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.
How Helion HF works
When the foot lands, the foam compresses and stores energy like a spring. A good racing foam then releases most of that stored energy as the foot pushes off, rather than wasting it as heat. Helion HF is tuned to do this actively, returning energy to the stride instead of simply absorbing the impact. On notes that Helion HF is still firmer than some rival PEBA foams, which can make it feel more stable and controlled than the very softest racers.
Benefits
What Helion HF gives a runner
- A PEBA base for high energy return and low weight.
- A softer, more energetic ride than standard Helion.
- Active energy return that pushes the stride forward.
- A slightly firmer, more controlled feel than the softest rival PEBA foams.
Limitations
Like all racing superfoams, Helion HF is tuned for performance rather than longevity. PEBA foams tend to be reserved for races and key sessions because they wear faster than firm training foams. It is found in On's premium performance shoes, so it comes at a higher price than standard Helion models. It is a fast-day foam, not a hard-wearing daily workhorse.
How Helion HF compares
| Foam | Owner | Base material | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helion HF | On | PEBA superfoam | Racing and fast sessions |
| Helion | On | EVA and OBC blend | Daily training |
| PEBA foams (general) | Various | PEBA | Super shoes |
Helion HF is On's entry in the PEBA superfoam category that defines modern racing shoes. It sits above standard Helion in performance and is what you find in On's fastest models.
Buying considerations
If you race or do regular fast workouts and want On's most responsive ride, a Helion HF shoe such as the Cloudboom Echo is built for that. If you want one durable shoe for everyday miles, a standard Helion trainer is the more sensible and longer-lasting choice. Many runners keep a Helion HF racer for fast days and a firmer trainer for the rest.
Common misconceptions
Helion HF is not the same as standard Helion with a different label. The base material is different: standard Helion blends EVA and OBC, while Helion HF is PEBA based. It is also not the softest foam on the market by design; On keeps it a little firmer than some rivals for a more controlled feel.
Related terms
Some connected terms help here. PEBA is the base material and the family of supercritical racing foams. Standard Helion is the EVA and OBC foam Helion HF improves on. Energy return is the measure of how much force a foam gives back. A carbon plate is the stiff insert often paired with racing foams.
Helion HF at OD's
At OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens we stock On running shoes alongside a wide range of running footwear from other leading brands. If you want to know which shoes in store use Helion HF, 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.