Under Armour is entering a new era of athletic footwear with the launch of the UA Halo collection. Built for the modern athlete, the Halo line blends form and function,and represents a strategic shift for Under Armour, signaling a bigger investment in the sneaker category.

Yassine Saidi, chief product officer at Under Armour, talked to FN about the significance of this drop. “Halo is the start of a new era and a statement of intent,” he says. “It reflects a deeper commitment to the footwear category, blending design innovation with performance technology in a way that’s uniquely Under Armour.”

The UA Halo has a dual focus on both aesthetics and performance. The collection introduces the HOVR+ midsole platform, a cushioning technology that is said to deliver more consistent energy return and a smoother ride. Under Armour has also reimagined the design of its iconic double-arch logo, now embedded into the midsole as a functional element. Dubbed as the “Heartbeat” logo, it not only represents the brand but also plays a role in stabilizing and propelling the wearer.

“The decision to embed the double-arch logo into the midsole wasn’t just about aesthetics,” says Saidi. “But also redefining our logo as a functional element. This idea of the logo carrying more performance benefits is a big part of our future direction.”

According to Saidi, the concept of integrating design with function was born out of early conversations with Under Armour founder Kevin Plank, which revolved around the meaning and balance of the brand’s logo and how it could serve a greater purpose in the footwear space. “That’s the beauty of working with a founder,” Saidi says. “You get access to the original intent, and for me, Halo is about honoring that vision but through a modern, functional lens.”

“Our logo has always been a symbol of balance, symmetry, and equilibrium,” says Kevin Plank, Founder
and CEO of Under Armour in a statement. “With UA Halo, we’re taking that idea further than ever before. For the first time, our identity is embedded into the very structure of the shoe. It’s an exciting step forward and one that reflects where we’ve come from and more importantly, where we’re going.”

The UA Halo collection caters to a wide range of athletes, from serious competitors to fitness enthusiasts and the rising group of “social athletes.” Saidi describes the modern athlete as someone who may not identify strictly as a runner or competitor, but still cares about having versatile sneakers that suit all their needs. The collection features three key models: The Halo Runner, The Halo Racer, and The Halo Trainer.

While all three models share the same DNA—with the Heartbeat logo acting as a signature that ties the collection together—they all have different purposes. The Halo Runner is a versatile daily running shoe designed for comfort and performance. The Halo Racer is a speed-focused model with a TPU plate for added propulsion, for competitors seeking responsiveness. The Halo Trainer is built for hybrid athletes who train across multiple disciplines, providing stability for lifting and cushioning for HIIT workouts and functional training.

While the Halo collection is a performance-driven shoe, its clean design and functional aesthetic also make it a fit for everyday wear. “We’re not trying to chase lifestyle with Halo. We’re starting with innovation, and letting the product speak for itself,” Saidi says.

With the launch of UA Halo, Under Armour is making a statement about its future direction. The collection plays a major role in its broader strategy, signaling a long-term investment in the footwear space, with plans for further innovation and expansion.

“The future of performance footwear is about creating beautiful products that work,” Saidi adds. “It’s not just about tech specs anymore, it’s about designing shoes that perform at a high level and connect emotionally and culturally with the consumer.”

The Halo collection is Under Armour’s answer to this new vision. It offers a combination of cutting-edge performance features, distinctive design, and emotional connection with the athlete, while paving a new direction and new tone of voice for the brand. “The Halo campaign feels different: more social, more Gen Z connected, more playful. It brings personality into performance,” Saidi says. “Halo still delivers on athlete demands, but it does so in a way that feels fresh and culturally in tune.”