Under Armour Torch Fade REVIEW: $100 Worthy?

Under Armour isn’t known for their ball shoes because they mainly make these “underdog” budget options. And some of them are actually REALLY good. So why not try one of the more talked about ones, like these? Here’s my detailed Under Armour Torch Fade review. You’ll find out if this budget model is worth your money and attention.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, the fit, performance, the upper and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Under Armour Torch Fade review!

SPEC SHEET


 

WEIGHT: 368 g. / 12.98 oz
TYPE: MID TOP
TECH: CHARGED
FIT: TRUE TO SIZE
COLORWAYS: 10+
MY RATING: 8/10

 

 

THE TECH


CHARGED

Just like most UA’s recent models, we got the usual full-length Charged cushioning. A responsive, low to the ground setup that is mainly targeted towards low profile guards.

FIT


 

$100 WORTHY FOR SURE

The shoe took me some time to get used to and break in because of pretty firm materials but once that period went away, I started liking the Torch Fade’s fit. I’m a wide footer and lots of shoes end up feeling the wrong way no matter how much time you dedicate breaking them in.

This one didn’t – it felt fine. Normal/narrow footed players should also go true to size. So regarding the fit itself, no complaints.

As for overall comfort, nothing special. It’s not Primeknit or anything like that. It’s a stiffer material combo that’s not really soft but not that stiff either. I didn’t feel restricted at all and the shoe is really light, almost Curry 2-like light. Basically, it’s a very solid, simple fit that you don’t really have complaints, nor boast about.

PERFORMANCE


CUSHION

If you played either in the Curry 2/3 or Clutchfit Drive 2/3, this is very similar, if not the same. You already know what I’m about to say. All that bullsh*t about responsiveness and court feel.

Yeah, so it’s a low profile guard’s shoe with minimal bounce/impact protection while providing awesome responsiveness, court feel, and stability. Want to feel bouncy while playing? Don’t get this shoe. Get something like the Crazy Explosive instead.

TRACTION

We have the Clutchfit Drive 2’s outsole here or at least a very similar one, so the traction performs almost identically. Really good traction, plenty of stopping power. I definitely trusted this shoe’s outsole while playing, so I wasn’t careful or doubtful while playing.

However, just like most of the UA’s budget lineup, that annoying dust issue. It’s not really a thing if you’re playing on a premium court but it becomes one, big, f**king thing on a regular/more dusty court. Slipping comes into play and I had to wipe my shoes often like a slight retard. So if you can live with that, the shoe does have great traction, I’ll give ’em that.

The rubber compound is pretty durable, so you can take these outdoors. Nice!

SUPPORT

Nothing crazy awesome in the support department but it obviously depends on how you play. I prefer kick-ass support over mobility to some degree and this was kinda in-between those two. Not a bad thing for more calm, stop and pop type of players. Also, for lower profile guards who don’t do crazy athletic stuff, this is also good.

For those who play with a bit more aggression, jumping and driving around a lot, these aren’t that great. I wasn’t mad at these for not holding me properly but would’ve like a bit more.

Still, you do get plenty of mobility, the Torch Fade doesn’t feel bulky at all and this is a great fit more a lot of guards.

UPPER


MESH & FOAM WITH SOME LEATHER SPICE

I can definitely give props to a $100 shoe that has quite premium materials. They don’t really feel that premium but they play quite nicely. So the front and back areas area mesh with a foam layer on top, while the medial area is a synthetic leather piece. Not too bad, right?

I didn’t pick any major issues or complaints. Played pretty nicely, except for that pretty lengthy break-in period. Ventilation is fine, not that you care about ventilation.

What I really like about the UA Torch Fade is the durability aspect. The upper looks really strong and combine that with a durable outsole and you got yourself a nice outdoor shoe.

OVERALL


BEST FOR MOST QUICK, MOBILE GUARDS

This is one of those shoes that should definitely start changing your mind about Under Armour’s stuff or any other less mainstream brand’s shoes. The Torch Fade is a pretty cool shoe to play in indoors or outdoors. They got you covered.

 

+ RESPONSIVE CHARGED CUSHIONING
+ GREAT TRACTION, FINE FOR OUTDOORS TOO
+ ALL-AROUND DURABLE
NOT TOO ATTRACTIVE ON STRONG SUPPORT
GETS QUITE SENSITIVE TO FLOOR DUST

Okay, that’s it for the review! I hope you found it useful!

I suggest you check out my list of the Best Under Armour shoes, you’ll find even better UA performers there!