Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis Vent

Editor rating: 8.5 / 10

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By Mike Gray

All Under Armour Shoes

Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis Vent Review Facts

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Seeking to deliver a lightweight trainer that provides protection and a secure fit, Under Armour’s SpeedFoam Fortis Vent delivers in performance and durability so runners can keep going mile after mile without fear of slippage or wear and tear. Featuring an adjustable lockdown strap that keeps the back of the foot firmly in place and a next-to-skin design that fits like a sock around the foot without irritation, the Fortis Vent is snug but never suffocating. Perhaps this is due to the upper’s mesh material that’s both highly breathable and lightweight, which provides excellent ventilation to keep the foot cool and dry throughout a run.

The Fortis Vent’s midsole utilizes a dual-layer foam from heel to toe, which works two-fold: the top layer absorbs the force of impact while the bottom layer provides cushioning and gives each lift-off an extra boost. In addition, its sock liner also provides extra cushioning so the runner experiences a comfortable (but not too plush) ride. Its outsole has a durable rubber coating in the areas of highest wear and tear to lessen the impact and to extend the lifespan of the outsole, while flex grooves allow for more natural movement through the gait cycle.

With a sleek, stylish aesthetic that will appeal to fashion-conscious runners who enjoy their trainers to have a little flash, the Fortis Vent is a smartly designed running shoe that was made with durability and security in mind. While there are a few restrictions with this line–mainly that it’s meant for neutral runners only and the fit may be a little tighter than some are used to–if security and comfort are a priority when considering a new pair of trainers, the Fortis Vent may just be the shoe that fits. Providing a comfortable running experience in a lightweight trainer that also allows for natural, unrestricted movement, after miles on the road runners will appreciate this shoe’s highly breathable, secure, and well-padded design.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

ArmourVent™ mesh upper is breathable, flexible, and next-to-skin comfortable
A great-looking shoe with a minimalist aesthetic
Flex grooves on the forefoot of the outsole boost toe-off
Lightweight despite the great amount of tech included in its design

Cons

Some reviewers have noted that the shoe feels too tight
Its heel grip has irritated the heel of some runners

Outsole

The SpeedForm Fortis Vent’s outsole is constructed with durability and flexibility in mind. Made of a solid rubber compound that’s resistant to wear and tear, the outsole unit is durable without adding too much weight to the overall shoe. Placed in areas of the outsole most vulnerable to high impact and abrasion, this compound rubber shields the outsole from damage even after many miles have been put on this trainer. Meanwhile, flex grooves in the forefront of the outsole allow the foot to move freely and naturally during a run. This makes the outsole more pliable to the natural movement and shape of the foot, assisting in take-offs.

Midsole

To make the Fortis Vent as comfortable a trainer as possible, Under Armour constructed its midsole from a dual-layer foam that employs Charged Cushion technology and the Micro G® foam system. The upper layer is made of the Charged Cushioning technology, which absorbs shock from impact during footfall while returning energy to the runner to enable each step. The Micro G® foam comprises the bottom half of the midsole and provides great cushioning upon landing, aiding in toe-off with each stride. In addition, the midsole also has an embedded sock liner into the cavity, which further adds to the cushioning and protects the foot from moisture.

Upper

Under Armour wanted to make a trainer that is secure and snug but never feels too tight and never abrasive against the runner’s skin. Towards this purpose, the Fortis Vent’s upper is constructed out of their proprietary ArmourVent™ mesh, a lightweight material that’s comfortable against the skin that lets the runner’s foot feel free and natural inside the shoe. This highly breathable material allows air to enter the shoe seamlessly, keeping it cool and dry throughout a run. Perhaps the most notable feature of the upper, if not the shoe itself, is the adjustable heel strap that’s connected to a lacing system which keeps the heel firmly in place and preventing slippage or shoe removal during a run. In conjunction with the heel strap, a seamless heel cup also assists in keeping the back of the foot firmly in place.

Weight

With all of the tech included in the Fortis Vent--from its dual-layer midsole to its adjustable heel strap--one would assume it would be a heavier than average trainer. However, weighing in at only 8.5 ounces/241 grams, this is a lightweight shoe. While many trainers can boast of their light weight, few have the number of amenities that offer both comfort and security as the Fortis Vent does at this weight.

Breathability

Thanks to the ArmourVent™ mesh, the Fortis Vent is a highly breathable trainer. Allowing for air to enter the upper with little blocking its passage, this mesh material keeps the foot cool and dry. And while your foot may feel firmly in place, this mesh allows for natural movement and comfort without irritation.

Comfort

While keeping the foot secure is a major priority of the Fortis Vent, its other priority is the comfort. From its dual-layer midsole with a layer of Micro G® foam for cushioning and Charged Cushion technology for impact shock absorption, a runner’s sole is kept comfortable during a run, while the flex grooves on the outsole aid in allowing for natural movement of the foot and to maximize toe-off. The upper’s ArmourVent™ mesh has a next-to-skin comfort that does not irritate and is highly breathable to ensure the foot stays cool and dry throughout a ride.

Style

While runners surely care more about performance and comfort over style in their trainer, the SpeedForm Fortis Vent delivers an appealing look that comes across just as breezy and lightweight as the shoe itself. With a low-cut sleek design, the upper’s mesh on the forefoot is smartly hidden by a foam overlay while the solid heel and its adjustable heel strap help balance out the shoe’s overall look. Its outsole is similarly smart-looking, particularly in profile, as the heel’s outline, complete with raised lines for an added aesthetic bonus, rises and cuts into the upper just past the midfoot. Available in a number of color combinations, the Fortis Vent is a slick-looking running shoe that states its purpose in bold colors and with a minimalist aesthetic.

Durability

With all of the Under Armour proprietary technology in the Fortis Vent, the company build a highly durable shoe. Its ArmourVent™ mesh upper is built to last, made of both comfortable and sturdy synthetic materials, while the dual-layer midsole made of Micro G® foam for cushioning and Charged Cushion technology are made of similarly strong synthetic materials. Its outsole is covered in durable rubber, as well, to provide the runner with a pair of trainers that will last a long time.

Protection

Security is one issue that the Fortis Vent has down pat: the foot is held firmly in the shoe after lace-up thanks to its adjustable heel strap. As for protection, the durable outsole provides a fair amount of protection to the foot on normal running surfaces while the dual-layer midsole protects against the impact shock of footfall. However, this is a lightweight running shoe and will not provide a large amount of protection against harsher elements or colder climes.

Responsiveness

The two key points in the Fortis Vent’s construction--its outsole and midsole--provide a great amount of responsiveness for the runner. The outsole’s forefoot features numerous flex grooves for a more natural feeling while running and providing excellent toe-off, while its dual-layer midsole, with its layer of Charged Cushion technology, is designed to provide a great amount of energy return with each impact and a bit of spring with every step. With its heel strap lock that guarantees a firm fit, the runner will feel a great amount of responsiveness with every move they make while wearing this trainer.

Support

With its dual-layer midsole comprised of Charged Cushion technology for greater responsiveness and Micro G® foam for cushioning, along with is sturdy outsole with flex grooves in the forefoot, the Fortis Vent provides both comfy support and performance. However, this is a shoe made for those with neutral pronation and only offers standard arch support.

Terrain

Take to your favorite roads and tracks in the Fortis Vent: the outsole will protect and perform well on these standard running surfaces. However, don’t expect the same experience if you head out to the trail; these are lightweight running shoes, not trail runners. If you stick to asphalt and pavement, however, you’re ensured with a comfortable and safe ride.

Price

With a great amount of technology included in its construction and staying lightweight, the SpeedForm Fortis Vent is a well-crafted trainer. As such, the price is steeper than some trainers and this shoe is for relatively serious runners looking to invest in a lightweight shoe that still provides comfort and security. Although not prohibitively expensive, it’s also a bit of an investment.

Traction

Featuring a number of pods that cover the outsole, the Fortis Vent provides a fair amount of traction. The more high-impact areas of the outsole are also covered with a durable rubber so that it retains its traction even after heavy use. The flex grooves on the forefoot of the outsole also aid in toe-off.

Flexibility

As its upper is mostly comprised of a thin mesh and its outsole is outfitted with flex grooves on the forefoot, the SpeedForm Fortis Vent is a relatively flexible shoe. Although its heel strap will secure the foot firmly inside, the runner will also find the fit comfortable and allows for natural movement of the foot.

Stability

A well-balanced trainer from front to back and with an external heel lock mechanism to ensure a firm fit, the runner will feel secure in the Fortis Vent. And for the runner with a neutral pronation, this shoe is specifically designed to encourage a natural running gait. However, this is not a stability shoe, and those with over= or under-pronation may find this shoe lacking in addressing their needs.

Drop

With a hardy outsole, the heel-to-toe drop in the Fortis Vent is 9mm, which makes it a trainer with a standard drop. Most neutral runners will find this drop works well for their style of running, but those adjusted to either zero-drop or maximalist shoes should look elsewhere.

Key Features

- Heel strap ensures a secure fit throughout a run
- Dual-layer midsole provides both comfort and responsiveness
- Flex grooves on the outsole encourage a natural stride
- Breathable upper mesh keeps the foot cool and dry
- Very lightweight for all a shoe with so much tech included

Bottom Line

For the runner seeking a new pair of trainers that provides both comfort and security and encourages a natural running stride, the Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis Vent is a perfect fit. With highlighted features such as its heel strap that locks the foot firmly in place, its flexible and breathable upper that’s comfortable against the skin and makes the foot feel free inside of the shoe, and the flex grooves on the forefoot of the outsole that allows the runner to move their foot naturally and aids in toe-off, the Fortis Vent is a serious running shoe loaded with features but retains its light weight.
Although the price may be slightly higher than some runners would desire, it’s the many benefits of the Fortis Vent that drive its cost up: after all, a lightweight shoe with these many features isn’t going to come in a budget trainer. For the runner needing a little extra--or wanting a deluxe lightweight trainer that encourages a natural stride--the Under Armour SpeedForm Fortis Vent is a great fit.