Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Review – Honest Performance Analysis $65

Last week at the gym, watching my workout buddy’s shoes fall apart mid-session got me thinking about durability versus price. Mike here, and having tested hundreds of running shoes over the past decade, I was practical enough to wonder if the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 could actually deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. After 6 weeks of putting these through everything from morning 5-milers to CrossFit sessions, here’s the technical breakdown you need.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $65 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 9.8 oz (men’s size 9)
• 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
• 📐 Stack height: 22mm heel / 12mm forefoot
• 🧪 Midsole material: Charged Cushioning (compression molded foam)
• 👟 Upper material: Lightweight mesh with leather overlays
• 🏃‍♂️ Category: Neutral running shoes
• 🎯 Best for: Daily training, gym workouts, casual running
• ⏱️ Testing period: 6 weeks, 45+ miles running, 18 gym sessions

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Charged Assert 9 feels like Under Armour put real thought into the construction. The mesh upper with that 3-color digital print isn’t just for show – it actually delivers solid breathability during workouts. I immediately noticed how the leather overlays lock down the midfoot without feeling restrictive. The build quality impressed me more than I expected for a sub-$70 shoe.

My first 3-mile run felt comfortable from step one. No break-in torture like some budget shoes. The EVA sockliner provides that soft step-in comfort that Under Armour promises, and honestly, it reminded me of shoes costing twice as much. The toe box gives your feet room to breathe without being sloppy, and the lacing system locks everything down securely.

Charged Cushioning Technology – The Real Deal

Under Armour’s Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression molded foam, and I’ll be straight – it works. During my typical 7:30 pace runs, the responsiveness felt solid without being too bouncy. At my 180 lbs, the cushioning provided enough protection for daily training without feeling like I was running on marshmallows.

The 10mm drop felt natural for heel strikers, and the transition from heel to toe was smooth during both running and gym movements. I tested these through burpees, box jumps, and lateral movements – the cushioning held up well across different activities.

On-the-Road Performance

After 45+ miles of testing on roads, trails, and treadmills, the Charged Assert 9 proved itself as a solid daily trainer. The solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones effectively – I could feel the durability during heel strikes on concrete. Traction on dry surfaces was excellent, though these definitely aren’t built for wet conditions.

During longer runs (8+ miles), my feet stayed comfortable, though I noticed the cushioning started feeling a bit firmer after the 6-mile mark. For recreational runners logging 3-5 mile runs, these deliver consistent comfort. The breathability through the mesh upper kept my feet from getting swampy during humid Texas summer runs.

Meeting Your Training Goals – Does It Deliver?

For daily training and gym work, the Charged Assert 9 exceeded my expectations. The stability from those leather overlays really shines during lateral movements and weightlifting. I felt planted and secure during squats and deadlifts – something I can’t say about all running shoes.

The lightweight construction (9.8 oz) makes these feel fast on your feet without sacrificing durability. After 6 weeks of heavy use, the outsole shows minimal wear, and the upper construction still looks solid.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

• Solid cushioning that responds well to different activities
• Excellent breathability through mesh upper
• True to size fit for most users
• Durable construction for the price point
• Versatile for running and gym training
• Easy to clean – machine washable
• Good value at $65 price point

Performance in Various Training Conditions

I put these through the full range of conditions any serious trainer would encounter. On hot, humid days (85°F+), the mesh upper performed admirably – my feet stayed relatively cool during 45-minute gym sessions. The breathability is genuinely one of the shoe’s strongest features.

During CrossFit-style workouts, the lateral stability impressed me. Box jumps felt secure, and the cushioning absorbed impact well without feeling unstable. The rubber outsole gripped gym floors effectively, even when things got sweaty.

For road running, these shine in dry conditions. I tested them on asphalt, concrete sidewalks, and packed dirt trails. The traction pattern provides solid grip on most surfaces. However, I learned quickly to avoid puddles and wet surfaces – water goes straight through that mesh upper.

The durability after 6 weeks of heavy use surprised me. No signs of upper separation, minimal outsole wear, and the midsole still feels responsive. For a shoe at this price point, that’s impressive longevity.

Does Under Armour Deliver on Their Promises?

Under Armour markets these as shoes “built to help anyone go faster” with cushioning that “protects against impact.” After extensive testing, I’d say they deliver on most claims with realistic expectations.

Claim: “Lightweight mesh upper delivers complete breathability”
Reality: Absolutely true. The mesh upper is one of the shoe’s best features. Even during intense 45-minute workouts, my feet stayed surprisingly cool.

Claim: “Charged Cushioning for ultimate responsiveness & durability”
Reality: Solid performance here. The cushioning feels responsive for daily training, though “ultimate” might be overselling. It’s very good for the price point, but premium shoes still feel more responsive.

Claim: “Durable leather overlays for stability”
Reality: This delivers completely. The midfoot lockdown from those leather overlays is excellent, providing genuine stability during lateral movements and running.

Claim: “Covers high impact zones for greater durability”
Reality: The outsole design proves this claim. After 45+ miles, high-wear areas show minimal degradation. The rubber placement is smart and effective.

My Overall Assessment

After 6 weeks of comprehensive testing, the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 earns solid marks as a daily trainer that punches above its weight class. For $65, you’re getting genuine performance that competes with shoes costing $30-40 more.

Detailed Scoring

What Other Runners Are Saying

The feedback from other users aligns closely with my testing experience. Multiple reviewers praise the comfort and lightweight feel, with many noting these last 7-8 months with daily wear. Spanish-speaking customers particularly highlight the impact reduction and knee comfort during running.

Several users mention the sizing runs slightly small, recommending a half-size up – something I experienced initially but found the standard size worked after a few runs. Parents buying for teenagers report good durability lasting 4-6 months before growth spurts require new shoes.

The common complaint about water penetration is absolutely valid. These are not weather shoes, and puddles will soak your feet immediately. For dry condition training, though, the breathability is a major advantage.

Value Assessment

At $65, the Charged Assert 9 delivers exceptional value. Comparing to similar shoes from Nike or Adidas at $90-120, these provide 85% of the performance at 60% of the cost. For recreational runners and gym enthusiasts, that’s an outstanding value proposition.

The durability reports from long-term users suggest these will last 6-12 months depending on usage intensity. At $65, that works out to roughly $5-10 per month for quality training shoes – hard to beat.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

The Good: Outstanding value, solid daily training performance, excellent breathability, impressive durability for price point, versatile across running and gym activities, true-to-size fit for most users.

The Bad: Zero water resistance, cushioning firms up on longer runs, some users need to size up, limited color options, not suitable for serious racing.

Who Should Buy the Under Armour Charged Assert 9?

Perfect for:

• Recreational runners logging 3-5 mile training runs
• Gym enthusiasts needing versatile cross-training shoes
• Budget-conscious athletes wanting name-brand performance
• People who prioritize breathability and lightweight feel
• Anyone needing a reliable daily trainer under $70

Not ideal for:

• Serious marathon training or high-mileage runners
• Anyone running in frequently wet conditions
• Runners needing maximum cushioning for joint issues
• People who prefer wide toe boxes
• Athletes focused on racing or speed work

Better Options for Specific Needs

For serious running: Consider the Brooks Ghost or ASICS Gel-Nimbus series for more advanced cushioning technology.

For weather resistance: Look at Gore-Tex versions from Salomon or Merrell for genuine waterproof protection.

For wide feet: New Balance Fresh Foam or ASICS Gel-Kayano lines offer better width options.

Final Recommendation

The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 earns a solid 8.0/10 for delivering genuine performance at an accessible price point. If you’re looking for a reliable daily trainer that handles both running and gym work without breaking the bank, these are absolutely worth considering.

At $65, they punch well above their weight class and provide exceptional value for recreational athletes. Just remember to size up half if you prefer roomier fit, and keep these for dry conditions only.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 run true to size?

For most users, yes. I found them true to size in length, though some reviewers recommend going up half a size if you prefer more room. The width is standard – not narrow but not particularly wide either.

How long do these shoes typically last?

Based on user reports and my testing, expect 6-12 months depending on usage. Heavy daily users report 7-8 months, while gym-only users see over a year of life. For recreational running (15-20 miles per week), 8-10 months is realistic.

Are these good for treadmill running?

Absolutely. The cushioning and breathability work excellently on treadmills. The rubber outsole provides good traction on treadmill belts without being too aggressive.

Can I use these for CrossFit or gym workouts?

Yes, these work well for cross-training. The lateral stability from the leather overlays and responsive cushioning handle varied gym movements effectively. I used them for weightlifting, HIIT, and functional fitness with good results.

How do these compare to Nike or Adidas at similar prices?

The Charged Assert 9 competes favorably with Nike Revolution and Adidas Duramo series. Better breathability than most competitors, with similar cushioning and durability at often lower prices.

Are they machine washable?

Yes! Multiple users report successful machine washing. Use cold water and air dry to maintain the materials and cushioning properties.

Do these work for people with flat feet?

The neutral design works for many flat-footed runners, but those needing significant arch support should consider adding aftermarket insoles or looking at motion control shoes instead.

What’s the best way to clean them?

Remove excess dirt, machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water, and air dry. The materials hold up well to regular cleaning, which is important for shoes you’ll use for sweaty workouts.

Review Scoring Summary