Ayrton Oneill
The midsole is the layer of material between the upper and the outsole of a shoe. It provides shock absorption and cushioning to the wearer's feet. Basketball shoes are designed to be lightweight and flexible, with lots of cushioning to support sudden, short bursts of movement. Midsoles are usually made from foam, which provides cushioning and shock absorption. Some specialised foams also return energy to boost performance. Different types of foam used in midsoles include EVA, PU, and Pe-Bax foam. Other materials used for midsoles include gel, silicone, and expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Support, cushioning, shock absorption |
| Location | Between the inner and outer layers of the shoe's sole |
| Materials | Foam, gel, air, rubber, plastic, PU, EVA, Polyolefin, Pebax, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, dandelion rubber |
| Manufacturing Methods | Compression molding, injection molding |
| Considerations | Stiffness, height, durometer, comfort, performance in cold temperatures, biodegradability |
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What You'll Learn
- Midsoles are made of foam, gel, or a combination of both
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is the most popular type of foam
- Polyurethane (PU) is another plastic material used for midsoles
- Expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) is a popular midsole material for Adidas shoes
- Midsoles are designed to provide comfort, support, and shock absorption
Midsoles are made of foam, gel, or a combination of both
Midsoles are an important part of basketball shoes, providing support and cushioning for the wearer's feet. They are usually made from foam, gel, or a combination of both. Foam midsoles provide cushioning and shock absorption, with some specialised foams also returning energy to boost performance. Most basketball shoes have foam midsoles, as well as foam padding on the interior.
Foam is a popular material for midsoles due to its comfort and performance, especially in cold temperatures. Different types of foam are used in shoe construction, including open-cell and closed-cell foams. Closed-cell foams like EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PU (polyurethane), and Pe-Bax foam are commonly used in Nike shoes, providing structure, comfort, and cushioning. On the other hand, open-cell PU "sponge" foam is used in the uppers of Nike basketball shoes for added softness.
Gel is another material used in midsoles, offering significant support and stability. Gel insoles or pockets can be added to shoes to distribute weight and provide an extra layer of comfort. They are often placed near the heel for added support and can be removable, allowing for flexibility in the level of cushioning. While gel provides excellent cushioning, it can also add weight and bulk to the shoe.
Some basketball shoes combine foam and gel in their midsoles to optimise comfort and performance. For example, Adidas uses Boost technology, which consists of E-TPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane) pellets fused together to create a bouncy and comfortable midsole. However, to reduce the bounciness for basketball shoes, the Boost pellets are caged inside a more rigid plastic, typically EVA.
The stiffness of midsoles is an important consideration for basketball players, as it can affect performance and injury risk. Softer midsoles can help players land more softly, while stiffer midsoles can increase ankle joint motion and reduce plantar forces, which is beneficial for players with a history of stress fractures. Therefore, choosing the right midsole material and stiffness is crucial for basketball players to achieve optimal performance and comfort while minimising the risk of injuries.
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Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is the most popular type of foam
Basketball is a sport that demands agility, speed, endurance, and jumping ability. As such, basketball shoes are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and well-cushioned to absorb the impact of sudden, short bursts of movement. The midsole is the layer of material between the upper and the outsole, providing shock absorption and cushioning to the wearer's feet.
Additionally, EVA foam provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. This is crucial in reducing pressure on the feet, ankles, and knees during impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury. The cushioning properties of EVA foam can also provide energy return, propelling players forward when running and upward when jumping. This energy return further contributes to the overall performance enhancement that EVA midsoles offer.
Moreover, EVA foam is durable and long-lasting. Its resistance to wear and tear helps maintain the structural integrity of the shoe over time, ensuring consistent performance and comfort. The durability of EVA foam also makes it a cost-effective choice, as shoes with EVA midsoles tend to last longer, providing a better return on investment for athletes.
While EVA is the most popular choice, other materials are also used for basketball shoe midsoles, such as expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) or Boost technology, which is known for its superior cushioning but lacks durability. Ultimately, the choice of midsole material depends on the specific needs and preferences of the player, as well as their position, playing style, and injury history.
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Polyurethane (PU) is another plastic material used for midsoles
Basketball is a sport that requires agility, speed, endurance, and jumping, so lightweight shoes are extremely important. Heavy shoes can slow players down, decreasing their momentum and jumping ability, and increasing fatigue over the course of a game.
Polyurethane (PU) is a plastic material that is used for the midsoles of basketball shoes. It is a class of polymers, which are substances that consist of large molecules with many repeating subunits. Polyurethane is described as tough and elastic, and it can be customised or formulated to be more flexible or rigid, depending on its use.
Polyurethane is well-suited for midsoles because it is durable, flexible, and comfortable. It is also lightweight, with lower density and durability than other materials. This makes it ideal for the insoles, midsoles, and outsoles of basketball shoes. Polyurethane midsoles are also longer-lasting than almost any other sole material.
Polyurethane midsoles rose in popularity among shoe brands from the late 1980s to the 1990s due to their comfort and durability. However, by the 2000s, polyurethane fell out of popularity in favour of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which has better shock absorption and is more durable.
Despite its benefits, polyurethane is prone to degradation over time. It can turn yellow when exposed to sunlight or UV rays, and it is susceptible to crumbling when it absorbs too much moisture in a process called hydrolysis.
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Expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) is a popular midsole material for Adidas shoes
Basketball is a sport that requires agility, speed, endurance, and jumping, so lightweight shoes are crucial. Heavy shoes can slow players down, decrease their momentum, and reduce their jump height. They can also increase fatigue over the course of a game. Therefore, lightweight basketball sneakers are preferable as they enable players to move faster, jump higher, and maintain their energy levels for longer.
Midsoles are the layer of material between the upper and the outsole of a shoe. They provide shock absorption to cushion the impact on the feet and joints. Most basketball shoes have midsoles made of foam, which provides cushioning and shock absorption. Some specialised foams also return energy to boost performance.
Adidas has developed Boost technology for its midsoles, which combines the formerly contradictory benefits of soft and responsive cushioning. The Boost midsole is made from thousands of expanded particles that work together to deliver increased energy return with every stride. This technology was first introduced in 2013 with the Adidas Energy Boost running shoe, which paired an elastic polyurethane Techfit upper with the Boost midsole. The shoe's responsiveness and premium cushion finish signalled a new era for Adidas.
Adidas has also filed a patent for improved soles and insoles for sports shoes, specifically incorporating expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU). This material is a type of plastic that has been heated and expanded to create a lightweight and cushioning structure. The E-TPU provides enhanced comfort and shock absorption for the wearer, making it ideal for use in shoe soles. The patent describes a sole composed of two distinct surface regions: one made of E-TPU and the other without expanded TPU. This innovation aims to enhance the performance and comfort of sports shoes, potentially offering improved durability and other benefits for wearers.
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Midsoles are designed to provide comfort, support, and shock absorption
Midsoles are an important part of basketball shoes, providing comfort, support, and shock absorption. They are the layer of material between the upper and the outsole, responsible for cushioning the impact on the wearer's feet and joints. This cushioning is essential in reducing pressure and protecting against injuries, especially during the sudden bursts of movement and jumping inherent in basketball.
The midsole is typically softer than the outsole, providing a comfortable and cushioned base for the wearer's feet. The materials used for midsoles vary, with different advantages offered by each. Polyurethane (PU), a plastic material, is flexible and comfortable but tends to be quite firm, offering less cushioning. It is more commonly found in vintage basketball shoes and is prone to crumbling over time.
More recently, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) has become a popular choice for midsoles. It is a lightweight and durable foam that can be combined with other materials to enhance its properties. For example, it can be infused with nitrogen to increase responsiveness or ecological polyethylene to create an ultra-lightweight foam. EVA is also used to encase expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) pellets, reducing their bounciness for basketball shoes.
Another option for midsoles is gel, which provides support, stability, and comfort. Gel lightens the pressure on the shoe, helping it last longer and keeping the midsole in good condition. It is often placed near the heel, where our weight is mostly distributed.
The stiffness of midsoles is an important consideration for basketball players. Softer midsoles allow players to land more softly, reducing the impact forces and protecting against injuries. However, stiffer midsoles can provide more ankle joint motion and reduce plantar forces, which may be beneficial for players with a history of stress fractures.
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Frequently asked questions
The midsole is the layer of material between the upper and the outsole. It provides support and cushioning to the wearer's feet.
Basketball midsoles are typically made of foam, which provides cushioning and shock absorption. Some midsoles are made from expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), which is a bouncy and comfortable material. Other midsoles are made from gel, which provides support and stability.
Yes, there are different types of foam used in basketball midsoles. One popular type is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, which is lightweight and durable. Another type is polyurethane (PU) foam, which is a form of plastic that can be made flexible or rigid.
E-TPU, specifically the Boost midsole by Adidas, offers superior cushioning compared to most materials. However, it is less durable and is often combined with an outsole made from stronger materials.
Yes, in addition to foam and gel, some basketball midsoles are made with air. The combination of these materials provides cushioning and shock absorption for the wearer's feet.
