#360reviews: Under Armour SpeedForms and Arsenal's new home kit

Sport360 staff 12:49 27/05/2016
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  • This week's gear.

    Making sure you have the right footwear as a long-distance runner is as important as the physical preparation that goes into running an event like a marathon in itself.

    Runners are meticulous over their choice of trainers and it has to be just right for treading 42.195 kms during a race, plus dozens more in training.

    Comfort and durability are often cited as the two key components in this decision-making process, and with so many products out there to choose from, it’s a highly-competitive market.

    But Under Armour have certainly cracked it with their new SpeedForm Slingshot. The shoe fits as snug as a sock or slipper and even if you have reservations about its barefoot type feel at first and whether or not it will last the pace, those concerns are quickly cast aside.

    The combination of its lightweight design, flexibility and the perfect amount of cushioning makes you road-ready from the outset – softening the heavy blows to joints on hard-wearing ground.

    UA’s shoe provides enough of a shield to protect you but not at the expense of feeling like you’re actually having to exert more energy into every stride – or think about doing anything differently to normal.

    In fact, the shoe’s technological dynamism provides the foot with the padding needed to help a runner enjoy subtle and soft movements. It actually feels like your foot is wrapped-up securely but with the ability to move.

    Price: Dh514
    Where to Buy: Under Armour Stores at Dubai Festival City, Mirdif City Center Mall Dubai and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.

    WRAP UP COOL AS SUMMER KICKS IN

    Don’t let the UAE heat deter you from enjoying your running this summer.

    Keeping as cool as possible and comfortable while exercising isn’t easy, but Under Armour’s running clothing range sure can help.

    Their singlet vest combines microthread technology in its fabric to help dry sweat and ensure the next-to-skin top won’t cling to you. It absorbs moisture and uses an anti-odor system so you will feel fresher than normal after your run.

    And if you’re out after sunset, the Under Armour logo features a reflector, increasing visibility on low-light runs.

    The top is lightweight at just 3.9 ounces and through its easy-wearing polyester fabric, running could not be easier. Ideal for warming-up in or cooling down, Under Armour’s streaker run quarter zip top is a nice option to wear around the track.

    Its material stretches easily and compliments UA’s range through its rather simple but distinctive design, which derives in eleven different colours.

    And finally, their Launch 9” shorts could help you enjoy a smooth and comfortable run as they boast mesh side panels for strategic ventilation, have ultra-lightweight fabric durability and important hand pockets for storage, such as a music device or phone.

    Rating: 9 out of 10
    Price: Vest – Dh103, Top – Dh201, Shorts – Dh140.
    Where to Buy: Under Armour Stores at Dubai Festival City, Mirdif City Center Mall Dubai and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.

    MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER SHIRT

    Unveiled this week, Arsenal’s kit for next season, merges innovative technology with design features that give a nod to Arsenal’s past.

    Designed in the classic Arsenal home red, Puma’s iconic T7 Form Stripe runs along each sleeve and Arsenal home kit for 2016/17 by Puma a dropped tail and longer sleeves with cuffs give this shirt a refined look.

    The front graphic provides a modern approach and the gothic ‘A’ on the back neck area is inspired by the font that featured on the club’s crest in the past. The new shirt features ACTV Thermo-R technology, which helps players maintain an optimum body temperature.

    The inner athletic tape allows microcapsules to absorb excess heat and release it back to the body, while he taping in the shirts provides an extra snug fit, micro-massaging the skin to enable a more effective energy supply.

    Price: Shirt –Dh300, Shorts – Dh150, Socks – Dh65
    Where to Buy: Available to preorder at www.puma.com/arsenal and www.ArsenalDirect.com

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