You've trying to choose your running shoes but now you're faced with all the technical features that each shoe offers you ... what does it all mean? Each manufacturer constructs their running shoes differently and here are their explanations for all their features.

Manufacturers: Adidas, Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony

Adidas

• a3 - is an Energy Management technology used to enhance performance throughout the entire footstrike. Maximising energy use, individually engineered elements cushion, guide, and drive, to deliver the ultimate ride.
  
• ClimaCool ™
  Ventilated upper, sockliner and sole provide a 360º cooling effect for the entire foot. Heat and moisture build-up is reduced to provide the athlete maximum comfort and performance.
  
• ClimaWarm™
  ClimaWarm™ is about thermal insulation. Lightweight, breathable insulating fabrics keep the feet warm and comfortable when you’re out in the cold.
  
• ClimaProof™
  ClimaProof™ is about weather protection. Combining breathability with wind and water resistance, your feet stay comfortable and dry with fabrics that defend against anything Mother Nature throws at you.
  
• adiPRENE®
  Now think where you need absorption the most – in your heel. This cushioning material under the heel protects the foot. It’s technology to reduce the harmful effects of repetitive impact.
  
• adiPRENE® +
  This elastic material under the forefoot has one purpose: to create greater momentum at toe-off. It’s technology that screams energy and efficiency.
  
• Torsion®
  The heel and forefoot are different. They move and rotate independently. The TORSION® SYSTEM controls this natural motion to create stability and support.
  
• Traxion®
  Athletes require it on the pitch, on the playing field, and while trail running or training. TRAXION® maximises grip with a unique stud design placed according to the specific sport and ground condition. It provides the ultimate in comfort with better pressure distribution.
  
• ProPLATE™
  ProPlate™, a stiff elastic plate, restricts forefoot flex to minimise energy dissipation for a more efficient stride. It refines the very nature of the foot’s movement to enhance running performance.
  
• Predator®
  Thin, lightweight elements directly injected into the upper and strategically placed at the sweet spot and toe area improve ball feel and increase shooting power.
  

Asics

• 3M-Scotchlite™: A special reflective material that enhances visibility when light is poor.
  
• AHAR®: Asics high abrasion resistance rubber is a tough rubber compound used at the heavy contact areas of the outsole.
  
• AHAR®Plus: This is a thinner and lighter version of Asics high abrasion resistance rubber. It is placed on heavy contact areas of the outsole to reduce excessive wear.
  
• Anti-Gravel Tongue: A special tongue construction that prevents clay entering the shoe.
  
• Asics® Gel™: The Asics Gel system is based on a special kind of silicone that enables optimal shock absorption. Gel units are strategically places in the midsole and designed to enable specific functions and positions.
  
• A-Symmetric Heel: A slightly angled and a -symmetric heel that offers smoother transition from impact to toe-off. It also reduces the risk of overpronation.
  
• Duomax™: A proprietary Asics system that consists of two different density midsole materials and designed to provide smooth over-pronation control.
  
• Duosole™: Outsole construction that offers lightweight flexibility and traction
  
• Duotruss system: For improved arch support and torsional stability, this dual-density system is softer on the lateral side and firmer on the medial side.
  
• Durasponge: A blown AHAR rubber outsole material with high abrasion-resistant qualities for added durability, combined with a comfortable, cushioned ride.
  
• Eva-Tongue: A lightweight moisture-managing tongue construction that allows the foot to breath and increases comfort.
  
• Flex-Grooves: These are located in the forefoot and/or rear foot for increased flexibility and cushioning.
  
• IGS™: The Asics Impact Guidance System or IGS is a technical shoe design philosophy that allows the athlete's foot to perform in a more natural manner. Asics high-tech IGS shoes are constructed in a way that enhances natural 'gait'.
  
• Personal Heel Fit: A special foam heel construction which guarantees a perfect fit around the wearer's heel.
  
• Rhynoskin®: Asics high abrasion resistant synthetic leather is attached to the upper to avoid excessive wear.
  
• Speva™ Midsole Material: A supreme midsole material that improves bounce-back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
  
• Stability Cradle: Offers additional stability in the heel and midfoot region.
  
• Trusstic System: A moulded component under the mid-foot area. Provides stability and in combination with the contoured midsole, helps to control torsion.
  
• Wet Grip Rubber: An outsole made from a special blend of components designed to enhance traction - even on a wet surface.

Brooks

• Heel Strike Pod Precisely Engineered
  As the heel impacts, the precise angle and bevel of the Brooks heel-strike pod sets the heel up in a neutral position to assure that the heel strike alone does not create undesired lateral motion, especially increased rate of pronation. The crumple zone releases the lateral side of the midsole which allows the foot to remain balanced as it phases into the pressure path. Most of our heel strike pods have HPR, a super-durable rubber compound developed specifically by Brooks for longer wear.
  
• Podular Technology
  Brooks’ patented Podular Mid-sole/Outsole configurations, MC-Pod, Stable-Pod, Hyper-Pod and Cush-Pod, are engineered to specifically meet the different types of runner's needs. By anatomically engineering a system of "pods" into the midsole and outsole around biomechanically correct flex grooves it enables the shoe to bend and flex more naturally while still supporting the foot at its most critical points.
  
• Substance 257
  This unique midsole compound is formulated to resist compression and rebound more quickly after impact than standard EVAs used in other brands. S257 has been tested to be 15% more durable than EVA which means your 400th mile has the same great ride as your first.
  
• DRB - the Diagonal Rollbar
  When the foot comes in contact with the ground, it has a natural tendency to pronate. To help control this movement, we developed the Diagonal Rollbar. This patented, wedge-shaped piece of high density foam is positioned on the medial side of the midsole to reduce the rate and speed of pronation.
  
• HydroFlow®
  Brooks’ patented, silicon-based system is the most unique and effective cushioning system ever applied to a running shoe. Its fluid-filled centre chamber dampens shock at impact and dynamically disperses fluid at a controlled rate around the heel– cushioning, stabilising and rebounding on every stride. Plus, it's engineered to never wear out.
  
• DRB - Accel
  To promote natural movement between the heel and forefoot, Brooks developed the DRB Accel. This component utilises varying durometers of thermoplastics which provide the torsional midfoot support runners need.