Article by Jennifer Schmidt, John Tribbia and Courtney Kelly
Under Armour UA x Speedland Infinite Mega ($250)
Introduction
Courtney: Under Armour has partnered with trail world innovator Speedland and BOA Fit System to bring us the highly cushioned yet responsive Infinite Mega.
This shoe delivers ultimate comfort and a super secure lockdown using its multi directional, micro adjustable BOA dial system.
The Infinite Mega just might have nailed what many max stack trainers have been trying to accomplish, which is ultimate comfort without that mushy sinking in feeling. Please read on as I join John and Jen in testing and reviewing this innovative and intriguing new trainer.
Pros:
“Laces Free”, BOA powered: may be the easiest shoe ever to put on/take off and micro adjust, even on the go. - Sam, Jen , Courtney, John
Should fit any foot from very narrow to very broad, securely and without compromises no matter the foot shape - John/Sam
Deep soft cushion that is energetic - Sam, Jen, John
Easy to roll for such a big stack shoe: effective geometry, 8mm drop - Sam, Jen, John
Despite appearances, much more than a plodding “recovery run” shoe: runs lighter than its weight. Sam, Jen
Superb walking shoe
Luxurious comfort -Courtney
Breathability -Courtney
No hot spots-Courtney
No overlapping material when tightened - John,Courtney
Body felt really recovered after using this shoe. -Courtney
Cons
Weight- Sam
Price is up there - John/Sam
Potential durability of heel cutout section - Jen
Not an ideal shoe for gravel roads or road-to-trail - Jen
Scuffing of calfs due to oversized platform -Courtney
Significant investment for a recovery shoe -Courtney
A little noisy making adjustments to BOA system (People around me noticed)-Courtney
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.9 oz / 309g US9
Sample Weights: men’s 10.65 oz / 302g US8.5 , women’s 9.5 oz / 265 g US 8.5
Stack Height: men’s 43 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot (mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 95mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot US8.5
Available at Under Armour HERE
Sam's Infinite Mega Video Review
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Courtney: First, this shoe is by far the easiest shoe to put on I have ever experienced. With the heel counter being an open flap as you slide it on, you are able to tighten using the two dial Li2 BOA dial system. The dials are micro adjustable in both directions.
See Sam’s demo of how easy the Mega is to put on, adjust and take off in his video review HERE
The upper and fit of this shoe is made for utmost plushness and comfort. A double layered mesh upper provides breathability and an opening at the rear lateral side of the shoe gives extra ventilation at the ankle.
The completely integrated gusseted tongue does not fold or overlap at all, even if the dials are cinched to their max. This is great news for those who may suffer from lace bite when tightening your shoes.
Cushioning inside the lateral side protects the foot from the Boa dials, and the heel counter provides plenty of space for the cutout and laces.
The perforated overlaying straps on the top of the shoe lock down the BOA lacing systemand are secure, breathable, and soft on the foot.
I actually don’t mind the look of the shoe, even though some might disagree. The white quartz/ desert sand is understated and simple.
The Mega is currently offered in three colorways, silica green/hydro green, black/comet green/virtual violet and the quartz we reviewed.
The weight of the shoe is something to be aware of, coming in at 278 grams or 9.81 ounces for a women’s size 9. I was quite surprised to find the weight didn’t fatigue me as much as I was anticipating. The foam really gives you both comfort and rebound.
John: The UA Infinite Mega immediately impressed me with its incredibly easy entry thanks to the open heel counter. The double BOA Fit System dials was a standout feature, allowing for quick and precise fit adjustments even while running. The independent dials for midfoot and heel provided a nice sense of personalization. The shoe has substantial cushioning with a generous stack height, offering a plush underfoot feel. Despite its size, the weight was surprisingly manageable. While the aesthetics might be considered understated, I found the simple design appealing. It's currently available in three colorways.
The fit of the Infinite Mega is designed to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes. The two-way micro-adjustable BOA Fit System truly allows for personalized fit. The heel was exceptionally secure, with the BOA system providing excellent lockdown. I could easily adjust the fit on the fly, which was incredibly convenient. Even with a narrower foot, I achieved a snug and secure fit.
The Mega offered excellent heel capture, making it suitable for various ankle shapes.
The upper is constructed from a breathable double-layered mesh with an additional ventilation opening near the ankle while the medial side is fuller for support.
The integrated gusseted tongue prevented any folding or overlapping, even with the BOA dials fully tightened. The cushioning on the shoe's side protected my foot from the dials, and the perforated overlaying straps provided both secure lockdown and excellent breathability.
I agree with other reviewers that the double BOA system is incredibly effective, and the mesh upper delivers both breathability and comfort. The cushioning feels luxurious, and there were no hot spots. With a slightly narrow foot, I experienced a very secure and comfortable fit.
Jen: The Speedland collaboration is immediately identifiable in the dual BOA Fit dials and high-stack cushion of the UA Infinite Mega.
As John and Courtney have mentioned, the fit is easily customizable, and I was able to get a comfortably close fit on my narrow midfoot without straining the BOA dials or experiencing over-pressure/snugness.
I appreciated the addition of a padded layer under those dials, which prevented rubbing without adding too much to the otherwise lightweight vamp mesh upper.
Similarly, a little extra cushion around the back of the heel adds comfort where it’s needed without capturing sweat.
I’m not quite sold on the cutout at the heel counter - it does leave the BOA laces exposed, leading to an open question of durability, and allowing some debris in if taking the shoe off the pavement.
That said, it’s still comfortable and the Infinite Mega is designed as a road shoe, so rocks and gravel may not be a common concern.
Midsole & Platform
15-12mm supercritical EVA foam drop in midsole/insole
23-28mm HOVR+ expanded TPU beads outer carrier
Courtney A hefty helping of HOVR+ foam in the Infinite Mega provides a stack of 43 mm in the heel and 35mm in the forefoot giving this shoe an 8 mm drop that really helps with that roll forward motion.The foam provides cushion but not so compliant that you sink into the ride. The heel rocker transitions you nicely from heel strike to toe off, making each stride not only comfortable but also economical. The heel width of this shoe (at 100mm) did cause some scuffing on my calves as I went through my stride unless I really made an effort to widen my stance
John: The UA Infinite Mega utilizes a dual-layer midsole designed for a comfortable and efficient ride. This design effectively delivers on its promise. The outer carrier is HOVR+ foam, composed of expanded TPU beads, provides a soft yet responsive feel, reminiscent of Saucony's PWRRUN+ foam.
The 15-12mm thick removable supercritical EVA inner midsole provides the energy return. I found the cushioning to be substantial without feeling overly soft, avoiding the "sinking in" sensation often associated with max-cushioned shoes. This balance contributes to an efficient and enjoyable run.
The shoe's 8mm drop facilitates a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off. I agree with Courtney that the heel rocker effectively guides this transition, improving stride efficiency, particularly for heel strikers like myself. Despite the high stack height, the shoe felt easy to roll through, lacking the blocky or rigid sensation sometimes experienced in other max-cushioned shoes.
While I also experienced some calf scuffing, widening my stance effectively resolved this issue, as Courtney similarly noted. The wide platform, with flex grooves strategically placed, provides a stable and natural feel despite its size. Overall, the midsole and platform work in harmony to create a comfortable and efficient ride, making the shoe suitable for both recovery runs and longer training sessions. The ride is smooth and linear, with no noticeable interruptions in the transition.
Jen: I assumed from the weight and level of cushioning that the Infinite Mega would be a recovery shoe, but it’s a sneakily fun ride. As the other testers noted, the combination of supercritical EVA foam immediately underfoot with the HOVR+ midsole makes for pleasant cushioning on tired feet but also solid energy return.
I wouldn’t reach for it for a track workout, but it’s perfectly suited to a recovery shuffle or aerobic run with some quicker strides at the end. Like other shoes with Speedland DNA, the wide base balances the stack height, with the usual penalty of overall size and weight to achieve greater stability.
Outsole
Courtney: The forefoot and heel rubber on the infinite mega seem quite durable and boasts flex grooves slightly lateral to the middle that feel natural despite the huge foam platform. I only wore this shoe on the road and would hesitate using it on gravel or trail as I’m not sure how the exposed midsole foam will hold up.
John: The outsole of the UA Infinite Mega is designed with durability and flexibility in mind, and it performs well on road surfaces. The die cut ubber on the forefoot and heel appears to be quite robust, and I didn't notice any significant wear during my testing.
I agree with Courtney that the flex grooves, positioned slightly lateral to the middle of the shoe, contribute to a natural and flexible feel despite the substantial foam platform. These grooves allow the shoe to move with my foot effectively. While the shoe performed well on the road, I would hesitate to use it on gravel or trails. The exposed midsole foam raises concerns about its durability on uneven or rough terrain. It's clear that the outsole is optimized for smooth surfaces, where it provides a good balance of traction and flexibility. In terms of performance on the road, the outsole delivered as expected, providing sufficient grip and enabling a natural roll through my stride. Overall, the outsole of the Infinite Mega is well-suited for road running, offering a durable and flexible experience, but it may not be the ideal choice for more rugged surfaces due to the exposed midsole.
Jen: As the other testers have noted, the UA Infinite Mega is a road shoe. I tested it on some gravel paths as well as mild hills and discovered that the lack of grippy outsole was noticeably limiting. I agree with John that the durability of the exposed foam is a question mark, although I was pleasantly surprised to come away from the off-road testing without any embedded gravel. The die-cut rubber outsole doesn’t have a lot of grip for wet surfaces, but performs quite well on dry pavement.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Courtney: Overall, I see the Infinite Mega is a premium max stack trainer that can really support your training after those longer duration or higher intensity runs. I would also recommend this shoe for novice runners, as it's simply just enjoyable to run in and cushioned enough to support those who are still building strength and stamina. Because the lacing system is so precise, I think it can also be a great shoe for those who are seeking a bit more stability in their shoe from the upper.I overpronate and I have used stability shoes before and to me the Mega feels equally supportive.
Courtney 8.7/10
Ride - 8.5 fun shoe in your rotation
Fit - 10 fantastic lockdown and support
Value - 7, premium price for a training shoe
Looks -8 An eyecatcher
Smiles 😊😊😊😊
John: The ride of the UA Infinite Mega is a standout feature. It's clear that this shoe is designed for a comfortable and supportive experience. The combination of the soft yet energetic midsole and the smooth transitions made my runs feel effortless. I found it particularly enjoyable for easy or recovery runs after more intense training sessions. I agree with Courtney that the cushioning is excellent for novice runners, providing the support needed while building strength and stamina.
The shoe rolls from heel to toe very naturally, thanks to the 8mm drop and well-designed geometry. The flex grooves and heel rocker contribute to a smooth and efficient stride.
Despite the high stack height, the shoe feels surprisingly nimble and responsive, lacking the clunky or rigid sensation I've experienced with other max-cushioned shoes. I also agree with Courtney that the secure fit provided by the BOA system contributes to the shoe's overall stability.
The UA Infinite Mega is a premium, max-stack trainer suitable for a wide range of runners. I believe it's an excellent option for novice runners due to its supportive cushioning.
The precise fit from the BOA lacing system makes it a great choice for runners seeking extra stability. The dual BOA system is highly effective, allowing for on-the-go adjustments. The breathable upper and comfortable fit also make it suitable for walking.
The main drawbacks are the weight and higher price point, which are considerations but likely justified by the comfort and performance. While I initially experienced some calf scuffing, as Courtney also noted, I resolved this by widening my stance. Despite its appearance, the shoe feels surprisingly light on the run. I would recommend the UA Infinite Mega to any runner seeking a luxurious, comfortable, and supportive ride.
John’s Score: 8.5 / 10
Ride - 8.5 fun shoe for everyday runs
Fit - 9 Very breathable upper that secures and locks down well
Value - 7.5 Jury is out on durability but otherwise great all-around shoe
Looks - 8.5 One word: unique
Smiles - 😊😊😊😊 out of 5
Jen: The UA Infinite Mega was a pleasant surprise. I found it well-suited to more than recovery runs which was my initial expectation. My highlights are similar to those of the other testers: highly customizable fit and a smooth, plush ride with enough pop to make picking up the pace fun.
Is it worth $250 as a trainer? To me, that price tag is justifiable only for exceptional performance (in a race shoe) and/or longevity (in a daily trainer). I haven’t had the Infinite long enough to answer the questions I and the other testers had about its potential durability, but that would be a key factor in my purchasing decision. Price aside, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the UA Infinite Mega to Speedland fans in search of a road shoe and anyone else looking for a high-caliber trainer.
Jen’s Score: 8.7/10
Ride - 9, a pretty great option for a daily trainer
Fit - 9
Value - 7, it takes quite the shoe to justify this price in a trainer
Looks - 7 (but style is such a personal question)
Smiles - 😊😊😊😊
3 Comparisons
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
Courtney: The Brooks Glycerin Max is an example of a premium max stack shoe made with dual density foam that wasn’t able to roll me forward the way the Infinite Mega did. Perhaps the geometry of the drop height also played into how the foot transitions. Glycerin Max comes in at 6mm while Infinite Mega is at 8mm. They both have a similar forefoot rocker with Glycerin more aggressive with the heel rocker of the UA shoe is earlier onset and more gradual. For those of us who heel strike this really improves the efficiency of the stride. Womens size 9
Hoka Bondi 9 (RTR Review)
Sam: The $170 Bondi 9 is a complete makeover of the OG of max cushion. It has the same heel stack height as the Mega at 43mm with a 3mm higher 38 mm forefoot. Its midsole is made entirely of supercritical EVA. While having a fine knit upper there is no real comparison to the comfort and adjustability of the Mega’s. The rides are similar in softness and energy return with the higher drop Mega a bit easier to turn over at slower paces.
Adidas Supernova Rise (RTR Review)
John: The UA Infinite Mega features a very cushioned midsole that absorbs a lot of impact. Despite its surprising agility and lightness, I prefer the Adidas Supernova for most training runs. However, for days when extra softness is needed, the UA is a better choice. The UA provides a more customized lockdown, and both the UA and the Adidas fit fairly true to size. In contrast to the UA's highly cushioned midsole, the Adidas Dreamstrike+ midsole provides a soft but stable ride that is better suited to daily training. The Adidas is a firmer, snappier, and more responsive shoe.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Review in podcast form as generated by Google AI NotebookLM HERE
The UA x Speedland Infinite Mega is available at Under Armour
Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's and road marathons are nearest and dearest to her heart, but she loves chasing competitive and personal goals on any surface and over any distance. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn and Truckee, usually averaging 70-95 mpw. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team. She has a marathon PR of 2:41 and was recently selected as an alternate for the USA team for 50k world championships.
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1 comment:
Every other review of this shoe says it runs a half to full size big! What was your reviewers experience?
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