Under Armour remains busy this summer as it continues to make aggressive moves in run specialty with far-reaching events and impressive new running shoe technology.

Running the All Out Mile

First comes news of what UA calls the All Out Mile, which aims to inspire thousands of runners around the world to come together as a virtual community and achieve their personal best in running the mile distance.

“The mile distance is accessible to runners of all abilities — whether you're just getting started or have run countless races, the mile challenges the mind and body without beating up your legs,” the company explains in the event announcement. 

It works like this:

  • The Under Armour All Out Mile is a challenge to improve a runner’s mile time with training plans and video tips provided by UA's professional athletes, coaches and Human Performance experts. Runners can start by registering for the challenge here. Then participants can automatically track all of their runs by linking their UA MapMyRun account on FitRankings.
  • Over a 30-day period, UA will offer holistic training – motivation, nutrition and coaching – that will help runners of all levels achieve their mile PR.
  • Runners then set their benchmark mile and train from August 30 through September 30. They can take advantage of the weekly training plans and video tips directly from UA's professional athletes, coaches and Human Performance experts.
  • During the UA All Out Mile competition period, participants run from October 1-11.
  • After completing their UA All Out Mile (they can try more than once), their results will automatically be pulled from UA MapMyRun and appear on the FitRankings leaderboard so runners can see how they stack up against runners from around the world.
  • Participants have the opportunity to earn $30,000 in cash, gear and donations to the sports charity of their team's choice. The Fastest Overall Female and Male Milers will win $1000, $500 and $250 cash prizes, the Fastest Female and Male Teams (four milers per team) will win $2000, $1000 and $500 IN UA gear, and the Most Milers (team with most participants to complete the UA All Out Mile in October) will win $15,000, $5000, & $2500 donated to the youth sports charity of their choice.

Key Dates: 

  • 8/17 - Registration opens
  • 8/30-9/5 - Benchmark Week 
  • 9/6-10/3 - Four Week Training plan 
  • 10/1-10/11 – All Out Mile Week

Introducing: Under Armour Flow Velociti SE 

In the new products arena, Under Armour last month launched the UA Flow Velociti SE running shoe, the latest addition to its UA Flow series that features an all-in-one cushioning system that eliminates the rubber outsole. The new Flow Velociti SE running shoe enhances the feeling of light and effortless speed with the absence of sensation in the upper, producing what UA calls “an incredibly balanced experience with several added comfort benefits.”

New for the Flow Velociti SE (MSRP: $130), the upper of the shoe is a flat knit with mechanical stretch, breathability where it is needed and structure over the metatarsal for added support and security. This gives the runner a more secure and consistent fit over the life of the shoe — a unique design to UA knit uppers.

When creating the Flow Velociti Wind – the first shoe within the Flow series that launched this spring – the Under Armour footwear innovation team focused on how to create a shoe  built for speed. The solution was to remove the heaviest part of the shoe – the outsole – without sacrificing durability or traction.

The Flow Velociti SE features the same cushioning system that is responsive, grippy and supportive all in one. The singular-foam compound eliminates the rubber outsole, enabling Under Armour to create a high-traction running shoe. Despite sharing this midsole, the Flow Velociti SE is entirely its own shoe within the Flow family, complete with new technology in the upper that offers a different experience for the runner. 

The new Flow Velociti SE gives the runner an absence of sensation while commanding speed. A full knit tongue and added cushioning around the collar and heel provide comfort. It is also digitally connected to MapMyRun, offering real-time, personalized coaching tips to improve form. 

The development of UA Flow was executed in a partnership between Dow and the Under Armour team, including Innovation, Product Design, Biomechanics, Athlete and Consumer Insights groups. More than 130 elite athletes ran more than 11,000 miles during the wear testing process. 

There is precedent for athletes outside of running who are experiencing the uniqueness of UA Flow technology. The UA Flow midsole technology made its debut in the basketball category with the launch of Stephen Curry’s signature shoe, the Curry Flow 8, under his new namesake brand. Working with the Curry meant the performance team could leverage their learnings across categories, and design footwear solutions for athletes across different sport verticals. 

The UA Flow Velociti SE launched globally last month at UA.com, UA Brand Houses, run specialty accounts and select sporting goods accounts.

Product DNA:

  • Connected to MapMyRun 
  • Weight: Men’s - 8.3 oz for a men’s / Women’s - 7.8 oz for a women’s 7 
  • Price: $130
  • Heel: 26 mm 
  • Forefoot: 18 mm
  • Offset: 8 mm