Under Armour Men's HOVR Sonic 4 Running Shoe Review
The Under Armour Men's HOVR Sonic 4 Running Shoe combines innovative technology with a lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for runners seeking comfort and performance. The shoe features a breathable mesh upper that enhances ventilation during your runs, keeping your feet cool and dry. The embroidered overlay serves not only as a stylish detail but also adds essential structure and support to the overall fit.
With an EVA sockliner, you can expect excellent step-in comfort, while the one-piece EVA foam midsole provides ultimate cushioning. Anatomically placed flex grooves built into the outsole ensure flexibility in key areas, allowing for a smooth stride. With an offset of 8 mm and weighing only 8.55 oz, these shoes are designed for those who prioritize lightweight performance.
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Features
- CONNECTS TO UA MAPMYRUN: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner.
- Responsive UA HOVR cushioning reduces impact, returns energy, and helps propel you forward.
- Lightweight engineered mesh upper for ultimate breathability.
- Tongue attached to the footbed by stretchable support wings for a snug fit.
- One-piece heel construction with external TPU heel counter for additional support.
- Removable sockliner molds to the foot for customized comfort.
- Blown rubber under the forefoot & high-abrasion rubber under the heel to absorb ground contact.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and support for long runs.
- Breathable design prevents overheating.
- Flexible outsole promotes natural movement.
- Connects easily to Map My Run for tracking.
- Stylish design suitable for casual wear.
Cons
- Connectivity to Map My Run will expire on March 31, 2025.
- Some users may prefer a firmer feel.
- Limited color options available.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 | Nike React Infinity Run | Adidas Ultraboost 21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Type | UA HOVR Foam | React Foam | Boost Foam |
| Weight | 8.55 oz | 9.10 oz | 11.20 oz |
| Flexibility | Anatomical Flex Grooves | Stable platform | Flexible Primeknit |
| Fit | Snug with stretch wings | Adaptive fit | Primeknit upper |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 excels in providing unparalleled comfort thanks to its responsive cushioning and plush EVA sockliner. Whether you're tackling short sprints or long-distance runs, the soft foam midsole absorbs shock effectively, minimizing fatigue on your joints.
Breathability: This pair features a lightweight mesh upper that allows for excellent airflow, ensuring your feet remain cool no matter how intense the workout gets. The addition of an embroidered overlay enhances structural integrity without compromising ventilation.
Performance: The shoe's design emphasizes flexibility through strategically placed grooves on the outsole, allowing for a natural range of motion. Runners will appreciate the energy return offered by the HOVR cushioning, propelling them forward while reducing the impact felt from hard surfaces.
Design: Aesthetically pleasing, the HOVR Sonic 4 maintains a sleek profile that fits well in both athletic and casual settings. The snug fit, courtesy of the attached tongue and supportive wings, ensures stability, preventing any unwanted slipping during your activities.
Technology Integration: The integration with UA MapMyRun is a standout feature, providing valuable insights into your running metrics. However, keep in mind that this connectivity will expire in 2025, which might be a consideration for tech-savvy runners.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and support for extended runs. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Lightweight mesh offers superior ventilation. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Responsive cushioning with excellent energy return. |
| Design | 8/10 | Sleek and stylish, suitable for multiple occasions. |
| Technology | 7/10 | Useful tracking features, but connectivity limited. |
User Reviews
I purchased a 2nd pair of these before retiring the first pair because I like them so much. I was curious about how long the internal battery would last as I use the MapMyFitness app for every workout (and didn't want to "lose" my data"). I was concerned that the battery would fail before I needed a new pair. Well, that didn't happen. Aside from the soles, the shoes are in fine shape, still comfortable, and still able to connect to the app perfectly. Nevertheless, I've decided to retire the well-used first pair (photos attached) and break open my new pair for year 2. (Embarrassed I didn't realize the soles were in such bad shape!) After 620 miles, I feel I certainly got my money's worth!I am NO runner -- I'm a 60 year old who started walking to lose weight a little over a year ago. 112 pounds and a year later, I realize that these shoes provided WAY more motivation than an ordinary pair of walking shoes (or anything else). They held up very well after 12 months and 620 miles on a gravel trail.For around $100, a smart phone you probably already have, and a cheap $40 pair of Bluetooth ear buds, you can listen to music and have the "lady in your shoes" interrupt automatically to tick off every quarter mile, give you total time, distance, split times, and average time. VERY motivating to hear those stats every quarter mile. You can change it to half mile or every mile of you want.True fitness enthusiasts can benefit from these, too. You can track specific second-by-second details by downloading your "workouts" via the app. You upload the data from your phone after your walk/run -- then you can access it from a PC (or the phone) if you like. It tracks your route via GPS which you can zoom into and even see which side of the trail you walked on -- it's that accurate. And very simple to use once you get the hang of it.Overall, a GREAT pair of shoes first, a great pair of TECH shoes second (you'd never know they were Bluetooth enabled by looking at them), and a super motivating pair of FITNESS shoes third. You can even throw them in the washing machine after muddy days. No complaints whatsoever. I'll be buying a third pair if the 2nd pair performs like the first. And if you keep your eyes open, you can find certain sizes and colors on sale for as low as $75. Amazing deal @ around $100, but for $75, really hard to pass up given what you get. They are comfortable shoes first and foremost. All the rest is just gravy.
I first bought these shoes during black friday on a whim and had no idea they came with a running app that tracks your location and steps! I was SUPER impressed with that. Fast forward a few months of wear. They are SUPER comfortable!! But then, we had a tragedy hit our small community of Heathsville and a young lady name Ahrea'L was kidnapped and murdered while leaving work one night. Her phone was left on the property and their was no way to track her. My shoes immediately popped in my head. If only she had a pair on. If only i had told her about them the dozen times i seen her at the store...Now i own another pair, and anytime im traveling or going somewhere alone i make sure im wearing them. Each of my family members has the app on their phone.
The shoes are great and I wasn't certain on the size based on many reviews. I normally wear a 10 but had to order a 10H in this shoe to get a proper fit. Very stylish. Love the color
Listen to the reviews, if you need a sign here it is. They run small. Idk how people are saying they are true to size. Not true. I'm glad I listened, order a 9 im an 8.5. To be honest probably could’ve done the 9.5 for a looser fit. Still can’t wear a thick sock even with the larger size. So if you know you like thicker socks do the full size up. I may even buy another pair with it larger. Aside from that everything is great. It does what it says. Sync with the app perfectly. Love it.
Well.. it runs a half size too small and even then I had to run my laces out a bit more than average. But the material stretches with a few wears and now it fits great. I’m a 9W and got the 9.5 and ALMOST ordered a 10... but it actually fits snug and comfortable after some break in. It’s a light breezy “quick” performing shoe better suited for mild to hot weather and for mall walking than running a 3 mile marathon.
i’ve had these shoes since the first day i started working at under armour … which was almost 2 years ago. these shoes have been work almost everyday to work and they are so comfortable! they are durable and defiantly easy to stand in for such long shifts! i love them
Bought to start running in. Unfortunately, they were not flexible enough. Rigid material, pretty colors