Beat the Heat The Key to Buying the Best Under Armour Cleats This Summer

Beat the Heat The Key to Buying the Best Under Armour Cleats This Summer

Choose Cleats with Under Armour’s 4D Foam for Superior Cushioning

When selecting your next pair of football cleats for the summer season, one of the most important factors to consider is the midsole cushioning. Cleats that utilize Under Armour’s innovative 4D Foam technology offer unparalleled comfort and impact protection that can make a big difference in your performance.

4D Foam is a proprietary cushioning material developed by Under Armour through a process called additive manufacturing. Using a 3D printer, the foam is constructed with intricate lattice patterns that provide precise cushioning exactly where your foot needs it most. This leads to greater energy return with each step, reducing fatigue and allowing you to play at your highest level for all 4 quarters.

Compared to traditional EVA foam midsoles, Under Armour’s 4D Foam offers up to a 95% increase in deformation, meaning it compresses and bounces back more efficiently to return energy to your foot. It is also up to 48% more consistent in cushioning performance after 300,000 impacts, maintaining its protective qualities over the long haul.

Under Armour 4D Foam made its debut in the brand’s HOVR running shoes line where it delivered a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and comfort for runners. This technology has now expanded to football cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC, providing superior underfoot cushioning on the field to help prevent injuries and improve acceleration when making cuts or changes in direction.

For any football player looking to gain an edge this summer, choosing cleats equipped with Under Armour’s 4D Foam should be a top priority. The unparalleled energy return will keep your feet feeling fresh all game long and give you the responsive explosiveness needed to perform at the highest level on the gridiron.

Consider the Highlight MC Football Cleat for Unmatched Speed

One of the keys to succeeding as a football player is maximizing your speed on the field. When surveying the cleat options for this summer, pay special attention to purpose-built speed cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC that give you a definitive edge in acceleration and quickness.

The Highlight MC features a lightweight, streamlined design to promote faster footwork and changes of direction. It starts with a single-layer mesh upper material made from HeatGear technology that is ultra-breathable to keep your feet cool. Strategically placed ventilation zones further enhance airflow and moisture wicking.

This mesh upper contours smoothly to your foot for a flexible, natural feel. An external heel counter provides stability and lockdown in the rearfoot, while the toe box offers ample room to splay your toes for powerful push-offs. The minimalist construction reduces bulk, with no unnecessary overlays or panels that could slow you down.

Underfoot, the Highlight MC utilizes a full-length Micro G foam midsole for responsive cushioning and smooth transitions. A carbon fiber plate in the midsole increases stiffness to propel you forward, channeling energy into your next stride. Together with the Pebax plastic cleat plate, the Highlight MC provides an ideal blend of cushioning, stability and propulsion.

On the bottom, compact yet durable TPU cleats give you just the right amount of traction to release cleanly from the turf and accelerate rapidly. The rotational traction zone in the forefoot grips the ground for quicker changes in direction, while the cleat pattern along the outside of the foot promotes fast side-to-side movements.

Designed with input from NFL superstar wide receiver Julio Jones, the Highlight MC is built for unmatched straight-line speed. If you want to blaze past defenders this summer, the Highlight MC delivers the lightweight responsiveness and stability to leave opponents in your dust.

Pick the Right Cleat Height for Your Position

When selecting football cleats for summer play, one key factor to evaluate is the cut height that is optimal for your position and style of play. Lower cut cleats promote freedom of movement while higher cuts provide more ankle stability and protection.

For skill positions like wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back, a mid to low cut cleat is generally preferred. The Under Armour Highlight MC has a mid-cut design that terminates just below the ankle, allowing excellent maneuverability for players who need to be light on their feet and change direction rapidly.

Since wide receivers are often racing downfield at top speed, the flexibility of a lower cut cleat like the Highlight MC enables free ankle motion for quicker acceleration. Defensive backs also benefit from the enhanced mobility to mirror wideouts stride for stride.

For linemen who battle in the trenches, a higher cut cleat can be beneficial by cradling the ankle joint to preventinjury from impacts or awkward twisting. Extra foam or padding around the collar also helps keep the ankle comfortable and supported throughout games.

Linebackers occupy a middle ground in terms of cut height preference. Because they both defend the run and drop back into coverage, some prefer a mid-cut for balanced stability and agility. A higher cut can provide peace of mind against low blocks and cut blocks when crashing the line of scrimmage.

While position plays a role, individual preference is also key. Some wide receivers opt for a higher cut for added protection when leaping for high passes and facing hard hits going over the middle. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts during summer practices to determine what performs best for your needs.

With football cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC available in multiple cuts, you can test out everything from a flexible low to a stabilizing mid/high to unlock your optimal performance and safety on the gridiron this season.

Get Cleats with Maximum Traction and Grip

One of the most vital aspects to evaluate when selecting football cleats for summer training and games is the traction and grip provided by the outsole and cleat configuration. Superior traction translates directly into enhanced performance on the field.

The Under Armour Highlight MC utilizes a specialized cleat system designed to provide excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. It starts with a Pebax cleat plate that is stiffer and more responsive than traditional TPU plates for powerful acceleration.

Molded TPU cleats extend from the plate to penetrate the playing surface and prevent slipping. On the Highlight MC, these cleats use a combination of bladed and conical shapes for multi-directional grip. The cleat studs are arranged to maximize traction during pivotal cuts and rapid changes of direction.

In the forefoot, conical cleats dig in for traction when pushing off, aligned in an arrow formation to facilitate straight-line speed. Bladed cleats along the outside edge grip the turf to power through lateral cuts and shuffles.

In the heel, wider bladed studs provide stability when backpedaling or whipping around to reverse direction. An X-shaped bladed cleat layout prevents torque for superior braking power. Combined, these elements of the Highlight MC’s cleat system enable you to accelerate, cut and stop on a dime.

The Pebax plate also contains a rotational traction zone with additional cleats in the forefoot to provide enhanced grip and prevent rolling over the edge of your feet during pivots and changes of direction. This translates into quicker, more controlled movements on the field.

Traction is paramount for football players, determining success or failure in battles for leverage and positioning. For outstanding grip this summer, cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC deliver the cutting edge traction technology you need to play your best game.

Look for Lightweight and Breathable Materials

When picking your ideal football cleats for summer training and games, seek out shoes constructed with lightweight, breathable upper materials to keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable even in hot conditions.

One example of a cleat engineered for maximum ventilation is the Under Armour Highlight MC. This cleat utilizes a single-layer mesh upper material made from HeatGear fabric. This innovative textile is designed to dissipate heat and sweat to keep feet cooler.

The airy mesh construction of the Highlight MC not only reduces weight, but also enhances airflow to your feet. This is critical for hot summer days on the field when temperatures climb. Well-ventilated cleats prevent overheating and discomfort that can negatively impact performance.

In addition, the HeatGear fabric wicks moisture and sweat away from the foot for quicker evaporation. The mesh upper material dries rapidly if it gets wet for sustained comfort. This moisture wicking action helps regulate foot temperature and minimize swampy conditions inside the cleat.

Strategically placed ventilation zones further augment the breathability of the Highlight MC. Airflow ports are engineered into areas of the upper that tend to get hotspots, as well as the collar lining for cooling circulation around the ankle.

Proper airflow and moisture management reduce friction and blister risk as well, keeping your feet in top shape all game long. When trying on cleats, prioritize models like the Highlight MC that excel at keeping your feet cool, dry and comfortable even under the summer sun.

Find Cleats that Support Your Foot Type

When selecting football cleats for summer play, it’s important to pick a model that matches and supports your specific foot type for optimal comfort and performance.

For those with wider feet, the Under Armour Highlight MC provides a roomy toe box to accommodate spread out toes. Many cleats taper too narrowly up front, scrunching toes together uncomfortably. The Highlight MC’s wide forefoot design allows toes to splay naturally for balance and stability.

The single-layer mesh upper material is also stretchy and contours to the foot for a personalized fit. An external heel counter locks in the rearfoot without squeezing. Together, these elements surround wide feet with structured support.

For flat-footed athletes who overpronate, the Highlight MC’s full-length Micro G foam midsole prevents the arch from collapsing inward upon footstrike. Its responsive cushioning encourages a more neutral gait for reduced injury risk to knees and ankles.

The external TPU heel counter also helps correct overpronation by cupping the heel to limit excessive inward rolling. This stabilizes the rearfoot in optimal alignment for powerful propulsion and protection against rolled ankles.

Those with high arches benefit from the Highlight MC’s plush 4D foam footbed which cushions and supports the arch area. The Micro G foam midsole also adapts to the contours of the foot for a custom fit.

Trying on cleats and choosing a pair that best matches your foot structure and biomechanics is vital for comfort, stability and injury prevention during summer training and games. Selecting the right model for your foot type provides a performance edge.

Get the Proper Cleat Fit for Comfort and Safety

Achieving the ideal cleat fit is imperative when selecting your football shoes for summer action. The right size and lockdown allows you to perform at your peak while lowering injury risk.

When trying on cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC, make sure to wear the same socks you plan to wear for games and practices. This gives you an accurate feel for the true fit. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes freely without excess space.

Walk around and simulate football moves to ensure your feet are stable with no sliding or heel lift within the cleats. A finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe is optimal.

The Highlight MC’s minimalist upper hugs the foot securely when laced up properly. Focus on getting the midfoot and forefoot area snug, while avoiding excessive pressure on the toes. The heel counter should anchor the rearfoot in place.

Breaking in your cleats properly also enhances fit. Wear them around the house to gradually ease into the supportive contours. Expect a brief adjustment period as the materials mold to your feet.

Proper fit not only maximizes comfort and allows your natural movements, but also provides protection by stabilizing the foot within the shoe. This reduces the risk of impact injuries and ankle rolls common in football’s high-speed collisions.

Dialing in the ideal cleat fit for your foot dimensions and shape is a vital part of selecting the best performing and safest football footwear for the summer ahead.

Select Cleats for Your Type of Field Conditions

When choosing football cleats for summer action, consider the type of field surfaces you’ll encounter and select a model with the appropriate traction technology to match.

For hard natural grass fields, molded cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC provide excellent grip. The mix of conical and bladed studs penetrate natural turf and supply the traction needed for quick cuts, acceleration and shifty moves.

The Pebax cleat plate used by the Highlight MC is springy enough to dig into firm real grass. But it also offers sturdiness for lateral support when changing direction. The rotational traction zone with extra cleats prevents slippage on pivot moves.

For softer, loose natural grass, longer cleat studs may be preferable to engage the field more effectively. Removable cleats are ideal since longer studs can be swapped in when needed for added traction and stability.

On artificial turf, shorter, rubber molded cleats are best to stand up to the abrasive surface. Models like the Highlight MC have an all-purpose cleat configuration that grips well even on modern synthetic grass.

Consider testing out your cleats on the actual surfaces you’ll play on this summer if possible. Observe wear patterns on old cleats to understand where more or less traction is needed. This allows you to select football shoes strategically matched to your field conditions.

Factors like surface hardness, grass length and moisture also impact traction. Choosing cleats suited for the types of fields you’ll encounter provides stability and prevents slippage for top notch performance.

Check for Ankle Support and Protection Features

When evaluating football cleats for summer, examine the shoe’s features for keeping ankles supported and protected against injury, especially for positions where rolling is common.

For linemen battling in the trenches, a higher cut cleat provides more coverage and stability for the ankle joint. Models like the Under Armour Hammer Mid RM incorporate a padded collar lining and extra midsole reinforcement to prevent sprains and rolls.

The mid-cut design of the Under Armour Highlight MC sits below the ankle, maintain good mobility while still supplying stability from the structured Pebax cleat plate. An external heel counter cups the rearfoot to enhance security.

For skill players, a mid to low cut allows for freer movement but still look for cleats that deliver side-to-side support. The Highlight MC uses an external TPU heel clip to lock down the back of the foot and reduce injury risk.

Plate stiffness also plays a role. More rigid plates like Pebax prevent the foot from buckling laterally. Multi-directional cleats help as well by improving traction and grip from all angles.

While tape and braces can supplement external support, proper structural support engineered into the cleat itself is ideal. Analyze the ankle coverage, heel lockdown and plate rigidity offered by each model to keep ankles confidently stable this summer.

Cut height, padding, heel counters and stiffness that together provide superior ankle protection allow you to play hard without worrying about rolls and sprains. Prioritize these injury prevention features as you select your go-to cleats for the months ahead.

Pick Cleats with Superior Durability and Wear

When selecting your ideal football cleats for summer training and games, seek out shoes built with premium materials and construction methods to deliver sustained durability and wear over repeated use.

Under Armour uses resilient yet lightweight Pebax for the cleat plate on models like the Highlight MC rather than typical TPU. Pebax better maintains its structure cleat after cleat to extend the life of your shoes.

The Pebax plate also features a rotational traction zone reinforced with extra studs in the forefoot to prevent wear in this high pressure area. The cleat configuration and stud materials are designed to minimize breakdown.

In the upper, a single layer mesh fabric made from durable HeatGear fabric withstands stretching and deformation far longer than layered or stitched material. It retains its flexible, lightweight performance after many wears.

Seamless overlays provide structural reinforcement without dense stitching that can tear. Heat sealing delivers an extra strong bond along the seams for reliable sturdiness.

The minimalist single-piece upper also eliminates separations or tears between stitched elements, maintaining breathability and fit. The 4D foam footbed retains its energetic bounce and cushioning properties over time.

Premium construction and precisely engineered stress point reinforcement enable the Highlight MC to deliver reliable speed and traction after many intense practices and games. Prioritize durable cleats that maintain their high-performance characteristics all summer long.

Choose Visually Appealing Cleat Designs and Colors

When picking your perfect pair of football cleats for summer play, consider visual elements like design profiles, accents and colorways that reflect your personal style and preferences.

Models like the Under Armour Highlight MC offer eye-catching aesthetics with aggressive contours, striking color combos and elements inspired by elite athletes like superstar wide receiver Julio Jones.

The sleek silhouette features curves and lines that convey speed and explosiveness. Strategically placed ventilation ports along the side add visual interest while also enhancing breathability.

Sharp color schemes like navy with lime green accents or grey with pink trim lend attitude and contemporary flair. Alternating hue patterns draw the eye along the contours of the cleat for kinetic energy.

Custom graphic prints are available as well, allowing you to showcase your favorite colors, numbers or symbols. The textured mesh upper material provides a modern, technical look inspired by cutting edge fabric weaves and knits.

Finishing touches like metallic branded elements and mini logos provide sophistication and visual texture. Premium details like stitching and embossing elevate the cleat’s aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Make the cleats you wear an extension of your personality. Bold colors, compelling designs and imaginative details that capture your style will make you feel confident and perform at your peak out on the field.

Compare Prices Online for the Best Deals

One key strategy when shopping for football cleats this summer is to compare prices online to find the best deals on the models you want. Taking the time to research can lead to big savings.

Checking prices on the websites of major sports brands allows you to see the full retail cost of cleats like the Under Armour Highlight MC straight from the source. This provides a baseline price point to evaluate other deals against.

Search for any available promotions or sales being run by the manufacturer. Sign up for brand newsletters and member rewards programs to receive discount codes and access special offers.

Next, compare prices third party retailers are listing for the same cleat models. Online sporting goods stores often compete by discounting prices on popular shoes. Search for the lowest listed price.

Also check large general e-commerce sites, which run frequent sales and clearance deals on sports gear. Set up alerts so you’re notified when price drops occur on items you want.

Don’t forget to factor in shipping fees, which can sometimes negate bargain basement list prices. Consider free ship minimums and member delivery benefits when tallying the total cost.

With some dedicated searching, you can likely save a considerable amount purchasing football cleats online this summer. Finding the best bargain lets you invest more in other key pieces of gear.

Read Product Reviews Before You Buy

When researching football cleats to purchase this summer, be sure to read through product reviews online to gather key performance insights from other athletes who have tested them.

Browse reviews on the brand’s own website as well as retailer listings to get a wide range of perspectives. Sort by recency and read the most recent feedback first to get information that reflects the current product.

Look for reviews that highlight first-hand experience using the cleats for football training drills and games. This provides the most applicable evaluation of critical factors like traction, fit, and comfort in action.

Pay special attention to reviews from players similar to you in terms of foot type, playing style and position-specific needs. Their feedback will be most relevant to forecasting your own experience.

Consider both the distributions of star ratings given, as well as the details shared in written reviews. Identify common pros and cons that repeatedly emerge across multiple reviewers.

Beware of reviews that seem overly generic, vague or biased. Seek out reviews with thoughtful context and analysis of key performance indicators based on testing in real gameplay scenarios.

Vetting football cleats through the insights of fellow players in product reviews provides a wealth of data to make a well-informed selection. Prioritize models with consistently excellent feedback across the board.

Buy From Reputable Sports Equipment Retailers

When purchasing your ideal football cleats for summer, look to buy from reputable sports equipment retailers with proven track records of quality gear and service.

Stick to established sporting goods stores, whether online or brick-and-mortar. Specialty football shops with deep category knowledge may offer the best guidance. General athletic retailers with a strong football focus work too.

Review company policies on exchanges, returns and warranties. Opt for retailers that offer longer trial periods and satisfaction guarantees in case any issues arise with your cleats after purchase.

Verify that the company stocks authentic brand name gear, not counterfeits. Inspect product photos closely so you know exactly what you are getting.

Consider retailer reviews online and check sites like the Better Business Bureau for any red flags on a seller’s reputation. Prioritize those with long histories and many satisfied customer reviews.

Established sports retailers have direct relationships and accounts with top football brands like Under Armour. This ensures you receive legitimate products in new condition that can be returned or exchanged if needed.

While small discount sellers may offer cheaper prices, the quality assurance and service of large experienced retailers provides valuable peace of mind for an important gear purchase.

Don’t Forget Proper Break-In for Peak Performance

After buying new football cleats for the summer, don’t forget to properly break them in before intense game action to maximize comfort, fit and performance.

Wear your new cleats briefly around the house to begin gently molding them to your feet. Start with just light walking to identify any pressure points that need extra attention.

Over several sessions, increase the duration you wear them while active. Mimic lateral cuts and sprints to start smoothing stiff materials and creating flex points.

Once comfortable off-field, break them in more aggressively at practices. The studs and plate require use on real grass and turf to optimize traction. Focus on cuts, accelerations and jumps.

Blister-prone areas like the heels and pinky toes may need extra padding while breaking in. If any significant pain persists, check fit and alignment.

Properly preparing cleats shapes them to your feet for enhanced comfort and stability. The upper material loosens slightly to better accommodate dimensions and movements.

Additionally, cushioning components like 4D foam compress fully to offer more responsive energy return. Traction improves as studs develop grit and flex grooves.

Gradual break-in allows cleats to mold to your foot’s exact shape, perform mechanically as designed, and maximize safety. Follow these tips to get new cleats ready for peak summer performance.