Low-profile sneakers might be all the rage right now, but sneakers like Pharrell’s Virginia Adistar Jellyfish and the ever-popular New Balance 9060 prove there’s still room for bulkier models. Another notable, albeit somewhat unexpected, brand to recently offer a new take on the dad shoe trend is Baltimore-based sportswear company Under Armour.
Although Under Armour has been somewhat quiet on the lifestyle footwear front in recent years, the brand has been quietly shifting its design direction and introducing new models such as the HB-Lo. But there’s also another recently released model from the brand that’s making noise: the 1990s-inspired Arc 96. More specifically, the pair gets its inspiration from the year Under Armour was founded, 1996, with a retro-inspired look that’s built with the brand’s contemporary tech for everyday comfort.
The Under Armour Arc 96’s multi-material upper combines different gauges of mesh with full-grain leather overlays and a large TPU logo overlay — which is where the “Arc” name originates from — that’s integrated with the lacing system. The bold branding not only brings back memories of the brash, in-your-face logos found on ‘90s footwear, but serves a functional purpose as it assists with locking the foot in place. Underfoot, a decoupled dual-density UA Hovr midsole uses technology from the brand’s top-of-the-line running footwear to ensure comfort.
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘White/Black/Royal’ (lateral).
Under Armour
To help introduce the Arc 96, Under Armour tapped longtime Maryland retailer DTLR for an exclusive “No Maps” colorway which combines a dark base with bright hits of red, yellow and blue. The DTLR-exclusive style can be found from both dtlr.com, underarmour.com and DTLR stores.
With their striking branding and era-specific references, the Arc 96 and HB-Lo represent a new era for Under Armour’s lifestyle footwear. Readers can expect more new casual sneaker options from the Baltimore brand in the coming months.
In February, Under Armour’s third quarter earnings surpassed analyst projections. “Our third-quarter adjusted operating results exceeded expectations, and despite a few unfortunate, nonrecurring impacts, we’re encouraged by the progress we’re making in the business to reignite brand momentum,” founder and chief executive officer Kevin Plank said in a conference call.
The Under Armour Arc 96 is available now from underarmour.com in six different colorways including the styles pictured here. Retail pricing is $125.
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘No Maps’ (pair).
Under Armour
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘No Maps’ (lateral).
Under Armour
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘No Maps’ (medial).
Under Armour
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘No Maps’ (top).
Under Armour
Under Armour Arc 96 ‘No Maps’ (outsole).
Under Armour
