Footwear Brand Technologies -- The Named Systems Explained
Every footwear brand gives its foams, plates, outsoles and fit systems its own name, which makes comparing shoes harder than it should be. This guide translates the marketing names from the brands we stock -- On, Salomon, Saucony and UGG -- back into the plain ideas covered in the sole, grip and materials hubs, so you can see what each one really does. Each brand also has its own full technology guide linked below.
On Running
CloudTec
On's signature hollow pods that cushion on landing then firm up for push-off.
What it is
CloudTec is On's midsole built from hollow rubber-and-foam pods (the 'Clouds') that compress to absorb impact, then lock together so the sole is firm at toe-off. It is the decoupled-sole idea from the sole-technology hub, made into a brand signature.
What it does
It aims for soft landings and a firm, fast push-off in one shoe. See the On technology guide and shop On Running.
CloudTec Phase
A newer version where the pods collapse in sequence for a rolling, cushioned stride.
What it is
CloudTec Phase tunes the pods to collapse in order from heel to toe rather than all at once, giving a smoother, more continuous roll through each step. It is a refinement of the rocker and pod ideas combined.
What it does
It smooths the transition for a cushioned, rolling ride aimed at comfort over distance. Covered fully in the On technology guide.
Helion Superfoam
On's responsive foam that gives the Clouds their bounce and durability.
What it is
Helion is On's own foam blend, used to make the CloudTec pods both soft and springy while holding their bounce over time. It is On's answer to the modern supercritical foams in the sole hub.
What it does
It adds energy return and longevity to the cushioning, so On shoes feel lively rather than flat. See the On technology guide for which models use it.
Speedboard
A stiff plate inside the sole that turns cushioning into forward propulsion.
What it is
Speedboard is On's curved plate set in the midsole that stiffens the shoe lengthways and snaps the foot forward at push-off. It is On's take on the propulsive plate from the sole-technology hub, in nylon or carbon depending on the model.
What it does
It channels the soft landing into a faster, more efficient toe-off. The On technology guide lists the Speedboard models.
Missiongrip & Cloudspike
On's outsole and spike systems for grip on road, trail and soft ground.
What it is
Missiongrip is On's trail outsole rubber and lug pattern for grip on mixed terrain; Cloudspike adds fixed spikes for cross-country and soft ground. Both are the grip-hub ideas in On form.
What it does
They match On's cushioning to the ground -- trail traction or spiked grip -- so the Clouds work off-road too. Detailed in the On technology guide.
Salomon
Contagrip
Salomon's family of outsole rubbers, each tuned to a type of terrain.
What it is
Contagrip is Salomon's outsole system, with versions like All-Terrain for mixed ground and Mud for soft wet terrain. It is the rubber-compound and lug ideas from the grip hub, named and zoned.
What it does
It gives the right grip for the conditions a shoe is built for. See the Salomon technology guide and shop Salomon.
Energy Foam & Energy Blade
Salomon's cushioning foam and its propulsive plate for an energetic ride.
What it is
Energy Foam is Salomon's responsive midsole cushioning; the Energy Blade is its propulsive plate that adds spring and a forward roll. Together they are Salomon's foam-plus-plate package from the sole hub.
What it does
They combine soft cushioning with a snappy push-off for road and trail running. The Salomon technology guide maps them to models.
Quicklace, SensiFit & EndoFit
Salomon's lacing and wrap systems that lock the foot in securely.
What it is
Quicklace is Salomon's one-pull lacing; SensiFit cradles the foot from midsole to lacing; EndoFit is an internal sleeve that hugs the foot. All three deliver the lockdown described in the performance hub.
What it does
They give a fast, secure, glove-like fit that stops the foot sliding on technical ground. See the Salomon technology guide.
Active Chassis
Salomon's stability frame that guides and steadies the foot on rough ground.
What it is
Active Chassis is Salomon's midsole frame that adds structure and guidance, steadying the foot and returning energy on uneven terrain. It is the stability-and-guidance idea from the performance hub, built into the chassis.
What it does
It keeps the foot secure and efficient on trails without a rigid feel. The Salomon technology guide lists the chassis models.
Saucony
PWRRUN
Saucony's everyday cushioning foam -- the responsive base of most of its shoes.
What it is
PWRRUN is Saucony's standard midsole foam, balancing cushioning and response for daily training. It is Saucony's evolved EVA-style cushioning from the sole hub, used across the range.
What it does
It gives a comfortable, durable, slightly springy ride for everyday miles. See the Saucony technology guide and shop Saucony.
PWRRUN PB
Saucony's premium PEBA race foam -- light, bouncy and built for speed.
What it is
PWRRUN PB is Saucony's PEBA-based super-foam, the light, high-energy cushioning used in its fastest shoes, usually with a plate. It is the race-foam family from the sole hub in Saucony form.
What it does
It delivers maximum bounce and energy return for racing and fast days. The Saucony technology guide shows the PB models.
PWRRUN HG & Everun
Saucony's high-grade and topsole cushioning for extra comfort and return.
What it is
PWRRUN HG is a denser high-grade cushioning; Everun is Saucony's earlier topsole layer placed near the foot for continuous cushioning and return. Both are comfort-focused versions of the foam idea.
What it does
They add a soft, durable layer of cushioning and energy return underfoot. Detailed in the Saucony technology guide.
SPEEDROLL & FORMFIT
Saucony's rocker geometry and its foot-cradling fit system.
What it is
SPEEDROLL is Saucony's rocker shaping that rolls the foot forward through each step; FORMFIT is its three-part cradle that shapes the shoe around the foot. They are the rocker and fit ideas from the sole and fit hubs.
What it does
SPEEDROLL saves energy with a forward roll; FORMFIT gives a personalised, cushioned fit. See the Saucony technology guide.
UGG
Twinface Sheepskin
UGG's signature wool-and-leather sheepskin that insulates and wicks.
What it is
Twinface is UGG's double-sided sheepskin -- wool on the inside, leather on the outside of the same hide -- that traps warmth while drawing moisture away. It is the natural sheepskin lining from the materials hub, and UGG's defining material.
What it does
It keeps feet warm but not sweaty, the comfort UGG is known for. See the UGG brand guide and shop UGG.
SugarSole
UGG's plush cushioning made partly from sugarcane for a soft, springy step.
What it is
SugarSole is UGG's cushioning foam, made in part from renewable sugarcane, used to add a soft, responsive layer underfoot. It is the comfort-foam idea from the sole hub with a greener base.
What it does
It gives UGG shoes and boots a plush, cushioned step beyond the sheepskin. Covered in the UGG brand guide.
Treadlite by UGG
UGG's light, durable outsole foam for grip and cushioning underfoot.
What it is
Treadlite is UGG's lightweight outsole compound that adds durable traction and a little extra cushioning without much weight. It is the outsole-rubber idea from the grip hub in UGG form.
What it does
It makes UGG footwear more wearable outdoors, with grip and lightness underfoot. See the UGG brand guide.
UGGpure
UGG's woven wool textile that mimics sheepskin in high-wear areas.
What it is
UGGpure is a textile woven from real wool, used to line and cushion areas where natural sheepskin would wear, keeping the warmth and feel. It is the wool-lining idea from the materials hub, engineered for durability.
What it does
It brings sheepskin-like softness and warmth to more parts of the shoe, hard-wearing where it counts. Detailed in the UGG brand guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is CloudTec on On running shoes?
CloudTec is On's signature midsole built from hollow pods (the 'Clouds') that compress to cushion the landing, then lock together to give a firm push-off. The newer CloudTec Phase version makes the pods collapse in sequence from heel to toe for a smoother, rolling ride. It is On's take on the decoupled, adaptive sole.
What is Contagrip?
Contagrip is Salomon's family of outsole rubbers and tread patterns, each tuned to a type of terrain -- such as All-Terrain Contagrip for mixed ground and Mud Contagrip for soft, wet conditions. The specific version on a shoe tells you what ground it is built for. See the Salomon technology guide for the full range.
What is the difference between PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB?
PWRRUN is Saucony's standard everyday cushioning foam -- comfortable, durable and responsive for daily training. PWRRUN PB is its premium PEBA-based race foam, far lighter and bouncier with much higher energy return, used in fast and race-day shoes usually alongside a plate. PB is the performance foam; PWRRUN is the all-rounder.
What is Twinface sheepskin on UGG boots?
Twinface is UGG's signature double-sided sheepskin -- wool on the inner face and leather on the outer face of the same hide. The wool traps warmth and wicks moisture away from the foot, so the boots feel warm without getting sweaty. It is what gives UGG its distinctive soft, cosy comfort.
Why does every brand use different technology names?
Each brand trademarks its own names for foams, plates, outsoles and fit systems, even when the underlying ideas -- responsive foam, a propulsive plate, grippy zoned rubber -- are shared across the industry. The names make comparison harder, which is why this hub translates them back to the plain concepts in the sole, grip and materials hubs.