Midsole, Core of a Pair of Sports Shoes

The midsole, that is, the layer between the shoe body and the outsole acts as an important part for cushioning and adjusting the feeling of wearing. Different shoe types have different midsole technologies, and sure the wearing feeling is very different. In this article, the major midsole technologies currently on the market are introduced.

1. Materials

There are basically three main midsole materials in the current shoe market, namely EVA, PU and Peba (#Pebax, which is 44% bio-based, is a registered trademark of Arkema, Pebax and peba are both nylon material). The dazzling midsole technology we see on the market is basically using these three materials. And the overall performance is Peba>PU>EVA. Ordinary shoes generally use EVA midsoles. PU midsoles are used on a more advanced shoe-type. The top ones and the same time the most expensive ones are Peba midsoles, which are normally only used on flagship shoes or on running shoes of high demand on cushioning performance and energy return. The energy return rate of EVA is around 30% to 40%, the PU is around 60% to 70%, while the Peba’s is generally over 80% (Peba has the best overall performance, but its lifespan is not that long, and it will decay after a long time use).

Shoe types of EVA midsome: Nike Cushion, Nike React, Li-Ning Lightfoam, Adidas Bounce, and etc..

Shoe types of PU: Adidas Boost, Anta Flashfoam, Li-Ning Drivefoam, Reebok Floatride, Puma Ignite, Nrgy, Hybrid (a mixture of ignite and nrgy), and etc..

Shoe types of Peba: Nike Zoomx, Anta N2 Technology, Li-Ning 䨻Technology and etc..

2. The Function of the Midsole

In addition to midsoles’ core cushioning function, one also needs to take its rebound and support into account. When buying shoes, one needs to pay attention to shoes’ midsole in order to have one that suits best. In my opinion, ones who are new to run or are overweight shall pay more attention to support. Good support and stability can help you adjust your running posture and protect you from injury. For advanced runners, I personally recommend shoes with high energy rebound. High rebound can bring better performance, allowing you to change direction quickly and respond more quickly and easily. There is also the other way out, the top running shoes are using sandwich type to get both the support and the high energy rebound. That is, one layer of support(best carbon fiber) between upper and lower 2 layers of midsole.

3. Comparison of various midsoles

  Ordinary EVA: the cushioning and rebound level are moderate; normally there is no support, but the performance is better than the midsole of sneakers. It is suitable for most sports occasions and is sufficient for the midsole of general sports shoes.

 Adidas Bounce: an improved version of EVA, the performance is better than that of ordinary ones. It is more comfortable. The level is above average.

 Anta Flashfoam: it has a good wearing feeling, a little soft while not too much, and the energy return and cushioning are good.

 Nike React: the resilience is high, but the energy return is not as good as the PU materials such as Boost and Flashfoam. It loses energy when running.  Moreover, the deformation, the support and cushioning are even worse than EVA. Some may feel feet pain when wearing it. The biggest feature is the rebound, which are not recommended for beginners.

Puma Hybrid: good support performance, good energy feedback, average wearing feel, not too soft (just a little softer than sneakers), more suitable for jogging. The support is really good, not tiring while long standing, and the gait is relatively stable when running.

 Adidas 4D: personnally, I think it is the strongest midsole technology so far. The support of this midsole is surprisingly good, and it is very comfortable to wear. It brings both comfort and good energy feedback when walking or running. Unlike Puma's hybrid, which is a relatively hard support, 4D is a soft support, and you will feel that the force on your feet is even and comfortable.

Suzhou #Shincell New Material Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise that specializes in providing sustainable technology and material solutions for high-elastic midsoles. Its #TPU, #TPEE, #PEBA, #PEBAX foam sheets are widely used in shoe midsoles and insoles. Supply to domestic and foreign sports shoes leading enterprises, such as Anta, Li Ning, Puma, Adidas, Hoka and so on.