Cushioned shoes provide both the comfort and support you need tacking on miles whether you’re a beginner or experienced runner. We take for granted what our bodies are capable of with just one step; the impact of running can range from 2.5 to even 5 times a person’s body weight with each foot strike. A cushioned running shoe acts as a buffer for the constant pounding you subject your body too, and helps you cover faster thanks to that support.
At Runner’s World, our gear team tests all levels of foam in the crop of shoes that brands release every season. We’ve tested lightweight, daily trainers, stability shoes, and cushioned styles, to all kinds of cushioned running shoes which are specific to racing, everyday training, or recovery miles. Knowing foams only reveals a partial picture in finding your perfect cushioned pair. Thanks to our staff and team of run testers of various running levels, paces, and weekly mileage, we developed a list to help you find the best cushioned shoe that works for you and the types of workouts for your training plan.
Quick Glance: The Best Cushioned Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Brooks Glycerin 23 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Value: New Balance Ellipse v1(Men’s/Women’s)
- Most Responsive Ride: Adidas Hyperboost Edge (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Stability: Nike Structure Plus (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Low Drop: Altra Fwd Via 2 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Lightweight Option: Brooks Glycerin Flex (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Pro (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Racing: Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 (unisex)
- Best for Underpronators: Asics Megablast (unisex)
- Best for Trails: Hoka Mafate X (Men’s/Women’s)
How We Selected
For 60 years, Runner’s World has been one of the premier publications for runners, including walkers, joggers, sprinters, trail runners, marathoners, and more. Recommending high-performance running gear has long been a core part of our mission. Our gear team tests the latest and greatest running equipment, from running shoes and clothes to treadmills and running watches.
As the running reviews editor and a lifelong runner, I selected these shoes based on my personal expertise and feedback from our editors and wear-test team. We solicit feedback from our shoe testing program, which curates impressions from more than 300 local runners from all different backgrounds to make sure we get a wide variety of perspectives.
These shoes earned high praise for their excellent padding and strong running performance wherever we wore them, be it road or trail, workouts or races, marathons or short tempo runs.
Full Reviews
Brooks Glycerin 23
Pros
- Added cushioning in the forefoot provides balanced, supportive ride
- DNA Tuned foam is responsive and durable
Cons
- A touch heavy compared to standard daily trainers
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 38 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 30 mm |
Formerly Brooks’s most cushioned trainer (that mantle now belongs to the Glycerin Max) the Glycerin 23 is one of our favorite daily trainers. It’s just a smidge heavier than the Ghost 17 and is upgraded with light and responsive DNA Tuned foam. The shoe is a personal favorite of mine for long runs on our valley’s hilly back roads.
DNA Tuned has dual-cell technology, which means small foam cells in the forefoot and larger cells in the heel. This technology softens landings and promotes a responsive ride. The Glycerin 23 has 2mm more nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned cushioning in the forefoot for a more balanced platform. Compared to the Ghost, the shoe also has a wider base to provide a stable ride.
For even more stability, you can try the Glycerin GTS 23, which has Brooks’s guide rails system to help with overpronation.
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Plush feel
- Available in wider widths
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Not intended for speedwork
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 38 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 30 mm |
The Ellipse v1 gets its plush ride from Fresh Foam X, a midsole foam found in several of New Balance’s most popular shoes, including the 880 and 1080. But the new Ellipse features a retooled version of the foam; it’s softer, bouncier, and has new geometry.
“Where [the retooled Fresh Foam X] starts to come into play is when you really start to flip the shoe over, wherein the foam bounces back in the negative space behind the outsole,” said New Balance Senior Global Project Manager Paul Zielinski.
The springy foam provides a trampoline-like bounce and embodies that feeling you get running with friends; the whole point of the Ellipse v1 is to make your runs easier.
“Because I mostly run on hard roads and sidewalks, I want a shoe that feels like a firm pillow,” said RW News Director Andrew Daniels. “This gets me there without feeling clunky or like I was stuck in the mud. It felt adequate for medium-length runs; the foam didn’t seem to pack down or get hard midway through.”
Shop Men’s at newbalance.comShop Women’s at newbalance.com
Adidas Hyperboost Edge
Pros
- Lightweight despite beefiness
- Smooth, bouncy ride
Cons
- Lacing system difficult for some
- A few testers described the upper material as “rough”
| Weight | 9 oz (M9.5), 7.8 oz (7.5W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Height | 45 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 39 mm |
Adidas is one of the leading innovators when it comes to shoe tech. This year’s London Marathon showed everyone on a world stage what the brand was cooking after Sebastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha both broke two hours wearing the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. But the brand is always leading the way in cushioned tech for the rest of us.
The Hyperboost Edge introduces three modes of the Three Stripes tech made to heighten a cushioned ride for runners of all paces: PEBA-based Hyperboost Pro foam, secure Primeweave upper, and full-length grippy Lighttraction outsole. It’s a max-cushioned super trainer without a stiff plate sandwiched inside.
“I came in with high expectations, and thankfully, the Hyperboost Edge delivered,” said shoe tester Dee Koutsourais. “This shoe really shines as a crossover option for runners who want something that works both on the run and in everyday life. It’s responsive enough for easy mileage, durable enough to handle regular training, and comfortable enough that you could leave it on all day without thinking twice. The upper feels breathable and lightweight, with a snug, secure fit that wraps the foot nicely. It’s the kind of shoe you lace up and forget about.”
Shop Men’s at adidas.com | Shop Women’s at adidas.com
Nike Structure Plus
Pros
- Maximum cushioning throughout midsole
- Support system for overpronators
Cons
- Some testers found the shoe too heavy and cumbersome
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 10.8 oz (M10), 8.2 oz (W7) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Height | 42 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 32 mm |
When I was on a call with Nike getting the rundown on the Structure Plus, I couldn’t get over this thought: Why would I ever choose the Structure 26 now that there’s the Structure Plus?
The latter is lighter than the Structure 26 despite 4mm more cushioning in the midsole. Unlike the Structure 26, which only has ReactX, the Structure Plus has a top foam of ZoomX—the PEBA foam in Nike’s racing shoes. The geometry of the midsole is also wider to promote stability. The convex flat shape of the sidewall and denseness underneath the arch help with overpronation. And this stability feature isn’t intrusive. Neutral runners can also reap the benefits of a little more support and experience a high rebound ride with a layer of super foam.
One tester who suffers from plantar fasciitis appreciated the balanced cushioning of the Structure Plus, saying the shoe provided excellent support for her arch. Another tester, who overpronates and has a flat arch, was “pleasantly surprised” by the midfoot cushioning and stability of the shoe.
All this isn’t to say you shouldn’t consider the Structure 26. The trainer is a more accessible price at $140, and testers loved the shoe for its comfort, stability, and do-it-all workhorse ride.
Shop Men’s at nike.com | Shop Women’s at nike.com
Pros
- Plush, cushioned ride perfect for long runs and those who need more support
- Soft upper with padded heel collar and tongue
- Lightweight despite max-cushioned midsole
Cons
- Midsole not as responsive, not a super trainer—but still delivers a nice bounce
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Heel Height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 33 mm |
The Altra Fwd Via 2 provides a generous bed of foam underfoot without being too marshmallowy or too high stacked. At 37mm, low for this day-and-age, the shoe provides a supportive ride with rocker geometry for smooth toe-off.
It’s a great intro shoe if you’re new to zero-drop. The 4mm offset—approximately the height of two nickels stacked on top of each other—helps provide some heel lift so the sensation isn’t totally flat while running on the road.
The Fwd Via 2 is made with Altra’s original last (foot mold), which translates to a wider width. Runners who suffer from bunions or who are prone to friction in the toe area will appreciate the wide toebox.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Brooks Glycerin Flex
Pros
- Lightweight yet plush cushioning
- Responsive ride for all kinds of workouts
Cons
- Some testers wanted a gusseted tongue for a more secure fit
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Height | 36 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 30 mm |
The Glycerin Flex pulls a magic trick by providing a cushioned ride in a lightweight, streamlined package. If the Glycerin Max is Brooks’s most cushioned shoe, the Glycerin Flex is the brand’s most flexible max cushioned trainer.
The heel and forefoot are slightly decoupled, allowing your feet to flex as you run, which was inspired by the natural decoupling of the joint between the ankle and heel bones. The effect: more control to the wearer instead of working against a stiff shoe.
“Overall, I rated the Brooks Glycerin Flex as above average,” said tester Lindsay Vuong. “It is a very comfortable, highly cushioned shoe that delivers a plush feel right out of the box. It includes soft interior padding and an adaptive knit upper that provides a personalized fit.
“The shoe utilizes a flex groove to provide more natural foot movement throughout the stride. The shoe can be nearly folded in half, but this flexibility also requires more attention to form for less experienced runners. The wide platform, generous heel cushioning, and secure upper help add some much-needed stability. I tested the shoe both on the treadmill and outdoors in cold winter conditions, running at a moderate pace.”
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Pros
- SCF midsole enhances ride with more rebound and comfort
- More shock absorption than CMEVA foam
- Secure fit
Cons
- SCF midsole isn’t as responsive as PEBA, TPEE, TPU foams
- Slightly narrower in the midfoot
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 42 mm (M), 38 mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 34 mm (M), 30 mm (W) |
The Clifton gets the “pro” treatment with a cushier iteration that has a supercritical foam midsole. In place of CMEVA (compression-molded EVA foam), the Clifton Pro has a SCF (supercritical foam) platform that feels both denser and softer. The foam allows you to log your high-performance workouts in the Pro. Have a speed day or long run with a few marathon-paced miles thrown in? The Clifton Pro is your go-to shoe.
On all other levels, the trainer is freakishly similar to the Clifton 11: same stack heights, same drop. The weight is just tenths of an ounce heavier but the responsive foam and aggressive Meta-Rocker make that tenths of extra weight an afterthought.
Though it’s not the most responsive shoe everyday trainer we’ve tested because SCF is still ol’ EVA, we liken the Clifton Pro to an elevated version of an everyday shoe that can take on more strenous workouts.
Shop Men’s at hoka.com | Shop Women’s at hoka.com
Pros
- Hoka's lightest super shoe
- Redesigned midsole helps smooth transitions
Cons
- Too thick and bouncy for some runners
- Floppy tongue bunches up when you put the shoe on
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz (M10), 6.2 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 7 mm |
| Heel Height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 30 mm |
The Cielo X1 3.0 is a super shoe that is giving Hoka athletes an edge against competitors. Just check out Alex Masai, who had a breakthrough performance at last year’s Chicago Marathon wearing the shoe, podiuming third with a time of 2:04:37.
Hoka made a couple of upgrades to the Cielo X1 3.0; the shoe is approximately a half ounce lighter and the midsole geometry is flattened out to make transitions smoother.
“A little bit less banana shape,” said Senior Director of Product Bekah Broe in an interview with RW. “Think a little bit more canoe.”
Compared to the Rocket X 3, the Cielo X1 3.0 has a more aggressive ride. If you need a firmer, stabler racer, you’ll want to try the Rocket X 3. But no matter which shoe you pick, rest assured your legs and feet will be protected from hours of foot pounding, thanks to Hoka’s generous cushioning.
Asics Megablast
Pros
- Supportive cushioning for tough workouts
- Bounciest foam
Cons
- Bulky
- Cushioning too soft and spongy for some
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.6 oz (M), 6.6 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 46 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 38 mm |
“Mega” is the right word in describing this shoe—along with “blast.” The shoe is a titan at 46 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot. The initial feel is bulky, but the bounciness of the ride almost negates its beefiness. Our testers did cite some exhaustion, however, when their runs went long.
“I loved that I knew 100 percent if I wore this shoe the day after pushing a hard workout, I wasn’t going to get beat up more on my recovery run. The fit was also perfect,” said tester Josh Davis, who averages 30 miles a week at a seven-minute pace. “[However,] sometimes at the end of double digit mile runs, I feel like I could feel the bulk of the shoe.”
Despite the Megablast’s heftiness, testers loved its responsive ride and how its cushioning absorbed impact.
“This shoe has the most cushioning of any shoe I’ve ever run in before and I really enjoyed it,” said tester Krista Hohenshilt. “I think it would’ve been adequate for longer runs, if the toebox was wider. Despite being soft, the shoes still feel very responsive and springy. These shoes are also great and comfortable just for walking around town on hard surfaces.”
Shop Men’s at asics.com | Shop Women’s at asics.com
Pros
- Wide, roomy toebox great for toe-splaying
- Soft, supportive ride over long stretches of technical trail
Cons
- Chunky; heavy for some testers
| Weight | 12.1 oz (M10), 8.3 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 7 mm (M) |
| Heel Height | 49 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 42 mm |
The Hoka Mafate X is a macho trail fiend with an almost-50mm stack height and midsole powered by PEBA. You’ll get a firm hold blazing the trails thanks to the pizza- and taco-shaped lugs on the outsole. The food shapes are an homage to Hoka’s ultrarunning roots.
Testers loved the ride and protection the Mafate X provided. One such tester also praised the accommodating fit in the toe area. Her first run testing the shoe was at a 5K.
“These were literally from box to 5K within a few hours with absolutely zero break-in,” said tester Jen Long. “I was pleasantly surprised. After completing the run I had no complaints really, no traction issues, and everything was really good. This specific 5K that I did was mostly flat on loose gravel.”
Though the Mafate X felt too heavy for long runs for, uh, Long, other testers said the shoe served well for hours on the trail, with one saying the shoe was ideal for running ultras.
“If someone told me tomorrow I needed to run 100 miles on rocky terrain I would run in this shoe hands-down without question,” said Sean O’Connor.
Shop Men’s at hoka.com | Shop Women’s at hoka.com
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Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
