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I’ve always enjoyed the Under Armour TriBase Reign training shoe series, but it always felt like the shoes were “almost there”. The Reign shoes are great for lifting and CrossFit, yet their popularity has remained relatively stagnant.
I think a lot of this is due to two things. First, Under Armour doesn’t seem to market the Reign shoe line that much. I’m optimistic they’ll bring more awareness to the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 because it’s a solid shoe.
Second, the shoes have never really had a standout feel to them. For example, when you buy a Nike Metcon or NOBULL Trainer, you know exactly what you’re getting and the UA Reign models have lacked this, in my opinion.
Who Should Buy the TriBase Reign 6?
- If you’re an Under Armour fan and want a shoe for lifting and CrossFit, you’ll love how the Reign 6 performs in the gym.
- If you like flatter-feeling shoes then the Reign 6 can be a good option to explore. This shoe’s 2mm heel-to-toe drop puts them on the lower end of drops for modern training shoes.
- With the ability to remove the drop-in midsole in this shoe, you can use it as a transitional shoe to barefoot shoes. While it’s not built for this, it’s a nice perk I’ve found with this shoe.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the TriBase Reign 6?
- If you don’t typically resonate with shoes with drop-in midsoles then I’d save your money and explore different models. This drop-in midsole squeaks less than some of its peers, but it’s still a drop-in midsole.
- If you want a more casual training shoe for walking and running and you’re not super worried about stability and durability then you may want to explore more responsive training shoes.
Specs to Know
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2mm
- Weight: 14.25 oz (size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Drop-In Midsole
Sizing Advice
- Width: Regular/Medium
- Sizing: True to size
- Width: Medium/Wide(ish)
- Narrower Feet Sizing: True to Size
- Wider Feet Sizing: True to Size, 3E+ Width Pass On These
- Flatter Feet Sizing: These tend to work pretty well for flatter feet.
- Relative Sizing: Go with your Nike, Adidas, and Reebok size.
Performance Assessment
Testing the UA TriBase Reign 6 for Lifting and CrossFit
In the context of lifting, the UA TriBase Reign 6 has performed exceptionally well. If you’re buying these for recreational strength sessions then you’ll enjoy the stability that you get from them even though the drop-in midsole runs a little plusher.
Thus far some of my max lifting tests in this shoe include a deadlift set with 405 lbs for 11 reps and a Hatfield squat triple at 415 lbs and I didn’t have any glaring issues with this shoe’s drop-in midsole giving out or compressing.
I think if you’re squatting 400+ lbs you will notice the drop-in midsole a bit — especially through the heel — but not to a point that will hinder your performance, in my opinion.
The TriBase Reign 6 has been solid for dumbbell split squats and lunges and machine work. Its increased flexibility is great for foot articulation, and its outsole has a nice grip for single-leg and machine exercises.
When it comes to CrossFit, I see the TriBase Reign 6 as a very viable top CrossFit shoe in 2024. This model’s reinforced sidewalls and layered mesh upper give this shoe more rigidity and protection against the abrasion you’ll run into in most WODs.
On top of this, I like that this shoe’s drop-in midsole feels bouncy and comfortable enough for high-volume box jumps and double-unders while being stable enough for heavy WODs with clean & jerks, squats, and deadlifts.
Testing the UA TriBase Reign 6 for Versatile Training
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the TriBase Reign 6 for my athletic sessions, which involve HIIT, plyometrics, and multi-directional exercises. This shoe’s more flexible feel and grippy outsole are stay players in this performance vertical.
When doing broad jumps and sled work on turf, I never ran into slip issues in this shoe and I like that the forefoot’s tread is a lot more aggressive than the TriBase Reign 5’s smoother outsole.
The reinforced upper has also done a great job at locking my foot down when doing lateral work. For example, I paired a Cossack squat with a skater stride in one workout and I didn’t have any glaring spillover issues in this shoe.
The heel counter in this model feels soft and doesn’t rub a ton on the ankle which I also enjoyed for my versatile training sessions. If you notice that the heel tab rubs, then you should be able to cut that off without messing up the shoe, too.
I think my only concern with this shoe for versatile training revolves around its volume for thick feet. For this type of foot anatomy, you may find that the toe box feels a little too low-profile especially when doing forward explosive exercises like broad jumps.
Testing the UA TriBase Reign 6 for Short Runs and Walking
While the UA TriBase Reign 6 is more comfortable for running compared to the TriBase Reign 5, it’s still not going to be your training shoe for pure hybrid workouts where you’re running and lifting.
To add context here, for sprints and short interval runs, the TriBase Reign 6 has been fine. I hit a few workouts where I had fast 400 and 800-meter runs programmed in on a curved treadmill and this shoe felt fine — comfort-wise.
The drop-in midsole is a lot more forgiving compared to the Micro G Foam in the 5 and this is why I also like the Reign 6 comparatively speaking for WODs where you’re running throughout. For runs over 1 mile, you may find this shoe uncomfortable.
For walking and daily wear, the TriBase Reign 6 can be an okay shoe. Is it going to be the most comfortable model if you’re on your feet all day or doing long walks? Not necessarily, but it’s better than models like the Metcon 9 and Adidas Dropset Trainer 2.
Something I’ve been playing with in the Reign 6 is swapping out its drop-in midsole for thinner insoles from models like my Haze Trainer and Reign 5. This has been cool because you get an even more minimalist feel with this shoe.
If you’re transitioning from traditional shoes to barefoot shoes and you want a trainer that has a highly minimalist feel then you may want to try this out. It’s been a fun experiment and something unique that I’ve enjoyed with the Reign 6.
TriBase Reign 6 Performance Overview
- For lifting, this shoe has been stellar due to its flexibility and stability.
- If you like “athletic-feeling” shoes then you’ll enjoy this model’s performance for cross-training.
- Mark my words, the Reign 6 is going to be a strong contender against some of the market’s top CrossFit shoes in 2024.
- For sprints and short interval runs, the Reign 6 works well, but you’ll want to pass on them for longer runs.
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 has delivered a dynamic performance in the gym. This model feels athletic for cross-training and CrossFit while delivering a good level of stability for heavy training.
TriBase Reign 6 Sizing
- TriBase Reign 6 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 should fit true to size for most foot anatomies. For example, if you have narrow, regular/medium, and even slightly wider feet then you’ll be fine going TTS in this model.
If you currently wear Under Armour training shoes then I’d stay with the same size in the Reign 6. For context, this shoe fits similarly to other training shoes like the Dropset Trainer 2, Metcon 9, and Inov-8 F-Lite G 300.
My One Sizing Concern…
This model’s upper feels a little more snug compared to the Reign 5’s spacious WARP upper, but I don’t think that will be a major issue for most. Plus, you can remove the drop-in midsole to get more volume out of this shoe if you’re okay with a minimalist feel.
Outside of its upper volume, this shoe may lack in the toe box for EE-width feet and wider. If you have notably wide feet, I’d buy these with the thought in mind that you may have to return them so keep them in good condition.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the TriBase Reign 6, drop a comment below and let me know what shoe you currently wear and in what size.
Construction Breakdown
Outsole
The Reign 6 features TriBase tech throughout its outsole, but this shoe’s TB tech has been reworked. The TriBase triangle in this shoe is a TPU and it sits right in the middle of the model.
This doesn’t seem to hinder grip or articulation which is nice and if you like a more balanced midfoot then you’ll likely resonate with this change.
The forefoot, midfoot, and heel all have a deep grooved tread. This has proven to be solid for grip, and thus far, it appears to be more durable than prior Reign outsole treads.
Midsole
This shoe does not feature a separate midsole layer, instead, it comes with a drop-in midsole. This means that the insole is thicker and is used as the midsole in this model.
The heel of the drop-in midsole is a little denser compared to the midfoot and forefoot. I found this to give this shoe a nice blend of responsiveness with forefoot work and stability for lifting.
Upper
The medial forefoot of this model features Under Armour’s WARP material, and the lateral side is built with chainlink mesh. I like this blend of materials, and it gives this shoe a secure and durable feeling.
The midfoot and heel have overlays, and the heel has a separate internal heel counter, which has done a good job of promoting security and general comfort when breaking this shoe in.
To date, this has been my favorite upper used in the Reign shoes. It feels of a higher quality compared to the first five shoes and its durability seems to have received a lift — but time will tell there!
Who Should Buy the TriBase Reign 6?
- If you’re an Under Armour fan and want a shoe for lifting and CrossFit, you’ll love how the Reign 6 performs in the gym.
- If you like flatter-feeling shoes then the Reign 6 can be a good option to explore. This shoe’s 2mm heel-to-toe drop puts them on the lower end of drops for modern training shoes.
- With the ability to remove the drop-in midsole in this shoe, you can use it as a transitional shoe to barefoot shoes. While it’s not built for this, it’s a nice perk I’ve found with this shoe.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the TriBase Reign 6?
- If you don’t typically resonate with shoes with drop-in midsoles then I’d save your money and explore different models. This drop-in midsole squeaks less than some of its peers, but it’s still a drop-in midsole.
- If you want a more casual training shoe for walking and running and you’re not super worried about stability and durability then you may want to explore more responsive training shoes.
Final Verdict
The UA TriBase Reign 6 has come out swinging and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite training shoes in 2024. This model’s updates feel strategic and well-curated giving it a much more versatile feeling.
For lifting, this shoe has delivered a strong level of stability even when deadlifting and squatting over 400 lbs. For athletic sessions, this model’s articulation and security have been stellar.
If you have additional questions about this shoe before you invest, please don’t hesitate to reach out and drop a comment below!
Tommy G
Love the turn under Armour has taken with these shoe. Lower drop, decent cushion. They fill that any workout vibe that honestly is a throwback to nano 2-6, early metcons, and other shoes in the space
Theo Dehoyos
Comfortable, flexible and stable. One of the top 5 shoes of the year.
Mirza Junuzovic
Hi Jake,
How is the sizing and fit of Reign 6 compared to Nano X3? I have a pair of Nano X3’s in size 11 and they feel comfortable without beeing snug. Can I go true to size on Reign 6 or should I order half size up?
I’d go 11 in the Reign 6 as well!
Miranda
I was wondering I need new shoes both for lifting and some crossfit. I have wide feet and I find some shoes really bother the middle of my foot. I have been going with the nobulls but I will have to switch to something else because I’m finding they are becoming not wide enough for my feet. Would reign 6 be a good option to try or are there other ones that would also be good. I like shoes that have a lower toe drop if possible.
I’d go Reign 6 or Born Primitive Savage 1. The Savage 1 will give you a little more forefoot room but it has a denser midsole, so that could be something to consider if you want a shoe with a little more “bounce” to it (the Reign 6!).
Usama Harun
Hi Jake! Would you recommend it over savage 1 for someone with wide/flat feet and 1 or 2 moles of post workout running?
They can work for flat/wide feet! They’ll be a little dense for running but if you’re a forefoot runner then you’ll be fine, imo!
Jose
Thanks Jake! I alternate Hazes with Metcon 5, these start to suffer as of late but I just love them specially for leg days, plus I find them both different enough they complement each other. I didn’t like 8 or 9, so I was actually thinking on having the Reign 6s as a potential candidate in case my Metcon 5s gave up (although the option of scanning through ebay for older Metcon is always there).
That’s a tough one! I’d say cop another 5 while you can then get the 6 down the road!
Jose
Hi Jake!
Nice review, I must say it’s even gotten me hyped about these!
I’ve been focusing on lifting more and more in the last year and I might see if I pick these up!
I would like to ask you how do these stack up with the competition: If all were the same price, would you get these above Hazes or RAD Ones? Or even above Metcon 4, which I know are some of your favs? They actually kinda look like the old Metcon 4-6 visually to me!
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Charlie Vayas
Adding to Jose’s comment, would you prefer the reign 6 over the new x4?
I feel the x4 is a tad lighter (about an ounce), but the reign 6 seems more well rounded overall.
Cheers,
c.
I like the Reign 6 a bit more, but that’s also because I love minimalist-feeling trainers. I have a full YouTube video coming out discussing their breakdown next week. Either are solid, though, and I would instead choose based on your performance feel/fit preferences!
It’s tough because each model has its perks. I love the Haze for its daily wear functionality, the RAD for their responsive ride/hybrid-friendliness, and the Reign 6s for their “minimalist” and athletic feeling. Truthfully, what will be outright “best” will depend on your preferences within those shoe asks. I’ve hit similar weights in every model and enjoy each’s versatility for cross-training and CrossFit.
IMO, if you want to try something new, I’d give the Reign 6 a go. They’re easy to return, too, which is nice because then you can seamlessly transition into the RAD or Haze which are not as easy if you decide to go that route!
Rafael W Castro
Hi Jake, I love your article reviews& youtube reviews, they are very helpful. So I love UA products & I have the tribase Reign 4, I love the feel of my fit in the shoe, they fell stable on heavy lifts, a bit stiff for sled pushes, & flexion movements. Fit for me was TTS, & I like the plush midsole feel. My question to you is, this has a drop in midsole, so is the 2mm heel to toe w that?! & If not what’s the heel to toe with it? Does the shoe require it?! Less fuss& just lace up & go are my type shoes. You helped me cancel out the Strike Mvmnt & only other option I like(I prefer under 6mm) is the R.A.D Ones & the reign 6. Any additional insight is welcome.
Yes, I believe it’s with the drop-in midsole. If you want to swap in a thinner insole you can definitely do so, I’ve played with doing that a bit. You won’t get as much cushion, though, FYI. I’d give the Reign 6 a try, honestly. They’ve been really solid!