Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 Performance Review

The Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 is the fourth model in Under Armour’s signature TriBase Reign shoe line. This shoe features a few significant construction updates that distinguish it from its three predecessors.

As a fan of the TriBase Reign shoe line, I was super excited to put this model to the test for CrossFit workouts and my lifting. Overall, I enjoy the reworked upper used in this shoe, the separate tongue construction, and how Under Armour made this model slightly wider.

Who Should Buy In the UA TriBase Reign 4?

If you’re looking into Under Armour training shoes for tackling CrossFit, lifting, and cross-training workouts, then the TriBase Reign 4 will be a really good fit for you.

The normal TriBase Reign 4 is one of the better training shoes that Under Armour has produced over the last three years.

This shoe is stable under heavyweights, it’s maneuverable for athletic-focused training, and it offers pretty good durability for the demands that can come from CrossFit workouts.

It’s a good all-in-one style training shoe and if you like lower heel-to-toe drops, then I think you’ll really enjoy how this model feels and performs.

If you’re looking at TriBase Reign models, then I’d suggest going with the 4 unless you can find an insane deal on the TriBase Reign 3 or 2. The 4 is the superior model and I even think its performance and construction are better than the TriBase Reign 4 Pro.

UA TriBase Reign 4 Pros

Across the board, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 has been a strong performer in all of my tests. Below are a few of my favorite things about this model.

1. Stable Cross-Training Shoe for Lifting and CrossFit
2. Versatile for Athletic-Focused Training and Classes
3. Reworked Upper and Separate Tongue Construction

The first thing to like about the UA TriBase Reign 4 is that’s a solid cross-training shoe for lifting and CrossFit contexts, especially if you’re looking into Under Armour trainers specifically. This shoe features a Micro G Foam midsole and TriBase outsole that both work well together to provide this shoe with a nice stable base.

When squatting, deadlifting, and cleaning heavy, I have yet to have issues with this shoe’s stability. This shoe also features a 2mm heel-to-toe drop, so if you like lifting and tackling CrossFit workouts with a flatter foot position, then I think you’ll enjoy how this shoe fits and performs for your training contexts and preferences.

Another perk of the TriBase Reign 4 is that it’s a good cross-training shoe to explore for more athletic-focused training and classes. This shoe has strategic forefoot grooves that help increase its ability to help you drive through your toes and perform strongly in multi-directional activities.

With this model, you get a fair amount of ground feedback compared to other cross-training shoes. The TriBase outsole also helps to increase your ability to stabilize and balance the feet when tackling different movements like plyometrics and other explosive exercises.

The final standout thing to like about the TriBase Reign 4 is that Under Armour reworked this shoe’s upper construction, this model’s width, and they got rid of the bootie construction in this model. I like the breathable mesh upper in this model and think it gives this shoe a nice blend of durability and breathability.

I also enjoy the separate tongue construction and the fact that this model is slightly wider compared to the previous TriBase Reign shoes. The Reign shoe line has always been pretty narrow, but with the slightly wider last and separate tongue construction, I think this shoe will now be more comfortable for a wider range of athletes and lifters.

UA TriBase Reign 4 Cons

As a whole, I like the TriBase Reign 4 and think it’s the strongest Reign model yet, but there are a couple of cons to note about this shoe.

1. Forefoot Outsole/Midsole Durability for Outdoor Training
2. Midsole Can Feel Blocky At Times

The first potential drawback to the Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 is that if you’re training outdoor a lot with them, then you’ll want to keep an eye on the forefoot grooves in this model. The grooves are pretty deep with exposed midsole and they shouldn’t break down too quickly.

However, it’s definitely something to note for anyone doing multi-directional work outdoors or wearing these when it’s raining or muddy as these two elements could get into the grooves and break down the Micro G Foam midsole. This is not an end-all-be-all, just something to note with this shoe if you plan to use them a lot for outdoor training.

The second potential drawback with this shoe is that midsole can feel kind of chunky at times. This shoe features a Micro G Foam midsole. Note, I like this midsole due to its ability to provide a nice amount of stability and versatility, but it can feel pretty thick and is looks somewhat blocky.

Personally, I always like when a cross-training shoe’s midsole has a lower profile to it, and for Under Armour to say on their product page that this shoe offers a “low to the ground build”, I think it somewhat misses the mark here.

Performance

To break down the performance of the UA TriBase Reign 4, I’m going to talk about how this model performs in different contexts. This way you can better assess if the Reign 4 is a good pick for your training needs.

UA TriBase Reign 4 for CrossFit and Lifting

As a whole, I think the UA TriBase Reign 4 excel for recreational lifting. The Micro G Foam midsole provides a nice amount of stability when squatting, cleaning, and doing other loaded exercises and the TriBase outsole helps add to this shoe’s stability. I like the amount of ground contact you get in this shoe for both bilateral and unilateral exercises.

Stability was no issue when squatting 365 lbs and deadlifting 455 lbs in this shoe. I also like the grooves in the forefoot of the model as they help play a role in this shoe’s ability to be maneuverable and flexible. If you’re lunging or tackling other exercises where you’re hitting triple extension, then you should enjoy the way this model feels.

In the context of CrossFit, I also really like how the TriBase Reign 4 performed. This shoe walks a good line between being stable, but not too stable where they leave the feet feeling beat up after WODs.

Whether I was tackling box jumps, clean & jerks, or shorter runs, the TriBase Reign 4 stood up to the tasks fairly well. This shoe features a 2mm heel-to-toe drop, so if you also like tackling CrossFit workouts in shoes with lower drops, then I think this shoe will feel good for your training preferences.

The lateral and medial outsole wrap provides an adequate amount of support for rope climbs, and the mesh upper feels durable for abrasion resistance.

UA TriBase Reign 4 for Classes, Plyometrics, and Athletic-Focused Training

The UA TriBase Reign 4 performs pretty well for plyometrics, classes, and athletic-focused training. Unlike prior models, this shoe’s midfoot and toe box have a bit more width, so it feels more comfortable in this context. The base of the foot doesn’t feel cramped when jumping and landing.

The forefoot grooves and Micro G Foam midsole also provide this shoe with a nice level of responsiveness and ground feedback. This shoe is good for multidirectional activity, so if you’re doing lateral, forward, or backward work, then you should enjoy how it performs.

I think the separate tongue construction and reworked upper in this model were also nice touches for contributing to how this performs for versatile training. This model breathes well and the fit doesn’t feel nearly as tight or restrictive as the prior Reign models did, especially for those with neutral or slightly wider feet.

UA TriBase Reign 4 for Shorter Runs and Daily Wear

In the context of shorter runs, the TriBase Reign 4 will work, but it’s not going to be the most comfortable shoe for longer runs. I think the sweet spot in this shoe would be tackling runs that are programmed in WODs or the casual 1-3 miles tacked on before or after training sessions. For longer runs, you may find this shoe’s stability to be a turnoff and uncomfortable.

I like this model more than previous Reign models for daily wear. I think the silhouette looks better in this shoe, and the breathable upper construction is a nice perk. With the exposed midsole foam in the forefoot, I’d suggest not wearing these when it’s raining and I wouldn’t wear them in muddy outdoor training settings.

UA TriBase Reign 4 Vs TriBase Reign 4 Pro

I’ve received multiple questions about comparing the normal TriBase Reign 4 to the TriBase Reign 4 Pro. Which model is better? Is there a clear winner? Both of these shoes deliver a consistent midsole and outsole construction, and their main differences revolve around the upper materials used in each model and the fact the Regin 4 Pro utilizes a bootie-style construction.

In the TriBase Reign 4, you’re getting a layered mesh upper and in the TriBase Reign 4 Pro, you get a mesh with haptic overlays. Personally, I don’t think the Regin 4 Pro’s upper construction and materials are that much better than the normal mesh used in the Reign 4.

Additionally, the Regin 4 Pro also has a midfoot cage which is useful since the Pro utilizes a bootie construction similar to the TriBase Reign 3, and that brings us to their next difference. In the Reign 4 Pro, you have a bootie-style construction that is similar to the TriBase 3’s which is a little hit or miss, in my opinion, due to bootie constructions feeling limiting at times.

The Pro also has a slightly bigger heel counter compared to the Reign 4 due to its bootie construction. The last subtle difference is that the Reign 4 Pro has a slightly heavier weight compared to the Reign 4. My size 10 in the Pro model weighs 13.70 oz while my Reign 4 weighs 13 oz.

The Takeaway: I’d suggest skipping on the TriBase Reign 4 Pro and saving your $30 USD, and instead, go for the regular Reign 4. To be honest, I think the normal Reign 4 is actually the superior shoe despite not having the “upgraded” material that the Pro has.

UA TriBase Reign 4 Sizing

For the UA TriBase Reign 4, you should be safe going true to size. This model is slightly wider than the previous Under Armour TriBase Reign models, which I’m personally a fan of because I think this shoe will be better for those with neutral and slightly wider feet compared to prior Reign models.

• UA TriBase Reign 4 Sizing Thoughts: Go true-to-size.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the UA TriBase Reign 4, drop a comment below and I can aim to help you out accordingly.

Construction Details

The Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 received some notable construction updates and also has some construction features that carry over from the prior TriBase models.

Below are some of the biggest construction details that impact this shoe’s durability and performance.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2mm
• Weight: 13 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Micro G Foam Midsole
• Breathable Mesh Upper
• TriBase Outsole Tech
• Ridges In Forefoot for Flexibility
• External Heel Counter

If you have additional questions on the construction of the Under Armour TriBase Reign 4, drop a comment below and I’ll answer whatever you have.

Takeaway Thoughts

In the Under Armour TriBase Reign cross-training shoe line, I think the 4 is the strongest model. I like that Under Armour did away with the bootie-style construction with this shoe and made it slightly wider.

I think for the avid cross-training and CrossFit-focused lifter and athlete, the UA TriBase Reign 4 is a good cross-training shoe to look into.

If you have additional questions on the TriBase Reign 4, hit me in the comments below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).