TPE-based midsole adds more spring to stride of new running shoe
ONE of the world’s largest sportswear companies, ANTA collaborated with Teknor Apex to develop a high-dampening midsole construction incorporating Monprene® TPE for a new line of running shoes. The midsole is a thick layer between the insole and outsole that is typically composed of a soft cushioning material.
The companies carried out 40 000 running impact tests to identify the optimum solution that delivered the best rebound performance over extended periods of time. The key property for this performance is rebound resilience, a measure of the energy returned to the runner in comparison with the energy applied for deformation of the midsole upon the impact with each of the runner’s strides. While standard midsoles on the market achieve 50% rebound, according to ANTA, this new midsole achieves a rebound of 70%. The reserved energy is transformed into running power, enabling the runner to go for longer distances.
According to Teknor Apex, the customized Monprene is a 60 Shore A TPE that provides wrinkle-resistance, low compression set, tear resistance, and kink resistance. It exhibits excellent elasticity and remains flexible at low temperatures.
