UA Project Rock BSR 4 Performance Review

The UA Project Rock BSR 4 arrived for testing amidst a huge resurgence by the Rock (though he never really left the public eye in the first place).

The wrestling world has been buzzing about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after his return to the WWE as both a TKO executive and professional wrestler. The self-proclaimed “Final Boss” has perhaps never been hotter, with a new skincare line and multiple beverage lines continuing to expand their market share.

At the same time, it seems like there’s been less discussion than one might expect around the Project Rock line at Under Armour. So when the UA Project Rock BSR 4 arrived with our reviewers, we were excited to test the latest iteration of one of our favorite budget weightlifting shoes.

So do we want to smell what the Rock is cooking with the BSR 4 or do we need to find a new chef?

Please note that while Under Armour sent us pairs of the UA Project Rock BSR 4, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.

How do the Authors Train?

Arune Singh (age 42, 5’11”, 210lbs): Trains daily with functional fitness programming provided by Deadboys Fitness, founded by Colby “Seth Rollins” Lopez and Josh Gallegos, along with logging 30-40 miles of running per week. He also has a medical history of Sleep Apnea and Myasthenia Gravis, meaning Arune’s focus is on lean muscle mass.

Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Trains daily with a focus on running, strength training, and mobility. He writes the majority of our running shoe reviews and runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and his growing affinity for long-distance races. He regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races. His strength training and mobility regimen center around maintaining flexibility and lifting heavy to build power as a counterbalance to all the running he’s doing. His number one focus is staying injury-free so he can keep up the sweet gig of reviewing shoes for a living.

What is the UA Project Rock BSR 4?

Under Armour describes it as:

These shoes were built for explosive movement and dynamic training, day in and day out. You never let up, neither do these—stability for strength training, flexibility for HIIT, and cushioning for mobility.

How the UA Project Rock BSR 4 compares to the BSR 3

Arune: We’re starting this review a bit differently than normal because, to be honest, not a whole lot has changed from last year’s Project Rock BSR 3 to this year’s BSR 4.

The UA Project Rock BSR 4, like its predecessor, remains one of the best budget weightlifting shoes on the market.

Training

Like last year, you’re going to get a lot out of all your lifts with the Tribase tech that provides pretty solid ground feel considering the slab of foam under your foot.

However, I’m not sure if my training preferences have changed or something in the Charged Cushioning has been augmented, but the shoe becomes a bit unstable when I have to really compress the midsole at the heel for those big lower body lifts.

I don’t think anyone is using these shoes for their 500 pound squats, but I think it’s worth noting when the instability comes into play.

Cardio

No training shoe ever seems super great for running, but everything else here remains the same as last year – this is a solid shoe for rowing, shadow boxing, and the bike.

Fit

This year’s model is somehow even more comfortable than last year, with what feels like a slightly wider forefoot or at least a more accommodating mesh upper. For a slightly wide footer like me, this means I’m able to get full toe splay (a rarity with many big brand training shoes).

You can comfortably go TTS (true to size) here. I wear a 9.5 in all my training shoes and continue to do so here as well.

Aesthetics

The Project Rock BSR 4 feels incredibly similar to the prior model. If you liked the look before, you’ll like it now.

Price

The Project Rock BSR 4 remains a great value at $100.

Clear Improvements

Drew: As Arune mentioned, Under Armour didn’t change much to create the Project Rock BSR 4, but everything the design team tweaked, they improved.

I didn’t notice much of a difference in the cushioning or the underfoot feel but the upper and fit are better. The upper is taller and more accommodating of tall feet while the upper feels a touch wider up front. The result is a more comfortable experience. I’d also say this upper looks a bit nicer than the BSR 3 and doesn’t scream budget shoe as much as that one did with its midfoot vinyl overlays covered in the Rock’s mottos.

UA Project Rock BSR 4 Final Verdict

Arune: The UA Project Rock BSR 4 remains one of the best budget weightlifting shoes on the market. This isn’t a shoe for hardcore lifters or CrossFitters, but I think that most regular folks will love this shoe for everyday workouts.

Drew: The UA Project Rock BSR 4 is the best budget cross training shoe available. Unless you spend $20-$40 more, you won’t find anything that delivers the same performance in the gym. I have to appreciate how this shoe targets the budget segment of the market and absolutely nails the value proposition to be best in class.