velociti Elite 2 has turn into my most popular selection, providing unparalleled grip and management in comparison with its opponents
The decision
The Below Armour Velociti Elite 2 affords a novel mixture of options that cater to a selected sort of runner. Its anatomic forefoot, comfortable heel/midfoot and low-volume match present wonderful foot safety, making it an excellent choice for these looking for a bit of extra assist throughout longer races. Regardless of being a bit of on the heavier facet for carbon racing footwear, its PEBAX/EVA midsole offers it a light-weight really feel and bounce for each stride. Its low drop and distinctive design set it other than opponents, providing a definite selection for runners in search of a responsive snappy highway shoe. Whereas Below Armour has mastered the midsole within the Velociti Elite 2, the shoe falls quick in some areas. The shoe is listed a bit of on the pricier facet in comparison with different opponents. General, I’d advocate this shoe to a forefoot striker coaching for a 10K or half marathon. It’s sturdy, snappy, and holds promise in its design. What extra are you able to ask for?
Canadian Operating is on the 2024 Boston Marathon with Below Armour to have a good time the launch of the Velociti Elite 2, the model’s quickest carbon racing shoe thus far. You’ll want to keep plugged into our socials on Instagram and X for every thing Boston this weekend.
