The 18 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Maximum Comfort and Speed (2024)

What to Look for in the Best Cushioned Running Shoes

Who Should Wear Cushioned Running Shoes

The Different Types of Cushioned Running Shoes

The Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions

How Often Should I Buy Cushioned Running Shoes?

What Are the Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Heavy Runners?

How We Selected the Best Cushioned Running Shoes

Meet the Experts

Meet the Author

Best Overall Cushioned Running Shoe

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12women’s
Colorways: 19 options for men; 10 options for women
Weight: 8.9 oz (men’s); 7.2 oz (women’s)
Materials: EVA Foam midsole
Drop: 5 millimeters
Pros: Ultra luxurious, pillow-like cushioning without compromising a secure, stable ride.

It’s impossible to talk about cushioned running shoes without mentioning Hoka. After all, Hoka running shoes started the maximum cushioning shoe trend. One of Hoka’s best maximum cushioned everyday neutral trainers is the Clifton 9.

Everything about the model is the epitome of luxury, from the pillow-like cushioning under your feet to the heavily padded tongue and heel collar. The Clifton 9 is Smith’s go-to shoe for recovery runs and occasions when you need long distance running shoes, when your legs just can’t handle the harsh impact of concrete. Sometimes, tall, softer midsoles can feel mushy and wobbly, but while this model is not classified as a stability running shoe, its wide base allows for a secure, stable ride. A new, lighter midsole compound also knocked nearly 15 percent off the weight of this model compared to previous iterations, giving the Clifton 9 a faster feeling.

What reviewers say: “The Clifton 8’s have been a life saver for me!! I couldn’t imagine walking around without them on me Feet!! I recommend these sneakers to everyone I can! I even buy them as gifts for family members!”

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Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Marathon Racing

Nike Alphafly 2 Running Shoes

Size range: 6 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Weight: 8.0 oz (men’s); 8.0 oz (women’s)
Colorways: 2 options for men’s; 3 options for women’s
Materials: ZoomX + Zoom Air midsole
Drop: 4 millimeters
Pros: A combination of ZoomX cushioning, a full-length carbon fiber plate and two AirZoom cushioning units in the forefoot make this one heck of a high performance distance shoe.
Cons: Pricey

If ever there was a GOAT marathon racing shoe, a shoe that has perhaps set more marathon records and personal bests than any other shoe in history, the Nike Alphafly 2 is it. Speed and cushioning are typically two opposing forces, and highly cushioned shoes tend to weigh more and feel too bulky, making them better meant for easy running. The Alphafly 2 mystically breaks that mold. What’s the secret sauce to one of Nike’s best running shoes? The combination of Nike’s highest rebounding foam, ZoomX, a rigid full-length carbon fiber plate and two Air Zoom Units in the forefoot–making it the best cushioned running shoes with forefront cushioning.

Despite its futuristic, semi-clunky appearance, it’s a remarkably smooth shoe for efficient runners. It’s certainly more geared toward the competitive runner versus the recreational one due to its tall 40 millimeter/36 millimeter stack height (registering just below the World Athletics limit) that feels somewhat unstable at slower paces. Since its inception in 2018, Coach Smith has been recommending it to all of his clients looking to set a personal best that clocks in around or is better than their Boston Marathon qualifying time.

What reviewers say: “Just the best running shoes I’ve ever used and I’ve tried many different brands!! I’m a long time runner and triathlete and love running in these shoes!!”

Best Adidas Cushioned Running Shoes

Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes

Size range: 5 to 14 men’s; 5.5 to 10 (women’s)
Colors: 11 options for men’s; 10 options for women’s
Weight: 10.3 oz (men’s); 9.2 oz (women’s)
Materials: BOOST midsole
Drop: 10 millimeters
Pros: Huge improvements to reduce the weight of these shoes mean you can have excellent cushioning and comfort without sacrificing speed.
Cons: They are so good looking you’ll have trouble only wearing them on your runs.

If comfortable luxury is what you’re after, look no further than the adidas Ultraboost Light, one of the best Adidas running shoes to buy now. (It’s no wonder with excellent siblings like the Ultraboost 22 available as well) Featuring adidas’ plush yet high energy-return Boost midsole and a sock-like knit upper, the adidas Ultraboost Light had the best step-in comfort of all the shoes we tested. With stack heights of 33 millimeters in the heel and 23 millimeters in the forefoot, the style makes it feel as if you’re running on a bed of pillows.

All that comfort and cushioning does come at the expense of weight, though. The first generations of this shoe clocked in at nearly 12 ounces for men and 10 ounces for women, which made it one of the heaviest cushioned shoes we tested. Thankfully, Adidas has managed to shave off nearly 2 oz of weight in the newer models, which make these much more appropriate for a range of tempos. We still love them for recovery runs though. When your legs are dead-flat, there’s nothing better than a thick slab of Boost cushioning underfoot to soften the impact.

Excellent performance aside, these also make for some of the best cushioned running shoes for standing all day or walking. Sneakerheads love the Ultraboost for its clean, classic aesthetic, so you’ll look great around town–even if you’re moving at a slower pace.

What reviewers say: “I have been wearing Adidas Ultraboost model shoes for many years and they are the best shoe I have ever owned. They fit like a glove and are perfect for walking or running. I would not change them for any other shoe.”

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Heavy Runners

Hoka Bondi X Running Shoes

Size range: 7-16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 5 options for men; 4 options for women
Weight: 11.0 oz (men’s); 9.0 oz (women’s)
Materials: EVA Foam midsole
Drop: 5 millimeters
Pros: Ultra-plush cushioning with over 1.5 inches of padding dampening every footstrike, plus carbon fiber plates that help propel you forward.
Cons: All that padding makes these pretty heavy shoes that might slow you down a bit.

If you’re the type of runner who agrees there’s no such thing as too much cushioning, the Bondi X is for you. As one of the most cushioned running shoes you can buy across all brands, Hoka’s flagship maximum cushioned trainer boasts a whopping stack height of 40 millimeters in the heel and 36 millimeters in the forefoot (to put that into perspective, that’s over 1.5 inches of plush cushioning damping each footstrike). Underfoot, you’ll find that soft, full-length compression-molded EVA midsole with the classic Hoka rocker geometry pushes your foot forward during toe-offs.

Fans of the Bondi will be happy to hear that the brand has consistently maintained the ride of the shoe. Improvements to the upper, such as enhanced padded at the heel collar and redesigned TPU overlays, give the Bondi X a more comfortable fit and secure midfoot wrap. But what really sets the Bondi X apart are the carbon fiber plates that will help propel you towards the finish line whether its race day or… Monday.

What reviewers say: “Recently purchased the Bondi X and they’re a home run. Ready for the road right out of the box. Perfect fit, perfect cushioning, awesome looks and made to last. A fantastic shoe. This is my 3rd pair of Hokas and it won’t be my last.”

Asics Nimbus 25 Shoes

Size range: 6 to 16 men’s; 5 to 13 for women
Colorways: 19 options for men; 16 options for women
Weight: 10.2 oz (men’s); 9.1 oz (women’s)
Materials: FF Blast Eco Plus midsole
Drop: 8 millimeters
Pros: The extremely wide and stable full-length FlyteFoam midsole provides excellent cushioning and stands up well to compression.
Cons: The mesh upper is plush but less breathable than others.

Named for the type of puffy cloud you daydream about, the Nimbus 25 delivers on its namesake with a dreamy, cloud-like ride. Unlike previous versions, the Nimbus 25 cushioned running shoes feature a full Flytefoam Blast midsole that eschews the use of a gel window. The result is a shoe that provides superior cushioning from a midsole that stands up extremely well to compression and really any weight load. The midsole is also wider than many, creating a stable base and making this a superior neutral shoe suitable for runners of any weight class.

What reviewers say: “They are just heavenly to wear and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Saucony Triumph 21 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 6 options for men’s; 7 options for women’s
Weight: 9.8 oz (men’s); 8.8 oz (women’s)
Materials: PWRRUN+ midsole
Drop: 10 millimeters
Pros: Improvements to the cushioning system with the addition of PWRRUN+ make this a light, plush ride, while the PWRRUN sockliner keeps your foot securely in place.
Cons: Some reviewers report that the toe box is slightly narrow.

As soon as you pick up the new Saucony Triumph 21, you can literally feel the difference from earlier models. The new and enhanced PWRRUN+ foam midsole is shockingly lightweight, but still manages to provide a wonderfully cushy, plush ride under foot. Coupled with the PWRRUN+ sockliner that keeps your foot securely locked in place this is one heck of a shoe for those looking to keep their foot in a neutral position. Tack on a stylish design from 100% vegan and recycled materials and not only will your foot feel great across any distance but you’ll have a clear conscience as well.

What reviewers say: “I have been running for more years than I want to count, and if I want to keep running, I have to keep my feet happy. The Saucony Triumph 21 has the amazing PWRRun+ cushioned sole that softens every step and protects feet and knees from the possible jarring that can come from running.”

Best Neutral Cushioned Running Shoe

Asics Novablast 3 Running Shoes

Size range: 6 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 14 options for men; 13 options for women
Weight: 8.9 oz (men’s); 7.8 oz (women’s)
Materials: Flytefoam Blast PLUS Midsole
Drop: 8 millimeters
Pros: The Flytefoam Blast midsole features an over-exaggerated heel that helps neutralize your foot position while also offering a soft, smooth ride.
Cons: Quite a different ride from our normal firm expectations for Asics, but that definitely isn’t a bad thing. Just be prepared to be surprised if you’re an Asics devotee.

Coach Smith very clearly remembers when he first saw the Asics Novablast at a running conference in Austin, Texas. His eyes were immediately drawn to its eye-catching midsole with sharp geometric lines. Upon putting the shoes on, he found the step-in to be amazing yet very uncharacteristic of Asics, as the brand’s styles always offered a firmer underfoot feeling. Everything from this cushioned running shoe’s plush midsole to its nicely padded upper screams comfort. And while running in these, the experience is no different. The Flytefoam Blast midsole offers up a soft, smooth ride perfect for everyday runs, with one reviewer mentioning the style is ideal for athletes who “prefer a bouncy, cushioned feel but also like to pick up the pace a little.” With an over-exaggerated midsole under the heel and eight millimeter drop, the Novablast 3 builds on the excellence of previous models and is a great choice for rearfoot strikers seeking a neutral shoe. If you haven’t worn an Asics running shoe in a while, this is the one we suggest you try.

What Reviewers Say: “They are my current standard choice for asphalt/concrete running training. They are cushy and bouncy, while also allowing me to run faster if I choose to. I believe that thanks to these shoes I improved my running form. These are neutral shoes, and thanks to the softness of the sole foam I discovered that I’m slightly pronating, which even computer imaging of my feet did not pick up. Knowing this helped me a lot to adjust how I run as well. If you are a neutral runner, and want an upgrade over your typical beginner running trainers, these shoes should be on the top of your list.”

Best Lightweight Cushioned Running Shoe

Craft Pro Endurance Running Shoes

Size range: 8 to 13 men’s; 6 to 10 women’s
Colorways: 6 options for men’s; 5 options for women’s
Weight: 8.1 oz (men’s) | 7.4 oz (women’s)
Materials: Px Foam Midsole
Drop: 9 millimeters
Pros: The Px foam midsole is a technology normally reserved for ultralight, carbon fiber super shoes. Using it in a relatively affordable runner is a real treat.
Cons: You’re paying a premium price for a premium product, but nothing that out of line from other higher-end running shoes.

This Swedish-born sports brand is taking the U.S. running market by storm. Almost all boutique brand running shoes we’ve tested have fallen short of those from big labels, but we’ve been increasingly impressed by the quality of Craft’s running shoes — and the Pro Endurance is its best model yet, in our opinion. This max cushioned running shoes creates an outstanding ride quality that’s equal parts smooth and bouncy. The lively feeling is thanks to a premium midsole foam called Px, which is more commonly found in today’s carbon fiber super shoes. With 36 millimeters of Px under the heel, Craft doesn’t skimp on the soft stuff. And although you might think all that cushioning adds weight, the Pro Endurance comes in at just over eight ounces for men and seven ounces for women — making it one of the lightest max cushioned shoes you can buy.

What reviewers say: “I absolutely love these shoes. The way they run, the way they return energy with a quick stride. I find myself reaching for these shoes over and over. 100% recommend!”

Hoka Rincon 3 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 16 options for men’s; 14 options for women’s
Weight: 7.7 oz (men’s); 7.2 oz (women’s)
Materials: Compression molded foam midsole
Drop: 5 millimeters
Pros: Excellent cushioning and yet still lightweight enough to take out on a tempo run.
Cons: The midsole doesn’t hold up as long as other models and may require you to replace your shoes more frequently.

For fans of minimalist running shoes who don’t want to drag their feet down with the weight of materials, the Rincon 3 is a great all around shoe. It can truly meet you where you are on any given day, thanks to its extremely lightweight construction. It’s cushioned enough to be a good choice for slow recovery runs but lightweight enough to keep up with the pace of a tempo runs as well. In addition to the excellent cushioning, the midsole also features an early-stage meta-rocker that helps propel your foot forward and moves you through your stride just a bit quicker. It’s a quick, snappy ride that some reviewers also found was especially helpful in countering plantar fasciitis. The one pitfall of this model is that many reviewers — even fairly petite ones — report that the materials of the midsole breakdown faster than other models. But that doesn’t stop any of them from purchasing pair after pair, which is quite the endorsem*nt.

What reviewers say: “Very lightweight and very responsive shoes. I’ve taken them on a few 3 mile and 8-10 mile runs and they have been great on both. Good size toe box so my feet don’t feel squished.”

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Ultramarathons

Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 14 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways: 4 options for men; 4 options for women
Weight: 9.17 oz (men’s); 8.46 oz (women’s)
Materials: Energy Foam midsole
Drop: 6 millimeters
Pros: Super smooth, cushioned ride that performs well across basically any terrain and any distance.
Cons: There’s no real innovations from the original model, but we love the second generation equally.

Salomon has been known for making the best trail running shoes, but has never released a highly cushioned trail running shoe until The Salomon Ultra Glide. Now updated, the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a maximum cushioned trail running shoe ideal for ultra running or comfortable everyday trail runs. The best part of the Ultra Glide 2 is its Energy Foam midsole, featuring a newer lightweight, responsive foam created by combining a traditional EVA with Olefin. The result is a soft, smooth ride.

If you’re used to Salomon running shoes, you’ll find the Ultra Glide 2 to have a more relaxed fit through the mid and forefoot. This wider design gives your feet more room, accommodating foot swell during extra-long or hot days on the trails, and making it a great pair of shoes for wide feet. Like most maximum cushioned shoes, it doesn’t perform the best through tacky technical terrain. But when it comes to smooth single track, fire roads or even concrete roads, it offers the same smooth sailing we loved in the original Ultra Glide.

What reviewers say: “The cushion is amazing. It feels like I can run all day. Overall a great shoe, perfect for buffed-out trails/fire roads here on the Central Coast of California.”

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Long Runs

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Colorways: 12 options for men’s; 13 options for women’s
Weight: 10.3 oz (men’s); 8.3 oz (women’s)
Materials: Fresh Foam midsole
Drop: 8 millimeters
Pros: Excellent cushioning, combined with a roomy fit make this a favorite for long distances.
Cons: The sizing tends to run a bit large and you may want to order down a size.

New Balance just nailed the 1080 v12. It’s hands down the best-cushioned trainer in the New Balance suite of running shoes, and by far one of our favorites. The full-length Fresh Foam X midsole feels soft without being too mushy, hitting a happy medium of responsive cushioning. While Smith wouldn’t call the 1080v12 a lightweight shoe, it feels fairly nimble for being so thick-soled. It’s not a racing shoe, but it has the ability to respond if your competitive side takes over. The engineered knit upper is one the best Smith has ever tested. It reminds him somewhat of Nike’s Flyknit or Adidas’ Primeknit upper. It’s soft, stretchy and super comfortable and accommodating to a wide array of foot shapes.

This would be a great option for runners who struggle to find wide enough shoes due to the stretchy nature of the upper. One thing to point out is Smith found the 1080v12 to run on the larger side, which is odd because typically he finds New Balance shoes to run small. Was it so drastically large he needed a smaller size? No. But if you’re in between sizes, he suggests opting for the smaller size.

What reviewers say: “This is my fourth pair of NB 1080s. I have had the v10s, 2 pairs of v11s, and now this pair of v12s. I love the support in the footbed, and I love the colors.”

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Trail Running

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 11 options for men’s;12 options for women’s
Weight: 10.3 oz (men’s); 8.5 oz (women’s)
Materials: EVA foam midsole
Drop: 4 millimeters
Pros: Hands down the most comfortable trail shoe out there, that conveniently also performs really well on roads.

There’s a reason the Speedgoat is Hoka’s number one selling trail shoe — it’s just so darn comfortable. If we were stuck on an island filled with the world’s best running trails, the Speedgoat would most certainly be the one shoe we would want to bring. Not only is it a great trail shoe, but it doubles as a super cushioned road shoe as well — making it one of the best hybrid shoes around. Not much has changed from previous iterations that affects how this shoe runs, so if you’re a fan of the Speedgoat 4, expect a slightly lighter but similar underfoot feel. Small details were added to the outsole lugs to create more surface area to grip dirt and rock better. Further upgrades include a flexible elastic strategically placed at the start of the laces above the widest part of your foot to allow the upper to expand — a welcoming addition for those ultra-long runs when your feet start to swell or for when you need winter running shoes.

What reviewers say: “3rd pair — I’ll never wear anything else.”

Altra Olypus 5 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Colorways: 6 options for men’s;7 options for women’s
Weight: 12.3 oz (men’s); 10.4 oz (women’s)
Materials: Balanced cushioning midsole
Drop: 0 millimeters

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For long, slow trail runs there is no better shoe out there than the Altra Olympus 5. It’s heavier than many cushioned running shoes and is not nimble by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re looking for cushion over rocky and varied terrain, this is an excellent option. These shoes offer excellent cushioning thanks to the thick 33 mm Balanced Cushioning midsole but where they really excel is in underfoot traction. They feature a Vibram outsole and super deep canted lugs that are purposefully placed underneath the metatarsals to provide even more traction than usual. If you’re willing to spend a bit extra to keep your foot comfortable over any terrain, the Altra Olympus 5 is the shoe for you.

What reviewers say: “These are hands down the best running shoes that I’ve ever purchased – they fit my feet perfectly. I have a wide forefoot (thanks to ski boots), high arch, high instep, and narrow heel and even hoka’s weren’t as comfortable. Not to mention I can easily fit my superfeet orthotics in them.”

Best Cushioned Running for Plantar Fasciitis

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoes

Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Colorways: 11 options for men’s;11 options for women’s
Weight: 10.1 oz (men’s); 9.1 oz (women’s)
Materials: DNA Loft V2 midsole
Drop: 12 millimeters
Pros: With an official distinction from the American Podiatric Medical Association, there’s no doubt that this is an excellent shoe for fighting plantar fasciitis, now with an improved foam midsole.
Cons: Some runners report that the laces come undone too easily and should be replaced.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS has been beloved by runners for its excellent support for over 20 years. And there is a reason for that staying power. The latest model features the brand’s GuideRail technology and work to keep extra movement in check by keeping you closer to your natural stride even when you get tired. They provide next level support (and relief) for your hips, knees and, especially, feet–as endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

The midsole is built up a bit more than other models which is great for your alignment and countering plantar fasciitis. Not only are these some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, but they’re also top cushioned running shoes for flat feet, wide feet, and even bad knees as well. And with improvements to Brooks’ DNA Loft cushioning in the midsole, the ride is softer and lighter than ever.

What reviewers say: “These are my second pair of Adrenaline GTS, I did a six mile run straight out of the box.”

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Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Wide Feet

On Cloudmonster Running Shoes

Size Range: 7 to 14 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways: 8 options for men’s; 8 options for women’s
Weight: 9.7 oz (men’s); 8.1 oz (women’s)
Materials: CloudTec midsole
Drop: 6 millimeters
Pros: Lightweight and ultra-cushioned thanks to On’s innovative CloudTec midsoles
Cons: They’re on the high end of the price spectrum.

On has absolutely exploded onto the running scene. Its unique-looking running shoes feature holes in the sole, (or as On calls them, “CloudTec”) that create a one-of-a-kind feeling. We’ve found most On running shoes have a firmer underfoot ride, but the Cloudmonster is an exception. Just as its name suggests, this shoe is packed with plush cushioning. These are by far Coach Smith’s favorite On running shoes. They offer a fun, bouncy feel with every stride, and considering how lightweight they are, they make a great long-run, uptempo or even race day shoe when comfort is a top priority.

What reviewers say: “I just ran my first half marathon with these monsters! They felt amazing and my time was much better than expected. I love all the cushy room in the toe box. Well done, On!”

Best Stability Cushioned Running Shoe

Saucony Guide 16 Running Shoes

Size Range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 7 options for men’s; 8 options for women’s
Weight: 8.8 oz (men’s); 7.8 oz (women’s)
Materials: PWRRUN midsole
Drop: 8 millimeters
Pros: Huge recent improvements to the cushioning make this classic stability shoe and excellent choice all around now.
Cons: They are definitely not winterized, even on light rain days reviewers report ending their runs with very wet feet.

Up until 2022, the Guide was well regarded for being an excellent stability shoe, but fell a little flat if you were looking for extra cushioning. Not so anymore! With the removal of the Hurricane from their line, Saucony has substantially upped the cushioning on the Guide, making it one of their most cushioned models, which is great for runners who are looking for stability running shoes. The Hollow Tech media support system provides a lighter, less intrusive version of a traditional post that helps guide your foot forward–hence this models name. Couple that with the excellent PWRRUN cushioned midsole and you have a stability shoe that should be high on your list for consideration.

What reviewers say: “Great shoe for stability and comfort, helps with plantar fasciitis!”

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Trail Racing

Hoka Tecton X2Shoes

Size Range: 7 to 14 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways: 4 options for men’s; 4 options for women’s
Weight: 8.8 oz (men’s); 7.4 oz (women’s)
Materials: EVA Foam midsole
Drop: 5 millimeters
Pros: Huge improvements to weight with the addition of the Matryx upper do not sacrifice traction or comfort in the slightest.
Cons: There is no water-proofing which means these are best for drier months.

If the colorways alone don’t convince you that the Hoka Tecton X2 is a showstopper shoe, you’ll be converted from the moment you pick it up. This is a trail runner? Impossible! It’s too light!
In a category notorious for weighty materials, Hoka has made a breakthrough with their new Matryx upper. The Hoka Tecton X2 manages to provide all of the traction and durability you would expect out of a trail shoe thanks to the Vibram sole and the rigidity and protection of the carbon fiber plates. But when you marry that with the excellent EVA foam cushioning the brand is widely known for and the new Matryx upper, you have one heck of a lightweight, fast shoe that is still almost impossibly grippy. It’s ideal for racing across rough terrain but we also found it to be an excellent choice for any surface as we found our way to the trail. And the cushioning truly does live up to the brand’s standard. This is a shoe that feels comfortable across any surface and any distance.

What reviewers say: “This is the best trail running shoe from Hoka that I’ve run in. It has perfect cushioning great traction and responsive propulsion. I have owned every version of the speed goat including the Evo speed goat, which in my opinion, was the best trail running shoe Hoka ever made. The Tecton X2 has taken that top number one spot for me in trail running shoes.”

Best Nike Cushioned Running Shoe

Nike Invincible 3 Run Flyknit Running Shoes

Size range: 6 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways: 4 options for men’s; 3 options for women’s
Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s); 9.1 oz (women’s)
Materials: ZoomX midsole
Drop: 9 millimeters
Pros: ZoomX foam, a wide forefoot, and a Flyknit upper make this an exceptionally comfortable shoe for when your feet truly need a break.
Cons: It’s pretty heavy, but that’s why we prefer it for our slow recovery runs.

Nike’s ZoomX foam is distinguished. It’s extremely soft, highly responsive and allows for an oh-so smooth ride. So, it’s no surprise that when Nike first made a maximum cushioned everyday trainer with nothing but ZoomX, it would become an instant classic. Featuring a hefty dose of ZoomX under the heel (36 millimeters), the Invincible 3 is perfect for everything from uptempo long runs to recovery runs.

It has an exaggerated, wide forefoot that allows for a more stable ride and makes it one of the best cushioned running shoes with a wide toe box. You would think a shoe this wide and thick-soled would be a drag, but it’s not at all. Thanks to the bouncy foam and slight rockered forefoot, heel-to-toe transitions are made smooth and snappy. While all the softness underfoot lessens the impact, the Flyknit upper wraps your foot in complete comfort.

What reviewers say: “The ZoomX foam is the star here. Very, very cushy and yet reasonably responsive for all the cushioning. This shoe is about as easy on my legs as any shoe I’ve ever worn.”