Hate is a powerful phrase, so let’s simply say I strongly disliked the Underneath Armour Reign 5. When its successor arrived for overview I had low expectations, but come the top of my customary two-week testing interval I didn’t need to take them off.
What occurred? Underneath Armour revamped the shoe and I feel it did an impressive job. Fairly than try to duplicate the cushioning of the Reebok Nano X4 or the tech-heavy construct of the Nike Metcon 9 (among the many greatest CrossFit sneakers), the model has as a substitute delivered a barefoot really feel courtesy of a skinny, versatile outsole and minimal heel-to-toe drop.
That is certain to divide opinion, with some health followers wanting extra shock-absorbing foam. Nonetheless, I discovered the up to date delivered good floor really feel and stability, which I favored for lifting and WODs alike.
Underneath Armour Reign 6: Worth And Availability
The Underneath Armour Reign 6 was launched in late 2023 with an RRP of $130 within the US and £125 within the UK. It is obtainable on the Underneath Armour web site, in addition to by means of third-party retailers. I’ve already noticed it on sale for $100 (£90).
How I Examined This CrossFit Shoe
I wore this shoe for each coaching session over a two-week interval, and it was an intense interval. There have been 10 journeys to the fitness center and the same old combine of assorted metcons that you simply’d anticipate from CrossFit coaching. I accomplished common Olympic weightlifting periods, energy workouts, gymnastic drills and bodybuilding-style accent work. The shoe acquired its first style of the massive three lifts, together with cleans, snatches, wall walks, handstand push-ups, rope climbs and burpees.
Design And Match
With protecting fins on the heel, an undulating raised rubber outsole and a flash of lurid inexperienced, the Reign 6 has a distinctly Alien aesthetic. Some will prefer it, others gained’t; it has grown on me, regardless of preliminary misgivings.
Inexperienced detailing apart, these options aren’t included for his or her appears—all of them serve a function. The raised rubber outsole wraps across the midfoot to supply lateral assist for multidirectional actions, and the rubber heel fins are useful for shielding the shoe from tough partitions throughout handstand push-ups.
I discovered the Reign 5 too extensive for my slim toes, however the Reign 6 locked my heel in place whereas nonetheless giving my toes room to unfold for steadiness. Because of this, it was comfy from day one.
The primary change I seen was within the sole of the shoe. The outsole is skinny and all cushioning comes from a dual-density insole: thicker and firmer underneath the heel then thinner and softer underneath the ball of the foot, permitting me to really feel the bottom underneath my forefoot.
This will come as a shock when you’re used to a thicker midsole, like that of the Nano X4, or a much less versatile outsole just like the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300, however I favored it. It helped me really feel balanced whereas lifting and capable of generate energy by means of the ground successfully.
Is The Underneath Armour Reign 6 Good For WODs?
If it’s cushioning you’re after for high-impact workouts, look elsewhere. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply this shoe is unhealthy for burpee-heavy WODs.
So long as you recognize what you’re signing up for—a shoe that feels virtually like a gateway to barefoot footwear with its minimal outsole and negligible offset—then this could be a stable performer for CrossFit exercises. The locked-in match, extensive forefoot and nice floor really feel helped me preserve my steadiness whereas biking a barbell. I additionally appreciated the absence of power-sapping midsole cushioning throughout explosive strikes like field jumps, and the lateral assist supplied by the raised rubber outsole for multidirectional actions, like skater jumps and shuttle runs.
The shoe didn’t grip a rope in addition to the Reebok Nano X4, which I’d examined earlier than it. It felt heavier too—436g for a US dimension 11 in contrast with 378g. However these have been my solely notable criticisms.
Is The Underneath Armour Reign 6 Good For Resistance Coaching?
The primary train I confronted within the Reign 6 was a basic: five-by-five barbell squats. The shoe’s efficiency on this despatched it skyrocketing in my estimations. The heel felt secure and the improved floor really feel allowed me to unfold my toes, distribute the load evenly by means of my toes and revel in nice energy switch by means of the ground. The identical utilized for Olympic lifts, with the shoe’s pure match providing glorious steadiness and stability.
Is The Underneath Armour Reign 6 Good For Working?
As a part of my coaching I tackled 8 x 400m intervals. I’d normally change right into a pair of trainers for that, however determined to go together with the Reign 6. It was a unique expertise. Fairly than feeling a luxurious midsole underfoot, I felt the Tarmac and any floor I used to be operating on. If that is one thing you want, nice. Nonetheless, when you’re a daily runner who enjoys the same old cushioning, I’d say stick with what you recognize. I didn’t thoughts the minimalist expertise for shorter intervals, however for something above 400m I’ll keep on with my trainers.
Is The Underneath Armour Reign 6 Value It?
I cherished lifting within the Reign 6. The versatile, minimalist sole and low-to-the-ground construct supplied stability and nice floor really feel and allowed me to energy by means of units of heavy leg workouts. Because of this alone, I feel the shoe is a worthy funding, significantly if you could find it discounted.
Past this, I loved its minimalist really feel throughout WODs. This, together with good options just like the raised rubber outsole, supplied steadiness and assist throughout multidirectional actions. It’s constructed to final too, with a strong really feel and no indicators of wear and tear after two weeks of rigorous use.
The shoe’s efficiency whereas operating is prone to spark debate, with the restricted cushioning that means that you simply’re getting little added shock absorption with every stride. The identical logic applies throughout any exercise—if it’s a smooth sole and light-weight really feel you’re after, look elsewhere. Nonetheless, in order for you a CrossFit shoe that breaks free from the group and excels underneath a heavy barbell, give the Reign 6 a strive.