Disclaimer: I received the UA Horizon RTT Trail Shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Finding the right shoe for you can be hard, let alone finding a trail shoe that works not only for your running style and foot, but also to the trails you run. I generally run some tame trails, but sometimes I head over to more technical trails to run with my trail loving friends (and on the rare occasion, by myself).
I had the opportunity to try a pair of Under Armour Horizon RTT Trail shoes. Choosing a color was tough, but in true Heather fashion, I went with one of my favorite colors — the teal ones (official color is Marlin Blue / Neptune). Picking a shoe size can always be iffy too, but I took the 'what size fits me best test', which resulted in the same size I usually wear.
When I got the shoe, I was intrigued by the traction on the bottom. They looked like they would be great for the really technical trails where you would need good traction to get up some of the trickier hills or to stay on your feet in a muddy situation. I never got to test the latter, as the trails in the area aren't supposed to be run on when they are muddy (to preserve them, and I do my best to follow the rules), but they did work great on getting up hills where I needed a good foothold (better than my usual road shoes).
I am in full marathon training mode, so I was weary of trying them on my long runs, but I did wear them for short/medium runs up to 6 miles. I didn't have any issues with blisters and the fit was great. I'm glad I went with the size that was recommended. I found it was true to size, but sometimes size can be relative, so I'll say the shoes I usually wear for running in the two brands I wear are both the same size, and the Under Armour RTT Trail Shoes are the same.
They were a little heavier than the shoes I'm used to, but I feel like that is standard for a trail shoe – I think they are made a little more sturdy and durable. It didn't bother me, it's just something I initially noticed, but quickly got used to. I felt they moved well with my foot when running and didn't notice any heel or knee pain (something I've been dealing with lately, which I think has to do with running in shoes that aren't a great fit for me, so I am usually pretty weary of new shoe models I haven't worn before for running).
There were a few instances where I was running on rocks that I noticed my ankle rolling a bit, but I honestly think that's just me and my lack of gracefulness and being a bit on the clumsy side. This didn't happen when it was the dirt, tree roots, grass, etc. Just when on the rocks. Nothing got stuck in the bottoms. I felt the cushion wasn't over the top, but there was enough that my heels weren't bothered in them.
I love getting out to the trails; though they are more difficult, which means I'm even slower than usual, I always feel accomplished and I enjoy my time out in nature. Having a shoe that fits the terrain better gives me the excitement and energy to make the trek out rather than just running around the neighborhood (which gets pretty boring).
I would have liked to get out to the trails more, and I did try, but sometimes life gets in the way. I was able to get out there 5 times to test these shoes out for 5–6 miles each time. I tried another day – I got everything ready to go so I could go straight from work and I was so proud and later in the day at work I realized I didn't pack a sports bra... that's not really negotiable, and by the time I got home from work I didn't have the time to get out to the trails before making it to BibChat at 8pm CT that night. I did go the next day, but it just wasn't the same haha.
Some info on the UA Horizon RTT Shoe from the website:
These were made for the runner who makes the trail their second home. With superior cushioning & incredible durability, they‘re are ready to put in some serious miles.
Product DNA
- Durable PU & textile upper for breathability & reliable protection
- Reinforced welded synthetic material in critical areas for increased durability
- Mesh heel with dual protective welds
- Molded collar foam package for added comfort
- Charged Cushioning® foam puck placed under the heel for responsive comfort
- Lightweight, full-length EVA midsole for optimal cushioning
- High traction rubber lug outsole for dependable traction on a variety of conditions
- Offset: 7mm
- Weight: 9.2 oz.
- Imported
- Colors:
- Marlin Blue (300) / Neptune
- Black (001) / Steel
- Raisin Red (916) / Black Currant
- Midnight Navy (410) / Mediterranean
- Pomegranate (693) / Gray Matter
- Cost: $109.99
I would recommend these for anyone looking for a trail shoe that is sturdy and durable. I heard a few of the other BibRave Pros even ran through streams and puddles in them and had no issues. Everyone is different, but for me, they were comfortable and worked well for the trails that I was running.
Under Armour has also started up a running series and you can join one of my best running friends Amy at Copper Mountain. They have a ton of distance options: 50k, marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, vertical challenge, 10k, and 5k. I love when a race has so many options to choose from; just about something for everyone. It looks really challenging, but that's what we love, right? It takes place September 9 and 10 and you can save 40% on any distance using code BIBRAVE40.
Connect with Under Armour:
website | facebook | twitter | instagram
Read what the other BibRave Pros had to say about the UA Horizon RTT Trail Shoe:
Mel | Tedrick | Lindsey | Jessica | Fallon | Casey | Vanessa | Angie | Frank | Amy
