Under Armour Highlight Cleats Review: Best All-Around Cleats for 2024
Introduction
Today, I’m diving into the brand-new Under Armour Highlight Cleats. These aren't just any cleats—they're a fresh take on a classic I used to wear back in high school. I’ve been eager to see how they’ve evolved, especially since the early models were my go-to on the field.
In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know: comfort, fit, traction, style, and which positions these cleats suit best. We’ll go through the unboxing experience, talk about the design, and of course, get into how they perform on the field.
Stick around, because you’re going to want to hear how these cleats stack up.
Unboxing Experience
Opening up the Under Armour Highlight Cleats was a solid experience right from the start. The cleats come in a sleek black box with a big UA logo, giving off a premium vibe even before you get to the cleats. It’s clear Under Armour knows how to make a first impression.
As I lifted the lid, I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. Pulling the cleats out, my first thought was, “Wow, these are clean.” The all-white colorway is super sleek, almost giving off a Stormtrooper vibe.
The design is simple but sharp—nothing too flashy, just a clean, streamlined look that I instantly liked.
Overall, the unboxing was a great start. The packaging was on point, and the cleats themselves looked even better in person.
Design and Materials
Sleek and Simple Design
The Under Armour Highlight Cleats are all about a sleek, minimalist design. They’ve kept things clean with an all-white colorway that’s super low-key but still stands out.
The cleats have a high ankle cuff, which adds a bit of extra support without being too bulky. Overall, the design feels modern and streamlined, with nothing unnecessary added.
IntellaKnit Upper: Lightweight and Durable
One of the standout features of these cleats is the IntellaKnit upper. This material is lightweight, which makes the cleats feel almost like a second skin.
It’s not just about weight, though—the knit also has a good amount of stretch while still being durable. This means it moves with your foot, offering both flexibility and support.
The upper also has overlays in key areas, adding some extra durability where it’s needed most. These overlays help the cleats hold up under pressure, especially in areas that usually see a lot of wear and tear. Plus, the high cuff design gives that added ankle support, making these cleats feel both secure and comfortable.
Design and Materials
The Under Armour Highlight Cleats boast a sleek, minimalist design that’s all about clean lines and a low-key vibe.
The all-white colorway is super sharp, giving off a Stormtrooper-like feel. The design is straightforward with nothing extra—just a clean, modern look that gets the job done without any fuss.
IntellaKnit Upper: Lightweight and Supportive
The real star of these cleats is the IntellaKnit upper. This material is impressively lightweight, making the cleats feel like they’re barely there.
But don’t let the lightness fool you—it’s also stretchy and offers a snug fit that molds around your foot. This gives you the freedom to move while still feeling supported, which is a solid combo on the field.
Durable Overlays and Secure Lacing
To add to the durability, Under Armour has included overlays in key areas of the cleat. These shiny overlays aren’t just for looks—they reinforce the upper, especially in spots that usually see a lot of wear.
The lacing system is pretty standard, but it does its job well. The laces hook into both the knit and the overlays, giving you a secure fit that feels stable.
High Ankle Cuff: Added Support
One of the standout features of these cleats is the high ankle cuff. It’s lightweight and stretchy, providing just the right amount of support without feeling restrictive.
If you’re someone who likes a bit of extra ankle protection, this cuff adds that while still keeping things comfortable and flexible.
Comfort and Fit
Wearing the Under Armour Highlight Cleats for the first time, I immediately noticed how snug and comfortable they felt. The IntellaKnit material wraps around the foot nicely, giving it a custom fit that’s both flexible and supportive.
Inside, there’s a thin layer of neoprene that adds a soft touch, making the cleats feel even more comfortable as they hug your foot.
One of the most surprising features is the insole. It’s one of the thickest I’ve seen in a football cleat, almost like something you’d find in a high-end running shoe.
This thick insole adds a lot of cushioning, making the cleats feel plush underfoot. It’s great for comfort, but I did wonder if it might take away from the ground feel you need on the field.
However, not everything was perfect. After lacing them up tight, I did notice some pressure at the top of the lacing system. It wasn’t unbearable, but it’s something to keep an eye on, especially during longer wear.
The high ankle cuff, while supportive, also added some pressure around the heel, which could potentially cause discomfort or blisters if worn for extended periods.
Traction and Performance
The traction plate on the Under Armour Highlight Cleats is designed for solid grip, and it definitely delivers. The plate features nine diamond-shaped studs up front, with four triangular studs in the heel.
This setup provides a good balance of traction and stability, allowing for quick cuts and strong push-offs without slipping.
On the field, I found that the cleats offered decent traction, especially on grass. They didn’t have that super raw grip that some other cleats offer, but they were still reliable.
The thick insole does soften the feel underfoot, making it more of a cozy, cushioned experience rather than a sharp, responsive one.
The cleats are also surprisingly flexible for something with a high ankle cuff. They move well with your foot, offering a good blend of flexibility and support.
Whether you’re a big skill player or someone who prefers a bit more ankle protection, these cleats seem to strike a nice balance between performance and comfort.
Style and Aesthetics
The Under Armour Highlight Cleats are a perfect example of less is more. The all-white design gives off a clean, almost futuristic vibe that I really dig.
There’s something about the simplicity and minimal branding—just a small UA logo on the heel and tongue—that makes these cleats stand out without trying too hard.
They’re available in a few basic colorways like white, black, red, and blue. Personally, the all-white is my top pick. It’s sleek, sharp, and looks great with any uniform.
Pricing and Value
At $140, the Under Armour Highlight Cleats are priced pretty reasonably for what they offer. Considering that higher-end cleats can easily push past $200, these are a solid option if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
The premium feel of the IntellaKnit material, combined with the durable overlays and thick insole, makes these cleats a great value.
They’ve got the features and comfort of more expensive models, but at a price that’s more accessible. If you’re working with a budget but still want top-tier performance, these cleats are definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Overall, I’m a huge fan of the Under Armour Highlight Cleats. They’re comfortable, supportive, and look great on the field. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these cleats are a solid choice for the upcoming season. If you’re thinking about upgrading your gear, give these a shot—you won’t be disappointed.
Got thoughts or questions? Drop a comment below!