RUNNING TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Published: 11/03/2022, updated: 20/01/2025, 27/01/2026 | By: Jasmin Bodman
We know that it can sometimes be a little confusing to understand all of the different technologies that are used to make running shoes or running and training clothing. Each brand uses different forms of advanced technology to help you go faster and further, but what do they all mean and how are they made?
Fear not, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which running shoes or clothing you want to purchase, by thoroughly explaining the benefits of the technology that lots of our products benefit from. Featuring all of our best-selling running brands - Nike, adidas, ASICS, New Balance and Under Armour - this page will make you a brand tech expert in no time! Here are all the running and training technologies you should be looking out for when choosing an upgrade to your running gear.
Nike
What is Nike Dri-Fit?
Nike Dri-FIT technology is a famous moisture-wicking system introduced by Nike into much of their sports clothing, especially their running gear. Dri-FIT uses a polyester microfibre that wicks sweat away from your skin and onto the garment in order to speed up sweat evaporation, while maintaining your body temperature. Nike DRI-Fit running clothing is suitable for all seasons, helping to keep you cool in the summer and sustain your body heat during winter runs.
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What is Nike Flyknit?
Nike Flyknit technology is a low-weight, high-strength combination of materials that is used throughout the Nike running shoe collection to help runners go faster than ever. Flyknit uppers provide targeted support, breathability and stretch, with some areas having a tighter weave than others. Nike have used over 40 years of data to best decide where support and flexibility are needed in a running shoe, and Flyknit running shoes are the result.
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What is Nike Zoom?
Nike Zoom is a cushioning technology used by Nike in their running shoes to provide faster movement with less strain on muscles, joints and tendons. To achieve this, Nike uses pressurised air and stretched fibres to form the Zoom unit in the midsole. Nike Zoom running shoes were designed to break the 2-hour marathon barrier and achieved this, through extremely fast responsiveness and decreased pronation for the wearer.
What is adidas Boost?
adidas Boost is a soft yet responsive cushioning system used throughout much of the adidas running shoes range. The Boost midsole is formed using thousands of expanded TPU particles, rather than EVA foam, creating tiny pockets of air so you feel like you’re running on tiny clouds. Any adidas Boost trainers are made to last with ultimate durability and flexibility, while also providing amazing kinetic energy return with every step, helping you ‘Boost’ forwards.
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What is adidas Aeroready?
adidas AEROREADY was brought in to replace Climacool and is a highly-advanced running clothing fabric, that offers moisture-wicking fabrics combined with ventilation to keep you feel as cool and as dry as possible while running. adidas AEROREADY products are designed for running in all conditions - cold or hot - with the quick-drying material sure to keep the wearer’s focus on running and reaching their goals.
What is adidas Heat.Rdy and Cold.Rdy?
The adidas RDY series of running clothing technology uses adidas AEROREADY sweat-wicking and breathable materials, combined with weather-specific elements, to give the best possible gear for each individual season. HEAT.RDY keeps you cool in the heat with hybrid materials, COLD.RDY keeps you warm in the cold through smart layering, WIND.RDY protects runners from the wind through densely-woven fabrics and RAIN.RDY is waterproof for protection from the rain.
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