Under Armour Highlights MC Lacrosse Cleat Review The Best White Cleats for Attackmen and MiddiesUnder Armour Highlights MC Lacrosse Cleat Review The Best White Cleats for Attackmen and Middies
Ideal Playing Positions and Field Types for the Highlight MC Cleat
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat is optimized for quickness and speed, making it an ideal choice for attacking midfielders, offensive midfielders, and face-off specialists. The lightweight synthetic upper material and minimalist, low-profile design help maximize acceleration and quick cuts on the field. If you’re a player who relies on speed and agility to create separation from defenders, the Highlight MC cleat delivers the quick-twitch responsiveness you need.
The cleat’s ten-cleat TPU outsole is configured for excellent traction and grip on artificial turf surfaces. The combination of conical and bladed studs provides multidirectional traction to enable those fast directional changes. While the Highlight MC can be worn on grass, the stud configuration really shines on the consistent footing of synthetic turf fields. Soattackmen and offensive middies who do most of their work on turf will love the acceleration and precise cuts enabled by these Under Armour cleats.
Since the upper material is durable yet unrestrictive, the flexibility and feel make the Highlight MC a great choice for face-off specialists as well. The minimalist design allows excellent mobility while crouched at the face-off X, while still providing protection during those scrappy battles for the ground ball. Face-off takes who rely on quick reactions off the whistle will appreciate the explosive acceleration generated by the Highlight MC cleat’s lightweight low-profile design.
For defensemen who rely more on strength and power than speed and agility, Under Armour has other cleat options that may provide a better fit. The Highlight MC is engineered explicitly for quicker players who utilize speed and fast direction changes to their advantage on the lacrosse field. But for offensive players who rely on their athleticism and explosive first step, the MC delivers the acceleration and cutting ability to leave defenders in the dust.
Traction and Grip Performance on Various Surfaces
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat utilizes a ten-cleat TPU outsole configured to provide excellent traction on most types of playing surfaces. The combination of conical and bladed studs in the outsole pattern grips natural and artificial turf exceptionally well for multidirectional cuts and acceleration.
On natural grass fields, the conical cleats penetrate and release from the surface with ease to enable stable footing for cuts, jumps, and direction changes. The bladed studs provide additional grip for lateral motion, allowing you to push off aggressively during sprints. On standard length and even slightly wet grass, the Highlight MC’s outsole performs admirably to let you play at your highest speed confidently.
But where the Highlight MC cleat really excels is on artificial turf fields. The consistent synthetic footing allows the conical and bladed studs to grip and release predictably on each step. So you can plant hard and change direction with explosive speed knowing the cleats will dig into the turf as expected. Even on newer or moderately wet turf, the outsole rubber compounds retain their high level of traction. Mids and attackmen who play primarily on well-kept turf fields will love the acceleration and sharp cuts enabled by the Highlight MC.
The outsole rubber does exhibit some minor wear over time, especially on abrasive artificial turf. But the durability is comparable to other elite cleats, and the level of traction remains consistently high even after many hours of use. For lightning-quick cuts, starts, and stops on both grass and turf, the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat delivers the excellent grip and traction today’s top offensive players demand.
Protection and Durability of the Highlight MC
For a speed-focused cleat, the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat provides a surprising amount of protection and durability. The one-piece synthetic leather upper material is abrasion-resistant to withstand those inevitable turf burns during layouts or slides. The padded collar around the ankle opening also helps prevent blisters while adding comfort and support.
The integrated lightweight TPU plate in the midfoot area protects against impact from checks. While not as robust as the plastic of a heavier cleat, it does stiffen the midsole to provide noticeable protection. The several layers of EVA foam in the removable Ortholite sockliner also absorb impact before it reaches your feet. So your feet and ankles are guarded against blows during ground ball scrums or contested dodges.
Considering its minimalist low-profile design, the Highlight MC cleat is impressively sturdy. The synthetic leather upper stands up well to routine wear and shows minimal scuffing or tearing. The outsole rubber also proves quite durable, maintaining its stud sharpness and traction over many hours of play. While frequent turfers may notice somewhat faster breakdown of the rubber, its lifespan easily exceeds that of most lightweight cleats.
For players who tend to roll an ankle or take a lot of bruising hits to the foot or ankle, a cleat with more stability or protection may be advisable. But for speedsters who rely on acceleration, the Highlight MC impresses with its blend of flexibility, low weight, and reassuring foot protection. The cleat provides ample coverage for quick offensive players who occasional take knocks or tumbles when racing upfield at top speed or cutting on a dime.
Weight and Breathability of the Cleat
Key Features of the Under Armour Highlight MC
- Lightweight synthetic upper for reduced weight and increased speed
- Low-profile design for improved ground feel and responsiveness
- Ten-cleat TPU outsole for optimal traction on various surfaces
- Combination of conical and bladed studs for multidirectional grip
- Flexible yet durable construction for enhanced mobility and longevity
Dominating the Turf: Traction and Grip Performance
The Under Armour Highlight MC excels in providing superior traction across different playing surfaces, with a particular emphasis on artificial turf. The cleat’s ten-cleat TPU outsole features a strategic combination of conical and bladed studs, offering players unparalleled grip and stability during intense gameplay.
On natural grass fields, the Highlight MC’s conical cleats effortlessly penetrate and release from the surface, ensuring stable footing for cuts, jumps, and directional changes. The bladed studs provide additional lateral grip, allowing for aggressive push-offs during sprints. This versatility enables players to maintain confidence in their movements, even on slightly wet grass.
However, it’s on artificial turf where the Highlight MC truly shines. The consistent synthetic surface allows the cleat’s studs to grip and release predictably with each step, enabling explosive speed and sharp direction changes. Even on newer or moderately wet turf, the outsole maintains its high level of traction, giving players a significant advantage in their movements.
Surface-Specific Performance
- Natural Grass: Excellent penetration and release for stable footing
- Artificial Turf: Superior grip and predictable traction for explosive movements
- Wet Conditions: Maintained performance on both grass and turf
Protection and Durability: Built to Last
Despite its focus on speed and agility, the Under Armour Highlight MC doesn’t compromise on protection and durability. The cleat’s design incorporates several features that ensure player safety and long-lasting performance.
The one-piece synthetic leather upper is highly abrasion-resistant, capable of withstanding the inevitable turf burns during layouts or slides. A padded collar around the ankle opening not only prevents blisters but also adds comfort and support during intense play.
An integrated lightweight TPU plate in the midfoot area provides protection against impact from checks. While not as robust as heavier cleats, it effectively stiffens the midsole to offer noticeable protection. The removable Ortholite sockliner, composed of several layers of EVA foam, further absorbs impact before it reaches the player’s feet.
Protective Features of the Highlight MC
- Abrasion-resistant synthetic leather upper
- Padded ankle collar for comfort and blister prevention
- Integrated TPU plate for impact protection
- Ortholite sockliner with EVA foam for shock absorption
Ideal Playing Positions: Maximizing the Highlight MC’s Potential
The Under Armour Highlight MC is specifically designed to cater to certain playing positions on the lacrosse field. Its unique features make it particularly suitable for players who rely on speed, agility, and quick directional changes.
Attacking midfielders and offensive midfielders will find the Highlight MC to be an invaluable asset. The cleat’s lightweight design and responsive feel allow these players to make rapid cuts, accelerate quickly, and create separation from defenders with ease. The superior traction provided by the outsole enables confident movement and precise footwork, essential for executing complex offensive plays.
Face-off specialists will also benefit greatly from the Highlight MC’s design. The cleat’s flexibility and minimalist construction allow for excellent mobility while crouched at the face-off X. This design enables quick reactions off the whistle, giving face-off takes a crucial advantage in those split-second moments that can determine possession.
Position-Specific Benefits
- Attacking Midfielders: Enhanced speed and agility for offensive maneuvers
- Offensive Midfielders: Improved acceleration and cutting ability
- Face-off Specialists: Increased mobility and explosive first step
Optimizing Performance on Artificial Turf
While the Under Armour Highlight MC performs admirably on various surfaces, it truly excels on artificial turf fields. The cleat’s design and stud configuration are optimized to take full advantage of the consistent footing provided by synthetic surfaces.
The combination of conical and bladed studs in the outsole pattern allows for exceptional multidirectional traction on turf. Players can make sharp cuts, quick stops, and explosive starts with confidence, knowing that the cleats will grip the surface reliably. This predictable traction is crucial for maintaining control during high-speed maneuvers and intricate footwork.
Moreover, the Highlight MC’s lightweight construction complements the firm, even surface of artificial turf. The cleat’s responsive feel allows players to maximize their speed and agility, taking full advantage of the turf’s consistent playing conditions. This synergy between cleat design and playing surface can give athletes a significant edge in their performance.
Artificial Turf Advantages
- Optimal stud configuration for synthetic surfaces
- Consistent and predictable traction for confident movement
- Enhanced speed and agility due to responsive cleat design
- Improved performance in quick directional changes
Comparing the Highlight MC to Other Cleat Options
While the Under Armour Highlight MC excels in speed and agility, it’s essential to consider how it compares to other cleat options, especially for players in different positions or with varying playing styles.
For defensemen who rely more on strength and power than speed, Under Armour offers alternative cleat models that may be more suitable. These options often feature more robust construction and additional support to withstand the physical demands of defensive play.
Midfielders who split their time between offense and defense might consider a more versatile cleat that balances speed with stability. While the Highlight MC is excellent for offensive-minded players, two-way midfielders might benefit from a cleat that offers a bit more support for defensive situations.
Goalies, who prioritize lateral movement and quick reactions over straight-line speed, may find other specialized cleats more appropriate for their unique needs. These often feature wider bases for stability and different stud patterns optimized for side-to-side movement.
Position-Based Cleat Comparisons
- Defensemen: May prefer cleats with more robust construction and support
- Two-way Midfielders: Might benefit from a balance of speed and stability
- Goalies: Often require specialized cleats for lateral movement and stability
Maintaining and Extending the Life of Your Highlight MC Cleats
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleats, proper maintenance is crucial. While these cleats are built for durability, regular care can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their high-performance characteristics.
After each use, it’s important to clean your cleats thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grass, or turf particles from the outsole and between the studs. This not only keeps your cleats looking good but also prevents the build-up of debris that can affect traction. Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water for cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the synthetic materials.
Proper drying is equally important. After cleaning or if your cleats get wet during play, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape. Always air dry your cleats at room temperature, avoiding direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, which can cause the materials to degrade or warp.
Maintenance Tips for Highlight MC Cleats
- Clean after each use to remove dirt and debris
- Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water
- Stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape
- Air dry at room temperature, avoiding direct heat
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear, especially on the outsole
By following these maintenance practices, you can ensure that your Under Armour Highlight MC cleats continue to provide the speed, agility, and traction you need on the lacrosse field for many games to come.
Customization and Personalization Options
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat offers various customization and personalization options, allowing players to tailor their footwear to their specific preferences and style. These options can enhance both the performance and aesthetic appeal of the cleats.
One of the most popular customization features is the ability to choose from a range of color combinations. While the classic white colorway is a favorite among many players, Under Armour offers several other options to match team colors or express individual style. This customization extends to different components of the cleat, including the upper, outsole, and even the laces.
Beyond aesthetics, players can also personalize the fit and feel of their Highlight MC cleats. The removable Ortholite sockliner can be replaced with custom orthotics for those requiring additional arch support or specific foot accommodations. Some players opt to experiment with different lacing techniques to adjust the tightness and support in various areas of the foot.
Customization Options for Highlight MC Cleats
- Multiple color combinations to choose from
- Customizable components including upper, outsole, and laces
- Option to use custom orthotics for personalized support
- Various lacing techniques for adjusted fit and feel
These customization options not only allow players to express their individuality but can also contribute to improved comfort and performance on the field. By tailoring the Highlight MC cleats to their specific needs and preferences, players can ensure they’re getting the most out of this high-performance footwear.
Ideal Playing Positions and Field Types for the Highlight MC Cleat
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat is optimized for quickness and speed, making it an ideal choice for attacking midfielders, offensive midfielders, and face-off specialists. The lightweight synthetic upper material and minimalist, low-profile design help maximize acceleration and quick cuts on the field. If you’re a player who relies on speed and agility to create separation from defenders, the Highlight MC cleat delivers the quick-twitch responsiveness you need.
The cleat’s ten-cleat TPU outsole is configured for excellent traction and grip on artificial turf surfaces. The combination of conical and bladed studs provides multidirectional traction to enable those fast directional changes. While the Highlight MC can be worn on grass, the stud configuration really shines on the consistent footing of synthetic turf fields. Soattackmen and offensive middies who do most of their work on turf will love the acceleration and precise cuts enabled by these Under Armour cleats.
Since the upper material is durable yet unrestrictive, the flexibility and feel make the Highlight MC a great choice for face-off specialists as well. The minimalist design allows excellent mobility while crouched at the face-off X, while still providing protection during those scrappy battles for the ground ball. Face-off takes who rely on quick reactions off the whistle will appreciate the explosive acceleration generated by the Highlight MC cleat’s lightweight low-profile design.
For defensemen who rely more on strength and power than speed and agility, Under Armour has other cleat options that may provide a better fit. The Highlight MC is engineered explicitly for quicker players who utilize speed and fast direction changes to their advantage on the lacrosse field. But for offensive players who rely on their athleticism and explosive first step, the MC delivers the acceleration and cutting ability to leave defenders in the dust.
Traction and Grip Performance on Various Surfaces
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat utilizes a ten-cleat TPU outsole configured to provide excellent traction on most types of playing surfaces. The combination of conical and bladed studs in the outsole pattern grips natural and artificial turf exceptionally well for multidirectional cuts and acceleration.
On natural grass fields, the conical cleats penetrate and release from the surface with ease to enable stable footing for cuts, jumps, and direction changes. The bladed studs provide additional grip for lateral motion, allowing you to push off aggressively during sprints. On standard length and even slightly wet grass, the Highlight MC’s outsole performs admirably to let you play at your highest speed confidently.
But where the Highlight MC cleat really excels is on artificial turf fields. The consistent synthetic footing allows the conical and bladed studs to grip and release predictably on each step. So you can plant hard and change direction with explosive speed knowing the cleats will dig into the turf as expected. Even on newer or moderately wet turf, the outsole rubber compounds retain their high level of traction. Mids and attackmen who play primarily on well-kept turf fields will love the acceleration and sharp cuts enabled by the Highlight MC.
The outsole rubber does exhibit some minor wear over time, especially on abrasive artificial turf. But the durability is comparable to other elite cleats, and the level of traction remains consistently high even after many hours of use. For lightning-quick cuts, starts, and stops on both grass and turf, the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat delivers the excellent grip and traction today’s top offensive players demand.
Protection and Durability of the Highlight MC
For a speed-focused cleat, the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat provides a surprising amount of protection and durability. The one-piece synthetic leather upper material is abrasion-resistant to withstand those inevitable turf burns during layouts or slides. The padded collar around the ankle opening also helps prevent blisters while adding comfort and support.
The integrated lightweight TPU plate in the midfoot area protects against impact from checks. While not as robust as the plastic of a heavier cleat, it does stiffen the midsole to provide noticeable protection. The several layers of EVA foam in the removable Ortholite sockliner also absorb impact before it reaches your feet. So your feet and ankles are guarded against blows during ground ball scrums or contested dodges.
Considering its minimalist low-profile design, the Highlight MC cleat is impressively sturdy. The synthetic leather upper stands up well to routine wear and shows minimal scuffing or tearing. The outsole rubber also proves quite durable, maintaining its stud sharpness and traction over many hours of play. While frequent turfers may notice somewhat faster breakdown of the rubber, its lifespan easily exceeds that of most lightweight cleats.
For players who tend to roll an ankle or take a lot of bruising hits to the foot or ankle, a cleat with more stability or protection may be advisable. But for speedsters who rely on acceleration, the Highlight MC impresses with its blend of flexibility, low weight, and reassuring foot protection. The cleat provides ample coverage for quick offensive players who occasional take knocks or tumbles when racing upfield at top speed or cutting on a dime.
Weight and Breathability of the Cleat
One of the standout features of the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat is its incredibly lightweight feel. By optimizing every element of the design for speed and acceleration, UA kept weight to an absolute minimum without compromising protection or traction.
At just 10.2 oz for a men’s size 9, the Highlight MC is one of the lightest cleats on the market. The synthetic leather upper, low-profile last, and minimalist TPU plate all contribute to reducing weight while still providing a secure fit and ample structural support. You’ll immediately notice the lightness of the cleat as you break into a sprint or change direction on the field.
In addition to the literal ounces shed, the balance and low-to-the-ground feel amplify the weight reduction. By keeping weight tight to the foot, the cleat enhances your natural quickness and acceleration. Mids and attackmen will feel like theHighlight MC cleats are an extension of their feet as they jet through the midfield or dodge down the alley.
The lightweight single-layer mesh through the upper also facilitates airflow to keep your feet cool. While not as ventilated as a woven mesh, it does allow heat dissipation so your feet don’t overheat easily. On hot summer days, the breathable upper prevents the swampy soggy feel that can come with heavier, bulkier cleats. Just be aware that the mesh provides minimal water resistance in wet conditions.
For players who want maximum protection or ankle stability, the extreme light weight of the Highlight MC may be less suitable. But for speed positions who train relentlessly to shave ounces, the MC lacrosse cleat delivers a featherweight feel to help maximize their fast-twitch athletic potential on the field.
Styling and Appearance of the White Colorway
Under Armour went with a clean, minimalist aesthetic for the Highlight MC lacrosse cleat that enhances its sporty, performance-driven appeal. The white-on-white colorway delivers a sharp modern look perfect for today’s speedy offensive players.
The bright white synthetic leather upper contrasts beautifully against the metallic silver Under Armour logos and light grey TPU plate. This monochromatic effect draws the eye to the aggressive silhouettes of the cleat for a bold, athletic look. When coupled with the integrated lacing system, the Highlight MC simply looks fast even when standing still.
For maximum visual pop, the white upper perfectly frames the translucent orange outsole and its ten strategically placed studs. The transparent rubber reveals the inner compression mesh layer and carbon fiber shank for technical detailing. Visually, the lightweight outsole design conveys the engineered quickness encapsulated in the cleat.
On the field, the bright white upper and translucent orange accents make the Highlight MC cleat stand out. The distinctive color combo projects confidence and speed. While not the flashiest cleat, the sleek streamlined look attracts attention. The bold styling matches the fast and aggressive play of today’s top offensive midfielders and attackmen.
Some players may prefer alternate colorways to minimize dirt showing or to better match team uniforms. But for players seeking maximum visual presence, the crisp white-on-white gives the Highlight MC an eye-catching look on the field. The stylish aesthetics convey the relentless quickness and explosive speed enabled by these Under Armour lacrosse cleats.
Customer Reviews and Ratings for the MC Cleat
Overall customer reviews for the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat are very positive, with most players praising the lightweight feel and grippy traction. Across major online retailers, the MC earns high marks for acceleration, quick cuts, and general comfort.
Many reviewers describe the MC as the lightest cleat they’ve ever worn, allowing them to “fly up the field” thanks to the feathery feel. The minimalist upper material and low-to-the-ground cushioning really maximize perceived quickness according to users. A number of players switched from bulkier cleats and immediately noticed faster sprints and cuts.
The outsole traction and grip also won rave reviews, especially from midfield and attack players. The ability to plant and pivot or change direction without slippage gave players more confidence in their movements. Several players specifically praised the stud configuration for stability on artificial turf. One user called the traction “simply amazing.”
Some negative feedback centered on sizing running small and lack of ankle stability due to the flexible minimalist design. A handful of reviewers complained of quicker-than-average wear of the outsole rubber. But overall, the vast majority of users awarded 4 or 5 stars and enthusiastically recommend the Highlight MC cleat.
For players seeking the lightest possible cleat for maximizing quickness on the field, the Highlight MC earns very high marks. The combination of feathery feel and excellent traction makes it a top choice for speed positions according to customer reviews. The MC delivers exactly what most offensive midfielders and attackmen are looking for in a high-performance lacrosse cleat.
How to Properly Break In the Highlight MC Cleat
Like most lacrosse cleats, the Under Armour Highlight MC performs best once fully broken in to soften materials and conform to your feet. While UA minimized the break-in period, taking a few key steps when first wearing the MC cleat helps maximize comfort and avoid blisters.
First, wear the cleats around the house for short non-active periods to begin loosening up the synthetic leather upper material. Bend and flex your feet and ankles through the natural motions while wearing them to identify any pressure points. Consider wearing a slightly thicker sock than normal during this process.
Once the upper starts to soften and lose its initial stiffness, transition to wearing the cleats during light training such as warm-ups or drills. Avoid using the MC cleats for intense sprinting or cutting right away. Let your feet further adjust to the contoured shape of the bootie construction upper.
Pay close attention to any hot spots causing discomfort, especially around the heel collar and forefoot. You may need to slightly loosen laces over those areas to reduce irritation. As the cleat lining conforms to your foot, you can tighten up the integrated lacing to finely tune the snugness.
After several shorter break-in sessions, the Highlight MC cleat should feel like a natural extension of your foot. At that point, you can begin utilizing the cleats for competitive game action and benefit fully from the lightweight acceleration and quick cuts. With UA’s innovative designs, break-in is fast, but taking deliberate steps to properly loosen materials further optimizes performance and comfort.
Care and Maintenance Tips for the MC Cleat
To extend the life and performance of your Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleats, following a few proper care and maintenance tips is recommended. Taking good care of the cleats will enhance durability while retaining traction and comfort over many seasons of play.
Always allow the MC cleats to fully air dry after games or practices before storing. Never use excessive heat when drying, as high temperatures can damage the synthetic leather upper material. Stuffing damp cleats in a cramped bag can shorten their lifespan.
Check the cleat studs and clear away any trapped debris after each use. Small pebbles lodged in the studs not only risks damaging field turf but negatively affects traction. Keeping the conical and bladed studs clean optimizes grip.
Occasionally use a soft brush with mild detergent to clean the MC upper and outsole, then rinse away all soap residue. Avoid submerging the cleats entirely in water. Let them fully air dry before the next wear.
Every few weeks, apply a thin layer of silicone-based athletic shoe protector spray. This nourishes the leather fabric and helps prevent dirt from becoming ingrained. Re-apply after heavy rains or especially muddy/dirty games to maintain the clean white aesthetics.
While Under Armour optimized the Highlight MC for lightweight speed, taking good care of the cleats extends their usable life so you get the most of your investment. Following these cleat maintenance best practices enhances performance and durability season after season.
Where to Buy the Under Armour Highlight MC Cleat
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat is sold widely online and in sporting goods stores, making it easy to get your hands on a pair. As a high-demand Under Armour cleat, most major lacrosse and athletic retailers carry the MC model.
Of course UA.com has the full selection of sizes and color options. Other popular online retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lax.com, Lacrosse Monkey, and Eastbay typically have great availability for the Highlight MC cleat as well.
Nearly all lacrosse specialty stores will have the MC cleat in stock during peak season. And major chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, and Academy Sports also usually have at least a few of the most popular sizes and colors on the shelves.
The only potential challenge is finding your specific size if you fall outside the average range. So shopping early in the season improves your chances of getting the size you need before inventory sells out. Trying on the MC cleat in-store first to find your ideal size also helps ensure online orders fit properly.
Compared to limited edition drops or obscure lacrosse gear, the mass appeal Under Armour Highlight MC is one of the more readily available cleats on the market. With a range of both online and in-person options, finding a pair in your size and preferred colorway is pretty straightforward.
The Best Deals and Prices Online for the MC
As a top-shelf Under Armour lacrosse cleat, the Highlight MC commands a premium price around $129.99 for adult sizes. But by shopping smart online, you can often find discounts or take advantage of limited promotional pricing.
Checking Amazon first is advisable, as periodic sales and coupons can bring the price down well below MSRP. Signing up for emails from lacrosse retailers like Lax.com and LacrosseMonkey can alert you to seasonal sales or holiday promos on the MC cleat as well.
Scouring eBay and other resale sites is another option, as you can sometimes get previous model year MC cleats in very good condition for under $100. This becomes even more likely late in the season or after new colorways release.
The Highlight MC resale value remains quite strong however, so don’t expect fire sale prices on current versions. Your best bet is watching for occasional limited-time sales from major online lacrosse retailers during peak seasons.
With smart online shopping at the right times, you can likely save $10-20 off retail on the Under Armour Highlight MC cleat. While the superior performance and technology does command a premium price point, shop savvy and you’ll get the best bang for your buck on these ultra-quick lacrosse cleats.
Is the Highlight MC the Right Lacrosse Cleat for You?
The Under Armour Highlight MC delivers elite performance for quickness and acceleration, but is it the best cleat choice depending on your playing style and needs?
For middies, attackmen, and face-off specialists who rely on speed, the MC is arguably the top cleat on the market. The minimalist design, featherlight feel, and excellent traction optimize fast footwork and quick changes of direction.
If you play on synthetic turf fields, the configuration of conical and bladed studs provides ideal grip on artificial grass. And for players who run hot, the single layer woven upper allows decent airflow to keep feet cooler.
But for players who need more ankle stability due to past sprains or tend to take heavy body contact, the flexible MC may lack the support required. And the softer outsole rubber wears faster on extremely abrasive turf.
So consider your position, playing style, and field surface when deciding if the Highlight MC is the right lacrosse cleat for you. But for pure quickness and acceleration, nothing in the game beats the Under Armour Highlight MC cleats.
Sizing and Fit Information for the Highlight MC
Finding your ideal size is crucial with the Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat to achieve a locked-in fit for peak acceleration and cuts. The MC runs slightly narrow but true to size lengthwise for most players.
UA designed the cleat in a mid/low volume profile, so those with wider feet may need to size up half a step. It fits best for players with average or slimmer foot widths. Consider sizing up if you fall between increments or need a roomier toe box.
The integrated inner bootie construction gives the MC cleat a snug, sock-like fit in the correct size. The lightweight synthetic leather material has minimal break-in, so the fit feel remains close to out of the box. Be sure to tighten the laces gradually as the upper molds to your feet.
For the best stability when sprinting and cutting at top speed, your toes should sit about a thumb’s width from the front of the cleat. The heel should be locked in place without slippage. The thin padded ankle collar prevents any rubbing or hot spots.
Trying the Highlight MC cleat on in-store first is recommended whenever possible to gauge fit. But for most players, ordering your normal shoe size provides an ideal fit for maximizing the acceleration and quickness benefits of this Under Armour cleat.
How the MC Cleat Compares to Other Under Armour Lacrosse Cleats
Within Under Armour’s own lineup of lacrosse cleats, the Highlight MC stands out for its extreme lightweight design and explosiveness. How does it compare to other popular UA models?
The Highlight MC has a lower profile and is lighter than the Swifthawk midfield cleat. It has a speed-focused minimalist upper versus the Swifthawk’s support and protection features. The outsole studs also differ, with the MC optimized for turf traction.
Versus the Hammer Mid, the MC has a full synthetic leather upper rather than a composite material. It’s engineered for quicker players who don’t need the Hammer’s crossover versatility. The Hammer does have greater durability for elite level midfielders.
The Highlight MC is most similar to the Spotlight Franchise in weight and construction, but has a higher ankle cut. It uses full-length TPU plate compared to the Spotlight’s split plate. The Spotlight Franchise does have more ventilation however.
Overall, the Highlight MC strikes the ideal balance of minimal weight, traction, and protection to optimize acceleration and quick cuts. It stands atop UA’s speed-focused cleat offerings for lightning fast midfielders and attackmen.
Overview of the Under Armour Highlight MC Lacrosse Cleat
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat utilizes a speed-focused minimalist design to deliver elite acceleration and cuts for offensive midfielders and attackmen. Weighing only 10.2 ounces, the MC cleat provides a featherlight feel while still maintaining solid protection and traction.
The synthetic leather upper uses UA’s FormFit technology for a sock-like fit thatmoves naturally with your foot. A lightweight TPU plate in the midfoot increases protection against checks. The integrated lacing system and padded ankle collar lock in the foot securely.
The TPU outsole combines conical and bladed studs to generate excellent grip on both natural and synthetic turf surfaces. The stud configuration allows quick cuts, starts, and stops in any direction. An embedded carbon fiber shank optimizes energy return for faster sprints.
With its barely-there feel and excellent traction, the Highlight MC gives midfielders, attackmen, and face-off specialists the elite acceleration and quickness to blow past defenders. For today’s fastest lacrosse players, it’s the ultimate speed cleat built for rapid cuts, dodges, and sprints upfield.
Features and Benefits of the Highlight MC Cleat
The Under Armour Highlight MC lacrosse cleat delivers a range of innovative features and technologies to optimize speed and quickness on the field.
The single-layer synthetic leather upper uses a lightweight skin material for minimal bulk. Overlays reinforce high-wear areas for durability without adding weight. The seamless one-piece construction enhances fit and reduces irritation.
UA’s 4D Foam footbed incorporates multiple densities of foam for cushioning and support. It shapes to your foot for a custom feel. The Ortholite sockliner also provides impact absorption and moisture wicking.
Embedded in the compression-molded TPU plate, a Pebax propulsion shank returns energy to generate faster sprints. The full-length plate provides lightweight protection from checks.
The high abrasion rubber outsole incorporates both bladed and conical studs for traction on turf and grass. The placement along the outer edge enhances push-off and grip for quick cuts in any direction.
With every design element optimized for speed, the Highlight MC lacrosse cleat gives you the acceleration and precision cuts to leave defenders in the dust. Its performance features let you utilize your natural quickness to the fullest potential.