Cushioning, pros and cons for a good stride

Just like in cars, they help us absorb the impacts with every step we take, whether we're doing sports or in our daily routine.

There are a thousand types, each with its pros and cons, and in today's post we're going to show you the types of shock absorbers we have at SABAS, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

NIKE

 

The most famous brand from the American company is AIR MAX .

In 1987, the Air Max lineage was born, showcasing the Air unit for the first time. What began as a cushioning experiment quickly became an icon on the court... and on the streets. Over the years, it has been reinvented and redesigned, but its legacy remains.

Pros :

Lightweight, comfortable, good cushioning and pressure relief, and aesthetically very pleasing.

Cons :

Over the years the air capsule breaks down, and it yellows with washing.

Second best in SABAS

With a carefully crafted balance of softness, elasticity, and stability, React technology was first developed for basketball courts to adapt to the speed, movement, and constant changes of direction of the players. This same technology, when applied to running shoes, has resulted in 13% more energy return compared to the latest and most advanced Lunarlon foam, for example.

Pros :

Softness underfoot, good viscosity, stable.

Cons :

Not suitable for people with a large volume of weight as it deforms.

NEW BALANCE

ENCAP

Back in the 1980s, New Balance launched its ENCAP technology, which consists of encapsulating the central EVA core of the midsoles in an outer polyurethane capsule. By wrapping the soft, cushioning material with a firmer shell, a highly stable shoe is achieved without sacrificing comfort.

You can find it in models such as 574, 577, 996, 997, 1500, 990…

Pros:

Super durable, very good stability, works without you noticing, suitable for heavy weights.

Cons:

A bit harsh for many tastes.

ENERGY AND AZORB

The ABZORB midsole and heel cushioning provide limitless comfort, while the stable fabric and N-ergy outsole offer arch support and shock absorption, so you can wear them all day long.

Pros:

Robust and stable footing, good durability and perfect daily comfort, suitable for larger people.

Against:

We haven't found any downsides 🤙

FRESH FOAM

Used in the most technical outdoor and trail models, the IRON cone is a very good option due to its low weight.

Fresh Foam represents a revolutionary advancement in cushioning material, designed to absorb the tremendous impact your foot receives when running on asphalt, track, and all types of surfaces. This technology is developed using 3D data collected from real athletes to analyze pressure patterns and force application. The result? A perfectly calibrated, plush feel.

Pros:

Reactive with a high energy return, flexible and welcoming.

Against:

On wet surfaces they can be somewhat slippery if they are not accompanied by a vibrant sole.

KARHU

AIR CUSHION

In 1976, Karhu launched its first running shoes with the revolutionary cushioning system, the Karhu Champion. These were Karhu's first Air shoes, featuring soles called Air Cushion, which responded to the pressure of the heel against the ground, preventing the toes from sliding forward and returning the impact with a boost that increased power during the stride.

Karhu's revolutionary invention was a cone-shaped hollow space inside the soles, at the heel. This space absorbed our weight and offered a small, but at the time revolutionary, energy return. Shoes that, as they said, you'll never regret buying.

Pros:

Stable stride and good heel reception,

Cons:

Because it's encapsulated, the cushioning isn't as noticeable as in the case of AIR MAX.

MIZUNO

Freshly arrived at SABAS SHOP, the MIZUNO MODA features 2 types of cushioning that come directly from the athletic tracks and were created by the most demanding athletes so that in user use it is like wearing a Lamborghini on your feet.

Infinity Wave

 

The Infinity Wave cushioning system runs the full length of the midsole, providing a more elastic and resilient fit. Its striking perforated design, extending from the midfoot to the heel, is another eye-catching feature. The U4icX compound insert beneath the insole adds extra comfort. A new mesh upper enhances flexibility, and the redesigned heel counter provides greater stability.

Pros:

It provides maximum cushioning for heavy weights, over 80 kilos in weight, and is very responsive to each step.

Cons:

The aesthetic is too runner-like for street use.

 

These are just 4 brands and their most outstanding cushioning features; soon we'll see other brands we carry at SABAS with their technologies, such as ADIDAS, VANS, LE COQ SPORTIF....

Which one would you choose, and which brand do you think is the best?