MIT Researchers Develop Adaptive Running Shoe

New technology uses granular convection to create customized midsole cushioning.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:32am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft colors depicting intersecting geometric shapes and flowing organic forms, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and adaptive technology within a running shoe midsole.An adaptive running shoe midsole that evolves to provide customized cushioning and support for each individual runner.Boston Today

Researchers at MIT's Self-Assembly Lab have developed a new running shoe design that uses granular convection to create a midsole that adapts to the individual runner over time. The technology aims to provide customized cushioning and support without the need for a fully bespoke shoe.

Why it matters

Most running shoes today have static midsoles that don't change or improve over time as runners' needs evolve. This new adaptive technology could make personalized performance features accessible to all runners, not just elite athletes.

The details

The adaptive midsole uses different sized and stiffness particles that shift position through granular convection as the shoe is worn. Over about 20,000 steps, the softer larger particles rise to the top for cushioning, while the stiffer smaller particles sink to the bottom for support. The researchers can adjust the speed of this adaptation process.

  • The 130th Boston Marathon is coming up.
  • The adaptive midsole technology was developed over several years at MIT.

The players

Skylar Tibbits

MIT associate professor of architecture and founder of the Self-Assembly Lab.

MIT Self-Assembly Lab

A research lab at MIT's School of Architecture and Planning exploring self-assembly and adaptive technologies.

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What they’re saying

“Currently, the standard midsoles in running shoes are static. They aren't customized to the shape of our foot or the force we deliver when running or walking. They also don't change or improve over time as we run in them.”

— Skylar Tibbits, MIT Associate Professor

“We've shown that every shoe can be the same and mass produced, but, over time, the shoe will evolve to your personal needs. That is a way to get customization without having to change the manufacturing process.”

— Skylar Tibbits, MIT Associate Professor

What’s next

The researchers plan to explore how this adaptive midsole technology could be applied to other products like wheelchairs, packaging, and shoes that need to be reset for different activities.

The takeaway

This new adaptive running shoe technology could make personalized performance features accessible to all runners, not just elite athletes, by allowing mass-produced shoes to evolve and adapt to individual needs over time.