Responsive Charged Cushioning for All-Day Comfort
One of the standout features of the Under Armour Charged 2 is its responsive Charged cushioning that provides exceptional comfort mile after mile. This innovative midsole foam is designed to be highly shock absorbing yet still responsive enough to give you that springy, energized feel with each footstrike.
How does it work exactly? The Charged foam cushioning is made up of compressed ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) pellets that flex and compress upon impact. This compression action absorbs the brunt of each heel strike, reducing harsh impact forces through your joints and muscles. The beauty of Charged foam is that it not only absorbs shock, but also has enough rebound to spring back and return energy to your stride. This responsive feel helps keep your turnover quick and efficient.
In real world testing, the Charged 2’s cushioning is comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period required. The plush foam midsole follows the anatomical contours of your foot, cushioning your arches and heels. Even after long runs, your feet will feel fresh thanks to the continuous shock absorption. The cushioning also holds up well over time, maintaining its responsive bounce for hundreds of miles.
For road runners or cross-training enthusiasts, the Charged 2 midsole provides day-long comfort no matter your activity. The foam compound is designed to be durable yet compliant, giving you just the right balance of cushioning and energy return. Whether you’re pounding pavement or doing box jumps at the gym, the Charged 2 has the versatile cushioning to keep your feet, ankles and knees feeling great when you’re on the move.
Breathable, Flexible Upper Provides a Secure Fit
In addition to its responsive cushioning, the Charged 2 also features an updated upper design that balances flexibility, breathability and a secure fit. The engineered mesh upper uses varying densities of open air mesh to target ventilation where you need it most. Lighter, more breathable mesh makes up the majority of the upper, allowing hot air to escape and cool air to flow into the shoe. Denser mesh is strategically placed in high stress areas to provide structure and durability.
An external heel counter wrapped around the rear of the shoe provides stability and locks the heel in place, preventing any slippage inside the shoe. This extra support is important for preventing blisters and hot spots during long runs. The counter is made from a firm yet flexible composite material that moves naturally with the motion of your foot.
Reflective accents on the lace eyelets and heel add visibility for early morning and evening runs. Flat synthetic overlays offer additional support around the midfoot without adding stiffness or weight.
The Charged 2 balances flexibility with the right amount of support exactly where you need it. Testers found the upper wraps the foot securely without any pressure points or irritation. The materials move smoothly with your foot through the entire gait cycle. The upper strikes the perfect balance between barely-there lightweight comfort and the foot-locking support needed for high performance training. Runners reported no issues with rubbing, sliding or discomfort even after marathon distances.
If you’re looking for a “slipper-like” feel from an athletic running shoe, the Charged 2 delivers flexible, seamless comfort mile after mile. The strategically engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable on runs of any distance.
Strategic Mesh Panels Offer Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for keeping your feet cool and dry during a run. The Charged 2 utilizes strategically placed mesh panels to target airflow where you need it most. Lighter, more open mesh makes up the majority of the upper, allowing air to freely flow in and out. The high-breathability mesh helps transport moisture away from the foot, keeping you dry even during intense training sessions.
The open mesh panels are placed in areas that tend to get hot and sweaty, like over the toes and along the instep. Denser mesh appears in high abrasion areas for added durability without compromising ventilation. The varying mesh densities provide both structure and breathability across the upper.
Reflective hits on the lace eyelets also help increase airflow around the top of the foot. Synthetic leather overlays add support around the midfoot without obstructing ventilation.
During testing, the Charged 2’s airy upper performed well in hot weather. Testers reported their feet staying cool and dry even during marathon distances and high intensity interval training. The mesh upper dries quickly after getting wet, making the Charged 2 a great choice for running in rainy conditions.
Breathability comes not only from the mesh panels, but also the seamless interior construction. The upper wraps the foot smoothly without any irritating, heat-trapping seams. The interior environment stays cool and friction-free for comfortable miles.
For runners who overheat easily or train in warm climates, the Charged 2’s ventilation will help you stay comfortable when the temperatures rise. The strategic mesh placement provides airflow right where you need it, keeping your feet cool, dry and distraction-free during any run.
Lightweight, Breathable Materials For All-Day Comfort
The Under Armour Charged 2 utilizes lightweight, breathable upper materials to keep your feet comfortable all day long. The engineered mesh upper is constructed from flexible yet durable synthetic fibers designed to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing support.
Strategic mesh placement targets ventilation and breathability where you need it most, like over the forefoot and along the instep. Lighter open mesh makes up the majority of the upper for maximum airflow. Denser mesh only appears in high abrasion areas for added durability. This selective mesh mapping minimizes the overall weight while providing both breathability and structure.
Reflective accents on the lace eyelets are made from feather-light synthetic leather. Flat welded overlays offer midfoot support without any bulky stitching or material overlays. Every material is carefully selected to provide support without adding extra ounces.
In real world testing, the Charged 2 disappears on your foot, with testers reporting no distractions or weight holding them back. The ultra-fine mesh feels smooth and virtually weightless, for a “slipper-like” fit. Even after hours of wear, testers experienced no hot spots or irritation thanks to the seamless interior and next-to-skin comfort.
Whether you’re racking up daily mileage or crushing a HIIT class, the Charged 2’s airy upper keeps your feet feeling great when you’re on the move. The strategic blend of lightweight mesh and synthetic accents provides just enough support without any extra weight weighing you down. For runners and gym goers alike, these materials allow you to focus on your performance rather than your feet.
Updated Traction Pattern for Multi-Surface Grip
The Charged 2 features an updated outsole traction pattern designed to provide grip on both road and trail surfaces. The full ground contact outsole uses a unique lug pattern to deliver targeted multi-directional traction.
The outsole combines two different rubber compounds – softer blown rubber under the forefoot and firmer carbon rubber in the heel. The forefoot lugs are slightly wider and shallower to disperse impact and add flexibility, while the heel lugs are more pronounced for added traction.
A added groove runs down the center of the outsole to enable smooth foot flexion. Additional flex grooves along the forefoot promote a natural toe-off motion. This enhanced outsole flexibility prevents the shoe from feeling too stiff.
In testing, the Charged 2 provided solid grip and traction across a variety of surfaces. The versatile lug pattern performs equally well on paved roads, gravel paths, grass fields, and light trails. Testers felt secure traversing wet surfaces and taking sharp turns at speed.
The Charged 2 gives you the traction and flexibility you need to change directions quickly and maintain control during high intensity training. Whether you want to incorporate hills or trails into your routine, this updated outsole has the grip to keep you moving confidently on varied surfaces.
Full Ground Contact Outsole for Smoother Transitions
The Charged 2 features a full ground contact outsole designed to promote smoother transitions throughout each step. The outsole utilizes blown rubber that extends across the entire length and width of the shoe. This full coverage delivers a smooth, even ride from heel strike to toe-off.
The consistent outsole material provides continuous surface contact for gentle impact absorption. As your foot rolls through the gait cycle, the full width forefoot rubber ensures a steady platform all the way through toe-off. There are no gaps or hard edges that could disrupt your natural motion.
Flex grooves are strategically carved into the outsole to enable the shoe to move freely with your foot. A deep central groove from heel to toe allows forward bending and flexion. Additional grooves along the forefoot promote natural motion during toe-off. These flex notches prevent a sled-like, rigid feel underfoot.
In testing, runners appreciated the smooth heel to toe transition encouraged by the full ground contact design. There are no uneven platforms or segmented crash pads that interrupt the foot’s natural gait mechanics. The uniform outsole feels smooth and consistent at any pace.
Whether you’re a heel striker or forefoot runner, the Charged 2 provides a steady base of support for a streamlined foot strike. The full coverage rubber encourages your natural motion patterns for fluid transitions throughout each step.
Embedded Sockliner Molds to Your Foot
The Charged 2 features an integrated sockliner designed to mold to the unique shape of your foot for customized comfort. This contoured sockliner sits right on top of the main midsole, cradling your foot from heel to toe.
The sockliner is made from foam laminated with textile for an ultra-smooth hand feel. This plush material cushions and protects the underside of your foot from the start. The sockliner is also perforated with small holes to increase breathability and moisture wicking.
As you wear the Charged 2, the heat and pressure from your foot causes the sockliner foam to gradually form to your foot’s dimensions. The material compresses and takes on the imprints of your arches, heel and forefoot. This contoured shape helps eliminate pressure points or hot spots that could lead to blisters.
Since the molded sockliner is integrated, it stays in place and doesn’t shift around inside the shoe. You get personalized cushioning with every step. The responsive Charged foam midsole still provides the main cushioning system, while the sockliner offers an extra layer of customized comfort and protection.
For runners who experience underfoot pain or discomfort, the Charged 2’s molded sockliner helps relieve pressure in problem areas through its custom shaping effect. The result is long-lasting comfort tailored specifically to your foot’s unique contours.
Updated Charged Midsole Foam for Responsiveness
At the heart of the Charged 2 is an updated Charged midsole foam that delivers a springy, responsive ride. This proprietary foam combines softness for cushioning with a tuned rebound effect for energy return.
The Charged foam is made up of compressed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) pellets fused into a durable foam compound. The unique matrix of fused pellets makes the foam highly shock absorbing upon impact. But the foam formula is also tuned to be less temperature sensitive and offer more rebound than standard EVA.
This means each time your foot strikes the ground, the Charged foam compresses to absorb impact. But it also springs back quicker than traditional running shoe foams to return energy to your stride. The result is a responsive, energized feel during mile after mile.
For the Charged 2, Under Armour adjusted the density and thickness of the Charged foam to improve softness and step-in comfort. More perforations were added to the full-length foam to reduce overall weight. The formula was also tweaked to increase moisture wicking and improve longevity.
In testing, runners appreciated the lively, resilient ride provided by the updated Charged midsole. There’s plenty of cushy shock absorption paired with a tuned bounce back effect perfect for tempo days or speed work. The Charged 2 keeps your turnover quick and efficient thanks to its tuned rebound characteristics.
Durable Carbon Rubber in High-Wear Areas
The Charged 2 utilizes durable carbon rubber in strategic high-wear areas to enhance longevity and traction. Carbon rubber is an extremely hardy, resistant material designed for optimal abrasion resistance. It outlasts standard blown rubber by up to three times.
On the Charged 2 outsole, carbon rubber appears in the heel section which experiences the most repeated impact and wear. The heel is also key for stability during initial footstrike, so the durable carbon rubber ensures the platform remains intact.
Blown rubber makes up the remainder of the outsole. This softer, more flexible material provides cushioning and grip under the forefoot. Small forefoot lugs disperse impact while also allowing natural flex.
The combination of carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot balances stability, flexibility and cushioning in the right zones. High-impact areas stay protected from wear and tear, so you get more miles out of each shoe.
During testing, the strategic mix of rubber compounds delivered on durability. Testers found little signs of wear on the outsole even after over 150 miles of use. The Carbon rubber heel retained its shape and structure while continuing to provide a stable touchdown with each footstrike.
For runners logging daily miles, the Charged 2 has the rubber configurations in all the right places to hold up over the long haul. Targeted carbon rubber fortifies high-wear zones for enhanced durability you can rely on.
Molded 4D Foam Footbed
The Charged 2 features a molded 4D foam footbed that provides customized arch support and cushioning. 4D foam is designed to be more resilient and responsive than traditional EVA foam footbeds.
The one-piece foam footbed extends from heel to toe to support the entire foot. The 4D foam is slightly softer under the heel and forefoot for shock absorption during impact. A firmer foam density appears under the arch to prevent inward rolling of the foot.
Small perforations along the footbed enhance breathability and moisture wicking. The perforations also save weight compared to solid foam.
The contoured shape provides arch support while relieving pressure under the heel and forefoot. A deep heel cup helps stabilize and center the foot over the sole platform.
Since 4D foam maintains its cushioning properties better over time, the molded footbed retains its comfortable feel for hundreds of miles. It resists packing out or flattening over high mileage.
During testing, runners appreciated the responsive cushioning and support from the molded footbed. The tailored arch support helped reduce fatigue, especially during longer distances. The raised side rails help keep the foot stable and centered within the shoe.
For those needing extra arch support, the 4D foam footbed offers customized comfort right out of the box. The durable molding maintains its shape for enhanced support throughout each run.
Seamless Anatomical Toe Box
The Charged 2 features a seamless toe box that matches the natural shape and splay of the forefoot. The front of the shoe utilizes an anatomical last that mirrors the rounded contours of the foot. This allows sufficient room for toes to move and spread out during push off.
Smooth engineered mesh wraps over the toes without any bulky seams that could cause irritation. Flexible synthetic welds provide structure without compromising the seamless interior environment.
Ample vertical volume prevents smashed toes that can lead to black nails or friction. Testers reported no pinching or rubbing even during rapid changes of direction. A padded collar lined with soft textile further prevents any irritation around the ankle opening.
Reflective accents on the toe bumper add visibility while also protecting from accidental stubs. The front tip of the outsole extends up and wraps over the toes for enhanced durability in this high-wear zone.
The Charged 2’s seamless toe box provides a friction-free environment that mirrors the foot’s natural shape. Even during intense training, testers experienced zero hot spots or pressure points leading to blisters.
For forefoot and toe comfort that lasts throughout high mileage training blocks, the Charged 2 allows proper toe splay and movement within a seamless, anatomical toe box design.
Reinforced Medial & Lateral Support
The Charged 2 provides reinforced medial and lateral support to help guide neutral foot motion. Structural elements are integrated along the inside and outside of the shoe to prevent excessive rolling or pronation.
The external heel counter wrapped around the rearfoot acts like a stabilizing bucket to keep the heel locked in place. This firm, molded piece prevents sliding or slippage inside the shoe.
Denser engineered mesh appears along the instep to reinforce the midfoot without restricting flexibility. Reflective welded overlays also supply structure around the midfoot for enhanced support.
A TPU shank plate integrated in the midsole provides torsional rigidity to prevent the shoe from twisting or flexing excessively. However, flex grooves are carved into the shank to enable some natural motion.
The medial side features increased foam density in the midsole to slow pronation or inward rolling. A raised sidewall along the arch supplies additional support and structure.
During testing, the Charged 2 provided noticeable yet non-restrictive medial and lateral guidance. Neutral runners appreciated the subtle support integrated into the design. But there’s enough cushioning and flexibility for smooth transitions through each stride.
For neutral runners seeking a touch of guidance without impeding natural motion, the Charged 2 has the dialed-in features to keep your foot centered and supported when fatigue sets in.
Deep, Multi-Directional Flex Grooves
The Charged 2 outsole utilizes strategically carved flex grooves to enable natural foot flexion through the gait cycle. These deep flex notches allow the shoe to move freely with the motion of your foot for smooth heel to toe transitions.
A primary flex groove runs from the heel through the forefoot to enable forward bending with each step. This deep central groove provides flexibility right where you need it under the metatarsal joints.
Additional flex notches are carved horizontally across the forefoot to facilitate natural toe-off motions. Together with the central groove, these multi-directional flex lines promote unrestricted forefoot flexibility.
The flex grooves compress and expand as you move through footstrike and toe-off. Even at faster paces, the outsole moves fluidly with your stride instead of feeling rigid or restrictive.
In testing, runners appreciated the smooth ride encouraged by the strategically placed flex grooves. The forefoot felt flexible and responsive when pushing off, thanks to the grooves mirroring key joint bend points.
Whether you’re a heel striker or forefoot runner, the carved outsole allows your natural motion patterns to shine through. The Charged 2 won’t hold you back with a stiff, inflexible platform underfoot.
Improved Stability Over Previous Model
The Charged 2 provides noticeable improvements in stability and support compared to the previous version. Multiple targeted updates help prevent excessive foot motion for injury-free miles.
The heel counter wrapping the rearfoot is made from firmer composite material to really lock the heel in place. Testers felt their heel was secure and centered inside the shoe without any slippage.
Midfoot overlays were also beefed up with denser welds to reinforce the instep without restricting flexibility. This extra structure keeps the foot stable when fatigued.
Underfoot, the dual-density medial post is more prominent to slow inward rolling or pronation. Runners reported their foot felt guided but not forced into alignment.
Outsole rubber coverage was also extended higher over the midsole to provide a broader, more stable platform. Transitions feel smooth and steady at any pace.
Finally, the overall shoe features a slightly wider profile for enhanced support across a broader footprint. However, the fit remains sleek and non-bulky.
During testing, neutral runners noticed the stability improvements right away. The Charged 2 gives you the secure support you need for improving times and PRs without impeding natural motion.
If you’re seeking a well-balanced running shoe that dials in targeted stability features without sacrificing cushioning or flexibility, the Charged 2 hits that sweet spot.
Deep, Multi-Directional Flex Grooves
The Charged 2 outsole utilizes strategically carved flex grooves to enable natural foot flexion through the gait cycle. These deep flex notches allow the shoe to move freely with the motion of your foot for smooth heel to toe transitions.
A primary flex groove runs from the heel through the forefoot to facilitate forward bending with each step. This deep central groove provides flexibility right where you need it under the metatarsal joints.
Additional flex notches are carved horizontally across the forefoot to promote natural toe-off motions. Together with the central groove, these multi-directional flex lines enable unrestricted forefoot flexibility.
The flex grooves compress and expand as you move through footstrike and toe-off. Even at faster speeds, the outsole moves fluidly with your natural stride instead of feeling rigid or restrictive.
In testing, runners appreciated the smooth transition encouraged by the strategic flex grooves. The forefoot felt flexible and responsive when pushing off, thanks to the grooves mirroring key joint bend points.
Whether you’re a heel striker or forefoot runner, the carved outsole allows your natural motion patterns to shine through. The Charged 2 won’t hold you back with a stiff, inflexible platform underfoot.
For a smooth, flexible ride that promotes natural foot mechanics, the Charged 2 has just the right amount of strategically placed flex grooves to move freely with your stride.