The HOVR Guardian is a stability shoe that even neutral runners can appreciate for its support and toughness, both through months of marathon training and crossing the finish line. Much of this toughness comes from the outsole, which has carbon rubber in high impact spots like the Speedform Intake 2, the brand’s other well-known long-distance runner. While the larger amounts of carbon rubber on the Guardian make the shoe heavier, that’s also what makes it so durable. As for the shoe’s stability features, the Guardian uses a combination of UA’s soft “Charged” EVA foam with their firmer “HOVR” foam to provide guidance and support with just enough soft protection. Further guidance and arch support is provided with a thin piece of plastic under the arch, imbedded between the foam layers. An internal heel counter with an external plastic clip provides further stability. Last, but far from least, the HOVR Guardian comes equipped with run-tracking technology. A sensor embedded deep in the midsole (no worries, you can’t feel a thing) can keep track of a variety of data from speed to stride length. With a smartphone, this information is easily uploaded to UA’s online app, Map My Run. While you don’t get the instant satisfaction of knowing your stats like with an Apple Watch or Garmin, you do get the freedom of running out the door with no electronics. You know, like running used to be.