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.
How Energy Surge works
When the foot lands, the foam compresses and absorbs the shock of impact, protecting the leg. The EVA in the blend provides this cushioning. The Olefin content adds rebound, so as the foot rolls forward and pushes off the foam springs back and returns some of the stored energy to the stride. The result is a ride Salomon describes as soft and bouncy, with low weight that suits faster paces.
Benefits
What Energy Surge gives a runner
- A light foam that suits faster running.
- Cushioning on impact from the EVA content.
- Rebound energy on push-off from the Olefin content.
- A soft, bouncy ride in Salomon's quicker shoes.
Limitations
Energy Surge is a blend built around EVA, so while it is light and responsive it does not reach the energy return of a full PEBA racing superfoam. It is tuned for a lively ride rather than maximum durability, and like all foams it will soften over many miles. It is a fast and fun foam rather than a heavy-duty daily workhorse.
How Energy Surge compares
| Foam | Owner | Base material | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Surge | Salomon | EVA and Olefin blend | Light, soft, bouncy |
| EnergyCell+ | Salomon | EVA based | High rebound, durable |
| EVA (standard) | Industry | Ethylene-vinyl acetate | Firm, basic cushioning |
Energy Surge is the lighter, livelier foam in Salomon's range, used where speed matters. EnergyCell+ is the more durable, high-rebound compound used as a firm base layer in other Salomon shoes.
Buying considerations
If you want a light, responsive Salomon shoe for faster road or trail running, such as the Pulsar or Phantasm, an Energy Surge midsole gives you that soft, bouncy feel. If you want maximum durability for high mileage, a firmer foam may last longer. Match the foam to whether you prize liveliness or longevity.
Common misconceptions
Energy Surge is not a PEBA super foam; it is an EVA and Olefin blend, so it should not be expected to match a carbon-plated racer for energy return. It is also not the same as EnergyCell+, which is a different Salomon foam tuned for durability and used as a firm base layer.
Related terms
Some connected terms help. EVA is the common base foam and Olefin or OBC is the bouncy copolymer blended with it. EnergyCell+ is Salomon's more durable high-rebound foam. Energy return is the measure of how much force a foam gives back on push-off.
Energy Surge at OD's
At OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens we stock Salomon running shoes alongside a wide range of running footwear from other leading brands. If you want to know which shoes in store use Energy Surge, or you would like help choosing the right shoe for the way you run, message us and we will help. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.