When new technologies arrive in the market, it is always an interesting time because it means that we evolve, that we go beyond our limits and, last but not least, that new tools arrive dedicated to us runners to enjoy the running experience more. As in the case of the new technology presented by Brooks at the launch of the
Glycerin 20
and the
Caldera 6
.
The big news in the compound
DNA LOFT v3
is nitro infusion-a technology Brooks first introduced in 2020 at the launch of the
Hyperion Tempo
– and later in the Hyperion elite-with DNA FLASH compound in the midsole: a very fast and fun shoe. But now the U.S. brand is introducing this new technology in its most important shoes:
the Glycerin 20
(read the review here).
How does it work?
The concept is simple enough but hides supercritical fluid (SCF) technology. Don’t worry, Wikipedia comes to our aid here: A substance is said to be in a supercritical state when it is in conditions of temperature above the critical temperature and pressure above the critical pressure. Under such conditions, the properties of the substance are partly similar to those of a liquid and partly similar to those of a gas.
Using this technology, Brooks is able to make the nitrogen join the DNA compound, creating a very regular and “tight” cell structure, resulting in a material that is extremely soft but also responsive and durable.
And, because a picture is worth a thousand words, you will immediately understand what I mean by looking at the image below.
What are the effects?
Compared with traditional compounds, there are four main effects: more comfort, more durability, significant weight reduction and more energy return. It is no coincidence, in fact, that LOFT v3 DNA was included in a shoe like the Glycerin that has made long runs its workhorse.
The result is an amplified running experience.
Clearly, it is not just the midsole that defines the overall character of a shoe, and so varying elements such as the upper and outsole will have different effects; in fact, what transpires most is that the new nitrogen-infused technology is the picture that appears in the near future of Brooks running shoes.