Testing the UA Velociti Distance and Elite Collection by Under Armour: Why I’m Ditching Heavy Hiking Boots

I received some amazing gear from Under Armour recently—they actually sent over two full sets of activewear, including their latest shoes!

My partner and I took a trip out to the Inversnaid RSPB Nature Reserve on the eastern banks of Loch Lomond, and I couldn't wait to share the photos with you all. That trip is actually where these photos were taken, because on a whim, I decided to wear one of the shoes Under Armour sent—the UA Velociti Distance—out on the trail.

Oh my goodness, it turned out to be the absolute best choice.

Anyone who knows me knows I hike a lot. For years, I’ve been tramping around in traditional, stiff hiking boots. The thing about heavy footwear is that you get so used to the weight that you don't even realize how much energy it saps out of you. You finish a long trail thinking your legs are just tired from the distance, when really, half the battle was swinging those heavy soles with every single step.

Wearing a high-cushion road runner like the Velociti Distance on a nature walk was an eye-opener. It made me reflect on just how much running footwear has evolved over the past few years.

How Footwear Has Evolved

It used to be that running shoes were stripped back to almost nothing or were so firm that your knees took the brunt of every footstrike. But brands are shifting. Today, the focus is squarely on leg preservation, joint protection, and keeping your body feeling fresh whether you're logging 15 miles on asphalt or spending five hours on your feet outdoors.

That’s where the UA Velociti collection really shines. The UA Velociti Distance is technically designed as a max-cushion, high-mileage road trainer built to protect your joints during long marathon prep and daily recovery runs.

Here is a brief look at what’s going on inside the shoe:

• Cushioning: A generous 38 mm heel stack and 32 mm forefoot (giving it a balanced 6 mm drop) filled with UA’s responsive HOVR+ foam.

• Ride Feel: Stable, slightly structured, with an incredible heel lock that stops your foot from sliding around.

• Weight: Roughly 344 grams (11.8 oz).

• Ideal For: High-mileage road runs, recovery days, and—as I accidentally discovered—long, scenic walking trails.

Why choose a running shoe for the trail?

When you take a shoe with a 38 mm stack of plush HOVR+ foam off the pavement and onto woodland trails, the difference in fatigue is night and day. Because the cushioning absorbs so much of the ground impact, your ankles, knees, and hips don't take a beating. Combine that protection with a shoe that weighs a fraction of a heavy leather hiking boot, and suddenly hiking feels effortlessly smooth and so much less tiring.

I’m definitely not trying to sell you anything here—just giving an honest, personal perspective from someone who loves spending hours outdoors. Under Armour sent the gear over, but the experience on the trail was all mine.

I actually posted a quick hiking video over on my Instagram if you want to see how the trail looked (and how the full set looked in action!).

If you’ve been feeling battered or exhausted after your usual long weekend walks or runs, take a look at what you’re wearing on your feet. Modern cushion technology isn't just a marketing trend—it's a game-changer for keeping your legs alive and enjoying the outdoors a whole lot longer.