Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my review of the new Under Armour Project Rock 7 training shoes. Spoiler alert: as a fitness fanatic, I am thoroughly impressed with these shoes!
First Impressions: Bold Looks and Design
At first glance, you might mistake these shoes for basketball sneakers. The black upper with pops of pink-orange pairs perfectly with the gradient purple-to-pink HOVR™ foam midsole, giving a sense of intensity and heat. The overall design is striking, featuring the iconic UA TriBase™ stability structure and an icy rubber outsole. The 7th generation branding on the tongue and contrasting pink-orange lace eyelets add a stylish touch.
Fit and Comfort: Excellent Support with a Sock-Like Feel
The Project Rock 7 provides exceptional support with its combination of a thin, flexible tongue, soft elastic knit upper, and padded heel lining. These elements create a snug, sock-like fit that doesn’t dig into your feet when putting them on. The arch area doesn’t offer excessive support, which is crucial for training shoes. Too much arch support during resistance training can lead to foot fatigue. Thanks to UA Clone technology, the upper provides just the right amount of support without sacrificing comfort, making for a highly satisfying fit.
Key Technologies in the Shoe
- Midsole: Powered by UA HOVR™ technology for responsive cushioning.
- Upper: UA Clone technology and sock-like collar for a secure fit.
- Outsole: TriBase™ structure with a TPU heel piece for stability and precision.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm / Weight: Approximately 354g per shoe.
Performance Testing
I tested the Project Rock 7 during a variety of workouts, including two 40-60 minute cardio sessions and five days of resistance training per week. Here’s how they performed:
- Lower Body Movements: During split squats, the heel stayed securely in place, with no feeling of detachment when stepping forward. The clean and stable movement was impressive, with no slippage or forward tilting during lifts. Even in exercises like heavy squats and hack squats, where ankle flexibility is crucial, the shoes allowed full range of motion without causing discomfort or pressure on the toes.
- Upper Body Movements: When performing exercises like standing barbell presses and rows that require lower body stability, the TriBase™ outsole did an excellent job of keeping my feet grounded. Even during the last few reps of a challenging set, the shoes provided a solid foundation with no loss of balance, enhancing both safety and stability.
- Cardio Training: I mixed up my cardio with elliptical sessions, fan bike, and treadmill workouts, as well as TRX and kettlebell exercises for core and explosive training. The Project Rock 7 excelled during high-intensity cardio, even during uphill walks on the treadmill. The HOVR™ midsole remained responsive with no lag, and my feet felt light and agile during quick footwork on the elliptical and fan bike.
The only trade-off was breathability. Due to the UA Clone upper, the shoes can feel a bit warm during intense workouts, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
For dynamic TRX and kettlebell exercises that require rapid direction changes, the Project Rock 7 delivered well-rounded performance. Whether it was explosive lifts or landing after jumps, the shoes absorbed impact smoothly. The upper’s flexibility did not hinder movement, and the shoe’s overall stability ensured that even off-the-ground exercises felt controlled and balanced without needing to tighten the laces excessively.
Final Thoughts
I wore my usual size, US 8, and found the fit ideal. If you have wider feet or flat arches, consider sizing up by half a size for a better fit. Throughout the testing period, I paired the shoes with athletic socks and didn’t need to tighten the laces much, allowing the shoe’s natural fit to do the work. The Project Rock 7 exceeded my expectations in both design and performance, especially in terms of support, even at the expense of some breathability.
Due to the translucent “icy” outsole, I only wore these shoes indoors for training. If you work out two to three times a week or more, I highly recommend heading to a store to try them on—you’ll experience something different from your usual training shoes.