MapMyRun: Connected Shoes, Tracking Devices, and Setup Guide

What shoes connect to map my run?

The primary running shoes designed for direct, embedded connectivity with the MapMyRun application are the Under Armour HOVR series of connected footwear, featuring an integrated sensor that tracks advanced running metrics.

Introduction to Smart Running Shoes and MapMyRun Integration

In the evolving landscape of fitness technology, the integration of footwear with digital tracking platforms has revolutionized how runners analyze their performance and biomechanics. MapMyRun, a popular fitness tracking application developed by Under Armour, stands at the forefront of this innovation, offering seamless connectivity with specific smart running shoes. This direct link allows for a richer data capture experience, moving beyond simple GPS tracking to provide detailed insights into your gait and running form.

The Primary Player: Under Armour Connected Footwear

When considering running shoes that directly connect to MapMyRun, the focus unequivocally falls on Under Armour's line of connected footwear. Since its acquisition of MapMyFitness in 2013, Under Armour has strategically integrated its shoe technology with the app, offering a unique ecosystem for runners.

• Under Armour HOVR Series: The most prominent examples are shoes within the Under Armour HOVR series (and some past models like the SpeedForm Gemini 3 RE). These shoes are specifically engineered with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chip embedded directly into the midsole of the right shoe. This chip is durable, waterproof, and designed to last the lifetime of the shoe, typically without requiring charging.
• How the Sensor Works: The embedded sensor activates upon movement and communicates wirelessly with the MapMyRun app on your smartphone or compatible device. It captures a wealth of data points beyond what a typical GPS watch or phone app can provide.
• Key Data Points Collected:
  • Stride Length: The distance covered with each step.
  • Cadence: Your steps per minute (SPM).
  • Ground Contact Time: How long your foot remains on the ground during each stride.
  • Foot Strike Angle: The angle at which your foot lands relative to the ground.
  • Real-time Form Coaching: During your run, the app can provide live audio cues based on your metrics, helping you adjust your form for efficiency and injury prevention.
  • Run Coaching Plans: Based on your performance data, the app can recommend personalized training plans.

How Connected Shoes Enhance Your Running Data

The integration of connected shoes with MapMyRun provides a significant upgrade from basic GPS tracking, offering a deeper dive into your running mechanics.

• Biomechanical Insights: Unlike GPS which primarily tracks distance, pace, and elevation, connected shoes offer critical biomechanical data. Understanding metrics like cadence and ground contact time can help identify inefficiencies or potential precursors to injury. For instance, a higher cadence often correlates with reduced impact forces.
• Real-time Coaching: The ability to receive live audio feedback during a run is a powerful tool for form improvement. If your cadence drops significantly, the app might prompt you to "pick up your feet" or "shorten your stride."
• Consistency and Accuracy: Because the sensor is integrated into the shoe, it provides consistent data capture, often more reliably than wrist-based sensors for certain metrics, especially in areas with poor GPS signal.

Setting Up Your Connected Shoes with MapMyRun

Connecting your Under Armour smart shoes to MapMyRun is a straightforward process:

1. Download the MapMyRun App: Ensure you have the latest version of the MapMyRun app installed on your smartphone.
2. Create/Log In to Your UA Account: You'll need an Under Armour account to use the app and connect your shoes.
3. Activate Your Shoes: For new shoes, you might need to "wake up" the sensor by walking around in them for a few seconds.
4. Pair Your Shoes:
   • Open the MapMyRun app.
   • Navigate to the "Connect Apps & Devices" section (usually found in the main menu or settings).
   • Select "Under Armour Connected Footwear."
   • The app will search for your shoes via Bluetooth. Once found, select them to pair.
   • Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing and initial setup, which may include a short calibration walk.
5. Start Your Run: Once paired, simply select "Start Workout" in the app, and your shoe data will automatically sync with your run.

Beyond Connected Shoes: Other Tracking Methods for MapMyRun

While Under Armour's connected footwear offers unique integrated features, MapMyRun is a versatile platform that can sync with a wide array of other devices to track your runs.

• GPS Smartwatches: Many popular GPS running watches can sync their data directly or indirectly with MapMyRun.
  • Garmin: Garmin Connect can be linked to MapMyRun, automatically importing activities.
  • Apple Watch: Workouts recorded on Apple Watch can be synced to Apple Health, which can then be configured to share data with MapMyRun.
  • Suunto, Polar, Coros, Fitbit: Most major sports watch brands offer integration options, either directly or via third-party sync services.
• Smartphone GPS: The most common method, using your phone's built-in GPS to track distance, pace, and route.
• Manual Entry: You can always manually enter workout details if you prefer to run without devices or forgot to track a session.

Considerations Before Investing in Connected Footwear

While connected shoes offer compelling advantages, it's important to consider several factors before making a purchase:

• Cost vs. Benefit: Connected shoes typically come at a slightly higher price point than their non-connected counterparts. Evaluate if the advanced metrics and coaching features justify the investment for your training goals.
• Shoe Lifespan vs. Sensor Lifespan: While the sensor is designed to outlast the shoe, running shoes themselves have a finite lifespan (typically 300-500 miles). You'll replace the entire shoe, including the sensor, when it wears out.
• Accuracy and Reliability: While generally accurate, like all technology, occasional discrepancies can occur. Ensure your app is updated and your shoes are properly calibrated.
• Personal Preference and Fit: The most crucial aspect of any running shoe is how it feels on your foot. Prioritize fit, comfort, and suitability for your running style and biomechanics above connectivity features. A well-fitting shoe is paramount for injury prevention and performance.
• Battery Life: The embedded chip in UA shoes does not require charging, drawing power from kinetic energy or a long-lasting coin cell battery, which is a significant convenience factor compared to charged devices.

The Future of Running Technology

The landscape of running technology is continually evolving. We can anticipate further advancements in integrated sensors, potentially offering even more granular data on foot strike, pronation, and ground reaction forces. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will likely play a larger role in personalized coaching, providing predictive insights and adaptive training plans based on real-time biometric data. The goal remains to empower runners with actionable information to improve performance, enhance efficiency, and reduce the risk of injury.

Conclusion

For runners seeking direct, embedded shoe connectivity with MapMyRun, Under Armour's HOVR series is the definitive answer. These smart shoes provide a unique advantage by delivering rich biomechanical data and real-time coaching directly to your app, offering a comprehensive view of your running form. While many other devices can sync with MapMyRun, none offer the same level of integrated footwear analysis. When considering this technology, weigh the benefits of advanced metrics against your personal running needs, prioritizing shoe fit and comfort above all else for a truly optimized running experience.