Under Armour Men's Charged Bandit Trail Gore-TEX Hiking Shoe Review
The Under Armour Men's Charged Bandit Trail Gore-TEX Hiking Shoe in Black/Black is designed to cater to runners who seek an optimal balance between flexibility and cushioning while navigating various terrains. The shoe’s lightweight construction boasts a two-toned mesh upper that enhances ventilation, ensuring your feet stay cool during those intense hikes. With a GORE-TEX construction, it offers 100% waterproof protection without compromising breathability, making it ideal for wet conditions.
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Features
- NEUTRAL design for runners needing flexibility & cushioning.
- GORE-TEX construction for waterproof yet breathable performance.
- TPU film for enhanced support & durability.
- Molded Comfort Collar provides a plush fit around the heel.
- High rebound EVA sockliner for responsive comfort on any surface.
- Dual-layer Charged Cushioning midsole for balanced support.
- High-abrasion rubber outsole for exceptional grip.
- Anatomically placed flex grooves for proper flexibility.
- Reflective details for visibility during low-light runs.
- Weight: 9.1oz; Offset: 8mm.
Pros
- Excellent combination of flexibility and cushioning.
- Waterproof yet breathable due to GORE-TEX technology.
- Durable construction thanks to TPU film reinforcements.
- Comfortable molded collar reduces distractions.
- Great traction for various trail conditions.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Limited color options available.
- Not suitable for very rugged terrain without additional protection.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Cushioning | Waterproof | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Charged Bandit Trail | 9.1oz | Neutral | Yes | Mid-range |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | 11.2oz | Moderate | Yes | Higher |
| Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof | 10.6oz | Supportive | Yes | Mid-range |
Detailed Review
When it comes to hiking shoes, the Under Armour Men's Charged Bandit Trail Gore-TEX stands out for several reasons. First, let’s discuss the fit. The Molded Comfort Collar gently locks your heel in place, creating an almost custom feel that ensures zero distractions as you navigate trails.
The cushioning is another strong point. With a dual-layer Charged Cushioning midsole, you’ll experience a firmer support under the heel while enjoying softer cushioning below the forefoot. This unique balance makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds, providing adequate responsiveness whether you're climbing steep inclines or descending rocky paths.
In terms of traction, the high-abrasion rubber outsole delivers a reliable grip on various surfaces, keeping you stable on both wet and dry ground. Moreover, the reflective details add an extra layer of safety for those early morning or evening hikes.
Care instructions are straightforward, as these shoes can be machine washed, allowing for easy maintenance after muddy excursions. However, some users may find that the shoes require a brief break-in period to achieve maximum comfort.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Very comfortable with excellent cushioning. |
| Traction | 4.7/5 | Exceptional grip, even on slippery surfaces. |
| Durability | 4.6/5 | Built to withstand frequent use on rugged terrain. |
| Waterproofing | 4.8/5 | Reliable waterproof performance with breathability. |
| Fit | 4.4/5 | Snug fit with room for toe movement, though a break-in period is recommended. |
User Reviews
I’ve had my first pair of these shoes for almost 5 years. The Gore-Tex keeps my feet dry and warm, even in adverse conditions. Great for hiking and walking trails, especially when it’s wet. Even in light snow (under an inch). They’ve worn so well but I’ve literally walked the tread off, and some water just now seeps through when raining or walking in puddles (the tops where they bend/crease when walking). Not bad after 5 years! Love them so much I just bought another pair. The Gore-Tex lining is amazing! Still wearing the old ones for working around the house and cutting grass. Well worth the cost for all the use, convenience, and comfort they provide.
I have owned dozens of Gore Tex running shoes and these are the most breathable ones I've ever worn including extra premium Gore Tex formulations. Waterproof shoes tend to be hot, these are not even on hotter summer rainy days or for that matter on sunny days but I like to save them for rain since waterproof shoes are less available & usually more expensive. They are well cushioned, supportive and good looking. They run slightly small but that appeared to be as a result of a somewhat shallow toe box which stretched to be comfortable. Shoes stretch in width but not in length so I felt confident keeping them. I have found them waterproof in heavy downpour hour long walks. I haven't supplemented the waterproofness with a spray as I have had to in the past but is a viable option if they start to leak.
Bought these as a lightweight, waterproof trail runner and sideline shoe for coaching. The fit is good; solid arch support and a roomy toebox for thicker winter socks. The waterproof Goretex is excellent without being too heavy. All in all, I love that it’s leightweight in spite of its waterproofing. Excellent buy.
Fit was good, good Quality, a little high on the price
I was looking for a sneaker to wear for work as I'm on my feet all day that was comfortable and will keep my feet dry if it happens to rain. I walk about two miles to work and I have an extra pair of shoes and socks at work to change into if it rains since most sneakers do not keep your feet dry in a moderate rain shower. However I wore these shoes a few times when it was raining and they kept my socks dry. I have not tried wearing them in a downpour yet, but it gets 5 stars for keeping my feet dry in a moderate rain shower and having to walk in some puddles. The only con I must say is that they squeak a lot on tile floor when they are wet. So after walking in the rain, your feet with be dry but the shoes will be loud...lol.
Obsessed with this shoe. First time UA shoe buyer so i was skeptical of size, durability, comfort, etc. ive had them about a month and i absolutely love them. Warning that the red is very bright. You will get a lot of compliments and attention. Very comfortable as i have walked a few consecutive miles in them. Highly recommend!
Excellent hiking shoe with fantastic grip. Size fits as expected. These shoes breath easily. Due to the aggressive bottoms, would recommend limiting steps on paved surfaces. On loose rocks, gravel, wet dirt, and wet rocks these had great stability. Close to 50 miles on them and they still look brand new.
I loved these shoes. They look great, stay clean in all elements, and they’re comfortable. Most importantly though they’re amazing hiking shoes. Water proof, super comfortable, grippy as heck on all surfaces. They seem extremely durable, but.. I took them about 150-200miles on many adventures in utah and they got a few holes and are no longer waterproof.