The RW Takeaway: The Sonic 2 is a neutral, 8mm-drop trainer that has a built-in run-tracking sensor and versatile cushioning on the cheap.
- Hovr midsole foam caters to both speedwork and longer efforts
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- The Run/Walk Method
Price: $100
Weight: 10 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W)
Type: Road
Poring over results postrace is the data-driven runner’s guilty pleasure. Thanks to the tracking chip in your race bib, you can analyze your pace, splits, and even see how many competitors you reeled in on the final stretch. Under Armor takes the same idea, but sticks it inside the Hovr Sonic 2. A Bluetooth sensor in the insole syncs with UA’s MapMyRun mobile app for a beat on all your running vitals, like distance, speed, cadence, and stride length (but it won’t replace your Garmin’s GPS). And you won’t feel it underfoot; all you’ll notice is the plush layer of EVA-based Hovr Foam. A compressive mesh web tightly wraps the material, limiting its expansion, so more energy returns to you with each step. It gives the Sonic a soft yet responsive ride with “bounce factor that pops right off the tarmac,” according to one of our testers.
Even through slush and ice, the durable rubber outsole promised confident landings, and a sturdy TPU heel counter adds extra support if you want to stretch out the distance on your long runs, or pick up the pace on the track. Rest assured the Sonic will let you know if you do.
Connected Cushioning
The Sonic’s midsole uses UA’s Hovr foam, an EVA-based material that you’ll also find on shoes like the Guardian and the Phantom. On its own, Hovr feels soft, without the “mushy” feeling that some runners note in plush trainers. But when nested inside a compressive mesh called Energy Web, Hovr gets an extra bounce that sets it apart from shoes like the Brooks Glycerin. While it lacks the Glycerin’s softness, Hovr foam has an extra pop underfoot instead; one runner liked its responsiveness enough to test the Sonic’s chops out on the track.
“The highlight is definitely the cushioning—it’s right up there among the best shoes I’ve tested,” he said. “The shoe is sound for everyday runs, track workouts (although it may be slightly heavy for some runners), and long runs. While I don’t think anyone would be crazy about racing in the Sonic 2, it’s a really good shoe for all aspects of training.”
Sitting atop the Hovr foam is the shoe’s second tour de force—a BlueTooth-enabled insole. Once paired with the MapMyRun mobile app, the sensor tracks running metrics from distance to stride length, and stores all your data for you to analyze later. It’s ideal for dashing out sans watch and cell, although you will need your phone on board to utilize the tethered GPS and voice-coaching features. Our testers found that the shoe’s distance tracking was accurate when they tried it over familiar running routes, and said the pairing process was simple, quick, and reliable.
Weather-Ready Outsole
The Sonic’s testing period fell during a nasty spell of winter weather in PA, and our testers were pleased with the shoe’s traction across sloppy road and trail conditions. High-abrasion rubber at the heel and blown rubber through the forefoot double-team for grip on slush and snow, while an external heel counter offers extra stability on slick pavement. After 180 miles in rough wintry conditions, one tester vouched that the outsole’s durable tread held strong. However, another did experience premature wear on the shoe’s mesh upper near the toe box.
“I tested the shoe primarily on paved surfaces and in wet conditions and it held its own on rain, snow, and ice. I would not wear it for an all-trail run,” one tester added. “But through a patch of woods during a primarily road-based training run? Bring it on.”
Micro-Thread Needs Minor Tweaks
The Sonic’s upper has great potential, but right now the fit feels like it’s still in beta. While the micro-thread material is definitely lightweight and breathable, our testers found that the thick heel counter compromised a close fit at the heel, and also needed more padding around the shoe’s collar to reduce rubbing. In addition, the toe box runs slightly narrow and shallow, so you may need to bump up a half size for more wiggle room. However, the Sonic felt secure through the midfoot; its stretchy interior support wings connect the tongue and footbed to keep the tongue in place and provide a snug fit over the arch. Underfoot, a removable, anti-microbial OrthoLite sockliner Marathon Training Plans.
Pros
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- How to Celebrate Global Running Day
- Excellent traction
Cons
- The Run/Walk Method
Wear Tester Feedback
Marathon Training Plans
Arch: Medium | Gait: Underpronator | Footstrike: Midfoot
“The best feature is the bluetooth sensor. It recorded the runs with surprising accuracy and [the UA app] provides plenty of additional features like training plans and reminders. I can see wearing these shoes most of the day to track your activity level. They don’t excel at anything in particular, but can do several things quite well.”
Best Prime Day Running Gear Deals Runner’s World Shoes & Gear The Warmup, a bygone version of the daily RW newsletter. Now, she tests and reviews anything you might find on runners’ feet-from crew socks and compression boots to carbon-plated super shoes.
A lifelong runner and shoe geek, Morgan has been chasing the perfect pair of kicks since she joined her grade school cross-country team. Since then, she ran as a Division I walk-on for the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of Delaware, where she studied English and Biology. She has one full marathon under her belt, and has raced more halfs and 5Ks than she can count.
