Under Armour Magnetico and Shadow, control or speed
The football shoes Under Armour come from a brand founded in Baltimore in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former American football player, around a fabric that wicks away sweat. On the pitch, it relies on two silhouettes: the Magnetico for control and the Shadow for speed, available in Elite, Pro, and Select levels.
Control or speed, it's up to you to choose.
Magnetico, the control shoe from Under Armour
Launched in 2018 with the Magnetico Pro, which succeeded the Clutchfit range, the Magnetico is the control shoe from Under Armour. Its upper, FormTrue, adapted to the foot and tightened under pressure to remain stable at high speeds.
The following generations added a mesh collar and tongue for a sock-like fit, and an asymmetric tongue that frees up the control area on the inside. The latest Magnetico Elite features a Liquid Clone upper designed to follow the contours of the foot, while the Pro retains a microfiber synthetic material.
Other brands of boots to discover
For comparison, New Balance shoes also combine speed and control with the Furon and the Tekela, Skechers focus on comfort, and Joma uses microfiber and futsal. The Other brands page brings them together.
Shadow, speed driven by a carbon plate
The Shadow Elite is Under Armour's speed shoe, designed for attacking players. Its sole incorporates a woven carbon fibre plate at the front and heel: it generates forward propulsion at take-off while providing a cushioned and stable landing.
A three-dimensional heel counter keeps the foot secure during direction changes, and the UA HOVR+ insole adds the brand's cushioning. The Mach version combines the same silhouette with a Mach-Drive carbon sole. The Pro and Select levels share the shape of the Shadow but are constructed more simply.
Elite, Pro or Select: the right Under Armour level
Under Armour offers its two silhouettes in three levels. The Elite concentrates cutting-edge technologies, including the carbon plate from the Shadow or the Liquid Clone upper from the Magnetico. The Pro retains the shape and essence of support with more traditional materials, while the Select serves as an entry-level option for training and club football.
The models are available in FG soles for dry natural grass. Young players can get the Shadow Select in children's sizes, a speed shoe that mirrors the silhouette of adult models.
The right time for a pair of Under Armour
The outgoing colours of the Magnetico and Shadow go on sale during football shoe promotions at Black Friday, around the festive season, and during winter sales. The French Days for football shoes take over in the spring, before the summer sales and the start of training, and the last sizes are typically cleared out.
Frequently asked questions
Do Under Armour football shoes fit true to size?
Yes, generally. The Shadow, being a speed shoe, hugs the foot closely; the Magnetico allows a bit more room. Measure your foot in centimeters and keep about half a centimeter in front of the toes.
Is a carbon plate useful for an amateur player?
It provides responsiveness at take-off but stiffens the sole. A player who trains infrequently or is just starting will often feel more comfortable in a Shadow Pro or Select, which are softer underfoot.
Can you play in Under Armour FG on synthetic turf?
Occasionally, but the FG sole is designed for natural grass. On artificial grass, its studs grip more and wear out faster, putting more strain on the knees and ankles.
Magnetico or Shadow for a defender?
The Magnetico is better suited for a defender who needs to pass the ball and maintain control under pressure. A very attacking full-back, who frequently makes runs forward, might prefer the lightness and propulsion of the Shadow.
How do you dry a wet Under Armour football shoe?
Remove the insole, stuff the shoe with newspaper, and let it dry at room temperature. The heat from a radiator can warp the upper and separate the sole, especially on a carbon plate.
