{"id":299923,"date":"2013-05-30T23:23:36","date_gmt":"2013-05-31T04:23:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=299923"},"modified":"2018-05-14T08:04:35","modified_gmt":"2018-05-14T12:04:35","slug":"the-biggest-breakthroughs-in-sneaker-cushioning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/the-biggest-breakthroughs-in-sneaker-cushioning\/","title":{"rendered":"The Biggest Breakthroughs in Sneaker Cushioning"},"content":{"rendered":"
While the artistic properties displayed on the upper of a shoe tend to capture the eye and cater to consumption, it\u2019s often the cushioning that wins over the wearer. Over the years, the major players in footwear have delivered innovation in said category as an effort to protect feet and push performance benefits. Focusing on the game changers and the time tested techs, we take a look back at the biggest breakthroughs in cushioning.<\/p>\n
Brand:<\/strong> Nike Nike Air<\/strong> launched in 1979 with Air Tailwind but came to fame on the basketball court four years later with the Air Force 1 model. The original Air Force 1 advertisement spotlighted the midsole as providing \u201c30% more cushioning\u201d while reducing impact on muscles and joints as well as fatigue. Since its inception, the cushioning technology has lasted the test of time and become synonymous with the brand. While \u201cAir\u201d has extended itself to athletes and other iterations over the years, Nike’s \u201cencapsulated air\u201d is actually pressurized gas encapsulated in polyurethane. Such technology led to the breakthrough of Visible Air five years later and Zoom Air, which technically speaking is still encapsulated air.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> ASICS ASICS GEL<\/strong> cushioning is designed to protect the foot from athletic rigors by absorbing impact. The up and down impact created by running, jumping, or walking is dispersed horizontally over the GEL system in the forefoot and\/or midfoot. Since launching in 1986<\/a>, ASICS GEL cushioning has been a constant on both retro and performance runners alike, with its comfort being a calling card in casual and competitive realms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike Visible Air, better known as Air Max<\/strong>, launched in 1987 with the Nike Air Max 1 running shoe and Nike Air Revolution basketball shoe. The idea to display the technology came from Tinker Hatfield and literally revolutionized both the brand and footwear. Dubbed lightweight, versatile, and durable by Nike<\/a>, the cushioning system spans sports and time, focused on reducing the force of impact. Over the years, Air Max cushioning has evolved in size, visibility, name, and Air pressure.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Converse Harnessed in the heel and the ankle, Converse REACT Juice<\/strong> was designed to flow around the foot<\/a> when and where it was needed. Larry Johnson<\/a> was the frontman for this freaky technology; a drastic departure from the classic and tech-less Chuck Taylor or Weapon models. REACT Juice was very visible from a commercial and aesthetic standpoint and was one of the first cushioning systems to claim responsiveness rather than absorb impact. The technology enjoyed roughly a six year run<\/a>, mainly in basketball.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Reebok During the late \u201880s and early \u201890s, Reebok came to fame outside of fitness with the Pump system. While the Pump was focused more on fit than cushioning, it was often paired with Hexalite<\/strong> technology. Inspired by the lightweight strength and structure of a honeycomb<\/a>, Hexalite cushioning saw occasional shine in the midsole and outsole of early \u201890s footwear. Midway through the decade, the cushioning came to fame via visibility with signatures like the Reebok Question and Reebok Preacher Ice. Its strong but light mantra saw its use on basketball shoes for the biggest and smallest of stars. While the cushioning has been carried over on recent retros, it’s also present on classic updates like the Kamikaze III and Pump Fury HLS.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike, Jordan Brand Thin and flat rather than big and round, Zoom Air<\/strong> cushioning offered a responsive take on the original Air format and a lighter alternative to Max. By absorbing and refracting the impact made by the wearer, Zoom Air is able to retain both its shape and buoyancy<\/a>. Such properties aid responsiveness, while its low profile caters to court\/ground feel. Since debuting in 1995, the technology has remained relevant in both basketball and running, appearing less dated than alternatives. Zoom Air has seen appeal across categories, including insole injections in Nike SB models. Though typically encapsulated, the cushioning has seen visibility in the form of Caged Zoom<\/a> on a number of models, including the recently released Jordan Melo M9 and Nike KD V Elite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> adidas Keeping in mind the contours of the foot, adidas popularized Feet You Wear<\/strong> technology. The offering shoes were shaped like the soles of one\u2019s foot<\/a>, as opposed to the standard flat outsole, for a focus on stability and flexibility. Designed by Frampton Ellis, the technology was licensed by adidas in 1994 and debuted two years later on the feet of Steffi Graff in her 1996 US Open win. Such styling also proved popular in the basketball arena, endorsed by the likes of Kobe Bryant and Antoine Walker. A dispute over royalties saw the tech disappear in 1999<\/a>, but Feet You Wear models have since relaunched in retro form.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Reebok Using the same ideology as Zoom Air and React Juice but relying on pods over packets, Reebok\u2019s DMX<\/strong> cushioning catered to responsiveness without neglecting comfort. Showcased on the outsole of premier models like the Reebok Answer 1 and Reebok DMX Run 10, the shoe\u2019s were styled to allow airflow through the pods<\/a> upon impact. While the marquee models encompassed both the midsole and outsole, the modified DMX Lite was designed to do the same job in a more minimal and less visual manner. The technology was eventually adapted to fitness and walking models in less expensive and less effective fashion. Recent retro releases from Reebok do not feature the original DMX technology in fully functional form.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike 11 years after the dawn of Air Max, Nike took its top-billed technology up a notch with the debut of Tuned Air<\/strong>. Engineered to provide superior cushioning and stability, Tuned Air made Air Max mechanical. Plastic hemispheres within the Air Max unit were made to handle higher impact in strategic regions for smoother strides. Tuned Air technology is best known for its use in the Air Max Plus<\/a> runner, but also saw placement in basketball models such as a signature shoe for Sheryl Swoopes. For the ten year anniversary of Tuned Air, Nike released the Tuned Air X. Whether or not actual Tuned Air is use in recent retro product is unconfirmed.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike In the year 2000, Nike Shox<\/strong> technology debuted after 16 years of research and development on the Nike Shox R4 running shoe and the Nike Shox BB4 basketball shoe. Designed to serve as a trampoline for propulsion, the original models feature four highly resilient foam columns in the heel with a Pebax moderator plate. While previous cushioning innovations were made to handle impact or aid responsiveness, Shox was said to provide spring to each step. Eventually the technology would take to the forefoot and also be used in conjunction with other Nike cushioning innovations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike While the majority of cushioning innovations focused on maximum comfort, Nike Free<\/strong> was just the opposite. Inspired by barefoot running and relying on minimalism, Nike Free offered a light and flexible sole made to move with the natural stride and shape of one\u2019s foot. The hierarchy of cushioning, fatigue, and support were exchanged for a system designed to strengthen the foot as if one weren\u2019t wearing a shoe. Thanks to its lightweight flexibility, Nike Free cushioning has taken off in the casual realm, while remaining performance focused in running and training categories.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Jordan After using different iterations of Air for years and sharing innovations with Nike, Jordan Brand introduced Independent Podular Suspension, or IPS<\/strong>, on the Air Jordan XX in 2005. IPS, in many ways, featured DNA from other classic cushioning innovations. The strategic placement of the pods was similar to Tuned Air while its foam structure was almost an encapsulated Shox system. On later Air Jordan models like the XX1 and XX2, podular turned modular when the wearer was given the opportunity to place and substitute a Zoom Air or encapsulated Air unit in the heel of the system.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Nike, Cole Haan, Converse Running with the idea of walking on the moon, Nike launched Lunar Foam<\/strong> in 2008. Touted as 30% lighter than Phylon foam, Lunarlon cushioning was said to distribute impact over a larger area of the foot as opposed to specific pressure points. For stability, the soft Lunarlon foam is combined with a firm Phylon foundation. Since its running release, the lightweight sole has been adapted for basketball, training, skateboarding, and more. Athletic endeavors aside, the tech has also taken to modern updates of retro favorites. Like Zoom Air, Lunar Foam has also been made available in a modular manner via interchangeable insoles.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Reebok Dubbed \u201cthe energy drink for your feet,\u201d Reebok revamped their performance footwear push with ZigTech<\/strong> cushioning. The technology was showcased on a geometric, zig-zag shaped outsole designed to absorb energy upon heel impact and send a wave of energy along the sole for propulsion while reducing wear and tear on the leg muscles. John Wall led the campaign on the hardwood, while Peyton Manning was one of the many endorsers for the trainers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> Under Armour Rather than add to the midsole, Under Armour aimed to refine it with Micro G Foam<\/strong>. Designed to be 30% thinner than standard foam, Micro G Foam is made to provide a lighter, lower, bouncier feel. The low compression foam is meant to provide high rebound without sacrificing the responsiveness offered by low to the ground cushioning. Micro G Foam is currently used across categories by the brand, namely in basketball and running.<\/p>\n Brand:<\/strong> adidas In 2013, adidas modified the midsole with the creation of Boost<\/strong> technology. Composed of many mini-midsoles fused together, Boost cushioning is focused on high energy return. The advanced TPU composition developed by BASF<\/a> is designed not only to provide more energy, but rank high in regard to comfort and durability. As of now, the Boost technology is only featured in running product, but expect it to expand to other categories in the coming years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While the artistic properties displayed on the upper of a shoe tend to capture the eye and cater to consumption, it\u2019s often the cushioning that wins over the wearer. Over the years, the major players in footwear have delivered innovation in said category as an effort to protect feet and push performance benefits. Focusing on the game changers and the time tested techs, we take a look back at the biggest breakthroughs in cushioning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2415,"featured_media":300352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[618],"tags":[1225537],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1979
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Air Max, Zoom Air
\nNotable Models:<\/strong>\u00a0Nike Air Tailwind, Nike Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1<\/p>\nGEL<\/h2>\n image via iinfodaily\n
\nRun:<\/strong>\u00a01986-Current
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> ASICS Gel Lyte III, ASICS Gel Saga, ASICS GT-II<\/p>\nAir Max<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1987-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Air Max2, Total Air, Tuned Air
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Nike Air Max 1, Nike Air Max 95,<\/p>\nREACT Juice<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1992-1998
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Converse Aero Jam, Converse Run ‘n Slam, Converse Backjam<\/p>\nHexalite<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1990-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Hexride
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Reebok Question, Reebok Kamikaze II, Reebok Preacher Ice<\/p>\nZoom Air<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1995-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Vis Zoom, Caged Zoom, Double-Stacked Zoom, Zoom Max
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Air Jordan 12, Nike Zoom Flight 95, Nike Air Foamposite One, Nike Zoom Spiridon, Nike Zoom Miler, Nike Air Zoom Generation, Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2k4, Nike Zoom Kobe V, Nike LeBron X<\/p>\nFeet You Wear<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1996-99
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> adidas KB8, adidas Key Trainer, adidas Top Ten 2000, adidas EQT Mercury<\/p>\nDMX<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1997-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> DMX Lite
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Reebok Answer 1, Reebok DMX Run 10<\/p>\nTuned Air<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 1998-2008
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Nike Air Max Plus, Nike Air Tuned Force, Nike Air Force Max Plus, Nike Air Tuned Swoopes, Nike Air Tuned Max, Nike Tuned Air X<\/p>\nShox<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2000-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Impax, Air Shox
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Nike Shox R4, Nike Shox BB4, Nike VC Shox series, Nike Shox TL<\/p>\nFree<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2004-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Free 3.0, Free 5.0
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Nike Free Run series, Nike TW ’13<\/p>\nIPS<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2005-10
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Podulon
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Air Jordan XX-XX3, Jordan Icons<\/p>\nLunar Foam<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2008-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> Lunarlon, LunarLite
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Nike Lunaracer Series, Nike Lunarglide Series, Nike Hyperdunk, Nike Zoom Kobe IV, Nike Hyperdunk 2012, Cole Haan Lunargrand, Nike SB Eric Koston 1<\/p>\nZigTech<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2010-Current
\nAdaptations:<\/strong> ZigLite, ZigNaon, ZigKick
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Reebok ZigSlash, Reebok Zig Pulse, Reebok ZigTech Shark<\/p>\nMicro G Foam<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2010-Current
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> Under Armour Micro G Juke, Under Armour Micro G Toxic 6<\/p>\nBoost<\/h2>\n
\nRun:<\/strong> 2013-Current
\nNotable Models:<\/strong> adidas Energy Boost<\/p>\n