Helion Superfoam Explained
In brief: Helion is On Running's advanced midsole foam, engineered to provide durable cushioning and responsive energy return across varied temperatures. Its unique EVA and OBC polymer blend offers a balanced feel, distinguishing it from traditional foams by maintaining consistent performance in diverse conditions, making it ideal for runners seeking reliability and comfort.
What is Helion?
Helion is On Running's proprietary midsole foam, the culmination of three years of dedicated research and development, officially launched in 2019. This innovative compound is a fusion of two distinct polymers: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and OBC (olefin block copolymer). Unlike conventional single-density foams, Helion strategically blends stiffer and softer elements within a single material. This unique construction aims to deliver superior cushioning without compromising the vital energy return required for efficient running. The result is a foam that provides a protective, comfortable ride while remaining responsive, distinguishing it from alternatives that often prioritise one attribute over the other. A premium variant, Helion HF, incorporates PEBA for enhanced performance.
How Helion works
The core mechanism of Helion lies in its advanced polymer blend. By fusing EVA, known for its cushioning properties, with OBC, which contributes to responsiveness and durability, Helion creates a dual-function material. The harder elements of the OBC provide structural integrity and facilitate energy propulsion, while the softer EVA components absorb impact effectively. This intricate molecular architecture allows the foam to compress and rebound efficiently, adapting to the runner's stride. Furthermore, Helion is engineered for temperature stability, meaning its performance characteristics, such as cushioning and responsiveness, remain consistent across a wide range of seasonal conditions, from cold winter runs to warm summer pavements.
Key characteristics
Helion foam is defined by several key properties. It offers a balanced feel, providing substantial cushioning to absorb impact while simultaneously delivering a noticeable energy return for a propulsive ride. Its durability is a significant advantage, designed to withstand the rigours of regular training without premature breakdown. The material is also temperature stable, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions. Despite its robust nature, Helion maintains a relatively lightweight profile, contributing to an overall unencumbered running experience. This combination of attributes makes it a versatile choice for various running demands.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Helion | Nike ZoomX | Saucony PWRRUN PB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | EVA + OBC blend (Helion HF uses PEBA) | Traditional EVA | TPU-based foam |
| Temperature Stability | High (consistent performance) | Moderate (can stiffen in cold) | Moderate (can soften in heat) |
| Cushioning & Energy Return | Balanced (both high) | Good cushioning, lower energy return | Good energy return, moderate cushioning |
| Durability | High | Moderate | High |
Who is Helion best for?
Helion foam is ideally suited for runners seeking a versatile and reliable midsole technology. It caters particularly well to individuals who desire a balanced running experience, offering both ample cushioning for comfort on longer distances and responsive energy return for faster paces or varied terrains. Its temperature stability makes it an excellent choice for runners who train year-round in diverse climates, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the weather. While not exclusively for elite athletes, its advanced properties appeal to serious amateur and professional runners. In terms of body types, its supportive yet responsive nature accommodates a broad spectrum, providing effective impact absorption and propulsion for many.
Care and longevity
To maximise the lifespan of Helion-equipped footwear, proper care is essential. Generally, On Running shoes featuring Helion foam should be cleaned gently with a soft brush, mild soap, and cold water, avoiding harsh chemicals or machine washing, which can degrade the materials. Allow shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as extreme temperatures can affect the foam's integrity. Storing shoes in a cool, dry place helps maintain their shape and material properties. While Helion is designed for durability, its lifespan will ultimately depend on usage frequency, running style, and individual weight. Replacing running shoes every 500-800 kilometres, or when visible signs of wear and reduced cushioning appear, is a good general guideline.
Common questions
What is a Helion?
A Helion is On Running's proprietary midsole foam technology. It is a unique blend of EVA and OBC polymers, engineered to deliver a balanced combination of durable cushioning and responsive energy return. This advanced material is designed to maintain consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures, offering reliability and comfort for runners in various conditions.
Can I invest in Helion?
You cannot directly invest in "Helion" as a standalone product or company. Helion is a proprietary material developed and used exclusively by On Running in their footwear. If you are interested in the success of the technology, you would need to consider investing in On Holding AG, the parent company of On Running, which is publicly traded.
Why is helium not called Helion?
Helium and Helion are distinct terms with entirely different origins and meanings. Helium is a chemical element, a noble gas, discovered in the late 19th century and named after the Greek word "helios" meaning sun. Helion, on the other hand, is a modern brand name created by On Running for their specific midsole foam technology, launched in 2019.
What does Helion mean in Greek?
The term "Helion" itself does not have a direct, established meaning in ancient Greek as a single word. However, it strongly resembles "helios" (ἥλιος), which is the ancient Greek word for "sun." It is possible On Running drew inspiration from this root to suggest brightness, energy, or a forward-moving quality for their foam technology.
Helion at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing, we stock a curated selection of On Running footwear featuring the innovative Helion foam technology. Explore our range of On Running shoes to experience the blend of cushioning and responsiveness Helion offers, designed for optimal performance and comfort. Discover the collection at OD's On Running collection.