e
Adidas Announces New "Boost" Foam Material
There's no consensus on whether it's better to have more, or less, cushioning in a running shoe; this article crystallizes some of the larger theories being debated, enlisting the opinions of an evolutionary biologist who's conducted biomechanical analyses of how the human foot operates during running. But while consensus will have to wait, Adidas isn't. Yesterday they announced their new Boost foam material, "a revolutionary cushioning technology which provides the highest energy return in the running industry."
The foundation of the BOOST innovation is centred on its cushioning material. Based on a groundbreaking development process created by adidas partner BASF, the world's leading chemical company, solid granular material (TPU) is literally blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules which make up the footwear's distinctive midsole. With their unique cell structure, these capsules store and unleash energy more efficiently in every stride. Tests conducted by the adidas Innovation Team show that the highly durable material found only in Energy Boost products provides the highest energy return in the running industry.
Here's a quick vid demonstrating the base difference between Boost foam, the industry-standard EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) stuff, and concrete:
And here's a closer look at how it's integrated with the sneaker:
So what benefit does this new material actually provide? Adidas' attendant press release, like most, has presumably been carefully picked over by Legal; while they don't outright claim the shoe will improve an athlete's performance, the implication is that the energy returned by Boost foam is retained by the athlete and in turn provides "the secret weapon that can set you apart from the competition," in the words of spokesman and 100m World Champion Yohan Blake. " An added boost of energy is what allows you to push yourself ahead of everyone else to cross that finish line first, especially in a sprint when every millisecond counts."
Consumers will get to decide for themselves later this month. The product debuts on February 27th.
Via PSFK
-
oFavorite This
-
Q7Comment
K
{Welcome
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
K
Reset Password
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
Technically, they are thermoplastic elastomers consisting of linear segmented block copolymers composed of hard and soft segments.
In any case Bloomberg probably wont like these because they're Styrofoam and all.
And can someone please explain to me why we are not laughing them out of the building after they've tried to get away with using the magical term "energy capsules?" Maybe their next shoe will be made of "physics orbs" and "performance tubes."
I don't care about a return of investment from my shoe. I want to be able to spend all day in them and at the end of the day take them off, without feeling like I just uncorked a bottle of champagne. When I wear through it I want to throw it away/recycle it knowing it will be turned into something useful.
Make that shoe Adidas and I'll buy a pair!