Best Cushioning Running Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest for cushioning by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All shoes
148 shoes · page 2 of 7 · includes daily trainers, supershoes, racing shoes, trail shoes and track spikes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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#25 Brooks
Ghost Max 396 Excellent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 88/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of two reviewers so far, running 45 miles a week, calls it very durable and stable.
Overall 96 Comfort 94$110 $160 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall96Durability98Cushioning96Comfort94Value87Appearance74Confidence88Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $110 31% offDick's $130 19% offMSRP $160
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
One of two reviewers so far, running 45 miles a week, calls it very durable and stable.
Both reviewers so far rate durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
The Ghost Max and Ghost Max 2 before it score 97 and 96, against 88 here on two reviews.
One of two reviewers finds it runs big, and appearance draws 3.5 out of 5.
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#26 Saucony
Triumph 2496 Excellent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 86/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The Triumph 22 and 23 before it score 98 and 91.
Overall 96 Comfort 90Overall96Cushioning96Durability95Comfort90Value80Appearance78Confidence86Pros
The Triumph 22 and 23 before it score 98 and 91.
Both reviewers so far rate durability and appearance 5 out of 5.
Cons
Scores in the Triumph line have fallen from 99 for the Triumph 21 to 86 for this version.
Value draws the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, at 3.5 out of 5.
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#27 HOKA
Mach X 396 Excellent Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 83/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral
Comfort and cushioning both rate 4.7 out of 5 in the three reviews so far.
Overall 96 Comfort 94Overall96Cushioning96Comfort94Appearance78Durability74Value72Confidence83Pros
Comfort and cushioning both rate 4.7 out of 5 in the three reviews so far.
One of three reviewers so far uses it for track work and finds it supportive.
The Mach X and Mach X 2 before it both score 99, on forty-seven and eleven reviews.
Cons
Durability and value draw the lowest ratings of the three reviews so far, both at 3.7 out of 5.
One of three reviewers rates the value 2 out of 5.
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#28 HOKA
Rocket X 295 Excellent Cushioning · 18 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz · 5mm drop · 37mm stack
Reviewers report durability holding up well past 100 miles.
Overall 95 Comfort 96Overall95Durability97Comfort96Cushioning95Value93Appearance80Confidence91Pros
Reviewers report durability holding up well past 100 miles.
Runners use it from 5k races to marathons and tempo workouts.
At 7.5 oz on a 37mm heel stack.
Cons
At 7.5 oz it is heavier than most carbon-plated racers.
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#29 ASICS
GEL-Kayano 3395 Excellent Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Daily trainer · Stability
Comfort and cushioning both rate 4.8 out of 5 across five reviewers.
Overall 95 Comfort 90Overall95Cushioning95Comfort90Durability83Appearance71Value56Confidence91Pros
Comfort and cushioning both rate 4.8 out of 5 across five reviewers.
One reviewer, in Kayanos since the 1990s, says the wide version suits flatter, wider feet.
The GEL-Kayano 30 scores 99 on fifty-eight reviews.
Cons
Durability and value are its lowest-rated dimensions at 4.0 out of 5, and one reviewer wishes for cooler colorways.
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#30 HOKA
Arahi 895 Excellent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 84/100
Daily trainer · Stability
The one reviewer so far rates comfort, cushioning and durability 5 out of 5.
Overall 95 Comfort 85Overall95Cushioning95Comfort85Durability76Value70Appearance60Confidence84Pros
The one reviewer so far rates comfort, cushioning and durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
The Arahi 6 scores 91 on thirty-eight reviews, well clear of every other version in the line including this one.
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#31 HOKA
Skyward X95 Excellent Cushioning · 4 reviews · Confidence 81/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.6 oz (men's) · 5mm drop · 49mm stack
Reviewers praise the cushioning for long runs and easy recovery miles.
Overall 95 Comfort 81Overall95Cushioning95Durability83Comfort81Appearance75Value64Confidence81Pros
Reviewers praise the cushioning for long runs and easy recovery miles.
One reviewer says the carbon plate adds snap for tempo efforts.
A 49mm heel stack, the tallest among shoes on sale, on a 5mm drop.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far at 3.8 out of 5, against a $225 list price.
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#32 PUMA
Magnify Nitro 395 Excellent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 68/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers so far rate cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 95 Comfort 80Overall95Cushioning95Durability82Comfort80Value77Appearance72Confidence68Pros
Both reviewers so far rate cushioning 5 out of 5.
One of two reviewers so far calls it an excellent shoe.
Cons
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far at 3.5 out of 5, and comfort 4.0.
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#33 New Balance
1080v1594 Excellent Cushioning · 6 reviews · Confidence 90/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.1 oz
Comfort averages 4.5 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far, and cushioning 4.4.
Overall 94 Comfort 93Overall94Cushioning94Comfort93Durability74Appearance74Value54Confidence90Pros
Comfort averages 4.5 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far, and cushioning 4.4.
One reviewer, buying their seventh pair of 1080s, calls it the same reliable shoe.
Light for the category at 9.0 oz in the men's and 7.1 oz in the women's.
Cons
Durability averages 3.7 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far, with two of them marking it a 2.
Value averages 3.5 out of 5, the weakest of its categories.
The three versions before it score 97, 90 and 97 here, on twenty-five, twenty-seven and twenty-eight reviews.
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#34 HOKA
Rincon 494 Excellent Cushioning · 6 reviews · Confidence 89/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.3 oz
At 8.3 oz, light for a daily trainer.
Overall 94 Comfort 80Overall94Cushioning94Value83Comfort80Appearance78Durability72Confidence89Pros
At 8.3 oz, light for a daily trainer.
One reviewer calls the cushioning protective without being squishy, closer to shoes of ten years ago.
It lists at $125, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One reviewer says it scuffs easily and finds it a bit pricey for a trainer.
One reviewer finds it stiff at first because of the thick outsole.
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#35 ASICS
Novablast 694 Excellent Cushioning · 4 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers who rate cushioning give it 5 out of 5.
Overall 94 Comfort 74Overall94Cushioning94Comfort74Value73Durability66Appearance60Confidence87Pros
Both reviewers who rate cushioning give it 5 out of 5.
One reviewer says it feels great and pushes you forward.
The Novablast 3, 4 and 5 all score in the high nineties, on 149 reviews between them.
Cons
Durability draws the lowest ratings of any dimension in the three reviews so far, at 3.0 out of 5.
One reviewer, who also owns the Novablast 4 and 5, says those lose their bounce quickly.
Both reviewers who rate value give it 3 out of 5.
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#36 PUMA
MagMax Nitro94 Excellent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.8 oz (men's) · 8mm drop
A 47mm heel stack at 8.8 oz, the third tallest stack among shoes on sale.
Overall 94 Comfort 93Overall94Value98Appearance96Cushioning94Comfort93Durability91Confidence87Pros
A 47mm heel stack at 8.8 oz, the third tallest stack among shoes on sale.
Both reviewers so far rate comfort, cushioning and durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
It lists at $180, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Value and appearance draw the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, both at 4.5 out of 5.
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#37 New Balance
1080 v394 Excellent Cushioning · 10 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.8 oz (men's) · 8mm drop · 30mm stack
Comfort averages 4.5 out of 5 across ten reviews, and one reviewer cites the cushioning for daily miles on concrete.
Overall 94 Comfort 86Overall94Cushioning94Comfort86Appearance72Durability65Value54Confidence87Pros
Comfort averages 4.5 out of 5 across ten reviews, and one reviewer cites the cushioning for daily miles on concrete.
One reviewer prefers it to the version that followed.
Cons
Durability averages 3.6 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions, and two reviewers report the forefoot wearing out or the mesh tearing early.
Four of the ten reviewers who answered report an injury while running in it.
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#38 ASICS
GlideRide Max94 Excellent Cushioning · 6 reviews · Confidence 85/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
A 46mm heel stack at a listed 8.9 oz.
Overall 94 Comfort 94$80 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall94Cushioning94Comfort94Durability85Appearance80Value70Confidence85Pros
A 46mm heel stack at a listed 8.9 oz.
One of six reviewers describes the foam as soft and supple with the slightest touch of firmness.
One reviewer reports no change in the foam at almost 300 miles.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of any dimension at 4.0 out of 5, and two of six reviewers call the $170 list price high.
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#39 Brooks
Glycerin Max 294 Excellent Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 72/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
All three reviewers so far rate it 4 or 5 across every dimension, one calling it great for bigger runners who want support with cushioning.
Overall 94 Comfort 92$189 $200 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall94Cushioning94Comfort92Durability92Appearance76Value74Confidence72Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $200Dick's $200MSRP $200
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
All three reviewers so far rate it 4 or 5 across every dimension, one calling it great for bigger runners who want support with cushioning.
Cons
It lists at $200, well above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#40 HOKA
Skyward X 294 Excellent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 63/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 94 Comfort 85Overall94Cushioning94Comfort85Durability76Appearance71Value66Confidence63Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
It lists at $225, well above the $150 median for daily trainers, and value draws 4.0 out of 5 from the two reviews so far.
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#41 ASICS
GEL-Kayano 3293 Very good Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 89/100
Daily trainer · Stability
All three reviewers so far rate it 5 out of 5 overall, one calling it the best Kayano in several years.
Overall 93 Comfort 90$113 $165 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall93Cushioning93Durability91Comfort90Appearance74Value65Confidence89Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $125 24% offMSRP $165
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
All three reviewers so far rate it 5 out of 5 overall, one calling it the best Kayano in several years.
The GEL-Kayano 30 two versions back scores 99 on fifty-eight reviews.
Cons
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of the three reviews so far, at 4.3 out of 5.
It lists at $165, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#42 Mizuno
Neo Vista 292 Very good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 65/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral · 7mm drop
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 92 Comfort 91Overall92Cushioning92Comfort91Durability74Appearance69Value63Confidence65Buy it now
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Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
One reviewer who heel strikes says the cushioning does not last past 200 miles.
Value draws 3.0 out of 5 in the two reviews so far, the lowest mark of any dimension.
Scores in the Neo Vista line have fallen from 93 for the original to 85 for this version.
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#43 PUMA
Velocity NITRO 291 Very good Cushioning · 18 reviews · Confidence 93/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz · 10mm drop · 34mm stack
Reviewers praise the PUMAGRIP outsole for grip on wet roads.
Overall 91 Comfort 91$35 $120 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall91Value99Appearance98Durability95Cushioning91Comfort91Confidence93Pros
Reviewers praise the PUMAGRIP outsole for grip on wet roads.
Reviewers use it for easy runs and faster workouts alike.
Durability rates 4.4 out of 5 across eighteen reviewers, and two expect to get 400 miles or more from a pair.
Cons
Three of eighteen reviewers describe the ride as firm with a moderate amount of cushioning.
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#44 Mizuno
Wave Rider 2991 Very good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9mm drop
One of two reviewers so far finds it much more plush than the Wave Rider 27.
Overall 91 Comfort 85Overall91Cushioning91Comfort85Durability84Value82Appearance74Confidence87Pros
One of two reviewers so far finds it much more plush than the Wave Rider 27.
Both reviewers so far rate the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
The Wave Rider 28 before it scores 97 on six reviews against its 81.
Scores across the Wave Rider line have ranged from 56 to 97.
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#45 HOKA
Rocket X 391 Very good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 59/100
Racing · Neutral · 7mm drop
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 91 Comfort 87Overall91Cushioning91Comfort87Durability77Value70Appearance69Confidence59Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
The Rocket X 2 before it scores 97 on eighteen reviews.
Cons
Durability and appearance draw 3 out of 5 from the two reviews so far.
Value draws 2 out of 5 from the two reviews so far, against a $250 list price.
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#46 Brooks
Ghost 1890 Good Cushioning · 4 reviews · Confidence 87/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One reviewer says it feels fast, returns energy on every run and lasts without wearing out.
Overall 90 Comfort 96$124 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall90Durability97Comfort96Cushioning90Value83Appearance70Confidence87Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $150Dick's $150MSRP $150
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Pros
One reviewer says it feels fast, returns energy on every run and lasts without wearing out.
Reviewers rate it comfortable, with support and cushioning singled out.
One reviewer recommends it for the 5k and 10k runner not chasing high mileage.
Cons
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of the six reviews so far, at 4.2 out of 5.
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#47 Brooks
Beast GTS 2690 Very good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 46/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The Beast GTS 23 and 24 before it score 83 and 93.
Overall 90 Comfort 90$163 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall90Cushioning90Comfort90Durability88Value79Appearance68Confidence46Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $170Dick's $170MSRP $170
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
The Beast GTS 23 and 24 before it score 83 and 93.
The one reviewer so far rates comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
Value draws 3 out of 5 in the single review so far, its lowest mark.
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#48 adidas
Ultraboost 5x89 Good Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.4 oz · 10mm drop · 38mm stack
Durability rates 4.6 out of 5 across five reviewers.
Overall 89 Comfort 76$72 $180 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall89Appearance95Durability94Value89Cushioning89Comfort76Confidence91Pros
Durability rates 4.6 out of 5 across five reviewers.
A 38mm heel stack at 8.8 oz in the men's build.
All five reviewers so far rate the appearance 5 out of 5.
Cons
Comfort draws the lowest ratings of any dimension in the five reviews so far, at 4.4 out of 5.
It lists at $180, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
How this ranking works
Ratings come from our statistical models of runner reviews: the score is our best estimate of how a shoe is rated, and the bar behind it in an expanded row is the range we consider plausible given how many reviews it has. Shoes with few reviews rank more cautiously rather than shooting to the top on a handful of glowing write-ups. Prices are the live prices at the retailers we track, and everything ranked here is a shoe you can buy today.