With the goal of solving the problem of choosing between a high-cushion running shoe for longer distance races, or a lightweight racing shoe for faster running. Under Armour has unveiled its UA HOVR Machina, which mixes the speed of a racing shoe with the comfort of a long-distance trainer.

Combine that with UA’s recently introduced real-time Form Coaching and runners can be equipped with state-of-the-art running technology. By making sure every detail serves a purpose, Under Armour found ways to keep the UA HOVR Machina light and responsive. What gives the UA HOVR Machina its fast-feeling speed is its propulsion plate, designed to keep the pace quick no matter what distance. The two-pronged carbon-filled Pebax spring plate helps runners get up on their toes to keep their turnover quick and their transition snappy. And with cushioning known to improve running energy, a factor that can make a difference of several minutes when it comes to marathon racing, the UA HOVR Machina features a new uncaged UA HOVR midsole — all the benefits of soft HOVR cushioning, without any extra weight. UA developed a precise geometry that doesn’t require as much cage surrounding the UA HOVR midsole. The cage supports UA HOVR underneath the midsole, while the sides are now uncaged, saving weight while still providing responsive cushion.

With the same durability and fit as the UA HOVR Infinite and about 20 percent more UA HOVR cushioning, the UA HOVR Machina provides more energy return. “With the UA HOVR Machina, we’ve found the ideal balance of cushion and energy return in a lightweight package – delivering snappy speed and a smooth ride – to make a shoe for runners who want to breakthrough their goals in 2020,” explains Under Armour group GM of run, train and outdoor Topher Gaylord.

All of the footwear in Under Armour’s 2020 run suite, including the UA HOVR Machina, come digitally connected, allowing runners not only to track and analyze their runs, but also to gain insight into their running form. The UA HOVR Machina launches globally on February 7 on UA.com, at Under Armour Brand Houses, UA Shop App, and specialty retailers.

Among its other product DNA:

• Neutral: For runners who need a balance of flexibility & cushioning

• UA HOVR technology provides zero gravity feel to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact.

• Compression mesh Energy Web contains and molds UA HOVR foam to give back the energy put into it.

• Engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable and Sprint spike-inspired carbon-filled Pebax speed plate for increased return and more powerful push-offs.

• Weight (Men’s size 9) 10 ounces; (Women’s size 7) 8.5o ounces.

Up Next: UA Form Coaching

And this month Under Armour is taking connected running to the next level with the introduction of real-time Form Coaching. This personalized feature helps runners ensure that their form doesn’t break down in the middle of a run by providing real-time, personalized guidance, helping them better manage their risk of injury and improve their performance. Runners can also measure their foot strike angle and ground contact time, offered in a post-run analysis, to give them deeper insights into their form, especially useful on longer runs where the form may tend to break down due to fatigue.

All of these features are available with a seamless connection to MapMyRun. “With UA connected footwear and real-time Form Coaching, you’re essentially getting a personalized coach, who gives instantaneous feedback to help you reach your goals,” says Ben McAllister, senior director, MapMyRun & Connected Footwear.

“We’ve tested this feature with runners at all levels of the sport and now also offer additional post-run data, such as foot strike angle and ground contact time, to give runners more insight than ever before.”