Compression Set and Sports Cleats

CI (Cleats-Info) defines compression set as it pertains to sports cleats. When you first step into a pair of shoes (or cleats), the shoes hopefully feel comfortable or even 'cushiony'.

The cushion or bounce can come from the EVA midsoles and/or insoles.

This EVA is a bouncy material. As you run or walk etc... your foot presses down on the EVA. The EVA compresses some (giving the bouncy comfortable feel) and then as our foot lifts upwards, the EVA then returns to its original form. However, after time (possibly one week to three months), the EVA suffers from "compression set" and begins to lose its original form and starts to breakdown to the form of your foot. The EVA also no longer has its original bouncy/comfortable feel.

It is also stated (and may even be true), that CMEVA (compression molded EVA) does not suffer from "compression set" as quickly as 'normal' EVA.

Please note that some of the breakdown can be beneficial in creating a shoe that quickly 'breaks-in'.

Custom Search