Cushioning Technology: Shoes are made with varying degrees of cushioning technology. The amount of cushioning a shoe has is directly associated with its midsole materials and cushioning devices.

• Maximum cushioned shoes have the best EVA or polyurethane midsoles available from the manufacturer. Furthermore, shoes in this category have large cushioning devices placed in the heel and forefoot, or might even have a full-length cushioning device. Because maximum cushioned shoes have the best cushioning technology available, they will have the longest life and greatest shock absorption of all shoes currently on the market.

• Moderate cushioned shoes have midsoles designed to increase shock absorption and the life of the shoe. These shoes are made of compression molded EVA, polyurethane, or a combination of EVA and other materials. Shoes in this category generally have a medium-sized cushioning device placed in the heel and forefoot of the shoe for additional shock absorption.

• Minimum cushioned shoes have traditional compression molded EVA midsoles with no additional cushioning devices or in some cases, a small cushioning device in the heal area alone.

See the Shoe PhD section of the learning center for additional information on cushioning technologies.