What is FLYTEFOAM™?
April 2, 2026
If you’re shopping for ASICS running shoes, you’ll likely see the name FLYTEFOAM™, often abbreviated as FF. Read on to learn where FLYTEFOAM™ comes from, the differences between each version, and how it can deliver more comfort and energy in every stride.
About FLYTEFOAM™
FLYTEFOAM™ is the name of our proprietary midsole foam technology developed by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan. The first version was introduced in 2016 for the ASICS MetaRun running shoe. At the time, it was designed to be significantly lighter than the industry standard, offering an innovative balance of responsiveness, support, and durability.
Since its debut, FLYTEFOAM™ has evolved into several new variations, continuously improving upon the one that started it all. If you see the letters “FF” on the midsole of your shoe, you're running on a version of FLYTEFOAM™.
Overview of FLYTEFOAM™ Variations
Foam Type | Description | Key Shoes |
FF BLAST™ | Balanced comfort and bounce | |
FF BLAST™ PLUS | A lighter and bouncier evolution of FF BLAST™ | |
FF BLAST™ MAX | Soft and springy with responsive energy return | |
FF TURBO™ PLUS | Racing-level energy return with less weight than FF BLAST™ foams | METASPEED® SKY/EDGE (top layer) |
FF TURBO™ SQUARED | A high-performance foam with even more bounce than FF TURBO™ PLUS | MEGABLAST™ (full-length), SONICBLAST™ (top layer) |
FF LEAP™ | Our lightest, bounciest, most advanced FLYTEFOAM™ to date |
Other terms to know
PureGEL™
The updated version of GEL® technology that’s approximately 65% softer. In running shoes, it’s strategically placed alongside FLYTEFOAM™ to balance soft landings with responsive toe-offs.
Carbon Plate
A plate found in racing styles like the METASPEED® SKY/EDGE shoes, designed to enhance energy return from the midsole by increasing the deformable foam volume under the plate.
ASTROPLATE™
A plate found in the SONICBLAST™ shoe that helps propel your stride forward, made of a PEBAX plastic material that’s designed to be more comfortable for daily runs compared to a carbon plate.
Please note: This information does not contain or constitute medical advice or a medical opinion, and it is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult a qualified and licensed medical professional prior to beginning or modifying any diet or exercise program.
