Behind every pair of trainers and boots is a stack of material science: the foam in the midsole, the plate that springs you forward, the rubber on the outsole and the spec terms that describe the fit. This hub explains the core footwear materials and concepts in plain English, grouped by what they do.

Midsole foams

EVA Foam

What is EVA Foam?

EVA, short for ethylene-vinyl acetate, is a closed-cell foam copolymer and the most widely used midsole material in modern footwear. It is created by blending ethylene with vinyl acetate, and the proportion of vinyl acetate, usually between ten and forty per cent, determines how soft and flexible the finished foam feels. A higher vinyl acetate content gives a plusher, more pliable ride, while a lower content makes the midsole firmer and more supportive. Because EVA is light, cheap to produce and naturally water resistant, it became the default cushioning for everything from budget trainers to premium daily runners, and it still underpins a large share of the running shoes on the market today.

How EVA cushioning works

EVA cushions by trapping thousands of tiny gas-filled cells inside the foam. When your foot lands, those closed cells compress and absorb impact, then spring back to soften the next stride. The closed-cell structure also keeps water out, which is why EVA midsoles do not soak up puddles the way an open foam would. Manufacturers tune the feel through the production method: die-cutting sheets for simple builds, compression moulding (often called CMEVA) for a denser, more durable block, and injection moulding for complex shapes. Each route changes density and resilience, letting brands dial in anything from a firm racing platform to a soft, forgiving cruiser.

Why running shoes wear out

The gas pockets that make EVA comfortable are also its weakness. With every mile those cells compress a little more, and gradually the foam loses its ability to rebound and cushion impact. The shoe can still look perfectly fine from the outside while the midsole has quietly degraded within. For most EVA running shoes this point arrives somewhere around 300 to 500 miles, where the lost cushioning starts to affect comfort and can raise injury risk. EVA can also stiffen in cold weather, feeling harder underfoot on a frosty morning than it did in summer. Tracking your mileage is the most reliable way to know when a pair is spent.

How EVA compares to newer foams

EVA set the standard, but higher-tech foams now sit above it. TPU and PEBA-based compounds generally return more energy and hold their cushioning for longer, which is why race-day super shoes lean on them. The trade-off is cost: those materials are more expensive to make and command a premium at the till. EVA remains the sensible, value-led choice for everyday training, walking and casual wear, and many shoes blend EVA with a livelier foam to balance price, durability and responsiveness. Understanding where EVA fits in the hierarchy helps you match the shoe to the job rather than overpaying for a technology you may not need.

Getting the most from EVA shoes

A few simple habits extend the useful life of an EVA midsole. Rotate between two pairs so each has time to decompress and recover between runs, rather than hammering a single pair every day. Store shoes at room temperature and let them dry naturally if they get wet, since heat sources can warp the foam. Keep a rough note of your mileage so you can plan a replacement before the cushioning fails rather than after. If you are unsure whether a pair is past its best, our team can talk you through how the foam should feel and when it is time to move on.

Supercritical Foam

What is supercritical foam?

Supercritical foam is a midsole material manufactured using a gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide held in a supercritical state, a condition where the substance is neither gas, liquid nor solid but blends properties of each. Instead of relying on chemical blowing agents to create bubbles, the process foams the polymer physically, which produces lighter and more responsive midsoles than traditional methods. This physical foaming is the technology behind much of the modern super shoe revolution, where cushioning that is both soft and springy has transformed how performance running shoes feel and perform. At OD's you will find it in premium running shoes from Saucony and On, where it delivers the lightweight, energetic ride that has redefined expectations at the front of the running market.

How is supercritical foam made?

The process begins by infusing a polymer with a supercritical fluid, the gas held under conditions where it behaves as both gas and liquid and penetrates the material thoroughly. A rapid release of pressure then causes the gas to expand, creating a uniform microporous structure throughout the foam. Because the bubbles are formed physically and evenly rather than through a chemical reaction, the result is consistent, fine-celled and remarkably light. This uniformity is key to the performance: an evenly structured foam returns energy more predictably and resists the dead, flat feeling of cheaper midsoles. The technique can be applied to several base polymers, which is why supercritical foams appear in so many different brand-specific midsole compounds across the market.

Why does it perform so well?

The headline benefits are low weight and high energy return. Supercritical foams can reach densities as low as around 0.09 grams per cubic centimetre with energy return exceeding 80 percent, an exceptional combination of light and lively. When the base polymer is PEBA, a supercritical midsole can be up to 50 percent lighter than EVA while improving running economy by roughly four to six percent, meaning you spend less energy to hold the same pace. That efficiency gain is the whole point of the super shoe, turning a softer, bouncier midsole into measurable performance. The microporous structure cushions impact while springing back quickly, so the foam feels protective on landing and propulsive on toe-off, a balance traditional foams struggle to match.

Which shoes and brands use it?

Supercritical foam now spans the industry, applied to several different base polymers. Adidas Boost uses supercritical TPU, Nike ZoomX uses PEBA, Saucony's PWRRUN HG is a PEBA-based supercritical foam, and Puma Nitro uses EVA or TPU formulations. Each brand tunes the polymer and process to its own ride character, so a Saucony midsole feels different from an On or a Nike one even though they share the underlying foaming science. The breadth of adoption shows how foundational the technology has become: from daily trainers to elite racers, supercritical foaming is now the default route to a light, responsive midsole. At OD's it features in premium running shoes from Saucony and On Running, the science behind the super shoe revolution.

Pebax / PEBA Foam

What is Pebax and PEBA foam?

Pebax is Arkema's trade name for polyether block amide, usually shortened to PEBA, the thermoplastic elastomer foam that revolutionised running footwear. PEBA is the material; Pebax is the best-known brand of it. Its arrival changed the sport: Nike's Vaporfly first commercialised PEBA as ZoomX in 2017, and in doing so established the super shoe category that has reshaped distance running ever since. What made it so transformative is a rare combination of properties, returning energy far more efficiently than older foams while weighing significantly less. For runners chasing pace, PEBA became the foam to have, and it now appears across premium models from many brands.

Why PEBA returns more energy

The headline figure for PEBA is its energy return, reported by Arkema at around 80 to 85 per cent. That compares with roughly 70 to 75 per cent for TPU and 60 to 65 per cent for EVA, the foams that came before it. In practical terms, more of the energy you put into each footstrike is given back to you rather than lost, which can make running feel easier at the same pace. The foam compresses and rebounds with unusual efficiency, behaving almost like a spring underfoot. This is the core reason super shoes feel so lively, and why PEBA sits at the top of the foam hierarchy for performance.

Weight, running economy and carbon plates

PEBA's advantages go beyond rebound. It is also light, around 20 to 30 per cent lighter than TPU at an equivalent stack height, which lets brands build tall, cushioned midsoles without the usual weight penalty. When PEBA is paired with a carbon plate, the combination has been shown to improve running economy by roughly 4 to 6 per cent, meaning runners use less energy to hold a given pace. That is the recipe behind the modern super shoe: a thick slab of responsive PEBA foam with a stiff plate to channel its energy. Together they translate into faster times for the same effort, which is why elite racers rely on them.

Is PEBA worth the premium?

For serious runners, PEBA usually earns its higher price. The measurable improvement in running economy translates to faster times at the same effort, a genuine advantage on race day or in key training sessions. The trade-offs are cost and, potentially, a shorter midsole lifespan under heavy daily use, since the very softness that makes PEBA so responsive can also break down faster when hammered every day. For that reason PEBA shines best as a race-day or key-session foam rather than an everyday trainer. There is also a bio-based option, Pebax Rnew, derived from castor beans, for those who want the performance with a lower-impact origin.

Temperature stability and which shoes use it

PEBA holds another practical edge: temperature stability. Where EVA can harden noticeably in the cold, PEBA maintains consistent performance across conditions, so the shoe rides the same on a frosty morning as it does in summer. You will find PEBA-based foams in many of today's top performance shoes, including Saucony's PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB and On Running's Helion HF. These are the kind of premium models built for speed, where the foam's energy return and light weight justify its place. If you are shopping at the performance end of the range, PEBA is the technology powering most of the standout options.

SugarSole

What is SugarSole?

SugarSole is UGG's sustainable outsole technology, manufactured from fast-growing sugarcane foam rather than the petroleum-based ethylene that has long dominated footwear soles. The idea is straightforward but meaningful: replace a fossil-derived input with a renewable, plant-based one, while keeping the comfort and performance UGG wearers expect. Sugarcane grows quickly and absorbs carbon dioxide as it does so, which makes it an attractive feedstock for a more responsible outsole. SugarSole is part of UGG's broader sustainability push, sitting alongside other plant-based and recycled components in the brand's most forward-looking collections. For the shopper, it means the cushioning underfoot is doing a little extra work for the planet without asking you to compromise on the cosy, dependable feel UGG is known for.

How does sugarcane foam work?

Conventional foam outsoles rely on ethylene sourced from petroleum, a finite fossil resource. SugarSole substitutes a plant-derived alternative drawn from sugarcane, so the same kind of lightweight, cushioning foam can be made from a renewable crop instead. Because sugarcane absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, UGG cites a meaningful offset: roughly 1.6 pounds of CO2 absorbed for every pound of petroleum-based ethylene replaced. That is a tangible, material-level change rather than a marketing gesture, addressing the raw input at the start of the supply chain. The engineering goal throughout is parity, delivering the same comfort, durability and grip from a greener source so the wearer experience stays consistent with the rest of the UGG range.

How does it perform?

A sustainable material is only worth wearing if it performs, and SugarSole is engineered to match UGG's established Treadlite outsole for both cushioning and traction. That benchmark matters, because Treadlite is the brand's proven technical compound, so aligning SugarSole to it means shoppers are not trading comfort or grip for greener credentials. In practice, that translates to the soft, reliable underfoot feel UGG is famous for, with dependable grip across the everyday surfaces these shoes are made for. The technology is designed to deliver plant-based comfort with a lower environmental impact, so the choice becomes easy: the same UGG experience you already trust, made from a more responsible foundation.

Which UGG styles use SugarSole?

SugarSole made its debut in Autumn/Winter 2022 and has been expanding across the UGG product line ever since, appearing in selected boots, slippers and sandals as the brand rolls sustainability deeper into its range. At OD's it features in styles such as the UGG Classic Mini Regenerate and pieces from the Icon-Impact Collection, where it often pairs with other responsible UGG components. As the technology spreads, you will increasingly find it across the seasonal collections rather than confined to a single hero style. If keeping a lower environmental footprint matters to you, look for SugarSole in the product description or ask in store, since it signals that the outsole is built from renewable sugarcane foam rather than conventional petroleum-based material.

Plates & rockers

Carbon Plate

What is a carbon plate?

A carbon plate is a rigid carbon fibre insert embedded within a running shoe's midsole to enhance propulsion and running efficiency. It became a mainstream feature with the commercial launch of Nike's Vaporfly 4% in 2017, which kicked off the modern era of super-shoes. Research indicates that combining a carbon plate with high-energy-return foam reduces the energetic cost of running by roughly 2.6 to 4 percent, a meaningful margin over a race distance. The plate itself is remarkably stiff and light: carbon fibre is around five times stronger than steel and about twice as stiff at an equivalent weight. That stiffness is precisely what makes it useful underfoot, turning a soft, bouncy midsole into a propulsive system.

How does a carbon plate work?

The plate increases the longitudinal bending stiffness of the shoe, which reduces flexion at the ankle joint and decreases the workload on the calf muscles. Its curved geometry creates a lever effect, accelerating heel lift through toe-off so the runner rolls forward more efficiently. As the soft, responsive foam compresses against the rigid plate, it produces rapid energy return rather than dissipating that energy. Together these effects reduce ground contact time and improve running economy. The plate and the foam are a partnership: neither delivers the full benefit alone, which is why super-shoes pair a stiff plate with high-rebound midsole compounds such as PEBA-based foams to get the headline efficiency gains.

Full-length versus partial plates

Not every plated shoe is built the same way. Full-length plates run the length of the midsole and provide the maximum propulsive, snappy sensation, which is why they dominate dedicated racing models. Partial plates cover only part of the foot and offer a more flexible alternative, trading a little of that aggressive lever effect for a more forgiving ride. The right choice depends on what you want from the shoe: all-out race performance points towards a full-length plate, while runners who find stiff shoes harsh or who want a plate for tempo work may prefer a partial design. Plate shape and placement are a big part of how a super-shoe feels.

What the rules say

Carbon plates sit within a regulated framework for competition. World Athletics permits one plate per shoe and caps the sole thickness at a maximum of 40mm for road racing. These rules were introduced to keep a measure of fairness as shoe technology advanced rapidly. For the everyday runner the regulations matter less day to day, but they shape what manufacturers can build, which is why race shoes cluster around similar stack heights and single-plate designs. If you race in events governed by World Athletics rules, it is worth checking that your shoe is compliant before lining up.

Which shoes feature carbon plates?

At OD's, carbon-plated racing shoes include the Saucony Endorphin Pro, the On Cloudboom and Salomon's plated models such as the Energy Blade. These are built for race day and serious training, combining a stiff carbon plate with high-energy-return foam to deliver that efficient, propulsive ride. They are specialist tools rather than everyday trainers: best saved for races, fast sessions and key workouts, where the efficiency gain counts most. If you are chasing a personal best or want to feel the lever effect for yourself, a carbon-plated shoe is the technology to look for.

Rock Plate

What is a rock plate?

A rock plate is a rigid protective insert built into a trail running or hiking shoe, sitting between the soft midsole foam and the rubber outsole. Its job is straightforward but important: to shield the bottom of your foot from sharp rocks, roots, and debris on technical terrain. When you land on a jagged stone, the plate spreads the force across a wider area rather than letting a single sharp point press into the sole and bruise the foot. Unlike a foam or a fabric, a rock plate is a stiff, protective layer, and on rough mountain trails it is the difference between a confident stride and constantly flinching at every sharp surprise underfoot.

What rock plates are made from

Rock plates are made from a few common materials, each with its own balance of properties. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) offers a blend of flexibility and protection and is widely used. Nylon provides a stiffer, lightweight shield. Carbon fibre is the most rigid and protective option, often found in higher-end or race-oriented trail shoes where stiffness also adds propulsion. Most rock plates sit in the region of 1 to 2mm thick, which is enough to deflect sharp impacts without adding excessive bulk or weight. The choice of material and thickness shapes how protective, flexible, and heavy the finished plate feels.

Full-length versus forefoot-only

Rock plates come in different coverage patterns to suit different priorities. A full-length plate runs the length of the shoe and offers maximum protection, making it well suited to alpine and mountain terrain where sharp rock is constant. A forefoot-only plate covers just the front of the shoe, protecting the metatarsal region where toe-off pressure is highest, while saving weight elsewhere. There is also the split-plate design, a compromise that provides protection while allowing the forefoot to articulate and flex more naturally. Each pattern reflects a trade-off between how much of the foot you shield and how light and flexible you want the shoe to remain.

The trade-offs to consider

Adding a rigid plate has costs as well as benefits. The main trade-off is that a rock plate reduces ground feel and natural foot flexibility, because the stiff layer dampens the subtle feedback you would otherwise get from the surface. For runners who love a connected, sensitive feel on smooth trails, that can be a downside. For anyone tackling rocky, technical ground, the protection is well worth it. This is why coverage matters: forefoot-only and split-plate designs exist precisely to keep some flexibility while still guarding the most vulnerable areas. The right amount of plate depends on the terrain you run and how much underfoot feedback you want to keep.

Who needs a rock plate

A rock plate is most valuable for trail and mountain running on rough, rocky, or root-strewn ground, and for longer days out where accumulated impacts would otherwise wear the foot down. If your local trails are mostly soft, smooth, or grassy, you may not need one and might prefer the lighter, more flexible feel of a shoe without one. If you regularly head into the hills or onto stony technical paths, a rock plate adds real comfort and confidence, letting you place your feet decisively rather than picking over every sharp section.

VECTIV

What is VECTIV?

VECTIV is The North Face's proprietary trail running platform, bringing together propulsion plates, rocker geometry and advanced midsole foams in a single system. It launched in 2021 as the first trail running shoe with an integrated carbon fibre plate, taking technology that had transformed road racing and adapting it for the demands of off-road terrain. Rather than a single feature, VECTIV is a whole approach to building a faster, more efficient trail shoe, organised around three pillars: propulsion, stability and traction. The aim is to help runners move more smoothly and economically over ground that is anything but flat. At OD's you will find VECTIV across The North Face trail running lineup, from ultra-distance racing shoes to everyday trail trainers.

How does the three-pillar system work?

VECTIV is built on three pillars that address the particular challenges of trail running. Propulsion comes from carbon or TPU plates that store and release energy to drive the runner forward. Stability is provided by 3D plate wings, which extend the plate upward at the edges to control the foot on uneven ground. Traction is handled by SurfaceCTRL outsoles, designed to bite into varied terrain. Together these elements tackle the things that make trail running hard: the energy lost on rough ground, the lateral instability of a stiff plated shoe off-road, and the constant need for grip. By engineering each pillar deliberately, The North Face aims to deliver the efficiency of a plated shoe without the instability that often comes with it on technical trails.

What is inside the latest VECTIV?

The platform has evolved across generations. VECTIV 3.0 uses a dual-plate construction, combining a carbon propulsion plate with a separate TPU stability plate, so the shoe can deliver forward drive and lateral control as distinct functions. The midsole uses DREAM foam, described as a nitrogen-infused TPU or a PEBA and EVA blend depending on the model, for a responsive, cushioned ride. Stack heights run from around 37 to 43mm with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, placing VECTIV among the more cushioned trail platforms, while lug depth ranges from roughly 3.5 to 5mm depending on the terrain a given shoe is built for. These figures show how seriously the platform is engineered, with each element tuned to balance cushioning, propulsion and grip for real-world trail use.

How does VECTIV differ from standard trail shoes?

Carbon plates were originally designed to boost efficiency on smooth roads, where the surface does the work of keeping a stiff shoe stable. According to The North Face, the integrated plate-and-rocker system in VECTIV improves running efficiency on technical terrain too, not just on tarmac. The rockered midsole promotes smooth, rolling transitions from heel to toe, which helps maintain momentum over rough ground, while the stability plate wings prevent the lateral roll that plagues many plated shoes on uneven surfaces. That combination is what sets VECTIV apart: it tries to bring the propulsive benefits of a plated racer to the trail without sacrificing the control runners need when the ground is loose, rocky or off-camber. The result is efficiency engineered specifically for trails rather than borrowed from the road.

Outsoles & grip

Vibram

What is Vibram?

Vibram is an Italian company that has manufactured high-performance rubber outsoles since 1937, and its distinctive yellow octagon logo is one of the most recognised marks in footwear, indicating that a shoe is fitted with genuine Vibram rubber. Crucially, Vibram is an independent supplier rather than a shoe brand: it develops outsole compounds and sole units that many different footwear makers then build into their products. That specialist focus has made it the benchmark for technical outsoles across hiking, trail running and mountaineering. The origin story is part of the legend: founder Vitale Bramani developed the original Carrarmato sole, inspired by tyre treads, after an alpine tragedy highlighted how inadequate footwear traction could cost lives. Nearly nine decades on, that founding purpose still defines the company's relentless focus on grip.

How did Vibram begin?

The company's roots lie in mountaineering. After a tragedy in the Alps revealed how dangerously poor traction could be on the footwear of the day, Vitale Bramani set out to build a better sole. The result was the Carrarmato, a lugged rubber outsole inspired by tyre treads, which gave climbers far surer footing on difficult ground. That breakthrough in 1937 launched a company built entirely around the science of grip. Everything Vibram has done since flows from that first problem: how to keep a foot planted securely across the widest possible range of surfaces and conditions. This single-minded heritage is why the brand commands such trust, and why its yellow octagon is treated as a mark of quality by serious outdoor and trail users worldwide.

What are Vibram's key compounds?

Vibram's reputation rests on a deep portfolio of terrain-specific compounds. Megagrip is the flagship for wet and dry grip, offered in a softer formulation around 65 to 70 Shore A or a firmer one around 75 to 80 Shore A to balance grip against durability. Litebase is a construction technology that reduces outsole weight by around 30 percent and thickness by around 50 percent, valuable for fast trail and racing shoes. Arctic Grip is engineered to maintain traction on ice, a notoriously difficult surface, while Traction Lug increases grip by around 25 percent through micro-features in the lug design. This breadth lets shoe designers pick the exact outsole for a given purpose, which is a large part of why so many premium brands turn to Vibram.

Why is Vibram the gold standard?

Vibram is widely considered the gold standard for outsoles, and the reasons come down to experience and range. Nearly 90 years of rubber compound development, combined with the broadest set of terrain-specific formulations in the industry, give it an edge few can match. Its compounds are used by brands including Nike, Salomon, Merrell, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Arc'teryx and New Balance. Megagrip in particular dominates premium trail running outsoles because it delivers consistent grip on wet rock, dry dust and everything between, while balancing grip and durability better than most proprietary alternatives. That combination of heritage, breadth and proven real-world performance is what keeps Vibram at the top, the default choice when a brand wants an outsole it knows will hold up.

Treadlite by UGG

What is Treadlite by UGG?

Treadlite by UGG is the brand's proprietary outsole compound, built on RMAT technology, a rubber-based material engineered to deliver rebound, durability and lightweight performance in a single sole. When it launched in Spring 2015, Treadlite marked UGG's first major foray into technical footwear innovation, signalling a step beyond the cosy sheepskin classics into genuine performance engineering. The key point is that Treadlite is rubber-based rather than EVA, which gives it a very different character from the foam outsoles found on many casual shoes. That choice of material is what underpins its standout traits: more elasticity, longer-lasting cushioning and dependable grip. At OD's you will find Treadlite across UGG casual shoes and hybrid lifestyle footwear, where everyday comfort and durability matter most.

How does Treadlite cushion the foot?

Most casual outsoles use EVA foam, which is light and soft but tends to compress over time. Treadlite takes a different route, using a rubber-based RMAT compound that provides cushioning through elasticity rather than foam. This gives it more rebound underfoot and, crucially, cushioning that lasts. Because rubber recovers its shape rather than slowly crushing flat, Treadlite delivers a consistent, springy feel across the life of the shoe instead of fading after the first few months. For a wearer, that means the comfort you feel on day one is much closer to the comfort you feel a year later, which is exactly what you want from shoes you reach for again and again. It is performance cushioning with genuine longevity.

Why does it not pack out?

Packing out is the gradual loss of cushioning as a foam midsole compresses permanently under repeated load, and it is the reason many comfortable casual shoes feel flat after heavy wear. Treadlite sidesteps this problem entirely because it is rubber-based rather than EVA. Rubber's natural elasticity means it springs back to shape rather than staying compressed, so it maintains its cushioning properties over time instead of degrading. This durability is one of Treadlite's biggest selling points: it offers cushioning that lasts without degrading, which translates to better long-term value and a shoe that stays comfortable far longer than a typical foam-soled alternative. For shoppers who keep their footwear for years, that resistance to packing out is a meaningful, everyday advantage.

How does Treadlite grip and wear?

Being rubber-based gives Treadlite two further practical advantages: grip and abrasion resistance. The high rubber content delivers exceptional traction on both wet and dry surfaces, so the shoes feel sure-footed across the mixed conditions of everyday life, from damp pavements to dry floors. The same rubber that handles cushioning also handles wear, which means Treadlite needs no additional rubber parts bonded to the bottom of the outsole to resist abrasion. The compound does the job on its own, simplifying construction while improving durability. The overall result is a versatile, hard-wearing sole that grips confidently, resists scuffing and keeps its performance over time, making it ideal for the casual and hybrid lifestyle shoes where UGG deploys it.

Protective & technical materials

D3O Impact Protection

What is D3O?

D3O is a patented impact-protection material, developed by the UK firm D3O Lab in 1999. It belongs to a class of substances described as non-Newtonian, meaning its behaviour changes depending on how quickly force is applied. In everyday terms, D3O stays soft and pliable during normal movement, but the instant it takes a sharp impact its molecules lock together to absorb and dissipate the energy. That dual character is the whole point: protective gear that is comfortable to wear yet hardens exactly when you need it. D3O is an impact-protection material, not a footwear foam, and it is used as armour in protective clothing and equipment where managing a sudden blow is the priority.

How does it work?

The science behind D3O is its rate sensitivity. Under slow, gentle movement the molecules flow past one another freely, so the material feels flexible and conforms to the body. When a fast, high-energy impact arrives, those same molecules lock together almost instantly, momentarily stiffening to spread and absorb the force before relaxing again. This lets a single piece of D3O armour stay comfortable through hours of normal wear yet still do its job in a crash or fall. It is also a multi-impact material in the sense that it returns to its soft state, though any insert that has taken a significant hit should be inspected and replaced as advised.

How is it certified?

D3O armour is tested against recognised protective standards. In motorcycle gear it is certified to the EN 1621 standard, with Level 1 protection meaning less than 35kN of force is transmitted in testing and the more demanding Level 2 meaning less than 20kN. The material is typically used in thicknesses of around 11 to 18mm depending on the level of protection required. Alongside its impact performance it is lightweight, breathable and temperature-stable, which keeps it practical for real-world wear. Its credibility is underlined by use beyond consumer products: D3O has supplied impact protection for demanding applications including military helmet systems, reflecting how seriously its energy-absorbing performance is taken.

How does it feel to wear?

One of D3O's biggest advantages is comfort. During normal movement the armour is soft and flexible, so you barely notice it is there; only on impact does it lock rigid. This is the fundamental difference from traditional hard armour, which is protective but stiff and bulky to wear. Because D3O moulds to your body and moves with you, it makes protective gear genuinely comfortable for extended wear, whether on a long ride or a full day out. That comfort matters: armour only works if people actually wear it, and gear that feels good is gear that stays on. After any significant impact, replace the D3O insert to be sure of continued protection.

Where is it used?

At OD's, D3O protection features in Belstaff motorcycle apparel, where its blend of comfort and impact performance is ideal. Riders need armour that stays flexible through long hours in the saddle but provides serious protection in a fall, and D3O delivers exactly that combination. Built into jackets and protective garments, it adds genuine safety credentials without the bulk and stiffness of older armour. For anyone choosing motorcycle clothing, D3O inserts are a strong sign that a garment takes protection seriously while keeping the wearer comfortable on the move.

TPU

What is TPU?

Thermoplastic polyurethane, usually shortened to TPU, is a flexible and durable polymer that sits between plastic and rubber, borrowing useful properties from both. It can be rigid enough to provide structure or soft enough to flex, which makes it one of the most versatile materials in modern footwear. In running and outdoor shoes it shows up in several forms: expanded TPU beads are fused into lightweight, energy-returning midsole foams, while solid TPU is used for stability elements, heel counters and even waterproof membranes. That breadth is what makes TPU so valuable to designers, who can specify the same family of material across very different parts of a shoe. At OD's it features across footwear from Saucony, Salomon and On Running.

How does expanded TPU work as a foam?

The most familiar use of TPU in performance footwear is expanded TPU, often written as eTPU, where the polymer is processed into small beads filled with gas and then fused together into a midsole. The result is a foam that is both lightweight and springy, returning roughly 70 to 75 percent of the energy put into it with each stride. This bead-based construction is the basis of several well-known cushioning systems and helped kick off the modern era of high-rebound midsoles. Because each bead behaves like a tiny cushion, the foam compresses and recovers efficiently, giving a lively underfoot feel that holds up over many miles. It is a versatile foam that balances softness, durability and energy return.

What types of TPU are there?

TPU is not a single material but a family, tuned by chemistry and hardness for different jobs. Polyester-based grades offer high strength, polyether-based grades resist hydrolysis and so handle moisture well, and polycaprolactone-based grades stay flexible in the cold. Hardness is measured on the Shore scale, with footwear TPU ranging from around 60A, which is soft and pliable, up to about 90A, which is firm and structural. This spectrum lets designers dial in exactly the property they need, whether that is a soft, cushioning foam or a rigid stability shank. The same versatility explains why a single shoe might contain several different TPU grades, each chosen for its specific blend of flexibility, strength and durability.

Why is TPU recyclable?

A key advantage of TPU over older thermoset polyurethane is that it is thermoplastic, meaning it softens when heated and hardens again when cooled, with a melting point in the region of 180 to 220 degrees Celsius. This reversible behaviour has two big benefits. First, it enables heat-welded construction, where parts can be bonded without stitching or glue for cleaner, more durable joins. Second, and increasingly important, it makes the material recyclable: where thermoset PU is permanently set once cured, TPU can be reheated and reprocessed. As footwear brands work to reduce waste, that recyclability gives TPU a sustainability edge alongside its performance credentials, allowing offcuts and end-of-life material to be reclaimed rather than landfilled.

Fit, spec & sustainability

Drop and Heel-to-Toe Offset

What is drop?

Drop, also called heel-to-toe offset, measures the height difference between a shoe's heel and its forefoot, expressed in millimetres. The calculation is simple: a shoe with a 30mm heel stack and a 20mm forefoot stack has a 10mm drop. Running shoes span a wide range, from 0mm, known as zero-drop, up to around 14mm, with 10mm long serving as the traditional standard. Drop is not about how much cushioning a shoe has overall but about how that cushioning is distributed front to back. That distribution has a real effect on how the shoe feels underfoot and how your foot tends to land, which is why drop is one of the first specs experienced runners check.

How does drop affect your stride?

Drop influences your foot strike pattern, how your muscles are loaded and where stress concentrates as you run. A lower drop encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike and tends to increase the load on the calves and Achilles tendon, since the lower leg does more of the work. A higher drop suits heel strikers, places the foot in a more heel-down position and generally reduces strain on the Achilles, though it can shift more stress towards the knee. None of this makes one drop inherently better than another; it simply changes the demands placed on different parts of the leg. Understanding that trade-off helps you match a shoe to your own running mechanics.

Understanding the drop ranges

It helps to think of drop in bands. Zero-drop shoes, at 0mm, keep the heel and forefoot at equal height and encourage a more natural midfoot or forefoot landing. Low-drop shoes, around 4 to 6mm, are common in minimalist and trail designs and strike a balance between natural feel and a little heel cushioning. Standard and higher-drop shoes, roughly 8 to 14mm, are the traditional running category: they suit heel strikers and reduce Achilles stress, which many runners find comfortable for everyday miles. Knowing which band a shoe falls into tells you a lot about how it will feel before you even put it on.

Does drop affect injury risk?

Drop changes where stress lands, but no single drop is automatically safer than another. Lower drops increase calf and Achilles stress, while higher drops reduce lower-leg loading but can increase loading at the knee. The right drop depends on your biomechanics, your running style and your injury history, not on any universal rule. The most important practical point is transition: if you are moving between drop categories, do it gradually. Changes exceeding around 4mm warrant a careful adaptation over several weeks, giving your muscles and tendons time to adjust. Switching abruptly from a high-drop to a zero-drop shoe, for example, can overload the calves and Achilles before they are ready.

How to choose the right drop

Choosing a drop comes down to how you run and what feels comfortable. If you are a natural heel striker or want to ease load on the Achilles, a standard 8 to 14mm drop is a sensible starting point. If you prefer a more natural feel or already land towards the midfoot, a lower drop may suit you. Trail runners often gravitate to low-drop designs for ground feel. The key is not to overthink it in isolation: drop works alongside cushioning, stack height and your own stride. If in doubt, change drop gradually and let comfort and how your legs feel guide the decision.

Stability vs Neutral Running Shoes

What does stability vs neutral mean?

Stability and neutral are the two broad categories that organise most running shoe ranges, and the difference comes down to how each shoe handles pronation, the natural inward roll of the foot as it lands and pushes off. A neutral shoe provides cushioning and protection without trying to correct that motion, leaving your stride to do its own thing. A stability shoe adds structural elements that gently reduce excessive inward roll, known as overpronation. Neither is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your individual biomechanics, arch shape and gait, which is why running brands such as Saucony, On and Salomon build models in both camps rather than a one-size-fits-all platform.

Who suits a neutral shoe?

Neutral shoes are designed for runners with efficient biomechanics, normal arches, and a neutral or supinating gait, where the foot rolls outward rather than collapsing inward. With no corrective structure to work around, a neutral platform is free to focus entirely on cushioning, energy return and a smooth ride. Many of the cushioned daily trainers and supercritical-foam race shoes that define modern running sit in the neutral category. If your foot tracks cleanly through the gait cycle, a neutral shoe lets that natural efficiency shine without imposing correction you do not need. Runners who are unsure often start here and adjust only if signs of overpronation appear.

Who suits a stability shoe?

Stability shoes are built for runners with lower arches, flexible feet and a tendency to overpronate, where the foot rolls too far inward and the arch collapses under load. To counter this, designers use guide rails, medial support posts and wider, more supportive platforms that keep the foot tracking through a more efficient path. The aim is to manage motion, not lock it out. Modern stability designs guide rather than restrict, so they tend to feel lighter and more flexible than the heavy motion-control shoes of the past. The result is support that feels natural underfoot rather than corrective, which is why many runners do not even notice the structure is there.

How do you find your category?

The most reliable way to identify your category is a professional gait analysis, using pressure mapping or video to watch how your foot loads and rolls through each stride. Wear patterns on an old pair of shoes give clues too, though they are no substitute for proper assessment. Crucially, the right shoe should feel natural and supportive without restriction. If you are between categories or unsure, the simplest test is to try both types in store and let your feet decide: the correct shoe disappears underfoot, while the wrong one nags at you with either too much correction or too little support. Trust that feeling over any single label on the box.

Does the choice really matter?

Yes, more than many runners assume. Shoe selection influences both injury risk and running efficiency over the miles. Overpronators in neutral shoes may experience increased stress on the knees, shins and plantar fascia as the foot collapses without support, while neutral runners forced into stability shoes can find the correction intrusive and uncomfortable. Getting the category right is not about chasing marginal gains; it is about letting your stride work the way it naturally wants to. Because the difference is felt rather than seen, it pays to take the choice seriously, get assessed if you can, and prioritise how a shoe feels on a short run over how it looks on the shelf.

UGGcycle

What is UGGcycle?

UGGcycle is UGG's leather-free sheepskin alternative, created specifically for consumers seeking animal-product-free footwear without giving up the iconic UGG look and feel. The material is engineered to replicate the appearance and texture of traditional sheepskin, the soft, plush character that made the brand famous, but it does so without using any animal-derived hides. That makes UGGcycle a meaningful option for shoppers who love the classic UGG silhouette but prefer not to wear animal products. Rather than a like-for-like leather imitation, it is a thoughtfully blended material designed to capture the warmth and comfort of sheepskin from alternative fibres. At OD's it features in UGG's sustainability-focused styles, offering the iconic boot silhouette made without animal-derived leather.

What is UGGcycle made from?

UGGcycle is a carefully balanced blend rather than a single fibre. Its composition is 38 percent wool, 38 percent lyocell, 20 percent recycled polyester sourced from Unifi, and 4 percent silicone. Each component plays a role: wool brings natural warmth and softness, lyocell adds a smooth, plush hand feel from a wood-derived cellulosic fibre, recycled polyester contributes structure while diverting material from waste, and the small silicone content helps fine-tune the texture. Together they recreate the sheepskin-like aesthetic UGG is known for without any animal hides. The use of recycled polyester also gives UGGcycle a sustainability dimension, so it appeals both to shoppers avoiding animal products and to those looking to reduce the footprint of what they wear.

Who is UGGcycle for?

UGGcycle is aimed at anyone who wants the unmistakable UGG look and the cosy comfort that goes with it, but who prefers footwear made without animal-derived materials. That includes shoppers avoiding leather and other animal products on ethical grounds, as well as those simply drawn to more sustainable construction. The whole point of the material is to remove the trade-off: you get the iconic boot silhouette and the plush, sheepskin-like feel, just made differently. Because it pairs naturally with the brand's other responsible components, choosing UGGcycle often means choosing a shoe that is thoughtful across the board, not only in its upper. For many buyers it makes the classic UGG experience accessible in a form that aligns with their values.

How does it fit into UGG's sustainable range?

UGGcycle does not work in isolation; it is part of UGG's wider push toward more responsible footwear. It pairs with SugarSole outsoles, the brand's sugarcane-derived sole foam, and with other sustainable UGG components, so a single shoe can combine a plant-based outsole with an animal-product-free upper. At OD's you will find UGGcycle in styles such as the Icon-Impact Collection and the Classic Sugar Ultra Mini, where these technologies come together in the familiar UGG silhouette. This joined-up approach is what makes the brand's sustainability-focused styles genuinely different rather than superficial: the responsible thinking runs from the sole to the upper, giving conscientious shoppers a complete, considered alternative to the traditional sheepskin classics.