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Under Armour are relatively new to the golf shoe market. We got out hands on a pair of the Under Armour Hovr Drive 2 Wide golf shoes to see if they should be on your radar
It’s hard to believe that Under Armour only entered the golf shoe market in 2016 with Jordan Spieth as their flagship athlete, following his win at Augusta in 2015. They offer a wide range of spiked and spikeless models. Here we test the Hovr Drive 2 spiked shoe in a wide fit.
Under Armour Hovr Drive 2 Wide golf shoes review: First Impressions
At first glance this shoe looks quietly efficient out of the box. The lightweight microfibre upper has a clean appearance with some interest added in the form of detailing over the inner aspect of the toe box.
The lacing system is rather prominent and adds a sporty element to the shoe. It also felt very lightweight, particularly for a spiked shoe. This was confirmed on the scales, coming in at 350 grams in size 7 (EU 41). This is one of the lightest shoes I have tested.
This model comes in three colours. I tested the black version, which, to my mind, looks less appealing than the other models but is definitely more appropriate for winter golf in the UK.
The microfibre upper has a premium feel and look. There was generous padding around the collar and interior of the shoe. Under Armour says that the 3D moulded heel is anatomically designed to improve support and fit. It certainly felt firm but was also well-padded.
The UK size 7 (Euro 41) shoe (remember it is wide) fitted my usually sized Euro 41 wide foot rather closely out of the box from a length perspective.
I did feel that my big toes were pushing against the front of the shoe initially but this all settled down after a few holes. I just wonder if the firm toe guard at the very front of the shoes contributes to this feeling. The toe box was otherwise roomy and comfortable. I think this model just about runs true to size. However, if you are between sizes then I would suggest going up half a size.
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Under Armour Hovr Drive 2 Wide golf shoes review: On The Course
Testing was carried out over two rounds in rainy conditions on my home heathland course. I found the shoe to be extremely comfortable straight out of the box. As the name suggests, this shoe benefits from Hovr cushioning technology in the midsole, which was first seen in Under Armour running shoes. Hovr is a proprietary foam wrapped in a compression fabric designed to provide incredible cushioning and shock absorption with a claim of ‘endless energy return’.
Now I’m not sure about endless energy return, but I will say that this shoe is incredibly comfortable underfoot and also around the collar and heel. Allied with the aforementioned lightness, this is certainly a shoe that is a delight to wear.
And, as one would expect from UnderArmour, the performance was first class. The lower profile UnderArmour rotational resistance spikes, and assorted other traction points on the sole, ensured that there was no slipping and sliding in the wet conditions.
My heel felt really well locked-in to the shoe. However I did feel that mid-foot support from the torsional stability of the shoe was somewhat less than one might expect, although I don’t think this affected the overall performance.
The shoe remained waterproof in the rainy conditions thanks to the waterproof and breathable membrane on the inner lining of the shoe. After taking the shoes off, my feet were bone dry and also fresh so there were no issues with breathability.
Under Armour Hovr Drive 2 Wide golf shoes review: The 19th hole
As you might imagine, because of the spiked nature of this model, it is a shoe for the course, rather than the nineteenth.
There’s a lot to like about this shoe; it is smart-looking, really comfortable and it performs well on the course. It is also simple to keep clean – just a wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick. It is available in three colours and the black works fine for the winter in the UK.
I think that the construction and performance of the shoe justifies the pricing and I expect this to be another success for Under Armour.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow Style: Athletic/Traditional/OffCourse Friendly/All Weather/Casual Out of Box Comfort: 9.5/10 Stability: 9.5/10 Value for Money: 9.5/10
Under Armour Hovr Drive 2 Wide golf shoes review: The Details
Available: Now RRP: £140 Sizes: UK 7-12. (Half sizes to 11) Colours: Black, White, Grey/black. More info:Under Armour website
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Jonathan also known as JT, is one of the biggest golf nuts on the NCG team.
He has quickly become a go-to for expertise on golf shoes and technical apparel. In fact he may have a different pair of shoes and a new waterproof jacket for every club medal he plays in.
He previously worked as a GP, which means he likes to get into the details of things, such as weighing golf shoes with his kitchen scales.
Jonathan is a member at Alwoodley Golf Club and regularly gets out on the golf course to maintain his handicap of five.
