Built for Players who want high-top ankle support with lightweight/explosive movement (skill positions).
A high-collar molded cleat that delivers strong ankle support, cushioning and reliable traction, but it can fit snugly and is fiddly to put on.
| Released | 2014 | Brand | Under Armour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Highlight MC Football Cleats | Type | American Football · Cleat |
| Upper | Super‑high woven/textile upper with TPU hot‑melt frame (CompFit/engineered textile construction) | Soleplate | Full‑length TPU cleat plate (Scatter/‘scatter traction’ style); 7‑stud / molded configuration reported (MC) |
| Surface | Multi‑surface / molded cleat (MC) — natural grass and synthetic turf | Who it's for | Players who want high-top ankle support with lightweight/explosive movement (skill positions) |
| Weight | 292 g | Fit | Regular (manufacturer); some retailer/reviews report running small or wide |
| MSRP | $130 | ||
Synthesised from 9 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The Under Armour Highlight MC is a high to mid-cut molded football cleat that focuses on strong ankle support while keeping the shoe relatively light. Reviewers agree the tall collar and added cushioning stand out. Many reviewers say the cleat fits snugly and can be hard to put on at first.
Released in 2014; the Highlight MC follows the original Highlight first sold in 2012.
Upper: very tall woven textile upper with a TPU hot-melt frame for structure. The brand calls the wrapping fit CompFit or ClutchFit, which means the textile and frame are designed to hug the ankle and midfoot.
Soleplate and studs: a full-length TPU cleat plate with a scattered, mostly triangular stud layout in a molded 7-stud multi-surface configuration. The plate is meant for natural grass and synthetic turf.
Sources list named parts including CompFit, 4D Foam, CoreSpeed, SuperFoam, ClutchFit and Scatter Traction. The weight is listed as 292 g per shoe. The reported MSRP is 130.
The Highlight MC suits skill and versatile players who want ankle support without heavy shoes. Wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs and safeties are likely to benefit from the tall collar, traction and the 292 g weight that help with quick cuts and acceleration.
Players who split time between backfield and the edge, like some tight ends and some linebackers, can use the collar for extra ankle security while keeping mobility. The cleat is not ideal for offensive or defensive linemen who need wider, heavily reinforced footwear. Players with consistently wide feet should try them on or size up because several reviewers report a snug or small fit.
The molded 7-stud multi-surface plate is made for grass and turf. It is not intended for switching to long, detachable studs.
Support is the cleat's most mentioned feature. Reviewers often point to the tall collar and the CompFit/ClutchFit wrap as adding ankle security during cuts and contact (Lacrosse Playground; Cleats Report; Cleats Hub).
Outlets said the collar is among the tallest on modern molded cleats. They connected the collar height to less perceived ankle roll when players land awkwardly (Lacrosse Playground; Cleats Report).
The support comes from the tall woven/textile upper plus the TPU frame. This design stabilizes the ankle while keeping the cleat relatively light. There are no external straps or very heavy reinforcements doing that work (manufacturer materials and Footballrs.).
The Highlights have the highest ankle portion of any cleat that I have every tried. I really like this as it gives me a ton of ankle support for when I'm cutting through tight areas on the field. Lacrosse Playground
Fit reports vary. Several reviewers call the Highlight snug and true to size. Others found them tight on first wear and a bit stiff to put on (FootballRS; Lacrosse Playground; I Know Football).
The tall collar makes the sizing feel different than low-cut cleats. Multiple outlets advise patience during break-in because the elevated upper can make entry and initial comfort harder.
Retailers and some reviews also say the model can run small or feel narrow. Players with wide feet should consider a half-size up or try them in person (Cleats Report; Lacrosse Playground).
The height of the cleats makes wearing them a little difficult. But once you get the hang of it, you get a very lightweight, wrapped-around, and a locked-in feel.. Cleats Hub editorial (2022)
Reviewers generally rate traction highly. The full-length TPU plate with a scattered triangular stud pattern is described as biting well into grass and synthetic turf and giving confident grip for cuts and acceleration (Cleats Hub; Cleats Report; Lacrosse Playground).
Some outlets called the grip exceptional, while others said it is solid rather than revolutionary. That indicates consistent performance across conditions rather than an extreme, specialized pattern (Cleats Report; Lacrosse Playground; FootballRS).
The molded 7-stud multi-surface layout is designed for use on multiple surfaces. Reviewers linked the plate shape to reliable bite on both grass and artificial fields (I Know Football; Footballrs.).
TPU traction plates with triangular studs dig into the turf or grass much better than previous generations.. Cleats Hub editorial (2022)
Comfort scores well across reviewers. Many mention a thick die-cut insole plus SuperFoam and 4D Foam midsole parts that give a plush feel underfoot (Lacrosse Playground; FootballRS; Cleats Hub).
Outlets noted the MPZ tongue, which is a padded tongue design, and molded foam parts conform to the foot and add to the cushioned ride without much extra weight (Sports Unlimited; FootballRS).
Reviewers treat cushioning as an intentional design aim rather than an accidental benefit. Several said the cleat felt noticeably comfortable compared with other similar models.
These are definitely the most comfortable cleat I have ever used.. Lacrosse Playground
Reviewers rate durability as generally good for a synthetic molded cleat. Overlays and synthetic uppers are credited with resisting abrasion and adding structure, though outlets do not call the build indestructible (Cleats Report; FootballRS; Footballrs.).
Comments note the design favors lighter reinforcement over heavy duty materials. Reviewers see the materials as robust for normal play but not built for lineman-style abuse.
Lockdown comes from the CompFit/ClutchFit upper system. Reviewers often described a snug, secure feel that suits players who like a wrapped, locked-in fit (Cleats Report; Sports Unlimited; Lacrosse Playground).
The same snugness is why some users complained about fit. It creates a trade-off between a secure ride and difficulty getting the cleat on or feeling tight with certain foot shapes (I Know Football; Lacrosse Hub).
the Highlight tends to favor a snug, secure fit that rewards players who prefer a locked-in sensation.. Cleats Report
The reported weight is 292 g per shoe. Reviewers describe the materials and construction as lightweight, which makes the cleat feel close to a second skin for many users (manufacturer spec; FootballRS; Footballrs.).
Reviewers who commented on on-field feel said the lighter construction supports quickness and reduces fatigue in long sessions (Cleats Report; I Know Football).
At an MSRP around 130, reviewers place the Highlight MC competitively among branded high to mid-cut cleats. Several outlets judged the price reasonable for the mix of support, cushioning and traction offered (FootballRS; Cleats Report; Footballrs.).
Some reviewers put the price near mid-tier competitors from other brands. They said value depends on how much a player cares about collar height and comfort (I Know Football).
Outlets describe the upper as a TPU yarn or engineered textile that molds to the foot and a TPU hot-melt frame for structure. Reviewers say these materials produce the wrapped fit and light weight (Cleats Hub; manufacturer spec).
The synthetic construction also supports the reported abrasion resistance and the structured feel in key contact areas.
The cleats are made of a TPU yarn that molds and adapts better to your foot shape.. Cleats Hub editorial (2022)
Reviewers single out SuperFoam and 4D Foam for better rebound and comfort. Multiple outlets said the midsole and insole package gives notable plushness for a performance cleat (Cleats Hub; FootballRS).
This focus on cushioning matches the cleat's aim at players who want a balance of support and comfort rather than maximum stiffness.
The superfoam foam gives you better comfort and more rebound capabilities. Cleats Hub editorial (2022)
Reviewers give mixed advice. The manufacturer lists a regular fit and several outlets call them true to size. Multiple reports say they can feel small or snug, so trying them on or going a half-size up for wider feet is sensible (Lacrosse Playground; Cleats Report; FootballRS).
The Highlight MC uses a molded 7-stud TPU plate for multi-surface use. Reviewers describe strong grip on grass and turf, so the cleats are intended for natural grass and synthetic turf play (Lacrosse Playground; Cleats Hub; FootballRS).
They have molded multi-surface studs, not detachable studs. The full-length TPU plate uses a scattered triangular stud pattern that reviewers say bites into grass and turf (UA Scatter Traction; Cleats Hub; Lacrosse Playground).
Multiple reviewers point to a structured, supportive upper and abrasion-resistant synthetic materials. Outlets rate expected durability as solid but not exceptional, noting overlays and synthetic uppers add strength (FootballRS; Cleats Report; Footballrs.).
Best for players who want a high or mid cut with firm ankle support and light weight. The cleat suits skill and versatile positions that need stability and agility, as described in the position guidance above.
Bottom line, A high to mid-cut, lightweight molded cleat that prioritizes ankle support and cushioning for agile players; avoid it if you need a roomy fit or heavy-duty lineman protection.
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 MC Football Cleats head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
