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.
How EnergyCell+ works
When the foot lands, the EnergyCell+ compound compresses to absorb impact and then springs back to return energy as the foot pushes off. Because it is EVA based and tuned for resilience, it keeps doing this over many miles without breaking down as quickly as softer racing foams. Salomon also uses EnergyCell+ as the firm base layer in its Vibe system, where its solid, springy character supports the softer vibration-damping inserts placed on top.
Benefits
What EnergyCell+ gives a runner
- High energy return from an EVA-based compound.
- Cushioning combined with durability for daily use.
- A resilient foam that holds up over many miles.
- A firm, stable base layer for Salomon's Vibe system.
Limitations
EnergyCell+ is EVA based, so although it is high rebound for its class it does not match a supercritical PEBA racing foam for lightness or springiness. It is tuned for durability and balance rather than outright speed, which makes it a dependable training and base foam rather than a race-day super foam. That durability is the point, not a flaw.
How EnergyCell+ compares
| Foam | Owner | Base material | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| EnergyCell+ | Salomon | EVA based | High rebound, durable |
| Energy Surge | Salomon | EVA and Olefin blend | Light, soft, bouncy |
| PEBA foams (general) | Various | PEBA | Lightest, springiest |
EnergyCell+ is the durable, high-rebound foundation in Salomon's range, where Energy Surge is the lighter, livelier foam for faster shoes. EnergyCell+ also has the specific job of being the firm base of the Vibe vibration-filtering system.
Buying considerations
If you want a durable Salomon shoe with dependable rebound for daily training, an EnergyCell+ midsole is built for that. If you want the lightest, springiest ride for racing, a PEBA super foam is the faster choice but will wear sooner. EnergyCell+ is about lasting performance and balance.
Common misconceptions
EnergyCell+ is not a PEBA super foam, so it should not be judged against carbon-plated racers for weight or bounce. It is also not the same as Energy Surge; EnergyCell+ is the more durable, high-rebound base compound, while Energy Surge is the lighter blend used in faster shoes.
Related terms
Some connected terms help. EVA is the base foam EnergyCell+ is built on. Energy Surge is Salomon's lighter blended foam. Vibe is Salomon's vibration-filtering system, in which EnergyCell+ forms the firm base layer. Energy return is the measure of force a foam gives back.
EnergyCell+ 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 EnergyCell+, 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.