When Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi broke the tape at the 2025 Boston Marathon in a scorching 2:17:22, she not only set a new course record and solidified her place among the greats—she also handed Under Armour its biggest moment yet on the world stage. Lokedi’s triumphant win was also a showcase for the UA Velociti Elite 3, Under Armour’s latest high-performance racing shoe—and a model Lokedi helped shape from the ground up.
From breakthrough to Boston
Back in 2022, Lokedi turned heads when she won the New York City Marathon in her debut at the distance. It was a historic moment: she became the first woman to win a World Marathon Major wearing Under Armour shoes. At the time, Lokedi was still new to the professional scene after a standout collegiate career at the University of Kansas, and Under Armour’s racing shoes were still proving themselves on the biggest stage.
That win announced their arrival. And with Monday’s performance in Boston, where she pulled away from Hellen Obiri and a deep field in the closing miles, Lokedi made it clear that she is not just one of the best in the world, she’s setting the pace—with Under Armour on her feet.
Built to win: the Velociti Elite 3
The UA Velociti Elite 3 is the brand’s most refined racer yet, crafted with Lokedi’s direct input throughout development. The shoe is engineered for what Under Armour calls “gun-to-tape efficiency,” and Monday’s result showed just how effective that design can be.
At the heart of the Elite 3 is a dual-layer HOVR+ midsole foam that’s light, bouncy and consistent across 42.2 kilometres. A full-length carbon plate runs through the midsole, shaped into an aggressive rocker for smooth transitions and maximum propulsion. The upper is made from a lightweight, water-resistant mesh that holds its shape while still letting your feet breathe, crucial for staying cool and dry, while the outsole features ultra-thin rubber for durable grip with barely-there weight. Everything from the bevelled heel to the perforated tongue is optimized for elite racing—and on Monday, every detail mattered.
Designed by an athlete, for athletes
Lokedi’s collaboration with Under Armour didn’t stop at wear testing. She visited the brand’s innovation lab and offered feedback on everything from the shoe’s geometry to its upper fit. Her insights directly informed the shoe’s evolution, resulting in a product that reflects how today’s best marathoners actually run.
Doug Smiley, Under Armour’s director of performance run footwear, sums it up: “The Velociti Elite 3 represents the very best of Under Armour innovation and our relentless drive to deliver an essential edge to athletes everywhere. The insights from Sharon Lokedi have helped us craft the ultimate race-day solution that delivers energy return, efficiency, and propulsion with every stride.”
The UA Velociti Elite 3 will be available to purchase in fall 2025.
