Welcome to Andiem’s Science Section, where we dive into the studies and research that define our philosophies around performance, injuries, recovery, gear, and more.

What's Zoom Air? 

Nike defines their Zoom technology as an “explosive cushioning system.” Zoom Air is so prevalent, you’d think the worst kind of explosion is when an air cell pops, deflating those lofty cushioning claims. But a study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine found something far worse.

The Study

The authors watched over 500 games (which is a pretty sweet gig if you can get it), and noted every time someone hurt their ankle and its cause. If you hoop, you already know the main cause: landing on a foot.

But they also found something else. Something more… explosive.

Findings 

They identified three main risk factors for ankle injuries:

1. Prior Injury: “players with a history of ankle injury were almost five times more likely to sustain an ankle injury”
2. Stretching: “Players who did not stretch before the game were 2.6 times more likely to injure an ankle than players who did” – something we all hate to hear, but know is true
3. Air Cells: “Wearing shoes with air cells in the heel were 4.3 times more likely to injure an ankle than those wearing shoes without air cells.”

Air Cells were almost as bad as having a prior ankle injury. That’s crazy. Some might call it criminal. Others might not want you to ever hear that stat at all.

But it makes sense: air bubbles are naturally unstable surfaces. You squish down one side and the other pops up, which isn’t what happens with normal foams. Normal foam releases air when compressed, but an air bubble is a closed system so the air can’t escape. 

Putting an unstable surface underneath your heel is like playing basketball on one of those inflated balance discs physical therapists use. It might feel nice, but it’s not going to help you perform on the court and this study says it puts you at risk.