I remember, when I was a kid, I had three pairs of shoes: wellingtons, school shoes and little trainers to run around in. Now I’m all grown up, I seem to have shoes for every occasion and that includes just two pairs of heels (much to the despair of some of my girlfriends). However, I like to have the appropriate gear for the job, so, if I’m walking, I have walking shoes; for hiking I have hiking boots; I have running shoes and now, thanks to Under Armour, some brand-new training shoes.

The Breathe Trainer has been specially designed for training not for long runs, although I comfortably knocked out 2k on the road on the way to the gym, but as I prefer a cushioned running shoe I can’t imagine I would get away with much further than this. However they are fine for running on the treadmill. Constructed from a stretchy mesh upper, the Breathe has a lightweight feel at only 201g per shoe. The majority of the upper is mesh which allows for plenty of ventilation, keeping your feet cool and if your feet swell slightly when pushing it hard, the stretchy material will accommodate it. There is a synthetic heel counter for added stability support which gives it a unique look - I can’t quite decide if I like it or not, but I’m leaning towards love rather than hate.

The Breathe was wonderfully comfortable straight out of the box: it has a soft and stretchy bootie-like construction that provides a seamless, comfortable fit. The slim tongue is built into the sides of the shoe, ensuring everything stays in place and there is a die-cut, full-length EVA sock liner for a little extra comfort and to form a custom fit over time. There is a full-length EVA midsole that is responsive and a full rubber outsole for increased traction with flex grooves for extra flexibility. The elastic lacing system wraps around the midfoot and I found it took a couple of goes before I had it the perfect fit on the top of the foot, as well as around the heel and nearer the toes. The laces are quite stiff and thick, and they stick out at odd angles when done up. A more flexible lace might look more attractive, but it doesn’t influence the performance.

Other features include the removable insole and a heel-to-toe offset of 7mm. After a few classes - one outdoors and two indoors - I found the Breathe Trainer performed well. Firstly they were very comfortable: they have a lightly narrow fit which suited me fine, but may be too tight on a wider foot. They are also lovely and flexible, this actually makes you work a little harder on things like planks as the shoe isn’t taking any of the strain. The only issue (I’m not even sure if it is an issue) is the material on the inside of the shoe on the top of the foot could become rucked up at times and would catch on my big toe nail. Ss long as the material doesn’t stretch over time and become worse it shouldn’t be a massive issue. Lightweight, breathable and flexible: a great gym buddy for those training days. RRP £70.00

4.5 out of 5

More Info

Pros

Stretchy mesh upper

Lightweight

Ventilated

Soft, bootie-like fit

Elastic lacing system wraps around midfoot

Removable insole

Comfortable

Flexible