There’s a specific moment of bliss every athlete, gym-goer, or swimmer knows intimately. It’s the feeling of peeling off restrictive athletic shoes after a grueling workout, a long run, or an intense game. Your feet, tired and swollen, cry out for freedom and comfort. For years, I navigated this post-activity ritual with a series of flimsy, inadequate flip-flops and slides. They would either become water-logged and squishy in the shower, offer zero support, or worse, become dangerously slick on wet locker room floors. The frustration was real: finding a single pair of slides that could handle the shower, provide genuine recovery-level comfort, and still be durable enough for casual wear around the house felt like an impossible quest. This is the exact problem the Under Armour Locker V 11 US was engineered to solve—a do-it-all slide designed for the demanding environments where comfort, hygiene, and safety are paramount.
- Quick drying one-piece performance molded EVA slide, perfect for locker room or poolside use
- Additional drainage ports to help reduce water retention for all-day wear
- Updated cushioning & raised height for ultimate comfort
What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Sandals
A Men’s Sandals, particularly a performance slide, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for comfort, hygiene, and recovery. In environments like gyms, communal showers, and pools, a good slide acts as a crucial barrier between your feet and potentially bacteria-ridden surfaces. Beyond hygiene, they provide essential cushioning for tired feet, aiding in post-exercise recovery by allowing your feet to breathe and relax. The right pair combines quick-drying materials with a secure, comfortable fit, making them versatile enough to transition from the locker room to a casual afternoon at home without missing a beat. They eliminate the discomfort of wet, soggy footwear and provide stable footing where it matters most.
The ideal customer for this type of product is an active individual—someone who frequents the gym, swims, plays sports, or simply values extreme comfort and convenience in their daily life. They need footwear that is low-maintenance, waterproof, and built to last. Conversely, this style of slide might not be suitable for those who require formal footwear or need the rugged, all-terrain support of a hiking sandal. If your primary need is for long-distance walking on uneven trails or something to wear to a business-casual event, you should consider more specialized alternatives. For the athlete, the homebody, and the poolside lounger, however, a performance slide is an indispensable piece of gear. We have found that the Under Armour Locker V 11 US offers a compelling blend of these features for its target audience.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is arguably the most critical factor for a slide. A poor fit can lead to blisters, slipping, or a lack of support. Pay close attention to whether a model runs true to size, large, or small. For the Under Armour Locker V 11 US, user feedback is mixed, with some suggesting sizing down and others needing to size up, indicating that foot shape (like a high instep) plays a significant role in finding the perfect fit.
- Traction & Water Drainage: If you plan to use slides in wet environments, performance is non-negotiable. Look for deep texturing on both the footbed and the outsole to prevent your foot from sliding within the shoe and the shoe from sliding on the floor. Features like drainage ports are a game-changer, as they actively channel water away, allowing the slides to dry almost instantly and preventing odor.
- Materials & Durability: The material dictates the slide’s comfort, longevity, and function. Many modern slides, including this one, use a single-piece molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) construction. This design is superior because it eliminates glues and seams—the most common points of failure—making the slide inherently waterproof, lightweight, and incredibly durable. The trade-off can sometimes be less breathability compared to fabric-lined models.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of a slide is its simplicity. It should be easy to slip on and off, requiring no hands. Maintenance should be just as simple. Materials like EVA are fantastic because they can be rinsed clean in seconds and air dry quickly, resisting the buildup of mold, mildew, and odors that can plague other types of footwear.
While the Under Armour Locker V 11 US is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Outdoor, sporty sandal
- Mens Dressy Casual Sandals: Faux leather padded strap is business and comfortable, matching with trendy shorts, fashion jeans and dress shirts. Premium arches thick cushion foam serve walking on cloud...
- Made for ease and comfort, the Adilette Shower Slides feature a quick-dry upper ideal for dorm room routines or music festival days. Cloudfoam provides plush cushioning, ensuring all-day comfort...
Unboxing the Under Armour Locker V 11 US: A First Look at Function-First Design
Our pair of the Under Armour Locker V 11 US arrived not in a traditional shoebox, but in a simple, clear plastic bag. This minimalist approach immediately signals that this is a product built for utility, not pomp. Pulling them out, the first thing we noticed was their substantial, yet surprisingly lightweight feel. The entire slide is crafted from a single piece of performance-molded EVA, and in the (001) Black/Black/Black colorway, it has a sleek, monolithic appearance. There are no seams, no glue, and no stitching—just a clean, unified form that speaks volumes about its intended durability.
The material feels robust and slightly flexible, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Running a hand over the footbed reveals a subtle texture designed for grip, while the underside features a more aggressive tread pattern. The most striking design elements are the drainage ports—a series of holes strategically placed throughout the sole. Aesthetically, it’s a confident, no-frills design. It feels less like a fashion statement and more like a piece of essential equipment. Compared to older, multi-part slides that often fail when the strap adhesive gives way, this unibody construction immediately inspires confidence for long-term use in demanding, wet conditions.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional “walking on air” comfort from updated EVA cushioning
- Highly durable one-piece construction eliminates common failure points
- Excellent water drainage and quick-drying capabilities for wet environments
- Superior traction on both the footbed and outsole prevents slipping
Potential Drawbacks
- Sizing can be inconsistent; trying on or careful size selection is recommended
- The EVA material may cause some feet to sweat, especially in hot weather
Performance in Action: A Detailed Analysis of the Locker V Slide
A slide can look great out of the bag, but its true value is only revealed through rigorous, real-world testing. We put the Under Armour Locker V 11 US through its paces in every scenario it was designed for: as a post-workout recovery shoe, a shower sandal on slick tile, and a go-to for casual wear around the house and yard. After weeks of continuous use, we can confidently break down its performance into three core areas of excellence.
Unparalleled Comfort and All-Day Wearability
The moment you slip your foot into the Under Armour Locker V 11 US, the primary benefit is immediately clear: exceptional comfort. Under Armour touts “updated cushioning and a raised height,” and this isn’t just marketing jargon. The EVA foam used in this fifth iteration of the Locker slide strikes a perfect balance between softness and support. It has a responsive, cloud-like feel that genuinely cradles the foot. One user aptly described it as a “walking on air effect,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It’s a sensation that surpasses many other slides we’ve tested, providing immediate relief for tired feet.
During our testing, these became our go-to indoor shoes. As one first-time slide user noted, “I almost forget to take them off when I’m going out cuz they’re my indoor shoes.” This speaks to how seamlessly they integrate into daily life. The comfort level is so high that they feel less like temporary footwear and more like a natural extension of your feet. However, this comfort is contingent on a proper fit. Some users with high insteps found the strap to be a bit snug, while the overall length led to conflicting advice online about sizing up or down. Our size 11 test pair fit true to size, but this is a critical consideration. Furthermore, while most find the drainage holes unnoticeable, a small subset of users reported feeling them underfoot, which could be an issue for those with particularly sensitive feet. For the vast majority, though, the comfort is a standout feature that justifies the purchase on its own.
Built for Wet Environments: Drainage and Traction Explored
This is where the Under Armour Locker V 11 US truly distinguishes itself from lifestyle-focused slides. Its design is purpose-built for water. We tested them extensively in a gym shower, a place where many other sandals fail spectacularly. The numerous drainage ports work exactly as advertised, allowing water to pass straight through the sole. After stepping out of the shower, a quick shake was all it took to shed excess water, and the slides were practically dry within minutes. This rapid-drying quality is essential for hygiene, preventing the mildew smell that plagues fabric or foam-lined slides. As one reviewer confirmed, they are “water proof, smell proof.”
Traction is the other half of the equation for safety in wet conditions. The textured footbed kept our feet from sliding around inside the sandal, even when covered in soap and water. More importantly, the outsole provided a confident grip on notoriously slippery tile floors. The tread pattern effectively channels water away from the point of contact, maintaining a secure footing. This is a critical safety feature that cannot be overstated. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t slip is invaluable. The unibody EVA material also means there’s no fleece or fabric lining to get waterlogged—a design choice praised by a German user who noted, “Innen ist kein Vlies, was sich mit Wasser vollsaugt” (Inside there is no fleece that soaks up water). This thoughtful, function-first engineering makes it the best shower and poolside slide we’ve tested this year.
A Masterclass in Durability: The One-Piece EVA Construction
The Achilles’ heel of countless slides we’ve owned over the years has been the point where the strap is glued or bonded to the sole. With enough use, especially in wet conditions that weaken adhesives, separation is almost inevitable. The Under Armour Locker V 11 US completely engineers this problem out of existence. By molding the entire slide from a single piece of EVA, there are simply no seams or bonded joints to fail. One German reviewer hit the nail on the head: “Der ganze Schuh ist quasi aus einem Guss…Bei alten UA Modellen, wo der Bügel geklebt war, hat sich dieser dann meist gelöst. Das sollte hier nicht passieren.” (The whole shoe is practically from a single mold…On old UA models where the strap was glued, it usually came off. That shouldn’t happen here.)
This “from one mold” construction results in a remarkably resilient product. The EVA material is strong, flexible, and resistant to abrasion. After weeks of use, our pair showed virtually no signs of wear. While we did find a single user report of the slide tearing at a flex point over time, this appears to be an outlier. The overwhelming consensus, which our testing supports, is that this is a well-made and solid slipper. The material is strong and won’t break easily, providing excellent long-term value. This robust build, combined with its other performance features, solidifies its standing as a top-tier utility slide, and it’s a testament to a design philosophy that prioritizes longevity and function, making it a wise investment for anyone tired of replacing flimsy footwear.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the Under Armour Locker V 11 US is overwhelmingly positive, with comfort being the most frequently praised attribute. Many users echo our experience, describing them as the “most comfortable slides I’ve ever worn” and praising the “walking on air” effect. The one-piece construction and durable material are also common points of acclaim, with buyers noting they are “well-made and solid slippers for shower and home use.”
However, the feedback also highlights a few recurring issues. The most significant is sizing inconsistency. We saw numerous conflicting reports, with one user advising to “buy at least 1/2 a US-size smaller,” while another stated, “I had to order a size bigger.” This suggests that personal foot shape, particularly instep height, is a major factor. A few users also mentioned that the synthetic EVA material can cause feet to sweat on hot days. A smaller number of negative reviews pointed to the drainage holes being uncomfortable underfoot or, in one isolated case, a slide tearing at the upper flex point after extended use. These criticisms, while valid, appear to be in the minority compared to the widespread satisfaction with the slide’s core performance and comfort.
How the Under Armour Locker V 11 US Compares to the Alternatives
While the Under Armour Locker V 11 US excels as an all-purpose athletic and utility slide, the market offers specialized options that may better suit different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular competitors.
1. COFACE Men’s Sport Recovery Sandals Cushion Slides
- Men Sport Recovery Slide Sandals: Wear it as post exercise Men’s Open Toe Sandals, thick soft insole provides excellent cushioning, rebound and elasticity. Recovery slides for Men can relax the...
- Orthotic Slides for Men with Arch Support: Orthopedic Men’s athletic slide sandals feature cushioning yoga mat footbed insole and deep heel cup, conforms to the arch, can correct your foot posture,...
- Breathable Mesh Upper with Adjustable Strap: Mens Adjustable House Slides with lightweight mesh fabric upper and adjustable straps for wide fit, sandalias para hombres can help your feet breathe,...
The COFACE slide positions itself specifically as a “sport recovery sandal” with orthotic features for conditions like plantar fasciitis. While the Under Armour slide provides excellent general cushioning, the COFACE slide is designed with more pronounced arch support and a deeper heel cup. If your primary reason for buying slides is therapeutic relief from foot pain or you require significant arch support, the COFACE model may be the superior choice. However, the Under Armour Locker V 11 US offers better performance in wet environments due to its superior drainage system and is built from a more rugged, single-piece construction, making it the more versatile and durable option for gym and poolside use.
2. OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size...
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS...
OOFOS is a premium brand in the recovery footwear space, and the OOahh slide is its flagship product. It features proprietary OOfoam™ technology, which is scientifically proven to absorb more impact than traditional footwear foam materials. This makes the OOFOS slide the undisputed champion for pure, maximum-cushion recovery. If your budget is higher and your sole priority is post-run or post-game foot recovery, the OOFOS is likely worth the extra investment. The Under Armour Locker V 11 US, however, strikes a more practical balance. It provides fantastic comfort at a more accessible price point and boasts a design better suited for actual wet conditions like showers, thanks to its drainage holes—a feature the OOFOS lacks.
3. REEF Rover Flip Flop
- Upper | Compression molded triple density construction for instant comfort support and traction
- Footbed | Super soft EVA footbed, with anatomic contouring and a firmer, supportive layer for lasting durability
- Outsole | Non Marking Rubber Outsole with swell inspired design details for added traction
The REEF Rover represents a different category of sandal altogether: the classic flip-flop. Its design is geared more towards casual, all-day wear in dry conditions, like walking on a boardwalk or heading to the beach. It features a soft, contoured footbed and a more traditional three-point strap design. For those who prefer the open feel of a flip-flop and prioritize a casual beach aesthetic, the REEF Rover is an excellent choice. However, it is not designed for the locker room. It lacks the stability, quick-drying properties, and water-draining capabilities of the Under Armour Locker V 11 US, making the Under Armour slide the far better tool for any activity involving water.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Under Armour Locker V 11 US the Right Slide for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Under Armour Locker V 11 US is an exceptional performance slide that delivers on every one of its promises. Its combination of cloud-like comfort, bulletproof one-piece construction, and outstanding performance in wet environments makes it a standout product in a crowded market. It’s the perfect solution for athletes needing a reliable locker room and shower shoe, for swimmers who need grip by the pool, or for anyone who simply wants an incredibly comfortable and durable slide for wearing around the house.
The only significant caveat is the potential for sizing inconsistencies, so we recommend trying them on if possible or being prepared for a possible exchange to find your perfect fit. Minor issues like the potential for sweating are a small trade-off for the immense durability and waterproof functionality of the EVA material. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, high-performing, and supremely comfortable slide that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further. The Under Armour Locker V 11 US is a top-tier choice that offers incredible value and is built to last. You can check the current price and available sizes right here.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API