Running Shoe Technology

Anatomical Cradle
The Anatomical Cradle improves both motion control and shock absorption by mimicking the bottom of your heel in the midsole. A cup-like shape in the midsole, created through an anatomically correct last, literally cradles your heel, holding it right where the foot's own natural padding and the shoe's cushioning will absorb the impact; this translates into less shock on the rest of the body. The cradle also centers and holds the heel firmly in place to reduce twisting on both ankles and knees.
Archrocker
Avia's Archrocker is a raised midfoot support area that is designed into the midsole unit to promote a smooth, natural walking gait. Archrocker also supports the arch of the foot, preventing foot fatigue.
ARC Tech
The ARC plate technology adds a mechanical element to Avia's proven Cantilever cushioning technology. The plate follows the Cantilever shape adding structure and increasing durability. The injected ARC plate provides added stability and support upon heel strike and additional spring at liftoff as the plate returns to its original shape.
Cantilever
The AVIA Cantilever centers the heel over a concave sole. The concave sole acts like a trampoline to soften impact, stabilize the heel and provide increased energy return.
CMEVA (Compression molded EVA):
The compressed and molded form of sheet EVA, wherein the structure and shape of the material may be contoured for improved fit and function. CMEVA is perhaps the most commonly used material in good quality running shoes.
Curved last:
This refers to the shape or curvature on the base of each last. A curved last will reflect a bent-line or curvature from center heel to toe. A curved or semi-curved last is designed to work with curvature of the human foot to promote natural foot strike.
Cushioning:
The ability of a shoe to absorb shock. This term has become synonymous with the overall comfort provided by the midsole.
DCS Plus
DCS PlusMaximizes stability and cushioning with two interacting dual Cantilever units. The top side cradles your heel keeping it centered directly under the body while using the body's own heel fat to cushion the stride. The bottom Cantilever and pressurized cushioning chamber act like a trampoline to soften impact, stabilize the heel, and return energy to the stride. Avia's FOM technology in the forefoot provides superior cushioning.
DCS Ultra
DCS Ultra combine's Avia's Dual Cantilever® System with an extended shank plate that provides torsional support in the midfoot and a 3/4 pressurized air chamber that delivers superior cushioning in the heel. The top surface of the extended shank provides an Anatomical Cradle which holds the body's natural heel cushioning elements directly under the body at the point of impact. The Cantilever® midsole acts like a trampoline to cushion the impact.
Dual Density EVA:
A firmer density of EVA, usually positioned on the medial aspect of the shoe to help control pronation and reduce the premature breakdown of the midsole. The dual density midsole portion, often referred to as a Post, is usually grey in color.
Dura-Ryd:
AVIA's foam material used in the heel and the forefoot to aid overall cushioning and midsole durability.
Dura-Stryk
It is the name of the outsole material that provides added durability in the heel of the shoe.
ECS Tech
Two specially designed TPU plates at work in unison to provide unsurpassed cushioning and stability. The top plate cradles the foot, keeping it stable while positioning the body's natural heel fat at the point of greatest impact. The bottom plate acts as a Cantilever to absorb the impact each time the heel strikes the ground. Immediately after each impact, both plates return to their original shape without breaking down the traditional foam midsoles.
EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate):
A soft, cellular foam material known for its lightweight, flexibility and cushioning properties.
Eyestay:
The material reinforcement around the lace holes.
Flex Grooves
Typically found in the forefoot of the midsole, these cut-away areas create a thinner, more flexible sole for better transition off the toe.
FoM:
Mimics the way your foot compresses shock and is located in key impact areas, much the same as the fat pads in your foot. Made of extremely soft, yet dense material, fom conforms to your foot on impact for excellent cushioning and comfort, then bounces back to its original shape after each impact
Heel Cleft:
A split or cleft in the midsole and outsole of a shoe that allows the midsole to compress easily creating a smoother transition from heel strike forward. Athletic shoe manufacturers often use a beveled heel with two clefts to create a 'crash zone' or 'decoupled' heel.
Injection EVA:
Injection molded EVA utilizes a fixed cavity mold, wherein the raw EVA material is injected into the mold. The consistency and feel of injected EVA is often different from CMEVA.
Last:
The 3-Dimensional foot form around which the upper of the shoe is built. The last determines the size, shape and dimensions of the shoe. A shoes' last is commonly described in relation to its construction and / or shape.
Lateral:
Referring to the outer side or 'pinkie-toe' side of a shoe.
Medial:
Referring to the inner side or 'big-toe' of a shoe.
Midfoot Shank:
A plastic reinforcement typically grafted to the midsole that reduces midfoot flexion and provides torsional stability.
Midsole:
The portion of the shoe between the upper and the outersole that provides cushioning. Many midsole's contain special cushioning systems such as Air bags; GEL pads and other embedded devices designed to absorb shock.
Motion Control:
The property (or feature) of a shoe that limits excessive pronation and helps to counteract structural imbalances by providing a stronger base of support.
Orthotic:
A corrective device, usually prescribed by a podiatrist, made primarily of plastic, cork or leather which is placed inside a shoe to correct biomechanical problems.
Outsole:
The bottommost part of the shoe, the outsole consists of one or more rubber compounds. The outsole design is usually configured to enhance traction.
Overpronation:
Excessive pronation or over rotation of the foot. Overpronation is commonly thought to be responsible for many overuse and overstress injuries associated with long distance running.
Polyurethane:
A liquid polyester compound that can be manipulated into soft rubber- like midsole materials or a hardened elastomer material for harder soled shoes. Nicknamed 'PU', polyurethane is a heavier and more durable midsole material than EVA.
Prontation:
Pronation The natural inward rotation of the foot as it relates to the gait-cycle. A normal foot lands on the outside heel and pronates slightly to help absorb shock.
Responsive:
This term describes the sense of reactiveness or agility of the midsole/ outsole unit in a shoe.
Ride:
This term is used to describe the sense of flow or smoothness of the midsole / outsole unit in a shoe. A shoe with a good RIDE is thought to have good transition from heel strike to toe-off.
Slip-last:
A construction technique wherein the upper is slipped onto the last and then stitched together by fabric before adhering it to the midsole.
Sockliner:
A pre-formed liner used on the inside sole of the shoe to reduce internal friction and provide cushioning. Today most sockliners are pre-molded and can be removed easily for use with orthotic's.
Stability:
A property (or feature) of a shoe that helps to stabilize the foot during the gait cycle. The 'stability' of a shoe recognizes it's inherent ability to bring balance to the body and resist breakdown caused by structural imbalances.
Straight:
last This refers to the relative lack of curvature in the base of the last. A straight lasted shoe is often cut wider through the base of the arch creating a wider platform from which to support the foot.
Supination:
The natural outward rotation of the foot as it relates to the gait cycle. A normal foot lands in a supinated position and pronates inward to absorb shock. Very, very few individuals have a completely supinated foot strike.
Torsional Stability:
The ability of a mechanism or part of the shoe to resist the twisting which most often occur in the midpart of the foot.
Underpronation:
A less than average degree of pronation or under rotation. Underpronation is commonly found in rigid foot types.
 
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