Below Armour (UA) grew to become a serious participant within the carbon-plate shoe class when Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi gained 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 a couple of modifications to it. The largest 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 business, the second model has a number of enticing distinctive options to do the identical.
Let’s get into the small print.
The specs
Class: Carbon-plated racing shoe
Worth: $315.00
Weight: 232 grams (8.2 oz) (Unisex dimension M9/W10.5)
Stack: 39.5 mm / 31.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Obtainable: Now
The higher
The higher of the Velociti Elite 2 provides 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 gives 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 pleasing operating expertise. Regardless of its light-weight building, the Warp 2.0-web-like design ensures enough airflow whereas sustaining stability. Whereas I discovered the heel to be somewhat comfortable, the rounded forefoot provides ample room for toe splay, shocking for a racing shoe, and tremendously enhances total consolation throughout longer distances comparable to a half marathon or marathon. One other notable addition to the Velociti Elite 2 is its 360-degree reflectivity, which boosts visibility throughout night runs, making certain security in low-light circumstances.
The midsole
The midsole of the Circulate 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 vitality 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. Nevertheless, with every stride, the froth started to melt, offering a extra responsive experience that enhanced my pace 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 very best authorized stack top amongst racing sneakers available on the market, measuring 39.5mm.
The outsole
By eliminating the standard rubber outsole, Below Armour has crafted a seamless experience 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 operating, the outsole ensures longevity and reliability over prolonged use. As somebody who engages in monitor classes as soon as to twice every week, the outsole of the Velociti Elite 2 has grow to be my most well-liked selection, providing unparalleled grip and management in comparison with its opponents
The decision
The Below Armour Velociti Elite 2 provides a novel mixture of options that cater to a particular sort of runner. Its anatomic forefoot, comfortable heel/midfoot and low-volume match present glorious foot safety, making it an excellent choice for these in search of somewhat extra help throughout longer races. Regardless of being somewhat on the heavier aspect for carbon racing sneakers, its PEBAX/EVA midsole provides it a light-weight really feel and bounce for each stride. Its low drop and distinctive design set it aside from opponents, providing a definite selection for runners on the lookout for a responsive snappy highway shoe. Whereas Below Armour has mastered the midsole within the Velociti Elite 2, the shoe falls brief in some areas. The shoe is listed somewhat on the pricier aspect in comparison with different opponents. Total, I’d suggest 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 Working is on the 2024 Boston Marathon with Below Armour to rejoice the launch of the Velociti Elite 2, the model’s quickest carbon racing shoe thus far. Be sure you keep plugged into our socials on Instagram and X for the whole lot Boston this weekend.
