When you’re not trying to set a track record, but rather log some easy miles in a comfortable running shoe, the Under Armour Charged Gemini represents a good bargain. At less than $100, you shouldn’t expect the world of these shoes, but they’re comfortable and more than adequate for just about any sort of running surface, and just about any distance, too. I logged more than 50 miles for this Under Armour Charged Gemini review to see how they would hold up to some of the best running shoes, and was more than pleased with their performance and price.
Under Armour Charged Gemini review: Price and availability
The Under Armour Charged Gemini were originally released in 2020; they currently cost around $100, though you can often find them for much less. On Under Armour’s site, the shoes are available in three colorways — black, white, and gray — which isn’t the most exciting of options considering the flashier colors offered by other shoes, including those from UA itself. However, you can find a few more color options on Amazon and other online retailers.
Under Armour Charged Gemini review: Design and fit
Upper
Under Armour says the Gemini’s upper is made from a breathable mesh; the shoe also has a molded and cushioned ankle and heel color, and a removable sockliner. In all, I’d call it a very cozy shoe. I wore it on a number of runs in the middle of winter, and the Gemini kept my toes warmer than the Nike Pegasus 39s — the winter wind cut through the Nikes more than the UA shoes. I’m not sure how it would translate to summer months, though.
Midsole
The Gemini uses Under Armour’s Charged Cushioning midsole compression molded foam. There was nothing overly exciting about it, but it provided a nice and comfortable run, and, like the upper, made my feet feel nice and snug.
Outsole
While they’re not trail running shoes, the large tread of the Charged Gemini made me feel secure in every condition short of running on ice. The Gemini has a much bigger tread than the Nike Pegasus 39s, which I definitely felt when switching from one shoe to the other. When going from the Nike to the UA shoe, the latter felt like there was a dip in the middle, as if my pinkie and big toe were supported more than the toes in between.
The high-abrasion rubber on the heel of the Charged Gemini also made a difference; I didn’t notice any discomfort in my heel after a run. By comparison, the thinner padding of the Pegasus left a small hot spot under my heel.
Under Armour Charged Gemini review: Performance
I ran nearly 50 miles in the Charged Gemini — a mixture of short 3-mile jaunts as well as a few longer 10+ mile runs — and found them to be a solid and steady pair of shoes for just about any condition.
While you’re not going to set any track records, they were comfortable and secure, and I never had any issues with my feet, whether it was a short run or a half marathon. Due to its thicker uppers and larger tread, the Geminis are a touch heavier and clunkier than the Nike Pegasus 39s — my size 12 (US Men’s) Geminis weighed 11.6 ounces, compared to 10.95 ounces for the Nikes — but not so much that it dragged down my runs. In fact, at the end of a long run, I appreciated the thicker padding in the heel of the UA Geminis.
Under Armour Charged Gemini review: Verdict
If you’re looking for a solid all-around running shoe under $100, the Under Armour Charged Gemini is definitely a short-lister. While it’s not the flashiest, its supportive build, comfort, and great tread make it a great budget shoe for just about any occasion. While we still prefer the Nike Pegasus 39 for its lighter build and greater color options, the Gemini is well-suited if you’re looking for an all-purpose shoe to log some easy miles. And, its low price means you won’t feel guilty if you also happen to wear it while getting groceries or walking the dog.
