This year, Under Armour is celebrating its 15th anniversary. So we wanted to take a peek inside its Tide Point facility, specifically the innovation lab, where the company tests out its products. Today, an employee is testing out the E39 shirt, which was first used at the 2011 NFL combine. The shirt measures various stats, while senior vice president of innovation Kevin Haley evaluates the data. Under Armour calls the shirt "the most innovative athletic evaluation and improvement tool ever made."
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1) Run on: Since many UA employees are athletes, it runs a wear-test program, where staffers test out the products.
2) Weather report: The lab features an environmental chamber where temperature and humidity can mimic all atmospheres.
3) Big screen: The data is stored in the "bug" of the shirt and transmitted wirelessly to a computer for a coach or trainer to review.
4) Smart shirt: Using built-in censors, the E39 shirt measures an athlete's heart rate, breathing rate, and core acceleration.
5) Feet first: The design team not only looked at human performance when designing the shoes but also how animals run in the wild.
6) Shoe in: The Charge RC shoes, released this fall, are made with moisture-wicking material and cushioning for enhanced bounce.
