Energy return in running shoes: A comprehensive guide based on lab testing
By
jstrieb
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
This article provides a comprehensive guide on energy return in running shoes, explaining how midsole foam materials (TPU, TPEE, PEBA, A-TPU) store and release energy during running. Based on lab testing of 500+ shoes and expert consultations, it covers the science behind energy return, why it matters for runners, and how different materials and shoe designs affect performance.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe phrase "energy return" has only gained attention in the last decade as advanced materials like TPU, TPEE, PEBA, and A-TPU entered the scene.
Energy return in running shoes refers to how efficiently the midsole foam rebounds after being compressed during a step.
Instead of absorbing all impact as heat, a running shoe stores some energy and releases it as the foot lift.
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