Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe - Lightweight Road Trainer

In this review the Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 running shoe is assessed for everyday road runners who want a lightweight, responsive trainer without a premium price. The single biggest reason to consider these shoes is the Charged Cushioning midsole, which uses compression molded foam to deliver a responsive, durable ride that absorbs impact on pavement. The shoe's breathable mesh and targeted leather overlays combine to offer a balance of cooling and midfoot stability, making it a sensible choice for neutral runners who value comfort and low weight over motion control.

Key Features

• Lightweight mesh upper: A three-color digital print mesh provides full breathability to keep feet cool on longer runs.
• Leather overlays: Durable overlays wrap the midfoot to lock the foot in place and add structural stability during transitions.
• Charged Cushioning midsole: Compression molded foam supplies a responsive, springy feel while resisting breakdown for longer life.
• Solid rubber outsole: Rubber covers high-impact zones to improve durability without adding excess weight.
• EVA sockliner: A soft sockliner gives immediate step-in comfort so the shoes feel good from the first wear.

Who It's For

The Charged Assert 9 is best for neutral road runners and fitness runners who want a lightweight trainer with dependable cushioning for daily miles and gym sessions. Its 10mm offset and responsive midsole suit runners who prefer a slightly elevated heel for a smooth toe-off.

Runners who need aggressive motion control, maximal cushioning for long ultras, or specialty track spikes should look elsewhere, as this model focuses on balanced flexibility and general-purpose road performance rather than race-day spike-level features or plush maximalism.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, breathable upper that keeps feet cool during runs.
• Responsive Charged Cushioning midsole offers good energy return and durability.
• Durable rubber in high impact zones without a heavy feel.
• Secure midfoot fit thanks to leather overlays for added stability.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed; some users find the outsole or midsole wears faster than expected.
• Sizing can vary between users, with some runners finding them slightly small compared with other models.

Specifications

Brand	Under Armour
Model	Charged Assert 9
Upper	Lightweight mesh with 3-color digital print
Midsole	Charged Cushioning compression molded foam
Outsole	Solid rubber covering high impact zones
Insole	EVA sockliner
Offset	10mm

Our Verdict

The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is a solid, value-oriented road trainer for neutral runners who want a lightweight, breathable shoe with responsive cushioning. It excels for daily runs and gym work thanks to its comfortable EVA sockliner and durable rubber in high wear areas, though buyers should be aware of mixed durability feedback and potential sizing variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
Yes, they are suitable for daily long runs for neutral runners thanks to the responsive Charged Cushioning and breathable upper, though ultra-distance runners may prefer more plush midsoles.

Do they run true to size?
Sizing is mixed in customer reports, so try your usual running shoe size first and consider half a size up if you are between sizes or have wider feet.

What type of running are they best for?
They are best for road running and general fitness use, offering a balance of flexibility and cushioning for everyday training.