Supercritical Foam Midsole

Supercritical foam midsole is the running-shoe material-and-process frame in E241｜跑鞋技术迭代史：马拉松跑进2小时，靠人还是靠鞋？. The episode describes a shift from traditional chemical foaming toward nitrogen or inert-gas supercritical foaming of TPU, TPEE, PEBA, and related materials to improve cushioning, rebound, lightness, and energy return.

Key Claims

• Foam innovation has two layers: base material and foaming method.
• Supercritical foaming can make midsoles lighter, softer, and more resilient, but the result still depends on geometry, durability, and how the material pairs with plate structures.
• The supplier layer matters because brands may depend on chemical companies for materials rather than inventing every foam internally.
• If the same base materials become available to many brands, lasting differentiation shifts toward testing, athlete feedback, production quality, fit, and marketing.

Connections

• Running Shoe Technology and Carbon Plate Racing Shoes — adjacent product-technology concepts.
• BASF, Arkema, Evonik, and Wanhua Chemical — supplier actors mentioned in the source.
• Adidas Ultra Boost, Nike Vaporfly, and Adidas Adios Pro Evo 3 — product examples.