Under Armour 2021 Shoes from £90
Under Armour may boast a short history in golf footwear having arrived on the scene in 2016, but its proprietary Hovr cushioning system, first seen in 2019, has been so well received that it forms an integral part of the brand’s latest range. It features across the majority of models to provide responsive, long-lasting comfort and energy return, while supporting the natural movement of the foot during the swing.
The collection is headed by the Spieth 5 SL, which becomes the first Spieth model to feature Hovr and be spikeless. The fifth iteration of Spieth’s signature shoe promises spike-like grip and introduces a 4th Dimension of Traction – Interior Traction - that reduces undesirable movement inside the shoe.
Developed with one of the world’s leading bio-mechanists,
Jean-jacques Rivet, it comprises a 3D-moulded footbed that features an additional wrap over the inside and top of the foot. This eliminates ‘gapping’ between your foot and the shoe to create a fit tailored to your foot shape.
The new spikeless outsole design has rubber spikes in targeted areas for grip and stability through the golf swing, assisted by flex channels that help transfer power from the ground into the swing.
Sitting just underneath the Spieth 5 SL is the Hovr Drive (£140), a cleated, waterproof shoe with new lower-profile Rotational Resistance spikes for improved traction and stability. For 2021, the Hovr Show SL (£130) has been given an updated look and a new Mod Grey colourway, while the popular Hovr Fade SL (£90) is available in two
additional colourways. There’s also the all-new UA Hovr Knit (£115) featuring a full-knit textile upper that provides a sock-like fit. Completing the Hovr range is the Hovr Forge RC SL (£105), a nod to the brand’s heritage and its original Charge RC running shoe.
The tech-laden spiked Charged Draw RST (£90) and spikeless Charged Draw Sport SL (£85) offer golfers excellent traction and value, alongside impact absorption and energy return from the proprietary Charged cushioning compound.
Finally, Under Armour also has a new E-sizing feature that caters for wider foot shapes, so you can find a shoe designed for you. 1.
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Why did you decide to go spikeless on Spieth 5?
The term ‘spikeless’ often gets incorrectly correlated to inferior traction. Through our research with bio-mechanist JJ Rivet, we’ve developed a system that provides the traction of a spiked shoe through the combination of soft rubber-like spikes and firm TPU spikes, which build up friction and ground penetration respectively.
What insights did Spieth provide on the design?
Comfort is just as important for Jordan as it is for the everyday golfer. The first thing he feels in a shoe is the tongue and internal heel – this led to a knit tongue that forms to the shape of the top of your foot, and an external heel counter that locks the heel back into the shoe. In terms of aesthetics, he loves to look athletic on the course and is always attracted to textiles, which we used around the rear and in the upper combined with the knit tongue.
Which other Hovr shoe in the range this year most excites you and why?
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of comfort and performance, the Hovr Drive is your shoe. With a thicker Hovr midsole for added comfort, this shoe has an amazing underfoot feel. The Hovr foam on the inside of the foot is softer than the EVA foam on the outside for better lateral stability and support.
The Hovr Drive boasts new Rotational Resistance (RTS 2.0) spikes on the sole
“MY TESTING OF THE SPIETH 5 SL SO FAR HASN’T SHOWN ANY DROP IN GRIP FROM GOING SPIKELESS – IT’S VERY IMPRESSIVE”
Joel Tadman, GM technical editor