Ultra-Cushioned Trail Runners

Under Armour is looking to stamp out the competition in the sub-$100 trail runners segment with the 'Charged Bandit Trail 2' shoes, which are positioned as trail running shoes but have a bevy of characteristics that make them suitable for everything from HIIT workouts in the gym to through-hikes, portages, volcano treks and whatever other challenging physical endeavor you set your mind to.

At $90, it's difficult if not impossible to find trail runners that offer the comfort and performance as the Charged Bandit Trail 2. As their name suggests, these shoes make use of Under Armour's proprietary Charged Cushioning midsole, a shock absorption and energy return technology that is the envy of the training shoe industry. This midsole is designed to curb the impact of each step while delivering significant bounce back, making for reduced strain on your joints and feet coupled with boosted responsiveness and performance. It's impossible to not notice the comfort and performance boost offered by these shoes mere minutes into your first wear, an effect that's enhanced by the fact that these shoes don't appear to need much of a break-in period.

Elsewhere, the Charged Bandit Trail 2 shoes come with a ruggedly durable outsole burnished with technical trail lugs, giving you a high degree of traction in all directions. The grip seems to work consistently well on mud, slippery rock and wet grass, giving rise to the notion that these might also appeal to through hikers looking for a more breathable and lightweight alternative to traditional hiking shoes. The Charged Bandit Trail 2 shoes are water-resistant but not waterproof, although that's a positive trait as it enables the use of the two-toned mesh upper which is vital to promoting ventilation and ensuring your feet don't feel cramped and sweaty.

These trail runners will also appeal to people with wider feet and minor foot issues like bunions, who might appreciate a slightly wider fit and a roomy toe box. The use of a molded sock liner that fights slippage and strategically located overlays to guard against abrasion help round out these consummate best-in-class trail runners.