Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $59 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 9.8 oz (men’s size 9)
- 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- 📐 Stack height: 24mm heel / 16mm forefoot
- 🧪 Midsole material: Charged Cushioning (dual-density)
- 👟 Upper material: Engineered mesh with synthetic overlays
- 🏃♂️ Category: Daily training / casual running
- 🎯 Best for: Daily training, short to moderate distance runs, gym workouts
- ⏱️ Testing period: 6 weeks, 47 runs, 180+ miles total
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
When I first pulled these out of the box, my immediate thought was “these feel way lighter than they should for fifty-nine bucks.” The engineered mesh upper has this almost sock-like quality – not quite as refined as premium options, but surprisingly well-constructed for the price bracket. The Sonar Blue colorway I tested looks better in person than online photos suggest, though several reviewers mentioned color inconsistencies across different orders.
The ¾ length bootie construction creates a snug midfoot lockdown that surprised me. During my first 5K test run, the fit felt secure without any pressure points. The lacing system works well, though I noticed you need to be careful not to overtighten – the mesh can create pressure points if you’re heavy-handed with the laces.
Charged Cushioning & Impact Protection
Under Armour’s Charged Cushioning technology delivers exactly what it promises – firmer heel support with softer forefoot feel. During my typical 7:30 pace runs, the heel-strike felt controlled and stable, while toe-off had enough energy return to feel responsive. I’ll be straight – this isn’t the bouncy, premium cushioning you get from $150+ shoes, but it’s legitimately good for daily training miles.
After 20+ miles, the cushioning maintained its performance characteristics better than I expected. Where I noticed the budget construction was during longer sessions – anything over 8 miles and my feet definitely felt more fatigued compared to my previous higher-end shoes.
Support & Breathability Experience
The engineered mesh upper excels at breathability. Even during humid 80°F morning runs, my feet stayed relatively cool and dry. The strategic support zones provide adequate structure without feeling restrictive. At my 175 lbs, the shoe provided stable platform for various paces from easy 8:00 miles down to 6:30 tempo efforts.
However, I discovered a significant limitation that multiple reviewers mentioned – you absolutely cannot wear ankle socks with these. The collar sits lower than typical running shoes and will rub your Achilles tendon raw. Crew socks are mandatory, which isn’t a dealbreaker but worth knowing upfront.
Performance in Various Running Conditions
Over six weeks, I tested these shoes across multiple scenarios: road runs, treadmill sessions, light trail work, and gym training. The solid rubber outsole performed admirably on pavement and concrete. Traction during wet conditions was adequate but not exceptional – I felt some slippage on painted crosswalk lines during rain.
The versatility impressed me most. These worked well for gym sessions, walking around town, and even light trail runs on packed dirt. While they’re marketed as running shoes, they function better as true cross-trainers for active guys who need one shoe for multiple activities.
Temperature & Weather Performance
During summer testing in humid conditions, the breathability kept my feet comfortable. The mesh upper dried quickly after rain exposure. However, these definitely aren’t built for serious weather – no water resistance and the mesh would be problematic in cold, wet conditions.
Does Under Armour Deliver on Their Promises?
Claim: “Extremely lightweight & breathable”
✅ VERIFIED – At 9.8 oz, these feel noticeably lighter than most running shoes in this category. Breathability is genuinely excellent.
Claim: “Charged Cushioning for support & comfort”
✅ MOSTLY VERIFIED – The dual-density midsole works as advertised, though comfort duration depends on distance and individual preferences.
Claim: “Strategic support where you need it”
⚠️ PARTIALLY VERIFIED – Support is adequate for casual runners but may be insufficient for heavier runners or those with specific foot issues.
Claim: “Greater durability with less weight”
⚠️ NEEDS TIME – After 180 miles, wear is minimal, but true durability assessment requires 300+ miles of testing.
My Overall Assessment
Detailed Performance Scores
| Performance Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning & Comfort | 7.5 | Excellent for daily use, limited for long distances |
| Fit & Sizing | 8.0 | True to size, secure lockdown, wide-foot friendly |
| Breathability | 8.5 | Outstanding ventilation, quick-drying mesh |
| Durability | 7.0 | Solid for price point, pending long-term testing |
| Versatility | 8.5 | Excellent for multiple activities and daily wear |
| Value for Money | 9.0 | Exceptional performance per dollar spent |
| Style & Aesthetics | 7.5 | Clean design, some color inconsistency issues |
| OVERALL SCORE | 8.0 | Excellent value with minor limitations |
What Other Runners Are Saying
The user feedback aligns closely with my experience. Consistently positive themes include exceptional comfort, true-to-size fit, and outstanding value. Multiple reviewers mentioned using these as their go-to daily shoes for work, walking, and light exercise.
However, several concerning patterns emerged: quality control issues with some customers receiving returned/dirty shoes, color variations from product photos, and durability concerns for intensive use. One Spanish-speaking reviewer noted these are “good for 10-15km max” for running, which matches my experience for longer distances.
Value Assessment
At $59 regular price (often available for $30-40 on sale), these deliver exceptional value. You’re getting 80% of premium shoe performance at 40% of the price. For recreational runners, gym-goers, and daily wear, that’s an outstanding trade-off.
Final Verdict
Key Strengths
- Outstanding value – Premium features at budget price
- Exceptional comfort – Immediate wearability with no break-in
- Excellent breathability – Keeps feet cool and dry
- True versatility – Works for multiple activities
- Lightweight construction – Noticeably lighter than competitors
- Consistent sizing – True to size for most users
Notable Limitations
- Distance limitations – Best for runs under 8 miles
- Sock requirement – Must wear crew socks to avoid Achilles irritation
- Quality control inconsistency – Some orders arrive as returns
- Color accuracy – Photos don’t always match actual colors
- Weather limitations – Not suitable for cold/wet conditions
Who Should Buy the Under Armour Charged Impulse 3?
Perfect For:
- Budget-conscious runners who need reliable daily trainers
- Gym enthusiasts wanting versatile cross-training shoes
- Casual athletes who run 3-5 miles maximum
- Daily wear seekers who prioritize comfort and style
- Wide-foot runners who struggle with narrow shoes
Better Options for Specific Needs
For serious distance running: Invest in Nike Pegasus or Asics Gel-Nimbus series for better long-distance cushioning.
For trail running: Look at Merrell Trail Glove or Salomon X-Mission for better traction and protection.
For heavy runners (200+ lbs): Consider Brooks Glycerin or Hoka Clifton for maximum cushioning and support.
Final Recommendation
The Under Armour Charged Impulse 3 succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose: delivering comfortable, versatile performance for recreational athletes on a budget. While it won’t replace premium running shoes for serious training, it offers exceptional value for daily wear, light exercise, and casual running.
Overall Score: 8.0/10 – Excellent value with minor limitations
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Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, most users (including myself) find them true to size. However, if you have wide feet, you might want to go up half a size. The mesh upper is forgiving, but the midfoot can feel snug initially.
A: For casual use and light running (15-20 miles per week), expect 12-18 months. For intensive daily wear or higher mileage, durability drops to 8-12 months based on user feedback.
A: Absolutely. The lightweight construction and good cushioning make them excellent for treadmill sessions. Several users mentioned these as their preferred gym shoes.
A: The arch support is moderate – adequate for neutral to mild pronation but not sufficient for severe flat feet. One reviewer with foot damage from a car accident found them supportive enough for daily wear.
A: Construction and performance are identical across colors. However, multiple users noted that actual colors may vary from online photos, particularly with blue tones appearing more purple or darker than expected.
A: Light rain is fine, but these aren’t water-resistant. The mesh upper dries quickly but provides no protection in heavy rain or puddles.
A: Yes – crew socks are mandatory. The lower collar design will cause Achilles irritation with ankle socks. This is the most commonly mentioned fit issue.
A: They offer better breathability and lighter weight than most Nike/Adidas budget options. However, brand-loyal users may prefer the fit characteristics of their preferred brands.
A: Excellent for cross-training. The stable platform and lightweight design work well for gym workouts, weightlifting, and varied exercise routines.
A: , especially during sales events when they drop to $30-40. Sign up for price alerts to catch deals.