Brooks runs with nitrogen-injected midsoles
Seattle-headquartered Brooks Running (Brooks) recently released its Aurora-BL running shoe, notable for its DNA Loft V3 foam cushioning system, which has been injected with nitrogen.
While Brooks has been working with nitrogen-injected midsole foam technology for around three and a half years now, this latest compound has been designed to offer everyday runners a “softer, lighter and more responsive” wear, Brooks Blue Line’s senior manager, Nikhil Jain, told Hypebeast.
To achieve this effect, nitrogen is injected into the midsole via a supercritical fluid forming process, which involves applying heat, pressure, and liquid nitrogen to a base proprietary foam before the nitrogen is transformed into a supercritical state (the stage between liquid and gas).
At this point, it is injected directly into the foam, where it is held for a certain amount of time before the intensity of heat and pressure is eventually lowered. According to Mr Jain, the infusion of nitrogen “essentially magnifies” the base foam’s qualities, to provide “increased levels of softness and responsiveness”.
The brand described the Aurora-BL’s cushioning as “out of this world” on social media. “Feel like you’re running on the moon,” it added.
The idea is for runners’ feet to have a softly cushioned, yet springy landing, before a “really smooth” transition to toe-off, Mr Jain explained. For the Aurora-BL, the key is for Brooks’ DNA Loft V3 technology to facilitate - as opposed to determine - the natural movement of the wearer’s foot, he stated.
A decoupled midsole and this latest foam compound, created in Brooks’ Blue Line lab, reportedly work together to give the footwear this ability.
“The properties of DNA Loft V3 really help with a natural stride: you get a soft sinking feeling, but one that immediately snaps back and propels you forward. In my personal running experience, the Aurora is as close to running nirvana as I’ve ever came,” Mr Jain said.
Image: Brooks.
