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Under Armour has continued to build its popular TriBase Reign cross-training shoe line this year. As opposed to just rolling out one core TriBase Reign shoe, Under Armour rolled out two models this year the Reign 5 and Reign Vital.
After reviewing the TriBase Reign 5, I’ve had a lot of questions about which model to go with. Should someone save a little money and go with the UA TriBase Reign 4, opt for the latest with the 5, or try out the more budget-friendly Reign Vital?
The UA TriBase Reign 4, 5, and Vital are all good shoes, and a couple of them have landed on my favorite cross-training shoe list, but for slightly different reasons.
UA TriBase Reign 5 Vs 4 Vs Vital Performance
The Under Armour TriBase Reign models are designed to be well-rounded cross-training shoes. They work well for things like lifting, CrossFit, HIIT, athletic workouts, and even short running.
Below, I’ll cover how these three shoes perform and compare them in a few key performance categories. We all train slightly differently, so it’s important to find the model that matches your training demands best.
Comparing the UA TriBase Reign 5 vs 4 vs Vital for Lifting and CrossFit
When it comes to lifting, the TriBase Reign 5, 4, and Vital all perform strongly regarding stability when managing different weights. If your main goal is strength training in these shoes, then you should be set in any of these models.
In all of these shoes, I’ve squatted up to 405 lbs and didn’t have issues with stability or losing my balance, and they also worked for deadlifts up to 500 lbs. All of these cross-trainers feature Under Armour’s dense Micro G Foam midsole.
If you’ve never used one of the TriBase Reign models for lifting, then expect a slightly thicker and stiffer midsole. While I like the stability that Micro G Foam provides in these shoes, none of these models give a ton of articulation.
For example, if you like training shoes that are highly flexible for things like lunges and split squats, then you’ll want to consider a model like the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer because the Reign 4, 5, and Vital are all pretty stiff in nature.
That being said, I think for recreational lifting all three of these models will work well for most lifters’ strength demands. If I had to pick a favorite, I would opt for the Reign 5 because its toe box is a little more spacious regarding volume, however, the 4 is also great and a tad more breathable.
Note, the Reign Vital works for strength training, but I find its mesh upper to have a lower profile through the toe box, which gives it a snugger fit when lifting and training.
In the context of CrossFit, I think your best bet between these models will be the TriBase Reign 4 and 5. However, like lifting, all of these shoes can technically work for CrossFit and perform pretty well for recreational CrossFit athletes.
When it comes to rope climbs, the TriBase Reign 4, 5, and Vital all hold up pretty well. All three of these models feature a medial and lateral midfoot outsole wrap for giving you additional bite while climbing, the Vital’s wrap is the most aggressive of the three.
I also like that the midsole while being dense, isn’t too uncomfortable to use for things like box jumps and double-unders or WODs where you’re doing more jump work. All three of these shoes have a nice “pop” to them and they’ll work for athletes that love dense shoes.
When it comes to each shoe’s long-term durability and CrossFit, the Reign Vital’s foam heel isn’t the most durable and the Reign 4 and 5 should fare better in the long run as they have a TPU clip versus a molded foam heel.
The TriBase outsoles on all of these shoes are a nice feature for additional stability and balance support when tackling tough WODs. It’s worth noting that the Reign Vital’s outsole features a more aggressive lug pattern so it may be better for those that train on turf more regularly and tackle WODs often.
Winner: For lifting, I’d suggest opting for the UA TriBase Reign 5, and if you want to save money go for the Reign 4 as it’s equally a strong performer.
For CrossFit, the Reign 4 and 5 are taking the edge again, but if you do a lot of turf work and CrossFit, then the Vital can be a good call.
UA TriBase Reign 5
UA TriBase Reign 4
Comparing the UA TriBase Reign 5 vs 4 vs Vital for Versatile Training
When it comes to versatile training, all three of these shoes also do a pretty good job. In fact, I often refer to the TriBase Reign shoe line as being “athlete-friendly” in the sense they work for sessions where you’re blending lifting, plyometrics, and agility work.
The Micro G Foam midsole construction in all of these shoes is nice because it gives them a fair level of ground feedback when doing explosive workouts and multi-directional work. Softer midsoles can lose out on this performance area.
The UA TriBase Reign 4 and Reign 5 both break in a little faster for HIIT workouts and classes and this is due to the outsole breaks they have in the forefoot. The Reign Vital only has one break so it does run a tad stiffer than the 4 and 5, in my opinion.
Despite being a little stiffer, I do like how the Reign’s outsole gives it a little more bite on turf than the Reign 4 and 5. While this won’t be a big deal for most, I think if you’re an athlete or an HYROX-focused athlete, then you may want to consider this construction feature.
Another key differentiator between these shoes for versatile training is their upper constructions. The Reign 4 is by far the most breathable of these three shoes and if you’re training in warmer settings often, then you’ll want to prioritize this.
The Reign 5’s WARP upper runs a smidge warmer, however, I actually like the upper in this model best due to its security and more spacious volume. It walks a fine line between being secure and not too hot for training, in my opinion.
The Reign Vital’s mesh upper is by far the suggest of these three and I actually noticed that I ripped the upper on one of my models when using them for pickleball.
While they worked great regarding their comfort for the multi-directional work, their upper ripped pretty quickly and they’re not pickleball-approved training shoes. If you’re using them for outdoor sessions, definitely keep an eye on the upper around the toe box.
Winner: All of these work well really well for versatile training. Opt for the Reign 4 if you prioritize breathability, go for the 5 if you want a comfortable upper construction, and go for the Vital if want a shoe for turf training.
UA TriBase Reign 4
$120
Best For
- CrossFit and Cross-Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
Falls Short
- For Wider Feet
- For Longer Runs
Comparing the UA TriBase Reign 5 vs 4 vs Vital for Short Runs and Daily Wear
When it comes to running, you can expect a similar performance from all three of these shoes. The core components that can influence a shoe’s running performance like midsole, outsole, and heel-to-toe drop all run consistently on these models.
The Reign 4, 5, and Vital will work best for runs that are around 2-3 miles and below, and I would consider three miles pushing it in these shoes. I found their running performance to work best for things like sprints and 400-800 meter runs programmed in WODs.
For long-distance runs, I would suggest passing on these shoes because I think their density will be offputting for most recreational runners. Plus, you’ll want a find a model that’s more specific for your running needs to prolong the shoe’s lifespan.
For daily wear, all of these shoes are okay, but honestly, they’re not going to be the training shoe that you can wear traveling or out casually as they don’t really offer a clean refined appearance for that daily wear context.
Plus, I think the density of these shoes could be a turn-off regarding cushion for some if they opt for wearing these cross-training shoes all day and you’ll get more out of these shoes if you save them for training.
Winner: For short runs and even daily wear, I like the TriBase Reign 5 best. They look pretty good and the WARP upper is a little more spacious which I like. Plus, the Reign 5’s upper reminds me of the UA Flow Velociti Wind 2’s upper which is a solid running shoe.
UA TriBase Reign 5
$130
Best For
- Recreational Weight Training
- CrossFit
- Cross-Training & Athletic Workouts
- HIIT Workouts
- Lower Heel-to-Toe Drop Lovers
Falls Short
- For Wide Feet
- For Longer Runs
UA TriBase Reign 5 Vs 4 Vs Vital Construction
One of the benefits or drawbacks depending on how you see it with the UA TriBase Reign 4, 5, and Vital is that their constructions all have similarities to one another with a few key differences.
Below, I’ll cover the key construction differences to note between the UA TriBase Reign 4 versus 5 versus Vital, and I’ll cover them in different parts to make this section more digestible.
Outsole
All three of these shoes feature Under Armour’s proprietary TriBase tech on their outsoles. This is a construction feature that gives models a nice stable base and Under Armour also uses it in models like the UA Project Rock and HOVR Rise.
The Reign 4 and 5 outsoles are virtually identical and both will perform the exact same in the gym. The Reign Vital’s outsole is a little more aggressive with its tread, which is why I also like this model a little better for turf training. All of these shoes have slightly beveled heels.
Midsole
Similar to the outsole construction of these shoes, the midsole is also very similar. Each of these shoes features Under Armour’s signature Micro G Foam which runs more dense and stable in these models.
The Reign 4 and 5 are once again identical in this construction feature and you can expect similar versatility and stability from them. The Reign Vital’s midsole is primarily different due to its foam heel mold which gives it a clunkier look.
Upper
The upper construction is probably the biggest difference between all three of these shoes. The Reign 5 features Under Armour WARP construction and this runs to the boot which is padded and a little more rigid for stability.
The Reign Vital’s upper is composed of a mesh which then blends into a thicker boot. The Vital’s upper runs the warmest of the three and seems the least durable. Lastly, the Reign 4 features a breathable mesh with a more rigid and layered boot.
Laces and Tongue
On top of the upper, the lacing system and tongue are also different in all of these shoes. The TriBase Reign 4 features a traditional lacing system with internal loops and five core eyelets with a sixth for lace-lock. The tongue is built with a thin mesh.
The Reign Vital feature five eyelets and the top eyelet project higher than the lower four internal loop eyelets. This lacing system can give this model an interesting fit and I found it to produce a little pressure on the top of the foot. The tongue is padded and gusseted.
In the TriBase Reign 5, the lacing system takes an asymmetric or anatomical shape. There are four lower internal loop eyelets and a top eyelet that also projects over the bottom four eyelets.
Like the Vital, I also found this lacing system to be interesting in the 5 because it produces a little pressure on the top of the foot as you break them in. The tongue is built with a padded mesh and it’s not gusseted. The laces are also not my favorite in the Reign 5 and you may want to replace them if they don’t land for you as well.
Weight, Heel-to-Toe Drop, and Insole
Another two similarities between these models include their weights and heel-to-toe drops. Regarding insoles, the Reign 4 and 5 both feature a removable foam insole while the Reign Vital’s insole is not removable.
- Reign 5 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12.6 oz (for my size 10 model), 2mm Drop
- Reign 4 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13 oz (for my size 10 model), 2mm Drop
- Reign Vital Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12.4 oz (for my size 10 model), 2mm Drop
If you have additional construction-related questions about the UA TriBase Reign 4, 5, or Reign Vital and how they compare, drop a comment below.
UA TriBase Reign 5 Vs 4 Vs Vital Sizing
Regarding sizing the UA TriBase Reign 5, Reign 4, and Reign Vital, I think most athletes and lifters should be safe going true to size in these models. Their lengths run true and they have a neutral-width, or “regular” fit per Under Armour’s site.
Despite all having similar last construction, there are a couple of subtle nuances to note about their sizing. For example, the Reign Vital has the snuggest toe box due to its mesh upper and the volume it provides.
The Reign 5 is the most spacious shoe regarding toe box and upper volume because the WARP upper has a slightly more voluminous construction. I think if you have a slightly wider foot, then the Reign 5 would be your best call.
However, for notably wide feet, I would suggest passing on all of these models because I’m not convinced you’ll have enough room through the toe box and midfoot in these shoes.
- UA TriBase Reign Vital Sizing Thoughts: Narrow/Neutral-Width Feet, Go True to Size.
- UA TriBase Reign 5 Sizing Thoughts: Narrow/Neutral-Width Feet, Go True to Size.
- UA TriBase Reign 4 Sizing Thoughts: Narrow/Neutral-Width Feet, Go True to Size.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions about these models, drop a comment below and share what shoe you currently wear and in what size.
UA TriBase Reign 5 Vs 4 Vs Vital Durability
For the most part, I think the durability of the UA TriBase Reign 5, Reign 4, and Regin Vital is pretty consistent in most settings. I think if you’re using these shoes for recreational lifting, then all three of these models will last you for quite some time.
The midsole does a good job of preventing compression from heavy lifts and the outsole typically lasts a while without lipping or peeling if you’re using your shoes for primarily indoor workouts.
For CrossFit, I also think these three shoes do a pretty good job when it comes to their durability. The uppers in these models all tend to be fairly abrasion resistant and the outsole wrap doesn’t break down super fast when rope climbing.
I do think the TriBase Reign 4 and Reign 5 have the edge when it comes to durability for every type of training as the mesh upper in the Reign Vital can be a little more prone to ripping from abrasion., see below
More specifically, if you primarily train outdoors on concrete, then you may want to be careful in the Reign Vital because it doesn’t take much to rip the material above the toe box. This is pretty standard with mesh uppers in training shoes.
Price Assessment and Comparison
When it comes to the price breakdown between the UA TriBase Reign 4, 5, and Vital, you can expect to pay between $100-130 USD. Until this year, the price point of the TriBase Reign was consistent at $120 USD and this is the price that the Reign 4 costs.
The UA TriBase Reign 5 received a price increase and is not $130 USD, which makes it a price point similar to that of models like the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7.
The UA TriBase Reign Vital has the lowest price point at $100 USD. Construction-wise, I think it is pretty easy to see that the Vital is the budget model despite it having a pretty well-rounded performance. The materials just don’t have the same premium feel to them.
UA TriBase Reign Vital
$100
Best For
- Cross-Training
- Casual CrossFit
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT and Athletic Workouts
- Budget-Friendly Shoppers
Falls Short
- For Wide Feet
- For Long-Term Sole Durability
I think the prices of these models are all pretty fair, to be honest. The TriBase Reign 5, despite being a bit more expensive, is the shoe I like best. However, if you’re not worried about the latest and greatest, then I’d suggest going for the Reign 4.
Since the Reign 5’s release, the Reign 4 has seen a nice price decrease and it’s a pretty strong shoe at the end of the day. The Vital’s price is fair as well, but unless you need them for turf, I’d still go for the 4 over the Vital while they’re still available for a similar or lower price.
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Takeaway Thoughts
The UA TriBase Reign 5 versus TriBase Reign 4 versus TriBase Reign Vital is a popular debate and question for anyone on the market for new Under Armour cross-training shoes.
All of these models perform pretty well in their own right and they each have their own lists of pros and cons depending on their use contexts and what you prefer. That being said, all of these models should work well for the recreational lifter and athlete.
There are a few areas where these shoes fall short, though, like their fit and performance for wide feet.
If you have additional questions about the UA TriBase Reign Vital, 4, or 5, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
