Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Performance Review

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features two technologies for which Under Armour is well known: HOVR cushioning and TriBase stability. The combination sounds like a recipe for a comfortable yet stable shoe, and it usually is. Plenty of previous Under Armour training models including various Project Rock models have used the combination.

Does the HOVR Rise 4 deliver performance in line with its tech specs? Fortunately, we’ve got a positive answer for you. The Rise 4 is a fantastic performance model that will handle all your training needs. It’s also featured in our Best Cross Training Shoes, Best for Jumping, Best for CrossFit, Best Basketball Training Shoes, and Best for Weightlifting lists.

Pros

TriBase Technology

TriBase is a triangle on the outsole that aims to make the back half of the shoe rigid and stable for lifts. It does precisely that in my experience with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4. In some shoes like the adidas Dropset Trainer, I feel a rocking motion on exercises like dumbbell bent over rows or goblet squats. However, the TriBase outsole geometry made it so I never felt unstable and forced forward. From my midfoot to the heel, my foot stayed down and flat.

Lacing System

After my horrendous experience with the Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature, I was glad to test a shoe with an excellent lockdown lacing system. Most of the lace holes are nylon cables running down to the footbed, so the materials suck you in and ensure you’re contained. The top eyelets are connected to the heel wings, reminding me of the Air Jordan 4. The top eyelets and the wings do a great job of preventing heel slip. Just make sure you wear thick socks, so you don’t compromise the fit.

Outsole Traction

The traction on the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is made up of nubs shaped like circles. Everywhere I brought them, they did well. I tried doing dribbling drills on concrete, and they not only gripped well, but they also didn’t show any signs of wear. Whether on typical exercise mats, hard concrete floors, or nicer wood floors, this outsole will ensure you won’t slip.

Cons

No Traditional Tongue

This is more of a preference than anything, but I know plenty of people prefer a traditional tongue. These have a one-piece booty construction that has a sock-like feel to them. The good thing is that it will conform to your feet the more you wear them. The bad news is that you can’t adjust each section as well as you could with a traditional tongue setup, and it’s harder to get in the shoe. I had to pull both sides at the start to ensure I didn’t crush my heel while trying to get my foot inside the Rise 4.

Lack of Arch Support

There are no sidewalls like the adidas Dropset Trainer and Nike Metcon 8. While that feature is mainly for lateral stability, which these do a decent job at, it also doubles as arch support, especially for flat-footers like myself. I couldn’t get away without using an orthotic in these. If you have a normal arch, though, you should be okay. Luckily, Move Insoles are compatible with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 if you need extra arch support.

Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Summary

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is a cross-training shoe that stays true to the category. It has enough cushion to handle HIIT and jump training. It has enough stability to do heavy deadlifts, squats, and other compound lifts. It has enough outsole durability and grip that you can be confident bringing these to the gym, on vacation, or keeping them at home. Whether you’re just starting to exercise or have been in the game for some time, you’ll find the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features plenty to be happy about.