Under Armour Charged Impulse 3 Running Shoe - Lightweight Cushioning

In this review of the Under Armour Charged Impulse 3 Running Shoe, the bottom line is simple: this is a lightweight, neutral road runner built for flexibility and everyday miles. The shoe stands out for an engineered mesh upper that balances breathability with targeted support, and a dual-density Charged Cushioning midsole that gives firmer heel support while delivering softer forefoot comfort. Runners who want a snug, secure fit from a 3/4 length bootie construction will appreciate the embedded sockliner and secure midfoot hold for steady training runs.

Key Features

• Engineered mesh upper: Provides extremely lightweight, breathable coverage while adding strategic support where the foot needs stability during the gait cycle.
• 34 length bootie construction: Hugs the midfoot and forefoot for a more secure, plush fit that reduces internal movement and improves feel.
• Embedded sockliner: Adds cushioned comfort and a seamless interior that minimizes hotspots on longer runs.
• Charged Cushioning midsole: Combines a firmer heel with a softer forefoot to support heel strike control and smoother toe-off.
• Solid rubber outsole: Covers the high impact zones for improved durability without adding unnecessary weight to the shoe.
• Neutral platform: Designed for runners who prioritize flexibility, cushioning, and general versatility on road runs.

Who It's For

The Charged Impulse 3 is aimed at neutral runners who log regular road miles and want a shoe that blends light weight with reliable cushioning. It works well for daily training, easy recovery runs, and tempo efforts where responsiveness and breathability matter. The 8mm offset and balanced midsole make it accessible to runners transitioning between shoes or seeking a dependable everyday option.

Runners who need heavy stability features, motion control, or maximum long-run plushness should look elsewhere; the Impulse 3 prioritizes a secure, streamlined fit and moderate cushioning rather than maximalist protection. Trail runners and those needing a very wide toe box may also prefer a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight, breathable upper that still provides targeted support during runs.
• Secure bootie construction and embedded sockliner create a comfortable, locked-in fit.
• Charged Cushioning midsole balances heel support with softer forefoot feel for smooth transitions.
• Durable rubber in high impact zones extends outsole life without heavy weight.

Cons

• Not intended as a stability or motion-control shoe, so may not suit overpronators who need correction.
• The cushioning is moderate; runners seeking maximal plushness for very long runs might prefer a thicker midsole.

Specifications

Brand	Under Armour
Model	Charged Impulse 3
Upper	Engineered mesh with strategic support
Construction	34 length bootie construction
Midsole	Charged Cushioning; firmer heel and softer forefoot
Outsole	Solid rubber on high impact zones
Platform	Neutral, 8mm offset

Our Verdict

The Under Armour Charged Impulse 3 is a solid choice for neutral road runners who want a lightweight, breathable shoe with a secure fit and balanced cushioning. It offers good value for everyday training thanks to a focused design that pairs a supportive mesh upper and dual-density midsole with durable rubber in wear zones. Buy it if you want a responsive daily trainer rather than a maximal cushioning or corrective stability shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for daily training?
Yes. The Charged Impulse 3 is designed as a neutral daily trainer with durable outsole coverage and balanced midsole cushioning for regular road miles.

What type of cushioning does it use?
It uses Charged Cushioning with a firmer heel for support and a softer forefoot for comfort and smoother toe-off.

Do they offer stability features for overpronation?
No. This model is neutral and built for flexibility and versatility rather than motion control or heavy stability correction.