Testing Under Armour Gear: A Guide for U.S. Consumers

Americans interested in getting a first look at new athletic gear from a major brand like Under Armour have a direct way to do so by becoming a product tester. As a “field tester,” you can provide valuable feedback on the performance, fit, and durability of unreleased apparel and footwear, helping shape future products for a market that is constantly seeking the next innovation. Let’s get to it.

The Under Armour Field Testing Program

The Under Armour Field Testing Program is designed to gather real-world insights from everyday athletes. The company relies on a diverse pool of testers to validate that its products perform as intended across a wide range of sports and activities, from a casual jog to intense training sessions. Testers apply through an online portal and, if selected, receive a product to wear and evaluate over a set period, typically a few weeks to a couple of months.

The process is straightforward:

• Sign-up: Prospective testers create an account on the official Under Armour Field Testing portal.

• Profile Creation: Fill out a detailed profile including contact information, sizing, and most importantly, your specific sports activities and fitness habits.

• Selection: Under Armour’s team reviews profiles to match testers with products based on the specific criteria for each test. Factors include location, activity level, and size.

• Testing Period: If chosen, you receive the product along with instructions. During the test, you may be required to log your activities, keep a journal, or provide photo or video feedback.

• Feedback Submission: At the end of the test, you submit a comprehensive survey or report detailing your experience with the product’s comfort, fit, durability, and overall performance.

This feedback is critical for the brand’s product development cycle. By leveraging data from actual users, Under Armour can refine designs and materials before products hit the retail market.

Eligibility and Requirements for U.S. Testers

Under Armour’s field testing program is open to most U.S. residents. However, there are a few notable restrictions. Due to compliance and ethical guidelines, certain individuals are not eligible to participate.

Ineligible Applicants:

• Employees of Under Armour or their family members.

• Individuals employed by competing athletic apparel or footwear brands.

• NCAA athletes and other regulated professional or amateur athletes, unless approved through a specific process involving their athletic director or governing body.

Under Armour does not pay its field testers in cash. The primary compensation is often the opportunity to keep the product after the testing period, but this is not guaranteed for every test. Instead of a direct wage, testers receive the unique benefit of trying cutting-edge athletic gear before it is available to the public. For those passionate about sports and product innovation, this is a significant benefit in itself.

The selection process is highly dependent on the needs of the specific product being tested. A new running shoe might require testers who log 20+ miles a week, while a new line of workout apparel might seek individuals who frequent a gym or participate in a specific type of training. Your chances of being selected improve with the accuracy and detail you provide in your profile.

The Importance of a Detailed Profile

When you complete your application, the information you provide is the key to getting selected for a test. A complete profile gives Under Armour’s team the data they need to match you with the right product.

This information allows Under Armour to find a diverse set of testers that accurately represent their target consumer base.

Beyond the Field Testing Program

While field testing is a popular way to get a glimpse into new products, it’s not the only way to get free or discounted gear. For a U.S. audience, other avenues exist to get perks from major athletic brands.

• Influencer Partnerships: If you have a significant social media following and a niche within the sports or fitness community, you can apply for brand partnerships. These relationships are often built on a long-term basis and can result in free products, exclusive access, and monetary compensation.

• Loyalty Programs: Brands like Under Armour have robust loyalty programs. The UA Rewards program, for instance, offers members points for purchases and activities like leaving product reviews, which can be redeemed for discounts. According to a recent survey from Statista, about 42% of U.S. internet users participate in some form of loyalty program, highlighting their widespread popularity and effectiveness.

• Affiliate Marketing: For U.S.-based bloggers or website owners in the fitness space, affiliate programs are a common way to earn commissions on sales generated from your site. While this doesn’t offer free products directly, it’s a way to monetize content related to athletic gear. For example, a website reviewing running shoes can earn a commission for every purchase made through a unique link to UnderArmour.com.

The brand’s official corporate careers site also lists job openings for full-time “Product Developers” and “Sr. Enterprise Data Analysts” who work on product design and data analysis, though these are salaried positions and not part of the casual field testing program.

To get started, update your fitness profile with the most accurate information on the Under Armour Field Testing Portal and wait for your invitation to arrive in your inbox.