This led to these pods becoming noticeable and placing more pressure on my forefoot. Even after 45 minutes, the React foam (which shows its wear immediately with some midsole creasing) compresses more quickly than the Zoom Air pods.

So here lies the risk of varying components in a single midsole - some of the components may compress or wear out more quickly than others, changing the effect of the shoe on the foot. Additionally, over the course of weeks, the foam slowly stops returning fulling to its original shape, which is what eventually leads to a 'dead' midsole when the shoe is ready to be replaced. We know that over the course of a single run, the matrix in foam compresses slightly by the end of the run (and then return to, or close to, its original shape). However, there are other examples like dual density midsoles like shoes with medial posts or the HOKA J Frame, or those with multiple foams with different constructions interacting (ASICS Glideride, Mizuno Wave Sky/Horizon). Obviously we have the example here, where the Zoom Air pods are embedded within a React midsole.

Let's talk about midsoles with multiple components and how that may influence how the shoe changes not only long term, but also within an individual run. It is soft and protective enough for recovery miles and taking it easy, but easily picks up the pace when opening up for tempos or strides. Given the more snug upper and bouncy/responsive midsole this is a versatile trainer. For me, this did lead to some soreness in the balls of my feet, but may not be the case for all (more on this later). However, later in the run (for me after 45 minutes) I did start to notice the pods placing increased pressure when I would stop. Early in runs, transitions to toe off are smooth and the Zoom Air pods do give a high amount of forefoot cushion/protection for the amount of stack. This is where the Zoom Air pods come into play. The react foam and classic beveled heel is soft and smooth upon landing in the heel and transitions well to the forefoot. Certainly is on the more propulsive and fun end of the spectrum when it comes to daily trainers. The ride of this shoe is smooth, soft, and bouncy. The midsole is made of two components: full length React foam and the Zoom Air pods which are placed in the forefoot.

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