The Best Cushioned Running Shoes, Right Now
Comfortable, cushioned running shoes built for daily training, recovery runs, and keeping your legs feeling fresh across all distances.
How I chose the best cushioned running shoes for this list
When I test cushioned running shoes, I’m looking for more than just softness underfoot, I’m focused on comfort, durability, and how well they support daily training across a mix of easy runs, recovery miles, and longer efforts.
Every shoe featured here has been personally tested by me in real training sessions, so you can trust that the recommendations are based on experience.
I stay objective and independent with every review you read here or watch on my YouTube channel. My goal is to help you find the right cushioned shoe for your training; not just the latest model that's trending.
If you purchase gear through links in this article, I may earn a small affiliate commission. For my training tools, exclusive content, free newsletter, and more perks become a member, (it's free!). -Alastair ✌🏼
What are cushioned running shoes for?
Cushioned running shoes are designed to absorb impact, reduce fatigue, and keep your legs feeling fresher across various types of training runs.
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They're ideal for runners who want a more forgiving ride, whether you're heading out for easy daily miles, longer weekend runs, or active recovery days.
Unlike lightweight racing shoes that prioritize speed, cushioned trainers focus on comfort and shock absorption. They can be especially helpful if you're logging higher weekly mileage due to marathon training, coming back from injury, or simply prefer a softer feel underfoot.
Key features of cushioned running shoes:
- Plush midsole foam: Often using lightweight, high-rebound materials like EVA blends or super foams that soften landings without feeling overly heavy.
- Impact protection: Designed to minimize the jarring forces that build up over longer distances.
- Comfortable fit: Uppers usually offer plenty of padding around the collars, heel and tongue, along with relatively breathable materials for all-season running.
- Durability: Built to handle lots of mileage without the cushioning breaking down too quickly.
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3 benefits of cushioned running shoes:
- Reduced fatigue: Softer landings can help delay muscle soreness, especially during longer or slower runs.
- Injury prevention: Extra cushioning can take pressure off joints, making them a good option for anyone prone to knee, hip, or lower back discomfort.
- More enjoyable miles: If you find yourself dreading high-impact runs, cushioned shoes can make running feel smoother and less punishing.
If you're unsure which type of running shoe suits you best, a gait analysis at a specialty running store can give you more personalized insights based on your form and stride, OR, just let me know your situation in the comments and I'll reply with some top picks for you.
All weights listed in this roundup are based on my own size US(M)9 test pairs.
11. Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Price: $200 at Brooks
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review: still max cushion, with a refined roll
A 45mm stack daily trainer built for easy and long miles, with a secure upper, aggressive toe spring, and an outsole that is made to last.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium | Weight: 11.2oz (318g) | Drop: 6mm
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a max-cushioned daily trainer built for runners who want huge underfoot protection, soft landings, and easy miles that leave their legs feeling fresher.
Its full-length DNA Tuned midsole delivers deep cushioning that stays consistent rather than overly mushy, while the GlideRoll Rocker and pronounced toe spring help keep transitions smooth and rolling forward with very little effort.
Compared with the original, it feels a little more structured and secure, with a more dialed-in upper and an outsole that looks even more durable, but it's not as plush now. It’s a great choice for recovery runs, easy daily mileage, and long runs where comfort and protection matter more than speed.
10. Saucony Triumph 24
Price: $170 at Saucony
Saucony Triumph 24 review: lighter, softer, better
Saucony swapped the foam, dropped the weight, and fixed the upper. Is the Triumph 24 the best version of this plush daily trainer yet?
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size with more volume than the 23 | Width: Medium | Weight: 8.6oz (244g) | Drop: 10mm (43mm heel / 33mm forefoot)
The Saucony Triumph 24 is the best version of Saucony's plush neutral trainer yet, and the biggest reason is the new incrediLUX foam: a gentle sink-in feel at every footfall that never bottoms out or goes mushy when you push off.
The transformation is the weight. My pair came in at 8.6oz, a full 1.4oz lighter than the 23, and you feel those grams at every transition; the ride is livelier and more energetic than a max-cushion shoe has any right to be. The upper finally breathes properly on hot runs too.
If you're a heel striker, a heavier runner, or you just want deep, protective cushioning for slower daily miles, this is one of the most enjoyable plush trainers you can buy right now. My only real gripes: the 10mm drop, and a squeaky insert on my pair that a dab of glue fixes.
9. On Cloudsurfer Max
Price: $180 at On
On Cloudsurfer Max review: A Touch Softer for Long Runs
This latest addition to the Cloudsurfer range, offers max cushioning and an updated fit for relaxed long miles on the road.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium to Wide | Weight: 10.3oz / 292g | Drop: 6mm
The On Cloudsurfer Max is On’s latest max-cushioned daily trainer and a direct successor to the Cloudeclipse. It delivers a soft ride thanks to its double layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning and wide platform, making it ideal for long, easy miles or recovery days.
The upper sees small refinements, like a better-fitting tongue and flatter collar, while keeping the same roomy fit and step-in comfort. It runs a bit heavier than some alternatives, but offers a soft, protective ride that settles in nicely after a short break-in period. Great for runners who want comfort and stability without the need for speed.
8. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Price: $165 at REI.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Review | Alastair Running
Max cushion, stable ride, and surprising responsiveness; how the Nimbus 27 refines comfort without feeling slow or overly soft.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium (Wide version available) | Weight: 10.6oz (301g) | Drop: 8mm
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 refines what a max-cushioned daily trainer can be; plush, yet stable and surprisingly responsive. The reformulated FF Blast+ Eco midsole with PureGEL™ cushioning delivers soft landings without the sluggish, “marshmallow” feel some max-cushioned shoes can have.
It’s smooth, balanced, and keeps transitions feeling natural, helped by ASICS finally getting the heel bevel right.
With a wider base, the Nimbus 27 feels steady underfoot, making it a great choice for heel strikers or anyone seeking extra joint protection during longer runs. The ride feels controlled and consistent across paces, whether cruising recovery miles or stretching into long-distance efforts.
7. HOKA Bondi 9
Price: $175 at REI
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Fit: True to size | Width: Medium with a good amount of volume | Weight: 10.9 oz (309g) | Drop: 5mm
The Hoka Bondi 9 is a soft, max-cushioned trainer built for easy runs, recovery miles, and long days on your feet. Its supercritical foam midsole and MetaRocker™ geometry create a smooth, stable ride with excellent shock absorption, making it a top choice for high-mileage runners, walkers, and anyone craving serious underfoot comfort.
6. Brooks Ghost Max 3
Price: $150 at Brooksrunning.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)
Brooks Ghost Max 3 review: Subtle Tweaks, Big Improvements
Roomier, cooler, and more cushioned, Brooks refines the Ghost Max formula with subtle upgrades that make all the difference.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size, but roomy | Width: Medium-wide | Weight: 10.8oz / 306g | Drop: 6mm
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a max-cushioned daily trainer designed for comfort and brings support on easy runs and long walks. Its DNA Loft v3 foam delivers a soft, stable ride, while the improved mesh upper keeps things cooler and more breathable than before.
The fit is roomy, especially in the heel and forefoot, making it a strong option for wider feet or anyone who likes a bit more space. While it’s not built for speed, the Ghost Max 3 excels at providing smooth, reliable cushioning for steady, relaxed miles day after day.
5. Saucony Hurricane 26
Price: $170 at Saucony
Saucony Hurricane 26 review: lighter, softer, livelier
Lighter, softer, and more responsive thanks to new incrediLUX foam. Saucony’s max-cushion stability trainer gets its most enjoyable update in years.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size with a roomier toe box than the 25 | Width: Medium & Wide | Weight: 9.3oz (264g) | Drop: 6mm (41mm heel / 35mm forefoot)
The Saucony Hurricane 26 is the most enjoyable version of Saucony's max-cushion stability trainer yet, and it now sits at #1 in my best stability running shoes roundup.
The new incrediLUX top-layer foam over the dual-density PWRRUN frame lands noticeably softer than the 25 and gives a touch more energy back at toe-off, while CenterPath Technology keeps the guidance gentle rather than corrective. At 9.3oz it's a meaningful 1.2oz lighter than the 25, so it no longer feels like a heavy stability tank on long, easy miles.
The roomier, more breathable upper is the change you'll feel every run. Mild-to-moderate overpronators get plush protection with quiet support; supinators should pick a neutral option from this list instead.
4. Nike Vomero 18
Price: $155 at Dick's Sporting Goods / Sportsshoes.com (UK)
Nike Vomero 18 Review: Cloud Comfort For Long, Easy Miles
A smooth, max-cushioned daily trainer that keeps things soft, stable, and comfy during recovery / long runs.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium with a roomy toe box | Weight: 10.9oz (309g) | Drop: 10mm
The Nike Vomero 18 is a smooth, max-cushioned daily trainer that excels during recovery runs, long miles, and slower-paced efforts when comfort is the main goal.
Its dual-layer midsole (ZoomX on top of ReactX), offers plush cushioning without feeling unstable or overly mushy. The ReactX base helps keep things feeling structured and balanced, while the wide platform and rocker geometry make transitions feel easy and natural.
Step-in comfort is excellent thanks to the plush collar and tongue, and the roomy toe box is a rare bonus for a Nike shoe.
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