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If you’re looking for sportswear or sneakers, you’ve probably heard of both Adidas vs Under Armour. They’re two of the biggest names in athletic gear. But how do they stack up against each other? In this guide, we’ll explore key aspects like comfort, style, durability, breathability, and more to help you decide which brand suits you best.
Let’s dive in and compare Adidas vs Under Armour to see which one fits your needs better.
Adidas vs Under Armour
| Feature | Adidas | Under Armour |
| Comfort | Boost technology, soft and springy | Charged cushioning, balanced and supportive |
| Style & Design | Trendy, retro-modern fusion | Functional, sleek, and performance-driven |
| Sizing Consistency | Generally true to size, may run narrow | May run small in shoes, varies in clothing |
| Brand Reputation | Established global icon since 1949 | Growing star since 1996, known for innovation |
| Breathability | Primeknit and mesh for airflow | Ventilation panels, HeatGear for coolness |
| Durability | Long-lasting, especially with Boost technology | Durable and designed for tough conditions |
| Fit & Support | Snug fit, may be tight for wide feet | Roomier fit, good arch support and stability |
| Pricing | Premium pricing, $80-$200+ for shoes | Affordable to mid-range, $50-$150+ for shoes |
| Customer Reviews | Popular for comfort and style, narrow for some | Praised for performance, inconsistent sizing |
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, both Adidas and Under Armour offer high-quality options. However, they approach comfort differently.
Adidas – Boost Technology
Adidas is known for its Boost technology. It’s a unique cushioning system that provides a responsive and springy feel underfoot. The Boost midsole is often praised for being soft but supportive, perfect for long runs or all-day wear. Adidas also uses Primeknit in its shoes, which is a flexible, sock-like material that hugs your foot without feeling tight.
Under Armour – Charged Cushioning
Under Armour focuses on their Charged Cushioning system. It’s designed to absorb impact and provide a balance of softness and firmness. This makes it ideal for activities like running and cross-training, where you need extra support. Their HOVR technology offers a “zero-gravity feel,” which helps reduce impact and makes it easier to keep moving.
Comfort Comparison Table
| Feature | Adidas | Under Armour |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | Boost | Charged Cushioning, HOVR |
| Upper Material | Primeknit | Mesh and Microthread |
| Ideal Activities | Running, Casual Wear | Running, Cross-Training |
| Overall Feel | Soft, Bouncy | Balanced, Supportive |
Style and Design
Adidas and Under Armour take different approaches to style and design. Whether you’re looking for sleek everyday wear or functional athletic gear, these brands have something to offer.
Adidas – Trendsetter
Adidas has long been a trendsetter in both sports and street fashion. Their shoes often feature bold designs, with a mix of retro and modern looks. Sneakers like the Adidas Superstar or Ultraboost have become fashion staples, not just athletic shoes. Their clothing also blends performance with style, making it great for both workouts and casual outings.
Under Armour – Function First
Under Armour leans more into functionality. While their designs are sleek and modern, they focus more on performance than making a fashion statement. Their shoes and clothing are typically less flashy, but they’re packed with features that help you perform better, like sweat-wicking materials and strategic ventilation.
Sizing Consistency
One important factor when buying shoes or clothing online is how consistent a brand’s sizing is. Let’s see how Adidas and Under Armour handle sizing.
Adidas – True to Size
Adidas generally runs true to size for most people. Their shoes and clothing tend to fit comfortably, although some people find that their shoes run a little narrow, especially for wider feet.
Under Armour – Slight Variability
Under Armour sizing can vary depending on the product. For example, some customers have reported that their shoes run smaller, while their tops may be a bit looser. It’s always a good idea to check specific product reviews for sizing before making a purchase.
Sizing Consistency Table
| Aspect | Adidas | Under Armour |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe Sizing | True to size | May run small |
| Clothing Sizing | True to size | Can vary slightly |
| Fit for Wide Feet | May run narrow | Often more room |
Brand Reputation
Reputation is important, especially when investing in gear that’s supposed to last. How do Adidas and Under Armour compare in terms of brand image?
Adidas – Global Icon
Adidas has been around since 1949 and has built a massive following. Known for its partnerships with athletes, musicians, and fashion designers, Adidas has cemented itself as a global icon. Their products are highly respected for quality, style, and performance. They also place a strong focus on sustainability with their Parley collection, which uses recycled ocean plastic.
Under Armour – Rising Star
Under Armour is newer, having started in 1996, but it quickly grew in popularity. Known for its innovation in athletic wear, Under Armour has earned a reputation for high-performance products. While not as established as Adidas, it’s still considered a major player in the industry, especially in North America.
Breathability
Whether you’re running a marathon or just hitting the gym, breathability is crucial. Let’s see which brand does it better.
Adidas – Primeknit and Mesh
Adidas uses Primeknit in many of its shoes, which is breathable and flexible. They also have shoes with mesh uppers, making them great for activities where airflow is important.
Under Armour – Ventilation Panels
Under Armour often incorporates ventilation panels into their shoes and clothing. Their HeatGear technology is designed to keep you cool even during intense workouts, helping wick away sweat and enhance breathability.
Durability
You want your shoes and clothes to last. So, how durable are Adidas and Under Armour products?
Adidas – Built to Last
Adidas products are known for their durability, especially their footwear. The Boost cushioning and strong uppers in their shoes are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Many Adidas fans find their sneakers last for years with proper care.
Under Armour – Tough and Reliable
Under Armour products are built to handle tough conditions. Whether it’s their running shoes or their compression gear, they’re made to last. Their focus on athletes means durability is a key feature in most of their products.
Fit and Support
Fit and support are essential for comfort and performance, especially in athletic shoes and clothing.
Adidas – Snug Fit
Adidas shoes, especially those with Primeknit uppers, tend to have a snug fit. This can feel very supportive, especially for activities like running. However, some people with wider feet may find them a bit tight.
Under Armour – Secure and Comfortable
Under Armour shoes often provide a more roomier fit, with plenty of support. They use molded footbeds and cushioned soles to give extra support, especially for those who need more arch support or stability.
Pricing
Pricing can be a major factor in deciding between Adidas and Under Armour.
Adidas – Premium Pricing
Adidas tends to be on the pricier side, especially for their high-tech shoes like the Ultraboost. However, many customers feel that the quality justifies the cost. If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology and trendy designs, you might find Adidas worth the investment.
Under Armour – Affordable and Mid-Range
Under Armour offers a mix of affordable and mid-range options. While some of their products are pricier, especially their HOVR shoes, they often have more budget-friendly options, particularly in clothing.
Pricing Comparison Table
| Brand | Price Range for Shoes | Price Range for Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | $80 – $200+ | $30 – $100+ |
| Under Armour | $50 – $150+ | $20 – $80+ |
Customer Reviews
Let’s see what customers are saying about both brands.
Adidas – Popular Among Athletes and Fashion Fans
Adidas often receives praise for its comfortable and stylish shoes. Many athletes love the Boost technology, while fashion fans appreciate the stylish designs. However, some reviews mention that the shoes can be narrow for those with wider feet.
Under Armour – Loved by Runners and Cross-Trainers
Under Armour tends to get positive reviews for its performance-focused products. Runners often rave about the HOVR shoes, and cross-trainers appreciate the support and comfort. However, some users have noted that sizing can be inconsistent across different products.
Conclusion
When it comes to Adidas vs Under Armour, the choice depends on what you value most. Adidas is a great option if you’re looking for stylish designs, premium comfort, and well-established brand reputation. On the other hand, Under Armour offers functional, high-performance gear at a more affordable price. Whether you’re running, training, or just looking for something casual, both brands have excellent options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is more durable, Adidas or Under Armour?
Both brands offer durable products, but Adidas is often praised for its long-lasting shoes, especially those with Boost cushioning. Under Armour is also known for creating tough, reliable gear for athletes.
Are Adidas shoes good for wide feet?
Adidas shoes are generally true to size but can run narrow, especially in models with Primeknit uppers. If you have wider feet, you might need to size up or opt for a style with a wider fit.
Is Under Armour cheaper than Adidas?
Under Armour tends to offer more budget-friendly options compared to Adidas, especially for clothing. However, both brands have products across different price ranges.
Who is Under Armour’s biggest competitor?
Key Takeaways
Under Armour’s main competitors are Nike and Adidas, both of which have historically earned much higher revenue than UA.
Although the barriers to entry in the sports apparel industry are very high, UA successfully found its place in the market by marketing primarily to American football.
Is Under Armour more popular than Adidas?
Baltimore-based Under Armour had U.S. apparel and footwear sales of $1.2 billion through the end of August, edging ahead of Adidas with $1.1 billion total U.S. sales, according to a Sterne Agee report Friday citing sales figures from SportScanInfo.
