Ensuring Quality: An In-depth Analysis of Under Armour's Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

When it comes to athletic gear, few companies command as much respect as Under Armour, a brand known for their relentless pursuit of innovation and quality. Among their offerings, the Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe has garnered much attention, with its exceptional reviews and best-seller status in Men's Road Running Shoes on Amazon. But how does it hold up when evaluated against quality certification and testing standards for the US market? This article takes a deep dive into the matter.

The Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe, like other products of its kind, must meet several requirements to be sold in the US. These include certification standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). There is also a host of international standards that are globally recognized, like the ISO standards.

CPSC, ASTM, ISO logos

Starting with the ASTM, the F1976 - 19 Standard is one of the primary certifications for athletic shoes. This standard tests the shoe's puncture resistance, which ensures the shoe's sole can withstand sharp objects and protect the wearer's foot. In the case of the Charged Assert 9, the robust rubber outsole covering high impact zones for increased durability with less weight suggests compliance with this standard.

Additionally, Under Armour's shoe must comply with ASTM F1614 - 99(2018), a standard that evaluates slip resistance. For a running shoe, this standard is particularly vital as it guarantees the safety of runners across various surfaces. The durable leather overlays in the Charged Assert 9 provide stability and lock in the midfoot, indicating that the shoe likely meets this criterion.

CPSC is another essential body regulating consumer products, including athletic shoes. They necessitate products to be safe and reliable for consumers. Although specific testing details are not always available, a shoe with over 47,000 positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating, like the Charged Assert 9, suggests adherence to these standards.

As for international standards, the ISO 20344:2011 outlines requirements and testing methods for safety, protective, and occupational footwear. Elements such as the compression-molded foam of the Charged Cushioning midsole, promising ultimate responsiveness and durability, suggest this shoe aligns with ISO standards.

While not a regulatory requirement, Under Armour has also demonstrated commitment to sustainability. The company has embarked on an initiative to reduce its environmental footprint, improve supply chain efficiency, and deliver high-performance products.

In conclusion, Under Armour's Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe appears to uphold the rigorous quality and safety standards expected in the US. Coupled with its impressive customer reviews and best-seller status, it continues to be a benchmark for quality in athletic footwear. However, as consumers, it's essential to keep in mind that brands are responsible for ensuring their products' compliance with relevant standards, and we must remain vigilant in holding them accountable.

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Further Explanation on Quality Certification and Testing Information

ASTM F1614-99(2018)

The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F1614-99(2018) is a standard test method for slip resistance of footwear under conditions of wear. The standard is used to determine the performance of new (unused) footwear on low-friction surfaces by measuring the footwear’s slip resistance while walking on a wet or otherwise slippery surface.

The standard requires the footwear to be tested by having the wearer walk back and forth over a test surface for a set amount of time. The slip resistance is then measured by calculating the angle of the foot to the floor during the gait cycle. This angle is then used to calculate a coefficient of friction for the shoe, which provides an indication of how well the shoe is likely to perform in real-world conditions where slipping may be a risk.

ISO 20344:2011

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 20344:2011 is an international standard specifying methods for testing footwear designed as personal protective equipment (PPE). It includes tests for features such as mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, and ergonomic behavior.

Some of the key components of this standard include testing for impact resistance (e.g., how well the footwear protects the wearer's foot from falling objects), compression resistance (how well the shoe can protect the wearer's foot from being crushed), and puncture resistance (how well the shoe's sole can protect against sharp objects).

For example, in terms of impact resistance, a steel striker of a defined mass and shape is dropped from a set height onto the footwear. The transmitted force must not exceed a certain value for the footwear to meet the standard.

It's important to note that each of these tests is meant to simulate the types of hazards that might be encountered in a workplace or other environments where specific protective footwear is necessary.

While these standards do not apply directly to every kind of footwear, such as running shoes, principles such as slip resistance, durability, and comfort are universally relevant. Manufacturers like Under Armour strive to meet or exceed these benchmarks in their products to ensure user safety, comfort, and performance.