The Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 launched earlier this year and has been one of Under Armour’s most highly anticipated training shoes. In early 2018, Under Armour brought the TriBase Reign to the cross training shoe market, which made waves, as it was their first model dedicated for this style of training.
After multiple workouts and plenty of feedback, Under Armour then sped up the turnaround on their second model, the TriBase Reign 2. This model features a handful of upgrades and is seriously a step in the right direction for Under Armour’s growth in the cross training and “CrossFit” shoe market.
In this Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 review, I cover multiple topics including: pros, cons, construction, performance, size and fit, and price.
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 offers a supportive, yet flexible outsole and accommodating midsole for a variety of activities and workouts.
Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 Pros
- Stable TriBase Outsole. The outsole on this model is composed of Under Armour’s signature TriBase construction and it’s firm enough to support upwards of 400+ lbs with ease.
- Heel Construction. This shoe features a bootie design which can be prone to heel slip, but Under Armour implemented a construction heel cup, which locks the heel down really well!
- Durable Outer Construction. Overall, the outer construction has proven to be durable and has limited early breakdown pretty well over the last couple of months of fairly intense training.
- Micro G Foam Midsole. The Under Armour Micro G Foam midsole is reactive and supportive, so this shoe works in a variety of settings.
Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 Cons
- Bootie Design for Some. If you like having that traditional tongue construction in your cross trainers, then I could see the bootie design being a turnoff.
Construction Breakdown
There’s a lot to take in with the Under Armour TriBase Reign 2. Below, I’ll break down construction from the ground up for this model.
Outsole and Midsole
The outsole of this shoe utilizes Under Armour’s signature TriBase construction which is designed to promote ground contact and stability from a tripod foot position. Basically, this material promotes stabiltiy at the base of the big toe, little toe, and start of the heel. It’s a rubber material and does a good job at resisting compression when under heavy(er) weight.
The heel is a firm rubber material which is nice for resisting compression during compounds and the toe features a rippled material to support ground contact and propulsion.
The midsole of the toe and heel utilizes Under Armour’s Micro G Foam material. This material is firm, but reactive. I think it does a fairly good job at promoting comfort when performing jumps and lighter runs, while also providing support in lifts. The mid-foot has an extended outsole layer that wraps up it for additional security.
Outer Construction and Heel
The outer construction is composed of a mesh and synthetic layer of material. The mesh provides a nice amount of breathability while the synthetic layer protects the mesh from breaking down and fraying. Towards the toe and lower portion of the forefoot, the synthetic material extends off the midsole and that’s a nice touch for durability.
The mid-foot has a similar construction, but has a bit more mesh and a stretch-like material. I’m a fan of this differentiation in material because it support mobility throughout the mid-foot. There is no tongue in this model and the mid-foot’s bootie material is lightweight and accommodating — it feels like a sock, but it’s not limiting or too loose.
The heel’s outer material is composed of thicker material and has an external plastic heel clip to provide support and to prevent heel slip. Unlike the TriBase Reign, the Reign 2’s heel comes up slightly higher on the ankle, which is a big plus for security during a variety of movement.
TriBase Reign 2 Performance
Overall, I really have enjoyed the performance of the TriBase Reign 2. I’ve tried to diversify my training as much as possible to test this shoe in multiple settings and nearly everyone it’s held up greatly. The original TriBase Reign had a lower profile with its heel construction so it was great for agility workouts, but not always the best for truly dynamic training.
To help you gauge how this shoe performed, I built out a table that highlights some key tests I used this model. I then ranked them on a scale from 1 to 10 to help contextualize their best uses (10 being the best, 1 being the worst).
| Movement Test | Rating + Note |
| Back Squat (Up to 400 lbs) | 8.9/10 — Decently Stable, Limited-No Compression |
| Box Jumps and Side Shuffles | 9/10 — TriBase Outsole Provided Good Grip |
| Sprints (HIIT Workout) | 8.7 — Fine Shoe for Tackling Recreational Sprints |
| Walking to Work | 8.9/10 — Decently Comfortable, Reactive, and Breathable |
Sizing and Fit
In terms of sizing and fit, I would recommend most athletes go true-to-size with this model. Overall, the shoes fit true through the mid-foot and toe, but there was a small discrepancy that I would say to be mindful of. If you air on the side of often being small for your normal size, then a half size down might be the play, however, I think that’s only a small population in which this will apply.
Price
For a brand new pair of Under Armour TriBase Reign 2s, you can expect to pay around $120.00 USD. In terms of other cross trainers, this price is fairly similar to what you can expect to pay. Generally, newer models are around $130.00 USD, so in the grand scheme of things, these are slightly more cost efficient.
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 offers a supportive, yet flexible outsole and accommodating midsole for a variety of activities and workouts.
Wrapping Up
All in all, I was a fan of the Under Armour TriBase 2 cross training shoes. I think they’re certainly a step in the right direction for Under Armour’s growth into this specific training demographic and I think most athletes will enjoy how they fit.
TriBase Reign 2 FAQs
Are the TriBase Reign 2s good for CrossFit?
Yes! The Under Armour TriBase Reign 2 is a solid option for CrossFit style workouts due to its stable and reactive midsole and outsole. The bootie design also makes this shoe a lightweight and mobile option for jumping, running, and agility focused work.
What's different about the Under Armour TriBase Reign 2s?
The TriBase Reign 2s have multiple changes compared to their predecessor. Some of these changes include:
- Thinner mid-foot outsole material
- Bootie design
- Reworked toe construction
- Higher boot and external heel clip
Are the TriBase Reign 2s good for running?
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that they’re a solid option for running during CrossFit style workouts and are more comfortable than other options out there. No, they’re not great for running if you plan to do a ton of milage like 4+ per workout.
