4 Different Applications of TPU Foam in Running Shoes
The running shoe landscape is more crowded than ever, with nearly every brand offering its own version of advanced foam technologies. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at daily trainers, speed training shoes, and race-day options that feature TPU foam. While all these models use the same core material, the implementation—and the ride they deliver—can differ dramatically. Featured here are supercritical compounds like those in the Mizuno Neo Zen, TPU blends as seen in the Puma Velocity Nitro 3, traditional applications as found in the Salomon Aero Glide 3, and the newly formulated aliphatic compounds found in the Puma Fast-R 3.
Welcome to TPU Territory! We’re taking you on a tour through the bounciest, most tech-packed neighborhoods in the running shoe landscape. From the high-energy blends of Blended Basin to the everyday legends of Beaded Biome, TPU foam is everywhere—and it’s built different. Stay tuned as we break down each stop along the way, from Aliphatic Acres to Supercritical Settlement. Whether you’re chasing PRs or just logging daily miles, there’s a corner of TPU Territory made for you.
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Beaded Biome
The Beaded Biome is the natural habitat of bounce, protection and durability. Beaded TPU is one of the most tried and true daily trainer foams in the game. First introduced in 2015 with the original Ultraboost, refined in the now-legendary Triumph 20, and utilized to perfection in the Salomon Aero GOAT 3, beaded TPU continues to be a hobby jogger favorite.
- Salomon Aero Glide 3
- Salomon Aero Goat 3 GRVL
- Saucony Triumph 20/21
- Saucony Ride 18
- Adidas Ultrabost 5X
Salomon Aero Glide 3
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Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL
Saucony Ride 18
Adidas Ultraboost 5X
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Aliphatic Acres
Shoes with A-TPU midsoles reside in the Aliphatic Acres. ATPU is a chemically-distinct form of TPU known for its lighter weight and superior energy return. Offering a unique balance of bounce and rigidity, A-TPU has allowed brands such as Puma to claw their way to the top of the running foam game. A-TPU is also present in the unique drop-in insoles of the the Tracksmith Eliot Racer and Speedland RX:FPY.
- Puma Fast-R Deviate Nitro Elite 3
- Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
- Puma Deviate Nitro 3
- Tracksmith Eliot Racer
- Speedland RX:FPY
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
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Tracksmith Eliot Racer
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Speedland RX:FPY
Supercritical Settlement
The Supercritical Settlement is TPU Territory’s manufacturing hub, home to midsoles that have undergone a supercritical gas injection process. Highly dynamic and flexible in their properties—from ultra-fast and firm in the Skechers Aero Burst, to protective and comfortable in the Neo Vista 2, to squishy and bouncy in the Neo Zen—supercritical TPUs are in some of the best high mileage training companions on the market.
- Mizuno Neo Zen
- Mizuno Neo Vista 2
- Skechers Aero Tempo
- Skechers Aero Burst
- UA x Speedland Infinite Mega
Mizuno Neo Zen
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Skechers Aero Tempo
Skechers Aero Burst
Skechers Aero Burst
Blended Basin
While not common, TPU blends can still be found in the highly-runnable, efficient Topo Phantom 4, and in the Velocity Nitro 3 (Puma blended TPU with standard EVA for added stability). Now that Aliphatic and supercritical TPUs have become so well-loved by runners, fewer brands are seeing the need to blend TPU with other compounds. If the market continues to move in this direction, the Blended Basin might soon be quite a lonely place.
- Topo Phantom 4
- Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Topo Phantom 4
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If you'd like to see more content like this about the ways brands are implementing different foams, check out these articles and see the Supwell Map below.
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