Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women's Review

We like a well-priced shoe, but we still need it to perform admirably. The Charged Assert 10 did okay in some instances, including passable traction ratings and okay underfoot comfort. But there were a few issues that stood out along the way.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Charged Assert 10's comfort story is a tale of mixed results. During my 10,000-step walking test, I immediately noticed the shoe runs slightly small, which is exacerbated by a tendency for the foot to slide forward during use. This combination led to my toes pressing against the front of the shoe – an issue that became more noticeable as my walking distance increased.

The heavily padded heel collar proved to be both a blessing and a curse. While it provides cushioning, I found it frequently pushed my socks down and created some rubbing around the Achilles area. On the positive side, I experienced no pressure points or hot spots across the top or sides of my feet, which is commendable for a shoe at this price point. The shoe features a standard lacing system that's easy to adjust to your preferred snugness. When laced loosely, you can slip the shoe on without untying, though I noticed this tends to depress and potentially deform the padded heel collar over time. I recommend fully untying the laces for each use to preserve the shoe's structure.

Support

Support is one area where the Charged Assert 10 performs admirably. During our rigidity test, we found the sole maintains good stiffness through the midfoot while allowing appropriate flexibility in the toe – a key characteristic for preventing foot fatigue during long walks. The shoe exhibits minimal twisting when subjected to our twist test, indicating good torsional rigidity that helps maintain neutral foot positioning. The lacing system allows for a secure fit, and once tied, the laces stayed in place throughout our testing. We found the shoe provides neutral support without attempting to correct for either over or under-pronation. This makes it a solid choice for walkers with neutral gaits but means those needing specific pronation support should look elsewhere.

Traction

We were pleasantly surprised by the Charged Assert 10's traction performance. The full-length rubber outsole features a balanced pattern that works well across various surfaces without any obvious weak points. Unlike some competitors, the lug pattern doesn't trap rocks or debris, which we appreciated during our gravel testing.

In our surface tests, the shoe earned slightly above average scores across concrete, tile, and gravel surfaces. This indicates reliable, if not outstanding, grip across all common walking environments. The segmented pattern with strategic flex grooves provides good ground contact while allowing natural foot movement, though we noticed slightly reduced confidence on wet surfaces compared to top performers.

Weight

The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 weighs in at 8.04 ounces, which is on the heavier side for a walking shoe. However, the weight doesn't seem to negatively impact its performance - the shoe feels well-cushioned and stable underfoot, with no issues with ankle rolling or overly heavy fatigue during our 10,000 step testing. While it may not be the absolute lightest option, the Charged Assert 10 strikes a nice balance between weight, comfort, and support.

Durability

Initial quality impressions of the Charged Assert 10 are positive. The materials feel robust, with particular attention paid to the cushioning elements. After several months of testing and over 10,000 steps, our test pair has held up well. We have noticed that the heavily padded heel tab can start caving in if you tend to slip your shoes on and off without fully unlacing.

Care is straightforward – we recommend spot washing with warm, soapy water and a brush, followed by air drying. While we haven't experienced durability issues during our testing period, some users report that the mesh upper can be prone to tearing at flex points with extended use.

Should You Buy the Under Armour Charged Assert 10?

The Charged Assert 10 makes the most sense for casual walkers seeking an affordable, general-purpose walking shoe. Its neutral support and consistent traction make it well-suited for everyday activities like running errands or short fitness walks. The price point is particularly attractive for those just starting a walking routine or needing a reliable backup pair.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you're concerned about the sizing and slippage issues we encountered with the Charged Assert 10, we recommend looking at the Ryka Devotion Plus 3, which offers better foot security and is specifically designed for women's feet. For those seeking maximum comfort regardless of price, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 provides superior cushioning and stability. Budget-conscious shoppers might also consider the Skechers GO WALK Joy, which offers similar value with easier on-off convenience.