Double Cantilever System; opposing cantilevers which provide cushioning and stability.
Outersole design for stability and to prevent overpronation (Brooks).
High-abrasion rubber (Ryka).
Connected air bladders exchange air from one end of the system to the other, and back, on impact (Reebok).
IAmbient air-filled, non-visible, multi-chambered bladder transfers air from front to rear and back. Positioned within the EVA midsole, it creates a noticeable cushioning effect.
Ambient air-filled, two-chambered bladder transfers air from front to rear and back. Positioned under the Strobel board, it creates a noticeable cushioning effect. (Reebok - also see Stim-Pac).
Two-chambered air bladder, surrounded by EVA, exchanges air from one end of the system to the other, and back, on impact (Reebok).
Visco-elastic (elastomer) polymer units which absorb shock, denser (red) unit in heel, more elastic (green) unit in forefoot (Diadora).
The use of two pieces of fabric in the upper. One is sewn in the traditional way - either Strobel slip-lasted or slip-lasted, while the other is kept loose until the midsole is attached. Then it is wrapped under the midsole before the outersole is attached, thereby covering the midsole and adding support and protection to the shoe.
An interlining placed between the toe lining and the vamp of a shoe. Its purpose is to provide additional plumpness to the forepart of the shoe and to preserve the shape of the shoe. Doublers are cemented to the upper parts with an adhesive before the lining is sewed in the shoe.
Lightweight TPU device for preventing overpronation (Brooks).
Durable Rubber Compound.
Denser CM-EVA, for pronation control (ASICS).
Durable Rubber Compound. A blend of solid rubber with additives that offer extra durability for rough and abrasive surfaces. DRC is a heavy, dense and very hard material. Compared to other outsole materials, DRC is heavier, but offers increased durability. DRC is mainly used in tennis, walking and outdoor basketball shoes.
Blown rubber for lightness, with a toughened skin for more durability.
Closely monitored injection-molded or compression-molded EVA, for applications of durability and cushioning (Reebok).
Closely monitored injection-molded or compression-molded EVA, for applications of durability and cushioning (Reebok).
Engineered Forefoot Ride (adidas); layer of blown rubber, for cushioning, under harder, more durable carbon rubber.
ICompression-molded compound of rubber and EVA, which is more durable and resilient than standard EVA.
EVA is soft, light and flexible. It is the least expensive midsole material and is often used in entry-level shoes. Midsoles are cut and shaped from flat sheets of EVA foam. EVA will compress and become flat over time as the air trapped within the foam is squeezed out. Once EVA is compacted, it does not return to its original shape and no longer provides cushioning. EVA compresses faster than other midsole materials.
High-abrasion rubber (Etonic).
High-abrasion rubber (Puma).
