The Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 is their latest cross-training shoe to grace the market. The UA HOVR Apex 3 is the third model in the Apex line and is quite possibly the best model yet. This model features a lot of the UA HOVR Apex staples but delivers a reworked upper and mid-foot construction.
In the world of training, the UA HOVR Apex 3 is what I would call a decent “all-arounder”. As in, it does okay for a little bit of everything and doesn’t excel in any one specific niche of training. This makes the UA HOVR Apex 3 a viable option for the cross-training athlete that likes to do a little bit of everything on a weekly basis.
In this UA HOVR Apex 3 review, I’m going to break down all of the key details of this shoe to help you decide if it’s a good pick for you.
- Who Should Buy the UA HOVR Apex 3?
- UA HOVR Apex 3 Pros
- UA HOVR Apex 3 Cons
- UA HOVR Apex 3 Performance
- UA HOVR Apex 3 Sizing
- Price
- Construction Details
- UA HOVR Apex 3 FAQs
If you’re on the market for new cross-training shoes, make sure to check out my Cross-Training Shoe Finder to see which shoes you match best with per your activities and needs!
Who Should Buy the UA HOVR Apex 3?
The UA HOVR Apex 3 is a solid model for the individual that likes to lift, take classes, and do things like agility work on a weekly basis. It’s not going to provide the most amount of stability under your max lifts or be the best shoe for things like sprints, but it can hold its own in all realms of activity.
If you’re varied with your training and like training shoes with thicker midsoles, then the UA HOVR Apex 3 would be a good fit for you. This model also features a reworked upper construction which makes it lighter and more comfortable for long-term wear than the UA HOVR Apex 2.
UA HOVR Apex 3
$140
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Classes
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Light Agility Work
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Maximal Lifting
- For Cost-Efficiency
UA HOVR Apex 3 Pros
There are a few key pros that come along with the UA HOVR Apex 3 in regard to their construction and overall performance.
- Reworked Upper
- TriBase Outsole
- HOVR Midsole
- Lighter Weight
The Upper Construction of the UA HOVR Apex 3 features a lightweight mesh and 3D print for additional durability from abrasion and friction. It’s the same upper construction that’s used in the UA TriBase Reign 3, and overall, I like it more than the previous rubber 3D print used in the HOVR Apex 2 because it feels more lightweight and maneuverable.
Another pro to the HOVR Apex 3 is the TriBase tech used on the outsole of this model. Whenever Under Armour uses TriBase tech in a shoe, I’m usually an instant fan. This tech is designed to promote more stability by enhancing our foot’s stability to maintain a tripod position. In this model, it provides a nice additional feeling of stability.
On top of the TriBase outsole, the Apex 3 also utilizes UA’s HOVR midsole construction. This is a common feature used in Under Armour training and running shoes and it provides this model with a blend of responsiveness and stability. Despite being a thicker midsole overall, you should find that you’ll have limited compression up to about 400 lbs in this model.
The last pro of this model is that with the reworked construction, this shoe also weighs less than previous Apex models. If you’ve ever worn any of the UA HOVR Apex shoes, then you likely already know how heavy and “boat-like” they can feel. This model weighs less than the Apex 2 and has a much more athletic fit.
UA HOVR Apex 3 Cons
For the most part, the new construction features on the UA HOVR Apex 3 are good updates, but there are a few cons I’ve noticed with this shoe.
- Lace Durability
- Price
- Not Ideal for Serious Strength Work
The first con is the plastic TPU wrap that will inevitably cut into the laces. This was an issue on the UA HOVR Apex 2 that many athletes and myself pointed out and I would have thought UA would have reworked this, but low and behold, there is still a plastic wrap serving as the top two eyelets.
In theory, I think if the plastic had a buffer around the holes to prevent a ton of friction it could work. However, this isn’t the case, and I think the TPU wrap will still cause issues for lace ripping and long-term durability. Despite this model coming with thicker laces, I’m not sold these are going to last over months of training.
The second drawback to the UA HOVR Apex 3 is its price point. At a price of $140.00 USD, this model is far from cost-efficient, especially when compared to models like the UA HOVR Rise 2, 3, and TriBase Reign 3.
Another drawback to this model is that it does lack some niche functionality. If you’re someone that wants a shoe for maximal lifting or you like having less stack height, then this will likely not be a great fit for you. The stack height in this model is pretty high due to the HOVR midsole, which does limit this shoe’s potential to support maximal lifting.
If you’re training under 400 lbs, then you should be fine, but personally, I wouldn’t train much heavier than that in this model. Plus, if you like lower heel-to-toe drops, then the 8mm in this model may feel a little high for you.
UA HOVR Apex 3 Performance
To break down the UA HOVR Apex 3’s performance, I’m going to discuss how this model does in a variety of settings to help you contextualize if it’s a good fit for your needs.
Lifting
In a lifting setting, the UA HOVR Apex 3 will be best for recreational lifters that are not super niche with their training and strength work. This model has limited compression when working up to around 400 lbs and for casual lifting sessions, the midsole and outsole do a good job at providing enough stability.
I think this model will perform best for the lifter that plans to train with the barbell, free weights, machines, and does so with a mid-range intensity. As in, they’re not maxing out often and they don’t compete in a strength sport where specific gear will be needed to support maximal performance.
Agility, Plyometrics, and HIIT
For agility, plyometrics, and HIIT, the HOVR Apex 3 is a step above the previous models due to its lighter weight. This shoe feels much more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time and the reworked upper provides an adequate amount of durability for prolonged shoe life when training outside or potentially doing toe dragging plyometric-style activities (prone to jumps, etc.).
The TriBase outsole promotes an even displacement of weight when in landing and take-off phases while the HOVR midsole is responsive for repetitive bounding activities.
For example, if you’re in classes, this model should feel fairly comfortable for the varied activities you may be tackling.
Shorter Runs and Daily Wear
I like this model for shorter runs and think it will work for sessions that have distances of three miles or less. The HOVR midsole mitigates stress decently well and the higher heel-to-toe drop is fairly good for accommodating different styles of gait and foot strikes.
For daily wear, this model is okay and feels pretty comfortable. You can wear it out and about for errands and all-day wear and it’s going to feel comfortable. Plus, the durability is solid for promoting the long-term health of the upper of this shoe from external environmental elements.
UA HOVR Apex 3 Sizing
For most lifters and athletes, you should be safe going true-to-size in the UA HOVR Apex 3. The length is true and the forefoot has a regular fit and feel to it.
It’s worth noting that the UA HOVR Apex 3’s toe box does feel slightly thinner than the Apex 2. It doesn’t fit super narrow by any means, but it is noticeably tighter.
UA HOVR Apex 3 Price
As mentioned above, for the UA HOVR Apex 3, you can expect to pay around $140.00 USD. Personally, I think this price point is pretty high for this model, but it does offer a few unique Under Armour construction characteristics.
If you need a shoe for all-around training and love UA’s TriBase and HOVR tech, then this model’s price point may be worth it for you.
UA HOVR Apex 3
$140
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Classes
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Light Agility Work
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Maximal Lifting
- For Cost-Efficiency
UA HOVR Apex 3 Construction
Below are some of the biggest construction callouts for the Under Armour HOVR Apex 3. Compared to the Apex 2, I like the new construction additions in this model.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 13.6 oz
- Mesh Upper With 3D Print
- HOVR Midsole
- TriBase Outsole
- Plastic TPU Mid-Foot/Heel Wrap
- External Heel Strap
- 6 Total Eyelets
If you have any additional specific questions on the UA HOVR Apex 3, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally.
UA HOVR Apex 3 FAQs
On my Under Armour HOVR Apex 2 content, I’ve received a bunch of questions. So, to stay ahead of the curve for this model, I’m going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that I’ll likely receive for the HOVR Apex 3 below.
1. Is the UA HOVR Apex 3 good for lifting?
Yes. The UA HOVR Apex 3 works well for recreational lifting and will provide enough stability for most lifters who train with machines and free weights on a weekly basis.
2. What is the heel-to-toe drop in the UA HOVR Apex 3?
The offset or heel-to-toe drop in the UA HOVR Apex 3 is 8mm.
3. How much does the UA HOVR Apex 3 weigh?
For a size 10 model, the UA HOVR Apex 3 has a weight of 13.6 ounces. This is roughly .8 ounces less than the UA HOVR Apex 2.
4. Does the UA HOVR Apex 3 fit true-to-size?
Yes. The UA HOVR Apex 3 has a true-to-size fit. The length of the shoe feels true and it has a regular fit per Under Armour’s product definition.
Takeaway Thoughts
I think the UA HOVR Apex 3 is a step in the right direction compared to the Apex 2 and is a good “all-around” shoe. It doesn’t excel in any one specific area, but as a whole, it performs consistently across the board.
If you have any questions about this model, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly)!
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
