Earlier this year we got a look at Under Armour’s HOVR Machina shoes — some rather intelligent running kit designed to synch with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active2 (the Under Armour Edition, naturally). We’ve know about the new Samsung wearable for ages but it’s finally here in South Africa.
You get what you pay for
It’s not going to be cheap to get your hands on a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Under Armour Edition — but if you’re already rocking the fitness brand’s HOVR shoes you kinda owe it to yourself to take advantage of the cadence-based, real-time tracking and coaching the wearable provides when paired with the right shoes. Samsung’s Watch Active2 also comes with six month’s of MapMyRun Premium access, just to get you used to the idea of using the service.
You’ll be paying at least R8,500 for an Under Armour-branded Samsung wearable — the 40mm Galaxy Watch Active2 Under Armour Edition, which features a mod grey strap, starts there. Scale up to the 44mm version, with a black strap, and you’ll wind up paying R9,000. But you’ll be able to pay using your wrist (and Samsung Pay) and track your stride with the right pair of Under Armour shoes, so there’s that.
Bonus features
If you happen to have a pair of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds+, those can also be synced up so you can make use of the audio cues of Samsung’s wearable, Under Armour’s shoes and the attached service provided. It’s a little like having a teeny little coach in your ears, correcting your form as you run. Which is one way to improve your running skills in a big hurry. Not to worry if you don’t, though — a very detailed rundown of your run will be waiting for you in the app when you’re done with your session.
Samsung South Africa’s Justin Hume said “We’re pleased to partner with Under Armour. They are a brand wholly focused on meaningful fitness goals, which is why we designed the Galaxy Watch Active2 with unique features to amplify the experience of running, monitoring performance and improving overall well-being. It’s a unique and exciting synergy between technology and footwear.”
