Cam Newton is a bad boy.
One of the most physically-imposing players that the National Football League has ever seen, especially at the quarterback position, the Carolina Panthers star has lit up the NFL with his star play, smile, and style (though to be fair, this year has been a struggle.) Now, he’s extending away from the gridiron.
Fortunately for Newton, his fans, and avid athletes, Under Armour will be releasing his first signature sneaker, a cross-trainer for the gym and the field – the Cam Highlight Trainer. Below is what UA says about the new shoe:
On Saturday, December 8 the first two colorways of the Cam Highlight Trainer will hit UA.com and retail partners such as Foot Locker.
The super light, and ridiculously high trainer is built to meet the performance needs of one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks the game has ever seen – Cam Newton. The second skin, Compfit compressive sleeve supports the ankle for stabilizing comfort, the Micro G cushioning provides responsiveness and lateral stability needed for any style of workout, and the anatomical outsole gives you superior traction without adding any weight. The premium materials that come together for unparalleled performance give the shoe its distinct look that was inspired by the style and individuality of Cam.
In all truth, the Cam Highlight Trainer is one of a kind as a performer. It has three main distinct features, which make it a top contender in the training category. One primary performance aspect of Newton’s shoe is its outsole — it resembles the bottom of a human foot. This particular feature makes for a more natural feel and also encouraged UA to carve out more rubber to make it lighter. Also, the Cam Highlight Trainer comes equipped with the company’s patented Micro G foam, a snappy cushioning compound that (according to UA) is “lighter and lower to the ground.”
But let’s be honest – you can’t make a shoe unless you intend to sell its looks, and no matter how advanced a sneaker may be, it has to deliver on the eye test, and it has to be comfortable. All else is a bonus for the everyday man, and the Cam Highlight Trainer looks promising.
It’s a unique-looking shoe, for sure. It’s a high-top that fits snuggly to the ankle and lower leg. It’s loud. It’s unorthodox – but it’s also very smooth, sleek, and sophisticated. Don’t care for the neon Panther blue or the bright Terrapin red high on the lower leg? Jeans make it an easy cover. Want to make a statement with your button-up and fitted? Pop the tongue a bit for a little flash. And don’t sleep on the cushioning that was aforementioned. Micro G cushioning is bouncy, soft, and yet firm enough to make standing on your feet a minor task. And who knows, if you stay in the shoes long enough, you may get the urge to drop back to throw a few of your own passes or hit the gym.
