Mask wearing is going to be around for a while, I’ve been on the search for the perfect mask for running. When Under Armour created a Sportsmask specifically designed for exercising, I knew I wanted to try it out. So how does the new Sportsmask measure up?
Under Armour Sportsmask Review
Made with sweat wicking performance material, this mask was designed for athletes. From UA:
- Made with high-performance UA materials, designed to be worn all day & when playing sports
- Structured design sits up off the face & lips for added comfort & breathability
- Water-resistant outer shell features smooth, breathable spacer fabric
- Anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer to help keep mask fresh
- Polyurethane open-cell foam lets air through but makes it hard for moisture & sweat to pass
- UA Iso-Chill fabric on interior lining & ear loops feels cool to the touch for as long as you wear it
- Fabric is soft & smooth for next to face comfort & moves moisture from your mouth to the insert layer
- Lining fabric extends up & is strategically shaped to lay flat across the bridge of your nose
- Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection (source)
What did I think of the UA Sportsmask?
I put the UA Sportsmask to the running test last week during my run clinic. Running with a mask is not fun and yes it takes some getting used to. Certain masks I love for just going out to the grocery store and others are better for exercising. The UA mask is definitely better for exercising. Here’s my take on it:
What I like:
The fabric really is comfortable against my face. The nose has adjustable wiring that was just right for me. Although I was breathing hard and sweating, the mask stayed relatively dry. It does pull moisture away from your skin which is a huge plus. I also felt like it helped eliminate gaps around my chin that I tend to have with other masks. I like the UPF 50 because no one wants to wear sunscreen under a mask. It washes well in the washing machine and I air dried it. The ear straps are really comfortable and did not annoy me at all. I did wear sunglasses and they did not fog up. One noticeable difference with this mask is that it does not stick to my face when I breathe in. The UA Sportsmask also comes in its own little travel case to keep it clean. Now available in 4 color options.
[You may also like Summer running hats that go the distance]
The Cons:
Honestly, not many. At $30 apiece they are a little pricey however, if they last a while, the price is worth it. I wonder if the ear loops will stretch out over time? Will have to update on that as time goes by.
Overall, you can see that I did enjoy the UA Sportsmask and would recommend it if you are looking for a sports specific mask. Have you tried it?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen , Lisa
Thank you so much for this review, Deborah!
When travel is open again, I will need a running mask for other countries. This will be very handy.
Do you know if the ear loops are adjustable? Or I probably would just need to wear the loops cross-wise.
So the ear loops are not adjustable but I did not need to cross them to fit like I have had to do on other masks. The loops are the same stretchy material typical of an under armour garment- they did not pull or bother my ears at all. Hope that helped
This sounds like a good option for running. Where I run I can stay far away from people, but I guess maybe that won’t always be the case. I really haven’t spent much time in a mask at all because I never go anywhere. Its going to take some getting used to whenever I start going out again!
I also try to stay away from people while running but some places it cannot be helped. It’s good to have a reliable mask on the ready
While I hope that I never have to wear a mask while running, it’s good to know that it worked well for you.
I have a small face so sometimes I have to knot the ear loops anyway. But I have encountered glasses fogging up with regular masks, so that’s great that your sunglasses didn’t!
I have had to cross over the ear loops on some of the disposable masks but this mask comes in different sizes. It fit me perfectly I got the small size.
I use the medical masks so haven’t had to buy one. Hope I don’t.
Thanks for the review.
I do use those sometimes but I find the fit is not great for me and they are quite warm.
I’m so glad you posted your review! Love that it has built in SPF protection since a mask and sunscreen mixed with sweat doesn’t sound appealing. I think the one downside would be having to always wash it, at $30 I’m not sure I would be able to justify multiple masks for workouts
No it is not fun wearing sunscreen under a mask. A lot of people are getting rashes or breakouts from masks as well. I do use a bunch of reusable masks and I just throw them right into the wash. I won’t use this one everyday but would use if I was ever taking a group class or running somewhere crowded or at a race.
Great info…hard to believe these things have to exist LOL Thankfully most of my runs (when they do happen, sans injury) are in the early hours without any worries about social distancing. If/when racing returns, that may change.
yes when racing finally does return, I think we will be wearing masks for them for a while
I appreciate your review! It’s nice to know there are masks that are comfortable for running. I don’t live in a crowded area so I often can run without seeing anyone, but a mask for running would be nice to races or runs on popular routes.
Definitely a great option for races in the future
I’m glad to hear you liked this mask; but really is any mask comfortable to run in? I’m trying to run when and where it’s not so crowded so wearing a mask isn’t necessary. Thanks for the review.
No It would be my preference not to run in a mask either. If and when we do return to races, I imagine they will be necesary
Thanks for your review on this mask! I’ve seen very polarizing reviews about it online so I wasn’t sure about purchasing it. Your review encourages me to buy it – especially since you said it doesn’t stick to your face. I’ve been using the Athleta masks for my OTF classes since those are pretty good but I would give this one a try!
I really liked it and I think it’s worth a try for your OTF class
Thanks for sharing your review. I’ve been fortunate to get to the point that I can carry my mask in my waistband and put it on if necessary. One of the benefits of living in the desert in August!
that is a great benefit!
Sounds like a great option! I’ve been wondering whether I need one for outdoor running and I might need to take the leap. Great review of them!
Thanks Julie!
This mask definitely looks like it fits your face well. Good to know that it pulls moisture away from your skin too. That’s so important!!
I do like the way it fits
I had never even considered a mask for running, as I usually run on my own, and if I do run with others we are a good distance from each other. However I can see the logic if and when races start up again. I must admit being an asthmatic, I am not sure I could run with a mask.
That’s good to know as I’ve been looking at these just in case. Might be good if I have to walk a long way in crowds at all. Here we are specifically told NOT to exercise in a mask, though to obey distancing, which we do in my group. But that might change, of course.
Interesting why do they tell you to avoid exercising in a mask?
I think they are saying you can’t get enough air/oxygen in when doing running, gym etc, so it could be more dangerous than good. Not that I’m going back in the gym.
Interesting!
Great review! I love that it stays dry. No one want to run with a wet mask.
I wear a buff but also try to stay away from people. If I see them on the sidewalk then I go to the street. So far it’s been working out for me.
Thank you for linking up with us!
thanks I think whenever races start up again we will be required to wear them
Great review! I love that it stays dry. No one want to run with a wet mask.
I wear a buff but also try to stay away from people.