Under Armour’s newest shoe on the block – The Charged Bandit 3 has finally reached the shores of our sunny island. I was beyond excited when I heard that the Charged Bandits were making a comeback after so long!
The moment I got my hands on these kicks, I immediately put them on and was blown away by how comfortable they felt. I got mine in a sort of a teal blue-ish colour, and can I say, they look down right gorgeous. Along with the knitted upper, I was completely sold on the way they looked. Definitely a heart stealer.
Having released 2 versions of the Charged Bandit before this, I definitely had my hopes up as the previous versions received many thumbs up. The Bandits 3s feature an 8mm drop, instead of the 10mm drop of the Bandit 2s. Which spells good news for the runners looking for an edge when they take off!
We are also familiar with the anti-microbial Ortholite sockliner that wraps around your foot and prevents the growth of bacteria or fungi, which is good news because let’s admit it, every runner has sweaty feet when they run. It is definitely an added bonus to know that bacteria or fungi growth is kept at bay!
Feel as light as a feather in these kicks
The Bandit 3s are also really light, which is a great plus point, because who doesn’t like light running shoes? It feels great not being weighed down by your shoes, and running in them feels as light as a feather. They are about 255 grams, which is the sweet spot if you ask me about running shoes for the average person.
One thing I really love is the lightweight upper of the shoes. It features an all-new build using a breathable circular knit layer, which is a rare find on shoes at this price point. Not only is it breathable and flexible, it also feels more robust and durable. Most importantly, it didn’t overheat my feet (we all know that pet peeve when your feet overheats in your shoes!) and feels comfortable.
One thing I would say though, despite the knit feature on these shoes, I was surprised it didn’t fit as snugly as my other knitted shoes I own. Nonetheless, it performed great as a knit upper, providing breathability and comfort during runs.
Charge on in the running field with the all-new cushioning
The Bandit 2s featured the signature Micro G Cushioning and Charged Cushioning, but in this release, the Charged Cushioning made a glorious solo comeback in the Bandit 3s.
It was definitely a warm welcome back for the Charged Cushioning. It lived up to its expectations of providing a comfortable, fast ride.
The Charged Cushioning provided great responsiveness and durability. I personally really like this feature of the Bandits 3, as it absorbs impacts really well and feels really springy and cushiony underneath the feet.
Runner’s Boon
- Aesthetics. Aesthetics. Aesthetics. Be prepared for the number of compliments coming your way when you are racing on the track.
- The lightweight upper. Need I say more? Knit x Gradient = Best. Combination. Ever.
- Perfect amount of cushioning thanks to the Charged Cushioning
- A snug yet stretchy toebox, definitely something to be thankful for when you have those uncalled for toe cramps.
Runner’s Bane
- When I initially wore them, they didn’t fit as snugly as I would like it to be.
- Lacing system can definitely be improved. For example, they could have a few more laces and go farther down the shoe to get a good, tight grip.
Conclusion
The Bandit has undergone a huge reconstruction for its comeback in 2017, and all I can say is all that waiting has been worth it in the end. I really enjoyed running in the Bandit 3s, and I loved the fact that the shoes look so good, yet pack a punch. I also learn that the UA Charged Bandit 3 is the official shoe for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2017 this year which give me another good reason to don this shoes during the iconic race.
If you are looking for a good pair of running shoes, the Charged Bandit 3s are the ones for you. You’ll be rewarded with a moderately soft shoe that holds up for easy jogs, and not to mention, shoes that go the distance.
The UA Charged Bandit 3 Running Shoes are available at Under Armour Brand Houses VivoCity #02-21; Bugis Junction #01-77; Tampines One #02-22; Orchard Central #01-07/08; 16 Collyer Quay #01-03, select Royal Sporting House, iRun, Sportslink, Running Lab and DOT stores or at the official Under Armour’s online store for S$179.
