5 Different Applications of EVA 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 EVA 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 Brooks Glycerin Max, EVA blends as seen in the New Balance 880v15, traditional applications as found in the New Balance More v5, and some unique combinations such as the dual foam execution found in the Hoka Mach 5.
Welcome to EVA Estates: A cozy corner of the midsole map where tradition never dies. Take it easy in the Standard Suburbs, swing through Blended Borough for a touch of modern flair, and don’t miss the Supercritical Sector—it’s lighter, livelier, and just a little unstable. Feeling nostalgic? OG Outpost is frozen in time. Some say they are still putting up MILEAGE to this day.
Supercritical Sector
The Supercritical Sector is the EVA Estate’s industrial core. Recognizing the demand for a level of energy return that traditional EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) can’t provide, brands have been migrating their factories here to carry out the supercritical EVA process: a method of injecting gasses into EVA foam to create lighter, bouncier and more durable compounds. By adopting supercritical EVA, Hoka and Brooks have flipped the switch on their brands’ perception amongst Hobby Joggers. The Hoka Skyflow, Bondi 9 and Mach 6 have shown runners that Hoka means business in every product category from Max Cushion to the uptempo daily trainer, and Brooks’ shift to supercritical EVA in comfortable cruisers such as the Ghost Max 2 and peppy speed shoes like the Hyperion 2 represent a broader strategy to be taken seriously in the performance running space.
- Hoka Bondi 9, Skyflow, and Mach 6
- Brooks Hyperion 2, Hyperion Max 2, and Hyperion Elite 4
- Brooks Glycerin Max, Ghost 17, and Ghost Max 2
Hoka Bondi 9
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Brooks Glycerin Max
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Blended Borough
The Blended Borough is where the majority of current EVA-based models reside. Here, brands combine traditional and modern technology, blending EVA with other polymers to tailor unique ride experiences. New Balance is known for using this strategy in their training shoes; the 1080, 880, and 860 all sport their own EVA blends that New Balance markets under the umbrella of Fresh Foam X. More versatile than standard EVA, but not as inherently bouncy as supercritical foams, the adaptability of the EVA blend concept is evident in its various applications from the firm and supportive On Cloudmonster 2 to the soft and forgiving Diadora Nucleo 2.
- New Balance 860v14, 1080v14, and 880v15
- ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27, Gel-Nimbus 27, and GlideRide Max
- On Cloudeclipse and Cloudmonster 2
- Diadora Nucleo 2
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
Diadora Nucleo 2
Standard Suburb
Only a few short years ago, the Standard Suburb was a thriving area, home to the most popular running shoes on the market. Oh how the tables have turned. Traditional EVA, once found in nearly every training shoe, is rapidly being replaced by supercritical EVA, PEBA, TPU and other more modern compounds that are bouncier, more durable, and less brick-like. These days, regular old EVA is mostly reserved for the shoes you’ll find on the Marshall’s clearance rack, but there are still several performance models such as the Zoom Structure 25 and Adistar 3 that make use of the compound. This shift in running foam technology, however, hasn’t deterred Standard Suburb HOA members from rocking EVA shoes on their walks around the neighborhood.
- On Cloudsurfer 2 and Cloudrunner 2
- Hoka Rincon 4
- ASICS Noosa Tri
- Adidas Adistar 3
- New Balance More v5
- Nike Zoom Structure 25
On Cloudrunner 2
New Balance More v5
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Nike Zoom Structure 25
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OG Outpost
The shoes sheltered in the OG outpost are gone, but not forgotten. While most Hobby Joggers are ready to leave EVA in the past, these four models deserve recognition for the innovations they brought to the performance running game. The Endorphin Shift 3, while firm, combined Saucony’s Speedroll technology with a tall stack of foam, helping to usher in the rockered max cushion category. The Hoka Mach 5 popularized the dual foam platform, pairing bouncy supercritical EVA with a durable bottom layer of ground contact EVA. Many called the Adizero SL a brick, but we liked its durable and protective ride. And what more needs to be said about the 1080v13? Even after testing hundreds of models since its release, its still the most comfortable shoe we’ve tried.
- Hoka Mach 5
- Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
- New Balance 1080v13
- Adidas Adizero SL
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