EMBROIDERED TECHNOLOGY
UNDER ARMOUR THREADBORNE FORTIS 3 I’ve been fascinated to watch the Under Armour line-up develop over the years. Most of the shoes I’ve reviewed over the past few years have maintained that initial DNA – flexible and light, but nowadays there’s a lot more support and cushioning built in, too. The company doesn’t seem to be afraid to try utilizing different technology in its various models. A perfect example of this is the Threadborne Fortis 3. If you’re feeling like you’ve seen this shoe in the magazine before, you are right. We inadvertently used a picture of the Fortis 3 in our description of the Under Armour Charged Bandit in our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide (Volume 12, Issue 6).
The Threadborne Fortis 3 derives its name from the embroidered (knit) upper construction. This technology has been used by the companies Under Armour is chasing in the footwear market (Adidas and Nike), but Under Armour has managed to incorporate a stylish approach to this manufacturing technique. The knit mesh upper provides an extremely comfortable fit that offers lots of support and remains breathable. (I actually did part of this review in Thailand in some hot, humid conditions, and the shoe performed admirably.) At 268 g the shoe is very light, but there’s a surprising amount of cushioning and support. The internal “ankle bootie” provides some welcome heel support and the cushioned sockliner moulds to your fit for some added stability. The dual-layer Charged Cushioning midsole offers up some decent cushioning, but it is not a soft ride. This is a shoe that will favour those who like to be able to feel the road under them and enjoy a quick feeling ride, enhanced thanks to the 10 mm offset. There are special grooves on the sole that help with the heel to toe transition, making this a fast-feeling shoe, no matter what pace you’re running.
I am not sure I’d recommend this as a shoe for your longest run efforts unless your mechanics are really good and you’re light on your feet (or just plain light). For shorter, tempo oriented efforts, though, the Threadborne Fortis 3 is a great shoe that offers a very comfortable fit and a quick feel.