The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 offers a flexible, grippy platform that excels in cross-training and daily wear, according to reviewers. It provides good impact protection and is comfortable for extended use, though it's heavier than many competitors. The shoe's 4.8mm drop is higher than the stated 2mm, which may disappoint minimalist users. While it's not the most stable option for heavy lifting compared to the Nike Metcon 10, it's well-suited for general fitness and versatile workouts.
Full review
Construction and Design
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 represents a significant evolution in the brand's approach to cross-training footwear, incorporating a triangular plate within its TriBase technology for enhanced stability. According to Under Armour's official product description, this design creates three points of contact to deliver 'rock-solid stability' during workouts. However, independent reviewers have noted that the actual heel-to-toe drop measures 4.8mm rather than the stated 2mm, which creates a noticeable discrepancy. The shoe features a Warp™ upper construction that provides a secure fit and abrasion-resistant mesh to withstand intense gym activities. The midsole utilizes Micro G foam, which delivers firm cushioning that's more suited for stability than comfort, as noted by RunRepeat's review where they measured the midsole softness at 26.8 HA, exactly matching the average training shoe firmness level.
Real-World Performance
Professional testing reveals the Reign 6 excels in stability-focused lifting scenarios, with Jake Boly from That Fit Friend reporting successful use for squats and deadlifts exceeding 400 pounds without compression or instability. The TPU insert in the heel provides excellent support for heavy lifting, though this same feature limits flexibility during dynamic movements. RTINGS' measurements showed the shoe's drop-in midsole delivers 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz, indicating responsiveness suitable for athletic activities. However, the heavier weight of 14.15 oz and denser construction make it less ideal for running, with RunRepeat's testing showing it's more comfortable for short runs than long-distance cardio work. The outsole provides good grip for rope climbs and CrossFit movements, as demonstrated in That Fit Friend's comparison with the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2.
Build Quality and Durability
Under Armour's construction approach in the Reign 6 prioritizes durability over comfort, with the Warp™ upper and abrasion-resistant mesh designed to withstand the rigors of rope climbs and burpees. The Micro G foam midsole shows good impact protection, as noted in RunRepeat's review where they found no pain or fatigue during testing. However, the firmness of the midsole may cause discomfort during extended wear, particularly for those without arch support. The upper material has been tested for durability in high-wear situations, though some reviewers have noted the shoe runs slightly large, requiring a half-size adjustment for optimal fit. The outsole demonstrates good wear resistance, though the firmness of the midsole may lead to premature wear in high-impact areas.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praise the Reign 6's stability and grip for lifting activities, with That Fit Friend noting its superior performance in heavy lifting scenarios compared to the Nike Metcon 10. The shoe's ability to provide 'rock-solid stability' during workouts, as described in Under Armour's marketing materials, has been validated by multiple reviewers. RunRepeat highlighted the impressive impact protection and comfortable wraparound upper that 'breathes well' during intense training sessions. The shoe's versatility in CrossFit applications has also been lauded, with That Fit Friend noting its suitability for rope climbs and various WODs. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the Reign 6 has been praised, with Zappos reviewers noting its 'perfect for lifting and a short run' and 'probably the most comfortable training shoes' they've owned. The 'unbeatable ground control' feature has been particularly appreciated by those seeking a stable platform for explosive movements.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Reign 6 has notable drawbacks that have been documented across multiple reviews. The discrepancy between stated and actual drop measurements has been a point of criticism, with RunRepeat noting that the 4.8mm drop is significantly higher than the advertised 2mm. The shoe's weight of 14.15 oz makes it considerably heavier than competitors like the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 at 9.85 oz, which impacts its suitability for running activities. The firmness of the midsole, while beneficial for lifting, creates discomfort for extended wear, as noted by multiple reviewers including Zappos customers who reported foot rubbing issues. Additionally, the shoe's fit has been inconsistent, with some users reporting it runs half a size large, requiring careful sizing consideration. The lack of arch support for those without natural arches has also been cited as a limitation by some reviewers.
Who It's Best For
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 is ideal for lifters who prioritize stability and support during heavy weightlifting sessions, particularly those who perform squats, deadlifts, and other compound movements exceeding 400 pounds. According to That Fit Friend's analysis, the Reign 6 is best suited for individuals seeking a 'solid shoe underfoot' for maximum stability. The shoe's performance in CrossFit and athletic activities makes it suitable for those who engage in varied workout regimens that include rope climbs, HIIT, and circuit training. However, it's less ideal for runners or those who require lightweight footwear for daily wear, as the 14.15 oz weight and firm midsole make it cumbersome for extended walking or running. The shoe's wider toe box and flexible drop-in midsole make it a good choice for those with wider feet or those seeking a more comfortable fit, though some users have reported issues with the fit running slightly large.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to the Nike Metcon 10, the Reign 6 offers different advantages and disadvantages. While the Metcon 10 provides superior stability for heavy lifting with its TPU insert and denser midsole, the Reign 6 offers better versatility for CrossFit and daily wear due to its more flexible drop-in midsole. The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, according to That Fit Friend, provides a denser feel that works well for lifting but lacks the responsiveness for athletic-focused workouts. RunRepeat's comparison showed the Reign 6's 22.3mm heel stack is lower than the average, making it feel more grounded, but the 17.5mm forefoot stack is also lower than average, contributing to its minimalist feel. The Reign 6's price point of $130 positions it competitively against the Nike Metcon 10 at $155 and the Adidas Dropset at $139.
Value at This Price
At $130, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 offers good value for lifters who prioritize stability and support during heavy weightlifting sessions. The shoe's durability and specialized construction justify its price point for serious athletes who engage in varied training regimens including rope climbs and CrossFit workouts. However, the shoe's weight and firmness may not provide value for those seeking a lightweight option for running or daily wear. The price point positions it competitively against similar products like the Nike Metcon 10 at $155 and the Adidas Dropset at $139, though the Reign 6's unique features and construction make it a distinct offering. Reviewers have noted that while the shoe's performance is solid, the discrepancy between stated and actual drop measurements may affect its value proposition for those seeking minimalist footwear. The 4.7/5 rating on Zappos and the 85/100 score from RunRepeat suggest that despite its limitations, the Reign 6 delivers on its core promises for its target demographic.
Strengths
- +Flexible and grippy
- +Impressive impact protection
- +Comfortable for daily wear
- +Provides stability for lifting
Watch-outs
- −Heavy weight (14.15 oz)
- −Higher drop than stated (4.8 mm vs 2 mm)
How it compares
The UA TriBase Reign 6 provides impressive impact protection and flexibility that surpasses the more stable but heavier R.A.D. One V2 and the less cushioned Reebok Nano X5, while also offering better comfort for daily wear than the minimalist STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer. However, its weight and higher drop than advertised make it less ideal for those seeking the lightness of the Nike Metcon 10 or the toe splay of the Born Primitive Savage 1.
Who this is for
At a glance: Cross-training athletes valuing comfort.
Why you’d buy the UA TriBase Reign 6
- Flexible and grippy.
- Impressive impact protection.
- Comfortable for daily wear.
Why you’d skip it
- Heavy weight (14.15 oz).
- Higher drop than stated (4.8 mm vs 2 mm).
Rating sources
“The Metcon 10 is one of the best iterations of Nike's flagship line in a long time. It harkens back to some of what made the Metcon the go-to training shoe when it was first released.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
