The Under Armour HOVR Apex 2 is a cross-training shoe that is designed for all-around versatility. Under Armour markets this model as an “all-in-one” cross-training shoe, and of course, this then makes my main mission to see if that’s true. The original UA HOVR Apex was an okay shoe, so I was really curious how UA improved this model.
When heading into my training tests in this model I was mostly concerned about two things 1) the overall weight of this model as the original Apex was a pretty hefty shoe, and 2) the overall fit from a performance point of view. Overall, I think the UA HOVR Apex 2 is certainly a step in the right direction, but there are a few areas that could be improved upon.
In this UA HOVR Apex 2 review, I’m going to break down multiple categories including:
- Who Should Buy the UA HOVR Apex 2?
- UA HOVR Apex 2 Pros
- UA HOVR Apex 2 Cons
- UA HOVR Apex 2 Performance
- Sizing and Fit
- Price
- Construction Details
- UA HOVR Apex Vs UA HOVR Apex 2
For all of my visual friends, check out my UA HOVR Apex 2 review video below. Also, make sure you use the TF2 cross-training shoe calculator if you’re uncertain as to which models fit your needs best.
Who Should Buy the UA HOVR Apex 2?
I think the UA HOVR Apex 2 will work best for the lifter and athlete that varies their training on a weekly basis. This could mean lifting some days, doing agility work others, and doing classes and some light runs. Do note, this model is not the most cost-efficient though, so that could be a turnoff for some.
However, if you’re someone that varies their training a lot and wants a fairly durable training shoe to accommodate their needs, then the UA HOVR Apex 2 may be worth looking into.
UA HOVR Apex 2
$140
Best For
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Class Workouts
- HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Sprints
UA HOVR Apex 2 Pros
Throughout my wear testing, I’ve found three things that I like about the UA HOVR Apex 2.
- TriBase Outsole and HOVR Midsole
- Durable Upper
- Reworked Tongue
The first two pros that I have with the UA HOVR Apex 2 is the HOVR midsole and the TriBase outsole. Any time UA uses their HOVR midsole tech in shoes I’m generally a fan. In this model, the HOVR midsole is responsive yet stable enough for training under 400 lbs.
On top of the HOVR midsole, I also like the TriBase outsole UA uses. TriBase outsoles in UA shoes are said to utilized to leverage maintaining full foot contact with the ground. Basically, UA says they promote a tripod foot position which can be essential in a lot of athletic settings.
Another pro that I have with the UA HOVR Apex 2 is the upper construction. I really like the 3D upper print and think it does a great job at resisting abrasion and friction from dragging the toes on the ground and other pieces of equipment (rope climbs, etc.).
The final pro and this is one that’s only relevant for original Apex wearers, is the reworked tongue construction. In the first UA HOVR Apex, the tongue was fairly large and it felt pretty hefty around the mid-foot. In the HOVR Apex 2, they brought down the tongue size and it feels much better across the board.
UA HOVR Apex 2 Cons
Despite liking the UA HOVR Apex 2 as a whole, there are a couple of cons that I noted and could see others having issues with.
- Overall Weight of the Shoe
- Lacing Structure Is “Meh”
Compared to the original UA HOVR Apex, the HOVR Apex 2 is much lighter in weight, however, it’s still a fairly hefty training shoe. If you like more minimalist style shoes or having shoes that fit much more athletically, then I could see this being a problem for you.
Another con that I noted was the lacing structure in this shoe. The HOVR Apex 2 uses a plastic lacing system for the top two eyelets and I’ve noticed that it causes some friction with the laces which then results in the laces breaking down and fraying fairly quickly. I would say buy more durable and thick laces to prevent this — but it’s still fairly annoying though.
UA HOVR Apex 2 Performance
Since this shoe is marketed as more of an “all-in-one” training shoe, I put them through a variety of tests. I’m going to break the performance section into lifting, agility/plyometric, and day-to-day/shorter run sections.
Lifting
The UA HOVR Apex 2 training shoes do an okay job for lifting. They’re not the most stable Under Armour model for lifting, but they do okay at supporting moderate loading. I’ve worked up to around 400 lbs in these shoes and there was limited compression in them.
Another aspect to note is that this model has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. This could be both a good or bad thing depending on what you prefer. If you like having a bit more heel to work with, then I think you’ll like the offset in this model.
Agility and Plyometrics
For recreational agility and plyometrics, this model does a pretty good job across the board. I like the HOVR midsole and its responsiveness for ballistic and bounding activities and the TriBase outsole provides a nice base for ground contact.
The only potential drawback I could see some having with this model is their weight. This model is a bit heavier in nature which could be a turnoff for some. Personally, I like more lightweight shoes for agility training, but overall, I do enjoy these from a macro point of view.
Daily Wear and Shorter Runs
On a day-to-day basis, this model is pretty solid. It’s supportive and comfortable and if you want a shoe for daily wear and then to wear to the gym, then I think you’ll like this model across the board. Plus, the upper is pretty durable.
For shorter runs, this model works fairly well. The higher heel-to-toe drop feels good when running and the HOVR midsole supports running mechanics fairly well and provides a responsive ride.
Sizing and Fit
For most athletes and lifters, you should be safe going true-to-size in this model. The length is true and the toe box is fairly wide so even folks with wider feet will likely find that this model fits true for them.
Price
For the UA HOVR Apex 2s, you can expect to pay around $140 USD.
- Shop the UA HOVR Apex 2 (UA $140)
This model is certainly not the most cost-efficient on the market and if you want a budget-friendly model from Under Armour specifically, then I would say look into the UA HOVR Rise 2 or UA Project Rock BSR.
Construction Details
If you’re interested in the specs of this model, I’ve provided the construction details from Under Armour’s site for the HOVR Apex 2. If you want a visual assessment of these construction aspects, then skip to 5:52 in my video above!
- UA HOVR™ technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
- UA HOVR™ foam is contained within firmer EVA midsole for perfect balance of comfort & performance
- Lightweight mesh upper with 3D print for unrivaled protection & durability
- Strap construction provides superior support, unlocking forefoot movement & stabilizes the heel
- UA TriBase™ maximizes ground contact, promotes natural motion & provides flexibility to grip during lifts
UA HOVR Apex Vs UA HOVR Apex 2
Compared to the original HOVR Apex, the 2 has a few notable construction differences that make it better across the board. For starters, the tongue material and size was greatly reduced in the Apex 2 which is a good thing from a fit and weight perspective.
Another difference is the reworked 3D print upper. The Apex 2 has a more beefed-up upper construction which is great for durability. The final difference that’s worth noting is the overall last. In my opinion, the Apex 2 has a much more “athletic” shape and fit compared to the original Apex.
UA HOVR Apex 2
$140
Best For
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Class Workouts
- HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Sprints
Takeaway Thoughts
Overall, I enjoy the UA HOVR Apex 2. In this model, it’s pretty easy to see that Under Armour listened to consumer feedback on the first model and made changes to accommodate the feedback.
I think if you’re a recreational lifter and athlete, then you’ll like the UA HOVR Apex 2 for versatile training. It’s not the most stable option on the market or the best for agility, but it does a good job of walking the middle ground between these performance characteristics.
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
