Built for Line players / power positions; players who want protected toe and stable traction.
A wide, stable lineman molded cleat with strong traction and cushioning, but mixed durability and too heavy for speed players.
| Released | 2022 | Brand | Under Armour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Highlight Hammer D Football Cleats | Type | American Football · Cleat |
| Upper | Lightweight synthetic upper with raised 3D printed toe protection / textile collar (textile + 3D print) | Soleplate | Molded TPU plate with a wider foundation and diamond-shaped studs |
| Surface | All-surface / multi-surface (listed as 'All Surface' / MC) | Who it's for | Line players / power positions; players who want protected toe and stable traction |
| Weight | 539 g | Fit | Regular/true to size (retailer listings describe as 'Regular'/'Regular fit'); some users r |
| MSRP | $110 | ||
Synthesised from 4 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The Under Armour Highlight Hammer D is a molded, multi-surface lineman cleat released in 2022, built around a wide TPU plate and a protective toe shroud. Review evidence highlights strong traction and solid ankle support for power players, while durability and the effectiveness of toe protection split reviewers.
Released in 2022 as part of Under Armour's Highlight family, the Highlight Hammer D is positioned toward line and power players.
Upper is a lightweight synthetic with raised 3D printed toe protection and a textile collar; construction is listed as textile plus 3D print and includes a suede heel in some colorways.
Soleplate is a molded TPU plate with a wider foundation and diamond-shaped studs; the cleat is offered as an All Surface/Multi-Surface (MC) molded configuration.
Named technologies include Charged Cushioning, a SuperFoam® insole, and an adjustable UA Pellet Protect shroud covering the laces; weight is 539 g per shoe (about 19 ounces).
This cleat is aimed at offensive and defensive linemen and other power positions that prioritize a wide platform, ankle support and stable traction. The 539 g weight, molded TPU plate and roomy toe box make it appropriate for high-school through college players and recreational adults who need a solid, all-surface lineman shoe and for players with wide feet.
It is not well suited to low-cut speed roles such as wide receiver or cornerback where a lighter, lower-profile cleat aids acceleration and change of direction; skill players should look at low-cut speed models instead. Players who frequently need detachable metal spikes or who prioritize maximum long-term abrasion resistance may also prefer more heavily reinforced or spike-capable alternatives.
Traction is the cleat's most consistently praised area: reviewers point to the molded TPU plate and aggressive lug pattern as delivering reliable bite on short, slick grass and mixed surfaces. Footballrs reported good performance on short slick grass, Shop Zappos described the molded TPU plate as adding a wider fit underneath with aggressive lugs to dig into terrain, and Cleats Hub called out the stud layout and combination of midsole and plate as producing quality traction.
Practically, the molded diamond-shaped studs and wider foundation are aimed at delivering a stable, powerful base for players who need to push or anchor rather than the quick-release traction favored by low-cut speed cleats.
i tested this on like a slick grass that was short and it performed pretty well. Footballrs
Reviewers report the cleat provides strong ankle support, with the upper wrapping around the ankle and a collar that keeps the foot feeling locked in. Footballrs described 'really good high ankle support' and Cleats Hub noted the thick upper provides ample support, while Shop Zappos mentioned added heel structure from suede.
This support profile suits players who need to hold ground and resist lateral forces at the line of scrimmage; it trades some forefoot flexibility for a more locked-in feel.
it is really good high ankle support your ankle feels really nice and locked in. Footballrs
Fit is described as regular or true to size in retailer listings and reviewer reports, with a notably wide forefoot. Footballrs said they are 'very wide on the front', Shop Zappos noted the molded plate contributes to a wider fit underneath, and Cleats Hub observed the toe box may take time to mold but feels thin and stiff initially.
For players with wide feet the profile should be comfortable out of the box; those with narrow feet may find the forefoot and plate feel roomier than expected until the upper breaks in.
they're very wide on the front which is really nice so these are going to be great for wide feet. Footballrs
Durability reports are mixed across reviewers. Shop Zappos described the upper as 'lightweight yet durable', while Footballrs gave a low score and commented that the cleat 'doesn't really have any' protection in a context that questioned durability.
This split suggests the upper and materials hold up adequately for many users but that protection around the toe and expected long-term toughness may not match heavier, reinforced lineman models for some players.
Under Armour's cushioning components are present and reviewers found the underfoot feel supportive. Cleats Hub noted the classic Under Armour insole and gave a high score for cushioning, and Shop Zappos highlighted the full-length Charged Cushioning midsole and SuperFoam® insole as delivering lots of comfort underfoot.
The cushioning package is practical for repetitive impacts and contact typical of line play rather than tuned for minimal feel or extreme lightness.
Comfort ratings are strong in the available evidence. Footballrs called them 'one of the most comfortable linemen cleats on the market right now', and Shop Zappos emphasized the full-length cushioning contributing to overall comfort.
Comfort appears to come from the combination of a roomy toe box, supportive upper, and the cushioning midsole.
these are probably one of the most comfortable linemen cleats on the market right now. Footballrs
The upper uses a lightweight synthetic with 3D printed toe protection and a textile collar; some colorways include a suede heel. Cleats Hub described a two-piece frame put together nicely but cautioned that suede can be less reliable.
Materials aim to balance protection, structure and weight; suede accents add structure but may not offer the longevity of heavier reinforcements.
At 539 g per shoe (about 19 ounces), the Highlight Hammer D sits in the heavier range compared with low-cut speed models. Footballrs noted the weight aligns with other dedicated lineman cleats, and Shop Zappos referenced the upper as lightweight despite the overall mass.
The weight supports stability and protection priorities at the expense of the lightness preferred by skill players who rely on top-end acceleration.
Lockdown is aided by the adjustable UA Pellet Protect shroud and the wraparound upper. Shop Zappos credited the pellet protection shroud with protecting laces and keeping debris out to help maintain security during play.
The lace shroud and a wide, stable plate combine to keep the foot seated for blocking and short explosive movements common to linemen and power positions.
adjustable pellet protection shroud, helping to protect your laces and keep at any field and turf debris so you can stay incredibly secure. Shop Zappos
The cleat is best for offensive and defensive line and other power positions. The product is positioned for line players and reviewers specifically called it a lineman cleat, and its 539 g weight and wide molded TPU plate align with high-cut, power-focused designs.
Retail listings describe the fit as regular or true to size, and reviewer evidence supports a regular fit with a wide forefoot; players with very narrow feet may prefer to try them on.
Reviewer reports describe a roomy, wide toe box and the molded TPU plate adding a wider foundation, so they are a good option for players with wide feet, especially linemen or power players.
They are a molded multi-surface (MC) design intended for grass and turf surfaces; the soleplate is molded TPU with diamond-shaped studs, not detachable metal spikes.
Durability reports are mixed: one reviewer called out limited protection, while another described the upper as lightweight yet durable; on balance reviewers averaged a middling durability score.
The cleats weigh 539 g per shoe (around 19 ounces). Reviewers note that weight is in line with other lineman or power-position models and is heavier than low-cut speed cleats.
Bottom line, A heavy, protective molded cleat built for linemen and power players who want a wide platform and strong traction on grass or turf; not aimed at speed skill players who need a lighter, low-cut model.
The Cleats Hub Score is a weighted aggregate of these independent reviews, normalised to 0–10 and weighted by source authority, recency and sample size. We don't sell or physically test products. Read the full methodology.
Put the Under Armour Highlight Hammer D Football Cleats head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
