Running Shoe Technology Hub
Modern running shoes are sold on their technology: Saucony's PWRRUN foams, On's CloudTec, Salomon's Contagrip and chassis systems. This hub gathers the named tech from the brands we stock, grouped by brand, so any spec sheet finally makes sense. Each entry says what it is and how it feels on the run.
Saucony
PWRRUN
What is PWRRUN?
PWRRUN is Saucony's foundational midsole foam, an EVA-blend compound that provides reliable cushioning with high shock absorbency. It is the entry point to Saucony's performance midsole family and the workhorse that turns up across their core running lineup. Where the brand's premium foams chase softness or explosive energy return, PWRRUN is about dependability: a firm, familiar ride that handles daily mileage without fuss. EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) is the long-established foundation of running shoe midsoles, and Saucony's blend tunes it for a balance of cushioning, durability, and an accessible price. If you want a no-nonsense trainer that simply works, PWRRUN is the foam doing the work.
How it feels and performs
PWRRUN delivers a firmer, more grounded ride than Saucony's softer foams. That firmness is a feature, not a shortcoming. It gives a familiar ground feel that many runners prefer, with a stable, predictable platform underfoot and strong shock absorbency to take the sting out of repeated impacts. Because it does not sink as deeply as plush bead foams, it offers a connected, responsive sensation that suits steady daily runs and varied paces. Runners who find ultra-soft midsoles vague or unstable often gravitate to PWRRUN precisely because they can feel the ground and trust where their foot is landing.
PWRRUN+
What is PWRRUN+?
PWRRUN+ is Saucony's TPU-based expanded foam, a midsole compound built from thousands of tiny thermoplastic polyurethane beads. Where standard EVA foam is moulded as a single solid mass, PWRRUN+ steam-fuses individual beads together so that each one keeps its own springy cell structure. The result sits in the same family as the bead-foam cushioning that Adidas Boost made famous. It is the soft, plush, energetic end of Saucony's midsole range, chosen when a shoe is meant to feel cushioned and forgiving underfoot rather than firm and fast. It pairs comfort with genuine long-haul durability.
How the bead-foam construction works
The magic of PWRRUN+ is in the steam-fusing process. Expanded TPU beads are placed in a mould and bonded with steam, creating interconnected cells that compress and rebound rather than crushing flat. This gives the foam two qualities that matter to runners: a soft initial feel and a consistent return of energy step after step. TPU is also far more temperature stable than EVA, so the cushioning behaves the same on a frosty winter morning as it does on a warm summer evening. EVA tends to stiffen in the cold and soften in the heat, while PWRRUN+ holds its character across conditions.
PWRRUN PB
What is PWRRUN PB?
PWRRUN PB is Saucony's premiere super foam, built from expanded Pebax beads. PB stands for the peak-performance bead construction at the heart of it. Pebax is a lightweight, highly resilient polymer in the PEBA family, the same base material used in Nike's ZoomX foam, and expanding it into beads creates a midsole that is exceptionally light and energetic. PWRRUN PB sits near the top of Saucony's foam range, the compound chosen when a shoe needs to feel fast, bouncy, and efficient. It is the foam that brought genuine super-foam performance to Saucony's lineup and remains central to their fastest training and racing shoes.
The numbers behind it
PWRRUN PB earns its place with measured performance, not just marketing. Independent testing puts its energy return at around 88 percent, with RunRepeat measuring a forefoot rebound of 78.2 percent, figures that place it firmly in super-foam territory. Just as important is weight: PWRRUN PB weighs roughly half as much as traditional EVA at equivalent volume. That lets designers build tall, cushioned stack heights without the shoe becoming heavy, so runners get plenty of protective foam underfoot while keeping the shoe light and quick. High energy return plus low weight is the formula that defines modern performance running, and PWRRUN PB delivers both.
PWRRUN HG
What is PWRRUN HG?
PWRRUN HG, with the HG standing for High Grade, is Saucony's premium PEBA-based racing foam. PEBA (the polymer family that includes Pebax) is prized in performance running for its lightness and high energy return, and PWRRUN HG is Saucony's most refined expression of it before the arrival of incrediRUN. It is made using supercritical nitrogen infusion, a process that forces nitrogen into the molten polymer under pressure to create an extremely light, energetic foam structure. The headline figure is a claimed energy return of around 95 percent, which made PWRRUN HG Saucony's highest-performing foam at the time of its launch and a foundation for their fastest race-day shoes.
How supercritical nitrogen infusion works
Supercritical nitrogen infusion is a modern foaming technique used across the top tier of running. Nitrogen is held in a supercritical state, behaving partly like a gas and partly like a liquid, and driven into the polymer under high pressure. When the pressure releases, the gas expands to form a fine, uniform cell structure throughout the foam. The benefit is a midsole that is exceptionally light yet highly resilient, returning a large share of the energy a runner puts into each stride. This is the same broad approach used by other elite super foams, and it is what allows PWRRUN HG to feel both feather-light and powerfully springy.
EVERUN
What is EVERUN?
EVERUN was Saucony's TPU-based cushioning technology, the foam that preceded the brand's current PWRRUN family. Rather than the ethylene-vinyl acetate used in most midsoles of its era, EVERUN was built from thermoplastic polyurethane, a more resilient material that returns energy more consistently. Saucony used it to deliver a lively, durable ride that held its feel mile after mile. It marked an important turning point for the brand, moving its running line away from conventional EVA towards the kind of high-rebound foam that now defines premium performance footwear. Although it has since been superseded, EVERUN remains a significant chapter in Saucony's cushioning story.
How EVERUN cushioning worked
EVERUN used expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, a foam made of countless resilient cells that compress under load and spring back quickly. That rebound is what runners feel as energy return, the sense that the shoe gives a little back with each push-off rather than simply absorbing the landing. Because TPU is tougher than EVA, EVERUN held onto that bounce over a longer lifespan, resisting the gradual flattening that affects standard foams. Saucony placed it in key areas of the midsole to maximise consistency underfoot, aiming for a ride that felt the same on the first mile of a shoe's life as it did much later.
incrediRUN
What is incrediRUN?
incrediRUN is Saucony's newest superfoam, introduced in 2025 and sitting at the very top of the brand's cushioning hierarchy. It is built around a proprietary TPEE compound, short for thermoplastic polyester elastomer, processed through a custom foaming method that Saucony developed in house. The brand describes it as their most resilient foam ever used in a running shoe, a bold claim that places it above even the high-performance PWRRUN HG. Designed for runners chasing the lightest, liveliest possible ride, incrediRUN represents Saucony's current state of the art and the foam they reach for in their fastest, most premium models.
How incrediRUN works
incrediRUN's TPEE base is a thermoplastic elastomer chosen for its blend of softness and rebound. Through Saucony's custom foaming process, the material is expanded into a structure that compresses readily underfoot yet snaps back quickly, returning energy to the runner with each stride. That combination of plush feel and high rebound is the holy grail of modern foam design, since softness usually comes at the cost of responsiveness. By engineering the foam carefully, Saucony aims to deliver both at once: a cushioned landing that does not feel mushy and a propulsive push-off that helps maintain pace. The result is a foam that feels fast as well as comfortable.
FormFit
What is FormFit?
FormFit is Saucony's three-dimensional approach to personalised fit. Rather than treating fit as just a matter of length and width, it considers the whole foot in three dimensions, bringing together underfoot cushioning, upper construction and interior comfort as one coordinated system. At its heart is an underfoot cradle that shapes itself to the contours of your individual foot, surrounding it rather than simply sitting beneath it. The goal is a fit that feels custom-made, holding the foot securely without pressure points or sloppiness. FormFit appears across the Saucony running range, tuned to suit everything from cushioned daily trainers to faster, more performance-focused models.
How the FormFit system works
FormFit works by combining several elements that each address a different part of the fit. A contoured footbed cradles the sole of the foot, an engineered mesh upper wraps it with targeted support and stretch, a padded tongue softens pressure across the instep, and a shaped heel collar locks the rearfoot in place. Because these components are designed together rather than in isolation, they share the work of holding the foot. The cradle shaping is the key idea: as the foot settles into the shoe, the underfoot platform conforms to its shape, spreading load and reducing the hot spots that come from a flat, one-size-fits-all footbed.
CenterPath Technology
What is CenterPath?
CenterPath is Saucony's stability system, designed to keep the foot tracking well without the intrusive feel of older support shoes. It works through asymmetric midsole geometry, a wider platform and high sidewalls that cradle the foot from the sides. The construction places additional cushioning on the medial, or inner, side of the shoe to gently guide stride mechanics and reduce excessive pronation, the inward roll of the foot that can throw off alignment. Importantly, CenterPath is a Saucony technology, not a Salomon one. It represents Saucony's modern thinking on stability: shaping the platform so the foot is naturally encouraged into a better position, rather than being forced there by hard blocks of dense foam.
How does it work?
The clever part of CenterPath is that it uses shape rather than stiffness to do its job. High sidewalls rise up around the foot to keep it centred on the platform, while the wider base adds a stable, planted feel underfoot. The asymmetric geometry and extra medial cushioning steer the stride subtly, offering support where it is biomechanically useful and freedom where it is not. Because the guidance comes from how the midsole is sculpted, the shoe avoids the rigid, corrective sensation of traditional stability footwear. The foot is cradled and guided through each step, which many runners find feels far more natural than being held in place by a firm post.
SPEEDROLL
What is SPEEDROLL?
SPEEDROLL is Saucony's rocker geometry technology, and the key thing to understand is that it is a shape, not a material. Where foams like PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB are about what the midsole is made from, SPEEDROLL is about how the midsole is sculpted. The midsole has a curved, rockered profile that combines elevated cushioning with a stiff forefoot, and that shape is engineered to create continuous forward momentum throughout the gait cycle. The aim is efficiency: to keep you rolling forward smoothly rather than pausing flat-footed at each step. SPEEDROLL is the geometry that defines Saucony's fast Endorphin shoes and a big reason the series has built such a loyal following.
How the rocker geometry works
The mechanism behind SPEEDROLL is the curved midsole profile working together with a stiff forefoot. As your foot lands and moves through the stride, the rockered shape guides it along a smooth, rolling path from heel to toe. The elevated cushioning provides protection and softness, while the stiff forefoot acts like a launch ramp, resisting the foot bending too far and instead tipping you forward into the next step. The combination produces a natural forward roll that reduces the effort needed to tip over the front of the foot at toe-off. In effect, the geometry does some of the propulsive work for you, encouraging efficient forward motion stride after stride.
On Running
CloudTec
What is CloudTec?
CloudTec is On Running's proprietary cushioning system, developed in Switzerland by co-founder Olivier Bernhard and his engineering team. The concept originated from Bernhard's experiments with sections of garden hose glued to the outsole of a running shoe, seeking a new approach to cushioning that offered both softness and responsiveness. Unlike conventional running shoes that rely on a single block of foam for cushioning, CloudTec utilises a series of individual, hollow pod elements, known as "clouds", strategically placed across the outsole. These pods are designed to compress independently upon footstrike, absorbing both vertical and horizontal impact forces. This segmented approach allows for a highly adaptive cushioning experience, where each cloud reacts precisely to the wearer's foot and the ground, before locking together to create a stable platform for push-off. This mechanism aims to deliver a "soft landing, firm push-off" sensation, a hallmark of On Running's footwear.
How CloudTec works
The core of CloudTec's functionality lies in its individual cloud elements and the embedded Speedboard plate. Each cloud pod is engineered to compress upon impact, absorbing shock in multiple directions. This compression is not merely vertical; the hollow structure allows for a degree of horizontal deformation, adapting to the specific forces of each stride. Beneath the array of cloud elements, a Speedboard, typically made from a glass-fibre reinforced polymer, acts as a propulsive plate. As the clouds compress, the Speedboard flexes, storing kinetic energy. During the transition to toe-off, the clouds lock together, providing a stable base, while the Speedboard releases its stored energy, propelling the wearer forward. This synergy between the cushioning clouds and the responsive Speedboard creates a dynamic system that transitions from a cushioned landing to a firm, energetic push-off. CloudTec systems are often paired with On's Helion superfoam for enhanced energy return or Zero-Gravity EVA for lightweight cushioning.
CloudTec Phase: On's Sequential-Collapse Cloud Midsole
What CloudTec Phase is
CloudTec Phase is the name On Running gives to the latest version of its midsole cushioning. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the outsole, the rubber that touches the ground, and the upper that wraps the foot. On's original CloudTec used a row of hollow rubber and foam pods, which On calls Clouds, that squash on landing to soften the impact. CloudTec Phase keeps that idea but changes the way the Clouds are shaped and how they behave.
Why CloudTec Phase matters
The biggest complaint about earlier CloudTec shoes was that the open pods could feel firm or catch small stones, and the transition from heel to toe was not always smooth. CloudTec Phase is On's answer to that. By making the Clouds collapse in sequence, the shoe rolls the foot forward more naturally and the toe-off feels cleaner. Because the sequence does the work, On no longer needs to add a stiff Speedboard plate, which means fewer parts, a lighter shoe and a more flexible ride.
Helion Superfoam
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.
Helion HF: On's PEBA-Based Racing Superfoam
What Helion HF is
Helion HF is the name On Running gives to a higher-performance version of its Helion midsole foam. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the ground-contact outsole and the upper. Standard Helion is a blend of EVA, a common shoe foam, and OBC, an olefin block copolymer that adds bounce. Helion HF is different: it is based on PEBA, the same family of material used in the fastest racing shoes from many brands.
Why Helion HF matters
PEBA foams changed road racing because they are far lighter and springier than older EVA foams. By moving Helion HF to a PEBA base, On gives its top shoes a foam that is softer underfoot and returns more energy on each stride than standard Helion. The HF in the name signals this high-performance intent. It is the foam On reaches for when the goal is speed rather than everyday durability.
Speedboard: On Running's Energy Plate
What is Speedboard?
Speedboard is a patented technology developed by On Running, first introduced in their footwear to enhance performance and running dynamics. It is a semi-rigid plate, typically crafted from a liquid-injected thermoplastic polymer, or in more advanced racing models, a carbon-fibre-infused compound. This plate is strategically embedded within the shoe's midsole, sitting directly beneath the foot and above the CloudTec cushioning elements. Its primary purpose is to act as a spring, capturing the energy generated during foot strike and then releasing it at toe-off, propelling the runner forward. This design distinguishes it from traditional midsole constructions that often rely solely on foam compression and rebound for energy return.
How Speedboard works
The mechanism behind Speedboard is rooted in its material properties and strategic placement. As a runner's foot lands, the Speedboard flexes and compresses under the applied pressure, storing kinetic energy. The specific shape and composition of the plate are engineered to optimise this energy absorption. During the transition to toe-off, as the foot pushes off the ground, the Speedboard rapidly returns to its original shape, releasing the stored energy. This spring-like action provides a noticeable forward propulsion, effectively reducing the effort required for each stride and creating a more efficient and responsive running experience. The integration with CloudTec elements ensures a balanced interaction between cushioning and propulsion.
Missiongrip: On's Trail and Mountain Outsole Grip
What Missiongrip is
Missiongrip is the trade name On Running uses for the rubber on the bottom of its trail and hiking shoes. The outsole is the layer that meets the ground, and its rubber compound and lug pattern decide how well a shoe grips. Missiongrip is On's own compound, made specifically for off-road use where loose, wet and uneven surfaces demand far more traction than a road.
Why Missiongrip matters
On the trail, grip is a safety feature as much as a performance one. A slip on wet rock or a loose descent can end a run or cause injury. Missiongrip is built to hold its footing across a wide range of surfaces and temperatures, so a runner can trust the shoe whether the ground is dry and dusty in summer or cold and greasy in winter. It is also made to resist wearing down too quickly on hard ground, which is a common weakness of very soft, very grippy rubbers.
CloudSpike: On's Track and Cross-Country Spikes
What CloudSpike is
CloudSpike is the name On Running gives to its range of racing spikes for track and field and cross-country. A spike is a lightweight racing shoe with metal pins set into a hard plate under the forefoot, which dig into the track or soft ground to stop the foot slipping at speed. CloudSpike is sold in versions tuned for different events, such as the CloudSpike 1500m for middle distance, the CloudSpike 10000m for long track races and a CloudSpike XC for cross-country.
Why CloudSpike matters
Racing spikes are the fastest shoes a runner can wear on the track. They are stripped down to the essentials so almost nothing is wasted, and the pins give the grip needed to sprint through bends and push hard off the surface. CloudSpike is On's entry into this specialist category, bringing the brand's cushioning and superfoam into a true race shoe rather than a trainer.
LightSpray: On Running's Sprayed-On Upper
What is LightSpray?
LightSpray is a patented manufacturing process developed by On, the Swiss performance running brand. Instead of cutting, layering and gluing the twenty to thirty separate pieces that make up a conventional shoe upper, LightSpray builds the upper in one go by spraying a single continuous thermoplastic filament directly onto the midsole. A robotic arm guides a nozzle that lays roughly 1.5 kilometres of filament in a precise helix pattern, and the filament fuses to itself as it is applied. The whole upper takes shape in about three minutes, with no glue and no stitching. It is one of the most radical changes to how a running shoe is made in decades, and On positions it as both a performance and a sustainability breakthrough.
How a LightSpray upper is made
The process starts with the midsole and last mounted on a robotic arm. A nozzle then sprays a single hot filament onto the form, moving in a controlled spiral so the strands bond to each other and to the midsole as they cool. Because the upper is sprayed straight onto the sole unit, there is no separate bonding or assembly step, and there is no offcut waste from cutting flat panels. On has said a complete shoe can be produced in around six minutes once the sole is ready, compared with the much longer, multi-stage assembly of a traditional running shoe. The density and placement of the filament can be tuned to add support where a runner needs it and openness where breathability matters.
Salomon
EnergyCell+
What is EnergyCell+?
EnergyCell+ is Salomon's high-rebound midsole compound, engineered to deliver energy return, cushioning and durability in one foam. It is built around EVA, the dependable base material of running midsoles, blended with polyolefin elastomers to lift its performance. The plus in the name marks it out as the enhanced version of Salomon's EnergyCell foam, tuned for greater rebound and resilience. The goal is a midsole that feels responsive and cushioned not just out of the box but throughout the life of the shoe. For Salomon's trail footwear, where shoes take a hard pounding over rough ground, that combination of springiness and longevity is exactly what is needed underfoot.
How does it work?
EnergyCell+ works by pairing EVA with polyolefin elastomers to create a foam that compresses on impact and rebounds energetically, returning more of that energy to the runner instead of absorbing it and going flat. The elastomer content boosts the foam's resilience, helping it spring back consistently stride after stride. It also contributes to durability, so the midsole resists the gradual softening and packing-out that can rob older foams of their bounce. Another important quality is temperature stability: EnergyCell+ is designed to perform consistently whether conditions are cold or warm, which matters on trails where the weather and ground can vary widely through a single outing.
EnergyCell+: Salomon's High-Rebound Midsole Compound
What EnergyCell+ is
EnergyCell+ is one of Salomon's midsole foam compounds. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the ground-contact outsole and the upper. EnergyCell+ is an EVA-based compound, meaning it is built on ethylene-vinyl acetate, the most widely used shoe foam, but tuned by Salomon for high rebound. The plus in the name marks it out as an upgraded, more energetic version.
Why EnergyCell+ matters
A good daily training foam needs to balance three things: cushioning so the ride is comfortable, energy return so it does not feel dead, and durability so it lasts. EnergyCell+ is Salomon's compound aimed at this balance, delivering rebound and cushioning while standing up to repeated use. It is a dependable foundation foam rather than a fragile racing material.
Energy Foam
What is Energy Foam?
Energy Foam is Salomon's newest cushioning compound, designed to push the brand's midsole performance forward. It combines EVA, the established workhorse foam of the running industry, with olefin block copolymers, often shortened to OBC. This dual-material formulation is engineered to outperform traditional EVA on several fronts at once: it is lower in weight, returns more energy, damps vibration better and feels softer underfoot. The result is a midsole that aims to be both comfortable and lively, soaking up the harshness of long miles while still giving energy back to the runner. As Salomon's most advanced foam, it represents the brand's current thinking on how to cushion a shoe without making it heavy or dull.
How does it work?
The performance of Energy Foam comes from blending two materials with complementary strengths. EVA provides a proven, reliable cushioning base, while the olefin block copolymers add resilience, responsiveness and a lighter, softer character. Together they create a foam that compresses to absorb impact and then springs back to return energy, rather than simply flattening out. The OBC content also helps the foam stay consistent across temperature ranges, an important quality for trail use where conditions can swing from cold mornings to warm afternoons. Better vibration damping smooths out the buzz of rough ground, reducing fatigue over long distances. It is a formulation built to keep performing deep into a run, not just for the first few miles.
Energy Surge: Salomon's Lightweight Responsive Foam
What Energy Surge is
Energy Surge is the name Salomon gives to one of its midsole foams. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the ground-contact outsole and the upper that wraps the foot. Energy Surge is made from a blend of EVA, the most common shoe foam, and Olefin, an olefin block copolymer often shortened to OBC. Combining the two gives a foam that is lighter and bouncier than plain EVA.
Why Energy Surge matters
A midsole foam has to do two jobs that pull against each other: cushion the impact of landing, and return energy to help you push off. Soft foams cushion well but can feel dead, while firm foams return energy but feel harsh. Energy Surge is Salomon's attempt to get both, a foam that is light enough for fast running yet soft and springy underfoot. It is used in Salomon's quicker shoes where a responsive ride matters.
OptiFoam
What is OptiFoam?
OptiFoam is Salomon's lightweight EVA-based cushioning foam, the midsole material the brand uses across its running line. Built on ethylene-vinyl acetate, the most widely used midsole foam in footwear, OptiFoam is engineered to keep weight low while delivering reliable shock absorption. What makes it notable is that Salomon offers it in a tiered family rather than a single recipe, so the same foam philosophy can be tuned for very different shoes. From firm, fast trail racers to plush, protective daily trainers, OptiFoam adapts to the job, and it appears throughout Salomon's trail and road collections as the brand's go-to cushioning platform.
The OptiFoam tiers
OptiFoam comes in three distinct grades. Standard OptiFoam provides balanced cushioning, a versatile all-rounder suited to everyday running and a wide range of conditions. OptiFoam+ steps things up by blending EVA with PEBA, the high-rebound foam behind modern super shoes, to add enhanced energy return for runners who want a livelier, more responsive ride. At the top, OptiFoam squared delivers premium energy absorption for the most demanding applications. This tiered structure lets Salomon match the foam to the shoe's purpose, putting balanced cushioning in versatile models and the more responsive blends in performance-focused designs.
Energy Blade: Salomon's Responsive Plate
What is Energy Blade?
Energy Blade is Salomon's proprietary propulsion plate technology, engineered to optimise running performance by embedding specialised composite fibre plates within the midsoles of their athletic footwear. Developed by Salomon, a French outdoor sports equipment manufacturer with a long history of innovation, the technology draws inspiration, in part, from the natural efficiency of mountain goat hooves. The plates are typically constructed from materials such as fibreglass, TPU-injected composites, or rigid carbon fibre, with the specific material and flexibility tailored to the shoe's intended use. This strategic integration distinguishes Energy Blade from traditional midsole designs by providing a dynamic, spring-like response that aids forward momentum and stability, rather than relying solely on foam compression.
How Energy Blade works
The mechanism behind Energy Blade involves the strategic placement and design of a composite fibre plate within the midsole foam. As the runner's foot lands, the plate compresses and then rapidly rebounds, acting like a spring to propel the foot forward. This energy return is not simply about cushioning; it’s about converting downward force into forward momentum, reducing energy loss. The plate also provides torsional rigidity, stabilising the foot and preventing excessive twisting, particularly on uneven terrain. The precise curvature and flexibility of the blade are meticulously engineered to work in harmony with the foot's natural biomechanics, ensuring an efficient and powerful toe-off with each stride.
Contagrip: Salomon's Trail Outsole
What is Contagrip?
Contagrip is the advanced outsole technology developed and exclusively used by Salomon, a French sports equipment company founded in 1947. Unlike many footwear manufacturers who source outsoles from third-party suppliers, Salomon produces Contagrip entirely in-house. This integrated approach allows for unparalleled control over every aspect of the outsole's design, from the specific blend of rubber compounds to the intricate geometry and depth of the lugs. The technology emerged from Salomon's extensive experience in mountain sports, driven by a need for reliable traction in challenging conditions. By combining various rubber densities and unique tread patterns, Contagrip is engineered to deliver superior grip, durability, and flexibility, distinguishing it from generic rubber outsoles and even some well-known alternatives.
How Contagrip works
Contagrip's effectiveness stems from a sophisticated combination of material science and intelligent design. Each Contagrip outsole is formulated using a precise blend of rubber compounds, often featuring multiple densities strategically placed across the sole. Softer, stickier compounds are typically used in areas requiring maximum grip, while harder, more durable compounds are employed in high-wear zones to enhance longevity. Complementing these material choices are the meticulously designed lug patterns. These lugs, the raised elements on the outsole, vary in shape, size, and orientation depending on the intended terrain. For instance, deep, multi-directional lugs are common for muddy trails, while flatter, broader lugs are suited for rocky surfaces. This synergy between compound formulation and lug geometry ensures optimal traction, shedding of debris, and stability across a wide spectrum of outdoor environments.
All Terrain Contagrip: Salomon's Versatile Outsole
What All Terrain Contagrip is
All Terrain Contagrip is one of several versions of Salomon's Contagrip outsole. The outsole is the rubber layer that meets the ground. Contagrip is Salomon's family name for its outsole rubbers, and Salomon makes different versions for different jobs. The All Terrain version is the do-everything member of the family, built to handle a wide range of surfaces rather than to specialise in one.
Why All Terrain Contagrip matters
Most trail runners do not run on a single, consistent surface. A route can take you over hard packed paths, loose gravel, mud, grass and rock in a single outing. A specialised outsole that is brilliant in mud may be poor on hard ground, and a hard-wearing road-style sole may slip off road. All Terrain Contagrip is Salomon's answer for runners who want one shoe that copes reasonably with all of these without being caught out.
Mud Contagrip: Salomon's Soft-Ground Outsole
What Mud Contagrip is
Mud Contagrip is the soft-ground specialist in Salomon's Contagrip outsole family. The outsole is the rubber layer that meets the ground, and Contagrip is Salomon's name for its outsole rubbers. The Mud version is tuned for the worst conditions a trail runner meets: deep mud, slippery roots and wet rock, where ordinary soles lose their footing.
Why Mud Contagrip matters
Mud is one of the hardest surfaces to run on because the ground gives way and packs into the sole, turning the shoe into a smooth, slippery block. A sole made for mud has to do two things: bite through the soft surface to reach firmer ground, and shed the mud that collects between the lugs so the grip keeps working. Mud Contagrip is built to do both, giving confidence on ground that would be dangerous in a road or all-terrain shoe.
Winter Contagrip: Salomon's Cold-Weather Outsole
What Winter Contagrip is
Winter Contagrip is the cold-weather specialist in Salomon's Contagrip outsole family. The outsole is the rubber layer that meets the ground, and Contagrip is Salomon's name for its outsole rubbers. The Winter version is built for one specific problem: keeping grip when the temperature drops and the ground is covered in snow.
Why Winter Contagrip matters
Rubber gets harder as it gets colder, and hard rubber grips worse because it cannot key into the surface. This is why an ordinary shoe can feel slippery on a frozen morning even on ground it would grip in summer. Winter Contagrip is formulated to resist this, staying flexible in cold conditions so the sole keeps making proper contact with the ground when you need it most.
3D Advanced Chassis
What is 3D Advanced Chassis?
3D Advanced Chassis is Salomon's proprietary stability platform, positioned between the midsole and the outsole of trail and hiking footwear. It is a low-profile structure designed to optimise motion control and energy management while adding a layer of underfoot protection. Rather than softening the ride, its job is to keep the foot stable and aligned when the ground beneath it is anything but. On loose, rocky or off-camber terrain the chassis resists unwanted twisting and stops the foot rolling excessively, so each stride lands with more confidence. It is one of the structural elements that gives Salomon's hiking and trail shoes their planted, sure-footed feel over long days in technical country.
How does it work?
The chassis is typically built from firm TPU or a dense foam insert and works by adding torsional rigidity to the platform. Torsion is the twisting force the foot experiences when it lands across a slope or on an angled rock; left unchecked it can throw off balance and tire the foot. By resisting that flex, the 3D Advanced Chassis keeps the platform stable and helps prevent excessive foot roll during lateral movements. In independent testing it has scored highly for torsional rigidity, reflecting its stability-first design. It also helps manage energy underfoot, working alongside the cushioning so the shoe feels protective without becoming vague or unstable on rough ground.
Active Chassis
What is Active Chassis?
Active Chassis is Salomon's lightweight guidance system, designed for agility-focused trail footwear. Where some stability platforms hold the foot firmly in place, Active Chassis takes a more dynamic approach: it provides support that moves with the foot while still maintaining directional control. The idea is to guide rather than restrict, so the shoe feels quick and responsive over technical ground without losing its sense of where it is going. For runners who want to feel the trail beneath them and react fast to changing surfaces, this kind of flexible guidance is a real advantage. It is one of the features that gives Salomon's faster trail and racing shoes their nimble, connected character.
How does it work?
Active Chassis is built from flexible TPU elements or shaped foam that guide the foot without creating a rigid sensation underfoot. Instead of locking the platform against twisting, it allows controlled, natural movement while steering the foot in the right direction. This dynamic support helps the runner stay efficient and balanced on uneven trails, absorbing some of the unpredictability of the surface while keeping the stride on track. Because it adds support through shape and material placement rather than bulk, it keeps weight low, which matters when you are running fast and want every gram to count. The result is a platform that feels alive and reactive rather than stiff.
SensiFit
What is SensiFit?
SensiFit is Salomon's signature upper construction, designed to cradle the foot from the midsole all the way up to the lacing system. Rather than relying on the laces alone to hold the foot, SensiFit builds support into the structure of the upper itself. Welded overlays, which Salomon calls SensiFit Wings, run up from the base of the shoe and integrate with the lacing to wrap the midfoot and forefoot in a supportive cage. The aim is a precise, glove-like fit that holds the foot securely in place. On the trail, where uneven ground and quick changes of direction can shift the foot inside the shoe, that secure wrap is a core part of how Salomon footwear performs.
How the SensiFit Wings work
The heart of the system is the set of welded overlays that extend up the sides of the shoe. Because these wings are welded rather than stitched, they create a smooth, seamless structure that adds support without bulky seams that could rub. As you tighten the laces, the wings draw inward and pull the upper snug around the foot, distributing the closing pressure evenly across the midfoot and forefoot. This turns the act of lacing into a full wrap rather than a simple cinch at the top, so the whole side of the foot is supported. The effect is a fit that feels locked in and consistent from the first step to the last.
EndoFit
What is EndoFit?
EndoFit is Salomon's internal fit sleeve, an inner layer built into the shoe that hugs the foot to create a sock-like fit. Rather than relying solely on the outer upper and laces to hold the foot, EndoFit adds a stretchy, smooth sleeve inside the shoe that wraps around the foot for a secure and comfortable feel. A gusseted tongue, attached along its sides, integrates with this sleeve so the tongue cannot slide out of place during movement. The effect is a shoe that feels like an extension of the foot, snug and supportive without pinching. It is one of the fit technologies that gives Salomon's trail and lifestyle footwear its distinctive locked-in, glove-like character.
How does it work?
EndoFit works by surrounding the foot with a stretchy, smooth internal sleeve that flexes and moves with you. Because the sleeve conforms closely to the foot, it removes the gaps and folds where a conventional upper can rub, which is where pressure points and hot spots usually start. The integrated gusseted tongue completes the wrap and stops material shifting as you stride, climb or descend. By keeping everything held smoothly in place, EndoFit reduces the friction and movement that lead to blisters. For trail runners and walkers covering long distances over uneven ground, that consistent, secure fit is a real comfort advantage, especially on descents where the foot can otherwise slide forward in the shoe.
Reverse Camber: Salomon's Ski-Inspired Rocker Geometry
What Reverse Camber is
Reverse Camber is a shape, not a material. It describes the curved profile Salomon gives the midsole, the cushioning layer of the shoe, so that the sole rockers up at the heel and the toe rather than sitting flat. Salomon takes the idea and the name from skiing, where the camber of a ski, the way it curves along its length, changes how the ski behaves on snow.
Why Reverse Camber matters
A flat sole meets the ground abruptly at the heel and then has to be levered over the toe at the end of the stride. A rockered, curved sole smooths both of these moments. Reverse Camber is Salomon's way of making the shoe roll the foot through the stride, so running feels less like a series of flat landings and more like a continuous glide. The aim is a smoother, more efficient forward motion.
Vibe Technology: Salomon's Vibration-Filtering System
What Vibe Technology is
Vibe is the name Salomon gives to a system built into some of its shoes to filter out vibration. It is not a single material but a combination of two parts working together: a firm midsole foam and a set of softer inserts. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the outsole and the upper, and Vibe changes what goes into it.
Why Vibe Technology matters
Every time the foot strikes the ground, the impact sends vibration up through the shoe and into the leg. This shaking does no useful work; it is energy that is lost and that can tire and fatigue the muscles over a long run, especially on hard or steep ground. Vibe is designed to filter out this energy-sapping vibration while keeping the ride efficient, so the runner wastes less effort and feels fresher.
Matryx
What is Matryx?
Matryx is a high-performance woven fabric developed by the Chamatex Group in France, used as an upper material in premium footwear. It is important to be clear about who makes it: Matryx is a Chamatex material, and brands such as Salomon use it in their shoes rather than owning the technology themselves. What sets Matryx apart is its construction from individually coated polyamide and Kevlar yarns, woven together to create an upper that is exceptionally tough yet remarkably light. The result is a fabric that resists abrasion from rocks, roots and trail debris while still breathing well, making it a favourite for serious trail and mountain footwear.
How Matryx is built
The strength of Matryx comes from its yarns. Polyamide provides a light, flexible base, while strands of Kevlar, the same aramid fibre used in protective gear, are woven in to add abrasion resistance and structure. Each yarn is individually coated, typically with polyurethane, which protects the fibres and helps the fabric hold its shape and shrug off dirt and moisture. Weaving rather than knitting these coated yarns produces a dense, stable upper that does not stretch out or tear easily underfoot. This engineering lets a Matryx upper be both thin and durable at once, supporting the foot precisely without the weight penalty of heavier reinforcements.
Quicklace
What is Quicklace?
Quicklace is Salomon's patented lacing system, a defining feature of the brand's trail and outdoor footwear. Instead of traditional flat laces, it uses thin, ultra-strong Kevlar-reinforced cords combined with a single-pull tightening mechanism and an S-buckle lock. The idea is simple but effective: one upward pull tightens the whole shoe evenly in a single motion, replacing the fiddly business of threading and tying conventional laces. The minimalist construction is light, fast, and reliable, which is why Quicklace has become one of the most recognisable features across Salomon's range. For runners and hikers who want a secure fit without stopping to faff with laces, it is a genuine convenience.
How it works
Operating Quicklace is quick to learn. To tighten, you slide the buckle down towards the toe, which draws the cords snug across the foot in one even pull. To loosen, you squeeze the button on the buckle to release the tension. There are no knots to tie and no bows to come undone. Once set, the lacing holds its tension reliably through a run or a hike, and because the pull is even, you avoid the pressure points that can come from cinching individual sections of a traditional lace. It is a system designed for speed and consistency, getting you out the door and onto the trail faster.
Profeel Film: Salomon's Forefoot Protection Film
What Profeel Film is
Profeel Film is a thin protective layer Salomon builds into the forefoot of some of its trail shoes. It is a flexible sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, a tough but bendy plastic. It sits inside the sole under the front of the foot, where it acts as a filter between the foot and the terrain.
Why Profeel Film matters
On rocky trails, sharp stones and roots press up into the sole and can bruise the foot, a problem runners call stone bruising. The traditional fix is a stiff rock plate, but a stiff plate also makes the shoe rigid and less pleasant to run in. Profeel Film is Salomon's lighter-touch answer: it spreads and softens the pressure of sharp objects so the foot is protected, but because it is thin and flexible it does not turn the shoe into a board.