Embodiments herein relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to components of performance footwear, such as midsoles, and in particular related to a high performance composite foam for a midsole, the composite foam comprising: a pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer; and a polyurethane (PU) matrix, wherein the pelletized expanded thermoplastic elastomer is mixed within the PU matrix. Midsoles made from a high performance composite foam and footwear including such midsoles. A method of making a high performance midsole is also provided.