Under Armour: Run Origins 1 of 5 : Speakers & Interviews

receptionist is sooooo cute

A lot of there shoes are under 80, at least the ones i saw

Interesting. I thought UA just made skull caps.

I would have to think that UA entering the sport is not necessarily going to hurt companies like Nike, that have a diversified base and can handle the competition, but rather smaller companies that have remained running-specific and true to the sport. One could say those companies just need to step up their game and compete, but it is not that simple. I guess whatever is best for the sport will take hold, and that is best for all.

Plus, UA needs to stop producing skin-tight stretch clothing. I guess those clothes are designed to be worn under football pads, but too many plus size people that should not be wearing such form fitting clothes do so freely and in public (usually while trying to flex their biceps).

Can we get the name of the receptionist? Gorgeous!

Hey everyone - thanks for all the comments. I'd love to hear what more of you have to say and what you think of UA in running. We're working hard to be a great brand in running that you can get excited about, and we want your feedback to help us get better. If you have any questions/comments for us, feel free to reach out to me and I'll answer/respond as soon as I can. Thanks again!

Thanks Kali - keep supporting UA running and the idea of competition making everyone better. That's our goal - push ourselves and our competition so that the sport of running benefits. We just want to make good shoes, continue to be passionate about what we do, and have runners enjoy the experience in our product. I wake up everyday thankful for what I do, and excited to get to work on something I love (running shoes). Thanks for 'getting it' -

Sean

FT - I think you're talking about Chris Brewer, our Director of Running footwear. He's not a designer, he manages the category, overseeing the management of the product, from concept to market. Chris and I work together, with our design team and development team, to bring to market performance shoes that fit and function great. I worked at Mizuno as well, with Chris, several years ago. Try our shoes on and give them a run, you'll see the 'look' and feel is different from Mizuno, we're not out to be 'same as' anyone...

Thanks Mike - that's our Footsleeve. Our goal is to have the best fit out there, and as a runner it's nice to hear you realize the importance of a great midfoot fit. We want to wrap the arch area and provide a great fit in that area to keep your arch up and provide a nice, comfortable ride. We will continue to evolve footsleeve and use it in our running footwear, so keep your eye out for different configurations of it as we move forward. Thanks for the support!

Thanks Alex - we're absolutely committed to the sport, and those of us in the building that work in the Running category are runners (both in our past and presently). I like what you said about companies pushing the envelope and trying new things, pushing the competition to be better and letting innovation happen. We will never take a product to market that isn't worthy of our brand, a brand that is committed to performance and making athletes better. I'm passionate about running, making great running shoes, and making the sport and our company better - and so are the people I work with. So, if anyone out there is a non-believer, that's fine, we'll work to gain your trust and belief. But please do not judge Under Armour without trying the product and making an informed decision. Keep running -

dude good products come from companies in the market. trial and error. start with a decent product and expore possibilities to make more, better products. That's how innovation works and that's how companies start in markets. AND another big company will only make whatever shoes/gear you like better by bringing in more competition to the market so chill.

Mark,

You should have interviewed the resptionist! She is hot!

Well I have never been a fan of UA, I have always viewed them as a knock-off version of major brands merchandise. When I see UA running shoes, I think L.A. GEAR on steroids….….or the Kmart 2000s with better promotion. If they were seriously interested in bettering the running community, they would wait until they birthed an idea of their own before putting out subpar running shoes. You can’t fake a good shoe……UA, save the running community from the test phase of your running line. If there is a genuine interest wait until you have a good product before entering the market, maybe focus on having a (Uno – one) running shoes that is good before diversifying your line.

I really like the way the Under Armour shoe has a sleeve that almost feels like you are already in a sock. Nice ride. Highly recommend.

Lol... That's because one of their main designers is ex-Mizuno. Take a closer look at UA's shoe tech, It's very similar.

I think everyone should be excited about this because really....what is the downside for us?
a. the shoes suck and never get any better... therefore don't buy them!
OR
b. they start producing a great product, they listen to the feedback and get better, making the existing companies work harder to produce better results and ultimately open another door for XC/Track to succeed in sponsorships etc.

So why hate? You lose nothing...but have everything to gain from a company who is WILLING to take the risk on our sport, and we can be a pretty picky audience to take on!
I've decided that if a company wants to focus attention on my sport that I'll be excited about it because anything that puts running a little more out there is good for all of us. Decide for yourself.

Cute secretary

flotrack has done it. Sell outs

well, im excited , ide love to get some underarmour spikes in the future

you people are ed if you think UA is making any type of technology to help running. they want money, its going to be an out of date nike, asics, brooks, whatever shoe design and technology, just with a bigger price tag

UA has talked a big game but I've yet to see anything. From what I heard about the first set of shoes, they were not anything different/special than any current running shoes on the market.

I would like to see two things in their products: LIGHTweight flats that have a VERY minimalistic design and split seamed running shorts.
It is very exciting to see a big company enter the market that has the possibility to compete with the other big companies. I hope to see an UA elite team soon and some collegiate sponsorships! I did notice that Texas Tech is sporting some jerseys this year... and I think the University of North Texas is too.
Exciting times for UA... I just hope they can compete and put out quality products that RUNNER like and use and hope they don't conform to just pleasing the recreational runner, like many companies have.

Lets get some good split running shorts. Enough with the basketball running shorts. Thats what I want! And make some shoes under 80 bucks

Fila Ian > Nike Ian > Under Armour Ian!!!!!!!!!

I guess I must be a weird brand of size b/c lots of people love UA apparel. However, Nike and addidas apparel have generally fit me like a tailored suit. Also, I work for a retailer and have the opportunity to try on just about everything, so it isn't for a lack of a sizing chart or trying different sizes. It is always the same with UA--I have to choose between too short (with tops) or too baggy, especially at the shoulders. I should add that my first UA top ever--a tech. T-shirt give away at a big 5k in 2006, does fit wonderfully. This has been the only piece to fit.

I should add that I really do hope that UA succeeds in producing great running shoes and garnering some market share. I have no qualms sporting the brand.

Nice infomercial. How much does this type of advertising cost?

I say welcome to the marketplace. UA is a big player in athletic wear. Athletic wear does not really fit. It is more “performance wear”. The changed the landscape and disrupted the market a few years ago. Nike, Adidas and everyone else had to react to them. They jumped ahead of so many companies so quickly it is just sick.

With UA coming into running here is what we will get:
Better products .Not just from UA, but everyone else. The other companies will respond to UA products.
Better coaching. Think about the Alberto Salazar - Nike relationship. Would Ritz have set an American record in the 5k with out it. Would Kara Goucher, Galen Rupp and many of the other premier runners be where they are without Salazar. Nike makes it possible. Is UA going to have its own program like that? I hope so.
More sponsorship – XC races and track meets are better with sponsors. Athletes get more and better stuff, making them want to come back. Better organization for the events. I could go on.
More Pro runners – Someone mentioned Jenny Baringer. Wouldn’t you like to see all the big companies competing hard to sign her? That translates to big dollars for her. Big dollars for her means bigger dollars for the next person and more dollars for even more people. The number of people who can run and make a living beyond college will expand. For the top people, they can make a better living.
UA - come on in. Give Nike a run for the money. Let’s see if you can get a better stable of athletes than Nike / Salazar. If they do that – Track wins.

I don't doubt that UA has the finances to employ gifted designers, etc. that understand the sport, but the image they have created for the company by marketing to football jocks and people that want to look "cool" (the posts below pretty much have hit it all) will create a challenge if they want to become a serious running company for serious runners. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear news of UA trying to acquire other shoe companies to reduce the competition.

Its funny that all of you guys are so against them trying to add running shoes. If anything it will help our sport. Don't tear them down for broadening their horizons. I honestly wasn't sold on their running shoes yet either, but you've got to believe that they will end up being very nice. It's not like they will have their football shoe designers build running shoes. It will be a completely different department, full of people who know running. They can build off of what other companies do, and make a pretty good shoe. And I'm sure they will get some athletes. There are plenty of guys out there who are great runners in college, and when they graduate would love to get sponsored by anyone who will pay them to run. I have a feeling if they had offered David Torrence a shoe deal he probably would have taken it.

When legit runners start wearing UA the rest will follow...

It would be sweet to see other running companies as well, Nike especially! As a collegiate runner and having worn nike, I would love to see the Nike campus and all the buildings they have to offer, i've never seen it but have heard great things!

i seriously don't get it...
if Under Armour can do well in 3 major sports why not running?
what a shame..

im curious how much UA paid to get onto flotrack

there are advantages in starting a co. later, than say: adidas or asics or brooks or exiom or mizuno, etc...

like when you start late you probably know the strengths and weaknesses of different companies and different shoes and you also don't have reputations to deal with.
p.s.it would be such a kewl idea Flotrack if they did this kind of coverage on Asics "or" Mizuno. So freakin' KEWL!
p.s.s. their commercials are ridiculously cool, second probably to Apple or Pepsi
saw this yesterday 51-54 made my day!

how are they completely different?

I'm interested to see what under armour can bring to the running shoe industry. ive always heard that the shoes are horrible and they are made by people who don't know running bla bla bla, but i can tell these people do know running. ive always worn the shirts, compression shorts, warm ups, ect. but ide like to see how the shoes will feel next season for a 70-75 mile a week high school runner.

Nice!

I had the opportunity to try out some of the new Under Armour running shoes and although I have been a long time mizuno fan you have definitely won me over. I love the new design changes and while they have everything a good running shoes should have they are also completely different from any other shoe i have ever worn, I look forward to sporting the shoes on my next run and ignore the negative comments because obviously some runners are too stubborn to try anything new.

leave the Under Armor products to those individuals who think they are really fast at your local races. you know, those guys who sprint out with the lead group with either shirt / no shirt / iPod blasting / only to fade 300 meters into the race. these are the people who will purchase Under Armor products.

Will they be able to appeal to runners? Maybe. All I know is that I've never bought any of their products that I was disappointed in. That's pretty strong.

They should throw mega dollars at Jenny Barringer to become their running rep. (After she graduates.)

dubious

glad you guys are asking the hard questions...maybe they'll surprise us and give good answers (and follow up on them)
I remain doubtful

under armour is trying to get into every sport market. I have seen their ads in snowboard magazines! They have no idea what snowboarders and runners like. I wouldn't trust their shoes. They need to stick to football baseball basketball

to John Desrosiers, i think that the under armour clothes that i have fit me perfectly and i am a good example of a typical runners body, scrawny. it helps if you read the sizing charts before you buy one of there shirts.

This is what UA needs to do. Create a LW trainer (< 10 oz.). Create a REAL racing flat (< 5 oz) and create just ONE amazing stability shoe. From there they will work up a following. Guaranteed as soon as they produce a sub 5 oz distance spike, they will have kids all over their stuff.

PS Make your clothes fit people who are already in shape.
PPS Great project Flotrack

I second the interview with the receptionist, and two where do I sign up to be a product tester?

was this shot the day of the marathon?

what?! you guys were in baltimore? you should have come found me

That receptionist is hot. Let's have a part 6 interview with her.

If they weren't taking it seriously, they wouldn't be on Flotrack.

I think Under Armour's ad in Runners World is not the best fit for a RUNNING magazine. "All athletes run" is not what a runner wants to hear. It makes it seem that anyone from any sport could do what, as we all know, is not easy. The Pearly Izumi ads are much more geared toward a runner with their "Run like an animal" slogan. The ad makes it seem that they know what it is like to be a RUNNER and not just an athlete.

Under Armour's apparel is nice but I don't think I'll ever wear Under Armour shoes.

I love the idea of a company trying new things and branching out like this. If Under Armour can make some trainers that are reasonably priced, and they're comfortable to run in I will purchase a pair. I don't care what the shoe is called just as long as it does the job.

I doubt it will ever actually work though. UA started out as a football, basketball, baseball company. There apparel is good, but as of right now I would not be caught dead wearing a pair of there running shoes. I would have to see some quality runners, and quality performances in both there spikes or flats before I would even consider purchasing a pair. Giving to the running community couldn't hurt there chances of success in merging into the running world either. But as of now they have a lot of work to do.

if they start sponsoring athletes they will get big and any company can make a good shoes they just need to designers and get people to wear them. i think its good another company to sponsor more athletes

it took 24 posts for someone to finally say it.. aaron laun i second that! receptionist is HOT!

I have to admit that to date I wouldn't even bother trying on a pair of UA shoes on a trip to the shoe store. If UA can release a good flat or lightweight performance trainer (less than 10oz) I'll give 'em a shot. Providing some legitimate sponsorship to a few runners wouldn't hurt either. One other thing. Is it just me? Or do UA clothes not fit the really skinny runner body well? Everything is either too short or too baggy with UA apparel.

receptionist is smokin...

Who's next to jump on the running boom? I'm not going to say the shoes suck, look at Nike... they started in running and went into basketball, baseball etc. UA has been rediculous with advertising so before you know it it'll have a big name and shoes will be sold. In a few years we'll be seeing UA in the spring shoe guide of RW. Better buy stock now...

Any company can make half decent running shoes, all they have to do is hire away the successful designers from other companies and let them do their thing. However, I will not wear UA shoes until I see that they are serious about giving back to the running community and supporting elite athletes. I could be wrong but their whole ad campaign "Athletes Run" gave me the impression that they were continuing to market themselves to athletes in other sports (ie football or lacross) and not taking the specialty running market seriously. I look forward to these other videos to see what UA has planned.

Forget Origins of Under Armour, lets find the Origins of that receptionist

"c'mon we just wanna see some flats!"

heck yeah

under armour sucks because it is football and Basketball and baseball! Not running the people that work at under armour car salesman! Not runners!
Because if they were runners armour would start out as a running shoes not football. It is just for looks not running . we must sick because we can protect this house of running!

I have a bias towards not liking Under Armor, but that is probably because it is what the lacrosse and football players were wearing when they used to beat me up in high school.

1:42-1:53. ahah! are those weight training shoes or what? I don't think even Bekele could win a race in those bad boys. :) cool that they are trying to get into the running world though. UA gear is awesome and effective. However their shoes need a lot of work.

Why so many UA haters?? Just curious...

the one thing that other companies other than nikes can't figure out, is that....less is more! lets see if Under Armour can get that right.

"We just want to see some flats!" Lol

If underarmour invests in the running community, they will gain the respect of the running community. Their products are top-notch and although I have not tried out their shoes, I expect they will be good.

how do u get sponsored?

the only real shoe companys are nike, asics, sacouny, brooks, and so forth

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!! Underarmour is a horrible shoe company!!!! its for football and baseball!!!!.... ok i like there clothing. the cold gear and stuff ya i use it for when i warm up but thats about it!! there gonna have horrible training shoes. Garuntee it!!!

Should of been sponsoring track athletes a long time ago

make a light weight (under 8oz) training flat..low profile...and I will take a serious look

example..DS trainer from 2003 & 2004....today the model suck

I some what agreed. But allow me to redirect, UA running shoes have been around for just a short time and not to many (if any) serious runners will go near them. For instance, many of the people you see in UA running shoes are all decked out in UA stuff. It appears that they know nothing about the quality of the shoe but just that it has UA on it and only "cool" people wear UA. I could go on describing the different types of people that use the UA running shoes but the thing to understand is that the company is not synonymous with serious running but rather casual "athletes" and people who want yet another connection to a popular sports brand. I should add that UA has only been attempting to break into the running community for a very short time. This could only be the first of many strides by them to establish themselves as a running brand, though it will take a major changes and some quality running products to change people's minds. I am not saying its impossible but seems unlikely that it will happen.

Great for Under Armour. We need some comp for University of Nike (O)

problem with Under Armour:

They're tool bags who makes sporting apparel for tool bags.

Good to see another big company getting involved - another good sign for the sport.

"we must protect this house!!"
haha

I think this is pretty interesting....never would buy a pair of Under Armor shoes yet, but the apparel is solid....maybe their shoes will get there too

this looks like its going to be interesting