Shoe Of The Week: Under Armour SpeedForm Gemini 2
A look at the second edition of UA's flagship distance trainer.
Under Armour has shown plenty of signs that it wants to be a dominant player in running and continues to make huge strides in its development of running shoes. After starting with some “barely there” minimalist models, it has expanded slightly to include a few high-mileage trainers with more structure and cushion underfoot. The Gemini 2 is its flagship distance trainer and, although it offers more cushioning and support, it maintains a mostly seamless upper (it’s constructed with ultrasonic welded seams and interior tape for next-to-skin support and comfort) and an external heel counter that provides a snugged-down fit at the rearfoot and midfoot but an ever-so-slightly wider fit in the forefoot.
The best aspect of this shoe, as with the first edition, is the energetic sensation served up by the two-layer foam package. That’s accomplished by the top layer of Charged foam which absorbs impact and, working with the bottom layer of MicroG cushioning, serves up a moderately cushioned and very responsive ride. Our testers believed it felt more like a cushioned shoe at slower speeds and a more energetic shoe at faster speeds on tempo runs and speed workouts. It’s a versatile shoe that offers great proprioceptive feel for the ground, just enough cushioning and a significant amount of energetic pop in every stride. The SpeedForm Gemini 2 Record Equipped version of this shoe ($150) has a tracking chip embedded in the midsole of the left shoe and can record run data automatically, either in real-time on a smartphone or untethered for viewing later at UA’s MapMyRun app.
This is the shoe for you if … you’re seeking slightly “less” shoe that lends toward a natural stride (as opposed to an overly cushioned or structured shoe)
Price: $130
Weights: 10.4 oz. (men’s size 9); 9 oz. (women’s size 7)
Heel-toe-Offsets: 8mm; 35mm (heel); 27mm (forefoot)