Last Tuesday, my workout buddy Jake was complaining about his feet killing him during our HIIT sessions, and honestly, I’d been putting off replacing my beat-up trainers for months. Mike here, and between work presentations standing all day and evening gym sessions, I needed something that could handle both without my feet staging a rebellion. That’s when I spotted the Under Armour Men’s Charged Edge Sneaker during a quick Amazon browse – the 4E wide sizing caught my attention since my feet aren’t exactly narrow. Six weeks and probably 40+ gym sessions later, here’s the complete breakdown.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $50-70 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 11.2 oz (men’s size 9)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Charged Cushioning compression molded foam
- 👟 Upper material: Breathable mesh with leather/synthetic overlays
- 🦶 Width options: 4E Extra Wide sizing available
- 🏃♂️ Category: Cross-training/lifestyle sneaker
- 🎯 Best for: Gym workouts, daily wear, wide feet accommodation
- ⏱️ Testing period: 6 weeks, 40+ gym sessions, daily wear testing
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, these hit that sweet spot between “serious training shoe” and “won’t look weird with jeans.” The mesh upper breathes better than my old synthetic trainers, which became apparent during my first 45-minute circuit session – no swamp foot situation like I’m used to. The leather and synthetic overlays add structure where you need it, particularly around the heel and midfoot.
The lace-up system locks down well without being overly complicated. At my 180 lbs, I need a shoe that stays put during lateral movements, and these delivered. The 4E width wasn’t just marketing – my feet actually have room to breathe without feeling like I’m wearing boats.
Charged Cushioning & Support Experience
The Charged Cushioning lives up to its name for most activities. During my first burpee session, I immediately felt the difference compared to my worn-out Nikes – better energy return and less impact on my knees. After 30 minutes of box jumps and mountain climbers, my feet felt fresh, not beaten up.
The dual-layer Ortholite sockliner creates a comfortable step-in feel that lasted through extended wear. I tested these during a 12-hour day that included a morning presentation, lunch-time gym session, and evening errands – my feet never complained.
On-the-Gym Performance
These excel in cross-training scenarios. The rubber outsole provides solid grip on gym floors – no slipping during quick direction changes or during deadlift setups. The strategic tread pattern works well for both indoor surfaces and casual outdoor walking.
During HIIT sessions, the lateral stability impressed me. Quick side shuffles and agility ladder work felt secure without the shoe fighting against natural foot movement. The mesh upper handled sweat well, though they’re not miracle workers – you’ll still want to let them air out after intense sessions.
Performance in Various Training Conditions
Gym Floor Versatility
Tested these on rubberized gym floors, concrete surfaces, and carpeted areas. The outsole compound grips well without being too sticky – you can pivot during basketball shots without feeling stuck to the floor. On concrete, they provide adequate cushioning for casual walking but aren’t designed for extended pavement pounding.
All-Day Wear Testing
The real test came during long workdays. Standing for 4-5 hour stretches during conferences, walking between meetings, then hitting the gym afterward. The arch support held up well, and the cushioning didn’t compress to nothing like cheaper foam does.
Does Under Armour Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing Claims vs Reality Check
Claim: “Ultimate responsiveness & durability”
Reality: The responsiveness is solid – definitely bouncy enough for gym work. Durability shows mixed results based on customer feedback. While my pair has held up well through 6 weeks, some users report seam separation after 2 months of heavy use.
Claim: “4E Sizing built for extra wide feet”
Reality: This is accurate. Multiple reviewers confirm these actually accommodate wide feet without feeling like clown shoes. One customer specifically mentioned switching from New Balance wide sizes and finding these even more accommodating.
Claim: “Ultimate step-in comfort”
Reality: The Ortholite sockliner does provide immediate comfort, though “ultimate” might be overselling. Comfortable? Yes. Revolutionary? Not quite.
The Squeaking Elephant in the Room
I need to address this honestly – multiple customers report squeaking issues. Some describe sounds “like SpongeBob walking” or “a dog’s chew toy.” In my testing, I experienced minor squeaking during week 3, but it faded after breaking them in fully. However, for some users, this becomes a persistent, embarrassing problem.
My Overall Assessment
Detailed Scoring
- Comfort (8.5/10): Excellent cushioning and wide-foot accommodation, though not the softest on the market
- Support (8/10): Solid lateral stability and arch support for cross-training activities
- Durability (7/10): Mixed reports – some love them after months, others see early wear
- Style (7.5/10): Clean, versatile design that works for gym and casual wear
- Value (8/10): Strong performance for the $50-70 price point, especially with wide sizing
- Breathability (8/10): Mesh upper performs well during workouts
What Other Training Enthusiasts Are Saying
Customer feedback reveals a clear pattern: people either love these for their comfort and fit, or they’re frustrated by quality control issues. Spanish-speaking customers consistently praise the comfort (“muy cómodos”) and build quality for the price. One UPS driver specifically mentioned these as his “go-to” work shoes.
The wide-foot community especially appreciates these – one reviewer couldn’t find properly fitting shoes for 11 years before trying these. However, quality control seems inconsistent, with some pairs arriving with visible glue or loose threads.
Value Assessment
At $50-70, these compete well in the training shoe space. They’re not trying to be premium running shoes or basketball sneakers – they’re focused cross-trainers that deliver solid gym performance and all-day wearability. For guys with wide feet who’ve struggled to find affordable options, these represent excellent value.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
Strengths:
- Excellent 4E wide sizing that actually fits wide feet
- Solid cross-training performance with good lateral stability
- Comfortable all-day wear for work and gym
- Reasonable price point for the feature set
- Breathable mesh upper handles sweat well
- Versatile styling works with workout gear and casual clothes
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent quality control – some pairs have construction issues
- Squeaking problems reported by multiple users
- Not suitable for serious running or sport-specific activities
- Durability concerns with some pairs showing early wear
- Cushioning good but not premium-level
Who Should Buy the Under Armour Men’s Charged Edge?
Perfect for:
- Men with wide feet who struggle to find properly fitting athletic shoes
- Gym enthusiasts needing versatile cross-training footwear
- Workers who need comfortable, supportive shoes for long days
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting solid performance under $75
- Anyone needing a gym-to-street shoe that doesn’t look purely athletic
Skip if:
- You need specialized running shoes for regular running
- Premium materials and construction are priorities
- You can’t tolerate any risk of squeaking sounds
- You prefer narrow or very snug-fitting shoes
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you need true running shoes, look at Under Armour’s HOVR series. For premium gym shoes, consider Nike Metcon or Reebok Nano lines. For wide feet with higher budgets, New Balance 624v5 or Brooks Ghost Wide offer superior cushioning.
Final Recommendation
The Under Armour Men’s Charged Edge hits its target as an affordable, wide-friendly cross-trainer. At this price point, you’re getting solid gym performance, all-day comfort, and styling that works beyond the gym. The wide sizing alone makes these valuable for guys who’ve struggled with fit issues.
Yes, there are quality control concerns and the squeaking issue affects some pairs. But for most users, these deliver reliable performance and comfort that outweighs the risks. If you need wide sizing and want a versatile training shoe under $70, these deserve serious consideration.
Overall Score: 7.8/10 – Solid choice with specific strengths that outweigh the weaknesses for most users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these really run wide enough for 4E feet?
Yes, multiple customers confirm these accommodate genuinely wide feet. One reviewer specifically mentioned they’re wider than comparable New Balance shoes. If you typically wear 4E, these should fit comfortably.
How bad is the squeaking issue?
It varies by pair. Some users never experience it, others develop squeaking after a few weeks. In my testing, minor squeaking appeared around week 3 but diminished with continued wear. Unfortunately, for some users, it becomes persistent and embarrassing.
Are these good for running?
They’re designed for cross-training, not running. While you could jog in them, they lack the specialized cushioning and construction of dedicated running shoes. Stick to gym work, walking, and casual activities.
How’s the sizing compared to Nike or Adidas?
Most customers report true-to-size fit. If you wear a 10 in Nike, order a 10 in these. The key difference is the width – these actually accommodate wide feet where Nike might squeeze.
What’s the difference between regular and 4E width?
The 4E provides significantly more room in the toe box and midfoot. If you have normal-width feet, stick with regular sizing. The 4E is specifically for people who struggle with standard athletic shoe widths.
Can I use these for weightlifting?
Yes, they work well for general weight training. The stable platform and firm heel provide good support for squats and deadlifts. However, dedicated lifting shoes would be better for serious powerlifting.
How do they compare to more expensive Under Armour shoes?
These offer solid performance for the price but lack premium features of higher-end UA models. The Charged Cushioning is responsive but not as advanced as HOVR technology. For most gym-goers, these provide plenty of performance.
What colors are available?
Available in several colorways including black/black, black/white, and gray combinations. Color availability varies by size and retailer.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.5/10 | Excellent cushioning, great for wide feet |
| Support | 8.0/10 | Solid lateral stability, good arch support |
| Durability | 7.0/10 | Mixed reports, some quality control issues |
| Style | 7.5/10 | Clean, versatile design |
| Value | 8.0/10 | Strong performance for $50-70 price point |
| Breathability | 8.0/10 | Mesh upper handles workouts well |
| OVERALL SCORE | 7.8/10 | Solid cross-trainer with wide-foot strengths |