Under Armour Charged Maven Trail Review: Budget Trail Running Shoes
Under Armour is not the first brand most trail runners think of, and that is precisely why the Charged Maven Trail surprised me. In a market dominated by Salomon, HOKA, and Inov-8, Under Armour has quietly produced a competent trail shoe that handles mixed terrain well at a price that undercuts the competition. After several months on trails, here is the honest assessment.
First Impressions
The Maven Trail has an aggressive aesthetic — chunky lugs, reinforced overlays, and a sporty design that signals off-road intent. The fit is classic Under Armour: slightly wide through the toe box with a snug midfoot. This suits trail running well, as your toes need room to splay on uneven ground. Sizing runs true to other Under Armour shoes.
On the Trail
The Charged Cushioning midsole provides a firm, responsive ride that works well on trails. It is not as plush as HOKA’s maximal cushioning or as bouncy as Nike’s ZoomX, but it absorbs trail impact effectively and keeps your feet feeling protected over roots and rocks. The ride is stable and predictable — no surprises when the terrain changes.
The outsole lugs provide good grip on packed earth, gravel, and light mud. On wet rock, the grip is adequate but not exceptional — the rubber compound is not as sticky as Salomon’s Contagrip or Adidas’s Continental. For most UK trail conditions below the high fells, the Maven Trail handles the terrain with confidence.
Pros
- Value: Typically priced £20 to £30 below comparable Salomon and ASICS trail shoes.
- Comfortable fit: The wider toe box and secure midfoot suit trail running well.
- Charged Cushioning: Firm, responsive midsole that handles trail impact without bottoming out.
- Durability: The outsole rubber and reinforced upper are holding up well after significant mileage.
Cons
- Wet rock grip: The rubber compound is not as sticky as Contagrip or Continental. Caution needed on greasy surfaces.
- Weight: At around 320g, it is on the heavier side. Not a shoe for trail racing.
- Brand perception: Running shops stock fewer Under Armour trail shoes, making it harder to try before buying.
The Verdict
The Charged Maven Trail is an underrated trail shoe that deserves more attention. It handles the terrain, protects your feet, fits comfortably, and costs less than the big-name alternatives. If you are open to looking beyond the usual trail shoe brands, the Maven Trail offers genuine quality and value for mixed-terrain running.