10 Game-Changing Running Shoes for Men in 2025: The Surprising Winners Fitness Editors Can’t Stop Raving About!

Ever notice how your running shoes kinda feel like a secret weapon — yet most of us barely give a thought to what’s squished between your foot and the pavement? That cushy middle part, the midsole, is where the real magic happens… it’s not just foam; it’s the unsung hero absorbing shocks and whispering sweet control to your feet with every stride. But here’s the kicker — not all midsoles are created equal. From the classic EVA foam you’ve likely trod millions of miles on, to the futuristic Pebax foam that’s lighter than air and thrives in the cold like a champ, the world of midsoles is a surprisingly complex rabbit hole. So, what’s inside your next pair of runners, and how does it shape your run? Hang tight, because understanding these midsole mysteries might just kick your shoe game into overdrive. LEARN MORE

The Different Types of Running Shoe Midsoles

The midsole is the portion of the shoe where the foam materials assist in shock absorption or even foot control. There are typically four type of midsole materials:

EVA: Ethylene vinyl acetate (both white and gray layers) has been the standard in midsole foams for its softness, flexibility, and low production cost since the 1970s. The downside is that it becomes more rigid in cold weather and compresses over mileage, losing its bounce.

PU: Compared with EVA, polyurethane is less sensitive to temperature, is more durable, and has a bouncier feel. However, PU is roughly 50 percent heavier than EVA.

TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane is heated and reformed. Companies like Adidas and Saucony use a two-step process, making TPU beads and then fusing them to create a more durable, flexible, and bouncier foam than EVA and PU. However, TPU is still a heavier foam compared with EVA.

PEBAX: Polyether block amide (the top, off-white layer) gained recognition as the highly responsive foam used in the Nike Vaporfly 4%. Pebax retains its flexibility and energy return in cold conditions and is 20 percent lighter than TPU.

Generally the darker the midsole material, the more support the shoe will have (and also slightly heavier in weight).