What Is Infinergy Technology and Why It Makes a Difference in Work Footwear

If you're looking for safety shoes that won't leave you exhausted after an 8-hour shift on your feet, you've probably come across the term Infinergy. In this article we explain in simple terms what it is, how it works, and why it's worth paying attention to when choosing your next pair of work shoes.

What Is Infinergy?

Infinergy is a foam material developed by the German chemical company BASF. It's essentially an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (known as E-TPU)—a combination of the properties of a "foam" (similar to Styrofoam but far more durable) with the strength and elasticity of a TPU.

The material first became known in the world of sports—it's the same material Adidas uses in its famous Boost technology for running shoes. After its success in athletic footwear, the technology made its way into work shoes too, where comfort and fatigue resistance matter just as much.

How It Works Inside the Shoe

Infinergy is mainly used in the midsole of safety shoes. It's made up of tiny closed cells, "microbubbles," that:

Absorb impact every time your foot hits the ground, protecting your joints and spine
Return energy to your next step instead of wasting it, which reduces fatigue
Retain their properties even after thousands of steps, without breaking down the way ordinary foam does

In lab tests, Infinergy has shown an energy return of over 55%—significantly higher than classic sole materials like EVA or EPS, which typically stay below 30%.

Why It Matters If You Work on Your Feet

If your job means long hours standing, walking on hard surfaces, or carrying loads (logistics, industry, food service, retail), the difference is noticeable:

Less fatigue by the end of your shift, especially in the feet and knees
Better support during uneven movements, reducing the long-term risk of musculoskeletal issues
Consistent performance over time—the material doesn't break down quickly the way cheaper foams do

At the same time, Infinergy doesn't affect the shoe's other safety features (toe protection, slip-resistant sole, etc.) — it works as a comfort add-on, not a replacement for protection.

What to Look For When Choosing

Check that the product description explicitly mentions Infinergy® by BASF in the midsole
Match it with the appropriate safety standard (e.g., S1P, S3) based on the hazards in your workplace
Try your size with thick work socks, since the feel of the sole changes the fit

Frequently Asked Questions About Infinergy

What exactly is Infinergy? It's an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) developed by BASF, with shock-absorbing and energy-return properties. It's used in the midsole of work shoes and athletic footwear.
Is Infinergy the same as Adidas Boost? It's the same core BASF technology. Adidas was the first to use it, under the name "Boost," in its running shoes, and the technology was later adopted by work footwear manufacturers as well.
How long does Infinergy last compared to a standard sole? In fatigue tests involving thousands of load cycles, the material largely retains its original thickness and properties, unlike standard foams (e.g., EVA), which compress and lose performance faster with use.
Does Infinergy work with all safety standards (S1P, S3, etc.)? Yes. Infinergy relates to sole comfort and doesn't affect the shoe's other protective features (toe protection, puncture-resistant sole, and slip resistance). It can be combined with any standard, depending on the model.
Who benefits most from Infinergy footwear? Anyone standing or walking for long hours: logistics, industrial, food service, retail, and technical professionals—generally anyone working on hard flooring.

Shoes with Infinergy

In our store you'll find work footwear featuring Infinergy technology, suited to demanding shifts and workplaces. If you have questions about which model fits your needs, feel free to get in touch.

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