When Nike first released the original Metcon 1 trainers in 2015, every single pair was sold out (in the European market) within 24 hours of launch. Since then, a slew of additional Metcon variants have been released, during which time the mighty Metcons have increasingly stood as the standard in the gold training shoe segment. Despite a half-decade disadvantage, Under Armour is now taking aim at the Beaverton, Oregon sportswear giant with the release of new UA TriBase Reign 2 men’s training shoes.
The Under Armour trainers tip the scales at only 10.84oz, placing it on par with Nike’s latest Metcon model. A precise fit is made possible thanks to the Reign 2’s external heel counter, knit uppers, and an optimized collar height, though the shoe still offers ample range of movement due to their zonal flex areas and a rubber build beneath the toe box that also bolsters floor grip. The Reign 2s also sport full-length Micro-G foam midsoles and full-rubber outsole wraps that improve durability and make them more conducive to running shoe duties. The model’s name stems from its use of Under Armour’s TriBase sawtooth-patterned soles. Priced at $120, the UA TriBase Reign 2 trainers are offered in four different colorways, two of which are unique camo designs.
