Our verdict

The Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10, a minor upgrade from its predecessor, is a dream partner for a firm and robust run. Designed with heel strikers in mind, it's a little bit heavy, but delivers a stable ride. In our view, if you are in search of a shoe with an ultra-sturdy outsole and a firm ride, this affordable UA is second to none.

Under Armour W Squad 2 Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable and adaptable
  • Expanded width for added room in the toebox
  • Stephen Curry in the Under Armour Curry Two BHM
  • Ample cushioning catering to heel strikers
  • Under Armour 582
  • zapatillas de running Under Armour constitución fuerte 10k talla 39
  • Great value for the price
  • Under Armour 377

Under Armour W Squad 2 Cons

  • Ride leans towards the firm side, lacking in bounce
  • A bit on the heavy side
  • Still not the best for midfoot or forefoot strikers

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

We think that the Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 stands out as an outstanding shoe for the following runners:

  • Budget-conscious heel strikers looking for a durable and stable running shoe. 
  • Those who value stability and don't mind a firm midsole.
  • Beginners aiming for a shoe that not only accommodates casual runs, but is also versatile enough for cross-training or gym workouts.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10

Under Armour W Squad 2 | Who should NOT buy

For those who prefer running on plush midsoles, or even ones that just lean toward the soft side, this shoe is not the best fit. The ride is notably firm. So, if you're willing to stretch your budget slightly, consider the ASICS Novablast 3. Watching your wallet? We lean towards the Nike Air Winflo 9.

Moreover, this shoe isn't tailored for fast-paced runs—it tends to work better during slower sessions. Instead, we'd recommend considering options like the Adidas Adizero Adios 7 or the ASICS Gel Pulse 13.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

under armour wordmark strappy sportlette blu.

The stack height in this new edition measures at 32.0 mm. This is not only lower than the average shoe, but it's also 2.0 mm less than its predecessor.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Heel stack
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 32.0 mm
Average 34.1 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

We measured a mere 22.6 mm in the forefoot, including insole and outsole, which implies that the shoe is too thin in terms of foam.

This lack of cushion is not a good thing at all for forefoot strikers.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Forefoot stack
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 22.6 mm
Average 25.5 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

This measurement confirms what we've been saying: this shoe is specifically designed with heel strikers in mind.

Sure, with a 9.4-mm heel-to-toe drop, it can accommodate midfoot strikers too. But we wouldn't recommend this one for forefoot strikers.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Drop
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 9.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Once again, we're seeing the extremes with the Charged Assert. Measuring at a brick-like 31.1 HA, it's among the firmest shoes we've tested in recent months, which hints at a strategy we believe is quite interesting.

While most of the leading brands are leaning towards softer compounds to cater to the demand for a hyper-plush running experience, UA takes a different road.

We find this approach really cool, as the Charged Assert isn't going to outsell Nike or ASICS shoes in the mainstream market. So, why not think outside the box and serve a niche-market that's largely overlooked by the big boys?

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Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Midsole softness
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 31.1 HA
Average 20.9 HA
Calções Under Armour Woven Graphic cinzento menino.
Compared to 312 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

The CA10's firm ride intensifies when the temperature drops. After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, we measured the shoe's softness at 38.4 HA.

Project Rock ανδρική μακρυμάνικη μπλούζα της Under Armour.

Even though the Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat becomes even firmer in the cold, it holds up great when compared against other similar shoes, increasing only by 23.3%.

It's particularly impressive given that it's tailored for beginners, a group of shoes that often fall short in such conditions.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 23%
Average 25%
Compared to 312 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

UA decided to play it safe with the insole, which we think is a smart move. At 4.2 mm, it's pretty much the same as any standard insole you'd find out there.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Insole thickness
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 4.2 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 is slightly small (81 votes).

Τα Under Armour Valsetz και τα 5 αστέρια πάνε μαζί?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 360 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

If the shoe fits right, why change it? That seems to be Under Armour's thinking, given that there were hardly any complaints about toebox space in the CA9.

With the CA10, they've kept things consistent—the toebox width remains virtually unchanged at a roomy 99.2 mm, comfortably accommodating most feet.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Under Armour Training Play Up Svart hästsvanskeps med spänne
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 99.2 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Under Armour Training Zielony fakturowany T-shirt z długimi rękawami

Some users had pointed out that the toe box felt a bit narrow around the big toe in the v9.

That's why Under Armour has expanded this space by 2.4 mm. This change aims to provide a more comfortable fit for runners with wider feet in the toe area. Now, we measured it at the width here at a generous 77.1 mm.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Under Armour 1972
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 77.1 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Under Armour Training Zielony fakturowany T-shirt z długimi rękawami
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

One defining feature that sets the Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat apart is its remarkable stability. Naturally, having a firm midsole, as in this shoe, makes achieving such stability much simpler.

Torsional rigidity

To enhance stability from the previous model, the Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat outperformed its predecessor in our torsional rigidity test, earning a 3/5 as compared to the earlier version's 2/5.

Nonetheless, this change is quite minimal and was barely perceptible during our runs.

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 364 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Under Armour HOVR Phantom RN Glow GS

Under Armour has shown they're attentive to customer feedback by addressing a significant issue found in the CA9 in this new model: heel slippage. The revamped design now features a sturdier heel counter that we've graded as 3/5.

But there's no need for concern—as demonstrated in the video above, a substantial, plush piece of foam shields your Achilles from the heel counter, providing an ultra-comfortable experience for your body's longest tendon.

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Under Armour HOVR Phantom RN Glow GS
5

Under Armour Training Basislaag top met lange mouwen in grijs

As we've mentioned earlier, UA aimed to make this shoe more appealing to both midfoot and forefoot strikers, while not losing its core appeal to heel strikers.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 forefoot

This is clear because the forefoot is now wider than ever, measuring 115.7 mm. It even surpasses the width of the average running shoe.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 115.7 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Under Armour Training Basislaag top met lange mouwen in grijs
126.9 mm

Under Armour Training x Project Rock T-shirt met stierenprint in grijs en geel

Measuring 91.3 mm, the heel is wider in the tenth edition of the Charged Assert than in its predecessor.

This makes it one of the most stable running shoes for beginners available today.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 91.3 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Under Armour Training x Project Rock T-shirt met stierenprint in grijs en geel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

We initially felt some hesitation before conducting our 90-degree bend test in the lab. The shoe appeared a bit stiff underfoot and during our torsional tests. However, with a measurement of 17.4N, the CA10 maintains impressive flexibility!

For this reason, it's a solid pick for cross training, gym sessions, or even casual walks around the neighbourhood.

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 17.4N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of ritmo tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 368 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Under Armour Ua Hovr Mega 3 Clone (%)

However, keep in mind that the shoe maintains this level of flexibility only in mild or warm conditions.

As temperatures drop, the shoe stiffens considerably, as we discovered when we needed to make 35N of force following a 20-minute stint in the cold next to the ice cream in our freezer to bend it to 90 Team.

Believe it or not, that's a whopping 100.9% increase—one of the most substantial we've ever noted in the lab.

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 101%
Average 33%
Compared to 368 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Under Armour Ua Hovr Mega 3 Clone
105%

Weight

Indeed, the Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat has gained a bit of weight. Coming in at 10.5 oz or 298g for a US size 9, it's heavier by 0.3 oz or 8g.

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 10.51 oz (298g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One of the biggest letdowns with the Under Armour does not have the right spikes for you T-shirt Under Armour Tech cinzento mulher Under Armour Originators Short Sleeve Crew T-Shirt Mens, a score of 3 out of 5 was pretty disappointing. That's why we're thrilled to share that this version stepped it up a notch, earning a 4 out of 5 after our smoke-pumping lab test.

The light test indicated the shoe's breathability, particularly in the medial part, has improved. Still, it's not the most breathable shoe in the market—we believe there are better budget-friendly choices for summer training, like the ASICS Gel Excite 9.

When we took a closer look under our microscope, we found that Under Armour sticks with a thick mesh that blocks the air.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 microscope

Sure, the upper might look like a masterpiece under the microscope—seriously, it's crazy how technology evolves—but we also think that UA needs to step up their game for the next Charged Assert. How about throwing in a few ventilation holes?

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 upper

Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 315 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

When it comes to the durability of the upper, the Under Armour does not have the right spikes for you was seriously underwhelming. Put it up against any shoe and it falls flat every time.

Regrettably, Under Armour hasn't switched up the engineered mesh for this 10th edition, so it's no shocker that it scored again a disastrous 1/5 in our Dremel test. Look at debris flying everywhere!

However, keep in mind that we always conduct this test at the same distance on every shoe. This means the reinforced toe cap in the CA10 remained untouched. But while this reinforcement offers some protection, it won't stop those runners who tend to wear holes in their shoes from doing so in this upper.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Toebox durability
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 249 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Under Armour W Squad 2

The story continues with the heel padding. It also disappointingly scored a 1/5, the lowest grade possible.

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Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Under Armour W Squad 2
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 245 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Under Armour W Squad 2
5

Outsole hardness

After our lab tests, we can say that the Charged Assert series truly represents the epitome of extremes. On one hand, there's an upper that feels really delicate, but on the other, it's balanced out by an ultra-durable outsole that appears to have the longevity of a tortoise.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 outsole

We found ourselves genuinely impressed with v9 in this regard, but with v10, it's like we've been transported to an entirely new universe of toughness in the outsole. And on top of that, the rubber covers the midsole in a much more clever way to ensure optimal protection.

The rubber hardness here is an awe-inspiring 87.8 HC, which stands as one of the most impressive figures we've ever witnessed in the lab.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Outsole hardness
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 87.8 HC
Average 79.9 HC
Calções Under Armour Woven Graphic cinzento menino.
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
57.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole thickness

And the party goes on. We were already blown away by the above-average 4.9 mm rubber thickness of the prior model, but the Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat takes it up a notch with a jaw-dropping 5.3 mm measurement in our lab.

This is positive for the shoe's lifespan, but it does come with the trade-off of increased weight. Nevertheless, when it comes to budget-friendly running shoes, durability is often the top-priority for many runners.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Outsole thickness
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 5.3 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Tongue padding

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We clocked the tongue at a staggering 8.5 mm, offering exceptional comfort and entirely eliminating the risk of lace bite.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Tongue padding
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat 8.5 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

In line with its standing as a value-oriented shoe aimed at beginners or budget-conscious runners, there's no gusset on the tongue, meaning it isn't attached to the sides.

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Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat None

Heel tab

There's still a heel tab, so Under Armour, we love your dedication to quality over cost-cutting here!

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Heel tab
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat Finger loop

Removable insole

Swapping the insole for a custom one presented no problems for us—it's not glued in at all. We had a hassle-free experience with this process.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 12 10 Removable insole
Test results
Компрессионная футболка under armour термо pro combat Yes