GoKawiilby
The phrase “energy return” has only gained attention in the last decade as advanced materials like TPU, TPEE, PEBA, and A-TPU entered the scene. This guide covers every nuance about energy return based on our lab data (500+ shoes tested for energy return) and consultations with lots of experts on the topic.
What is energy return and why it’s important in running shoes
Energy return in running shoes refers to how efficiently the midsole foam rebounds after being compressed during a step. Instead of absorbing all impact as heat, a running shoe stores some energy and releases it as the foot lifts off.
This rebound helps reduce wasted effort and can improve running economy, though only if the shoe’s design, timing, and stiffness align well with the runner’s biomechanics and stride.
Common misconceptions about energy return
Your browser does not support the video tag.
In this section, we’ll break down some of the most frequent misunderstandings surrounding energy return and how it’s often confused with other shoe characteristics.
Energy return and running economy
Better energy return from a shoe can improve your running economy—but not always. For example, a heavier shoe with amazing energy return might still require more effort than a lighter shoe with slightly less energy return. Weight, stiffness, and geometry all shape the outcome, and it’s the interaction of these three variables that creates the performance equation, as demonstrated by this new study.
... continue reading