Best Cushioning Running Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest for cushioning by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All shoes
148 shoes · page 4 of 7 · includes daily trainers, supershoes, racing shoes, trail shoes and track spikes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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#73 Brooks
Glycerin GTS 2384 Good Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 67/100
Daily trainer · Stability
Durability is the strongest of its categories at 4.8 out of 5 across five reviewers.
Overall 84 Comfort 90$165 $180 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall84Durability97Comfort90Cushioning84Value68Appearance56Confidence67Buy it now
Other retailers
Dick's $175 3% offRunning Warehouse $180MSRP $180
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Pros
Durability is the strongest of its categories at 4.8 out of 5 across five reviewers.
Comfort averages 4.8 out of 5 across those five reviewers, one of whom calls it the softest support shoe they have run in.
All five reviewers so far rate it 4 out of 5 or better overall.
Cons
Two of five reviewers call the ride firm, one saying it gets hard on the feet after a while.
It lists at $179.95, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
One of five reviewers describes it as slightly unstable.
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#74 Nike
Zoom Fly 2 (2016)84 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 60/100
Speed / workouts · Stability · 8.5 oz · 8mm drop · 23mm stack
One reviewer finds the seamless, flexible upper comfortable with hardly any breaking-in period.
Overall 84 Comfort 55Overall84Appearance90Cushioning84Value67Durability60Comfort55Confidence60Pros
One reviewer finds the seamless, flexible upper comfortable with hardly any breaking-in period.
Looks and value both average 4.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far.
Cons
Both reviewers so far rate it better for tempos, intervals and shorter runs than for long ones.
One reviewer has the insole sliding backwards about a fifth of an inch on runs over 20k, and taping it down does not fully fix it.
The design dates to 2016.
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#75 Altra
Experience Flow 284 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 50/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far calls it well cushioned and bouncy, and used it as a daily trainer for a whole summer.
Overall 84 Comfort 87$111 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall84Comfort87Cushioning84Value70Durability66Appearance63Confidence50Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it well cushioned and bouncy, and used it as a daily trainer for a whole summer.
That reviewer rates comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One reviewer got about 200 miles out of a pair and says the outsole rubber started peeling well before that.
Durability is the lowest-rated dimension in the one review so far, at 2 out of 5.
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#76 Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 2583 Good Cushioning · 4 reviews · Confidence 82/100
Daily trainer · Stability · 8.9 oz (men's) · 12mm drop · 39mm stack
Reviewers praise the comfort and support.
Overall 83 Comfort 87$130 $155 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall83Comfort87Durability84Cushioning83Appearance65Value59Confidence82Buy it now
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Running Warehouse $155Dick's $155MSRP $155
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Pros
Reviewers praise the comfort and support.
At 8.9 oz one reviewer calls it a lighter version of an old friend.
The four Adrenaline GTS versions before it score 91 to 97.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far, at 3.3 out of 5.
One reviewer says the cushioning degrades fast, and durability rates 3.5 out of 5.
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#77 Nike
Free Run 201883 Good Cushioning · 6 reviews · Confidence 68/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.0 oz (men's)
Comfort rates 5.0 out of 5 across six reviewers, who say the upper shapes to the foot.
Overall 83 Comfort 96Overall83Appearance98Comfort96Value89Durability88Cushioning83Confidence68Pros
Comfort rates 5.0 out of 5 across six reviewers, who say the upper shapes to the foot.
Reviewers value the minimal build, one saying it makes him focus on his form.
Reviewers use it on road, trail and sand alike.
Cons
One reviewer's only complaint is how many rocks get stuck in the outsole.
One reviewer running 30 to 50 miles a week says he wears through them quickly.
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#78 New Balance
Fresh Foam X 880 v1582 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 67/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.7 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
8.7 oz alongside a 38mm heel stack is light for the cushioning.
Overall 82 Comfort 77Overall82Value83Cushioning82Durability80Comfort77Appearance70Confidence67Pros
8.7 oz alongside a 38mm heel stack is light for the cushioning.
Both reviewers so far rate the cushioning 5 out of 5.
It lists at $139.99, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One of two reviewers finds the heel too loose to hold their foot, and marks the fit small.
Durability averages 3.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far.
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#79 Altra
Paradigm 882 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 61/100
Daily trainer · Stability · 8.6 oz (men's) · 0mm drop · 32mm stack
Zero drop on a 32mm platform at 8.6 oz.
Overall 82 Comfort 73$90 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall82Cushioning82Comfort73Durability59Value59Appearance57Confidence61Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $100 41% offDick's $170MSRP $170
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Pros
Zero drop on a 32mm platform at 8.6 oz.
The one reviewer so far rates cushioning 4 out of 5 while marking it down elsewhere.
Cons
The one reviewer so far rates durability 1 out of 5 and says it is falling apart.
The Paradigm 7 before it scores 65 on six reviews, against 60 for this version.
It lists at $170, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#80 Nike
Structure Plus82 Good Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 48/100
Daily trainer · Stability · 10mm drop
One reviewer calls it cushioned and stable, and compares it to the GEL-Kayano 31.
Overall 82 Comfort 76Overall82Appearance91Durability89Cushioning82Comfort76Value74Confidence48Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $100 41% offDick's $170MSRP $170
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Pros
One reviewer calls it cushioned and stable, and compares it to the GEL-Kayano 31.
Both reviewers so far rate comfort, cushioning and durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
One reviewer finds the lockdown fussy, with the foot slipping unless it is laced just right.
It lists at $170, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Scores in the Structure line swing sharply, the Structure 25 at 93 on seventeen reviews and the Structure 26 at 62 on five.
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#81 adidas
Hyperboost Edge81 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 74/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far praises the propulsion and cushioning and calls it incredibly responsive.
Overall 81 Comfort 76Overall81Durability88Appearance83Cushioning81Comfort76Value76Confidence74Pros
The one reviewer so far praises the propulsion and cushioning and calls it incredibly responsive.
Cons
It lists at $200, above the $150 median for daily trainers, and the one reviewer so far rates appearance 2 out of 5.
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#82 adidas
adizero Adios Pro 481 Good Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 69/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.4 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
A 39mm heel stack at 6.4 oz.
Overall 81 Comfort 71Overall81Appearance92Durability86Value85Cushioning81Comfort71Confidence69Pros
A 39mm heel stack at 6.4 oz.
Cons
The Adios Pro 3 before it scores 99 on thirty reviews against its 82.
It lists at $255, above the $250 median for racing shoes on sale.
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#83 ASICS
METASPEED Sky+80 Decent Cushioning · 13 reviews · Confidence 91/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.2 oz · 5mm drop · 37mm stack
Reviewers describe a bouncy, propulsive ride from the carbon plate.
Overall 80 Comfort 67Overall80Appearance82Cushioning80Value71Comfort67Durability61Confidence91Pros
Reviewers describe a bouncy, propulsive ride from the carbon plate.
At 7.2 oz with a 37mm heel and a 5mm drop.
Runners race well in it from 5k up to marathon.
Cons
One reviewer found it unresponsive after two marathons.
Durability is its lowest-rated dimension at 3.9 out of 5.
Two reviewers call it expensive, at $250 list.
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#84 On
Cloudsurfer Next80 Decent Cushioning · 4 reviews · Confidence 77/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.3 oz · 6mm drop · 37mm stack
Reviewers describe the cushioning as soft but structured, and comfortable.
Overall 80 Comfort 78$120 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall80Appearance88Cushioning80Comfort78Durability68Value54Confidence77Pros
Reviewers describe the cushioning as soft but structured, and comfortable.
Light at 8.1 oz for a 37mm heel stack.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far at 3.0 out of 5, and one reviewer calls it expensive for the durability.
One reviewer says it does not last much past 250 miles.
One reviewer finds it insulated and a little warm in hot climates.
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#85 Altra
FWD Via80 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 73/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.0 oz (men's) · 4mm drop
A 37mm heel stack at 8.0 oz, light for the cushioning.
Overall 80 Comfort 88$110 $160 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall80Comfort88Cushioning80Value76Appearance74Durability71Confidence73Pros
A 37mm heel stack at 8.0 oz, light for the cushioning.
One reviewer describes it as extremely plush underfoot and lighter on the foot than it looks.
One reviewer names the wide toe box for letting the toes splay.
Cons
One reviewer would not run faster than a steady state in it.
The same reviewer found the laces very long and had to retie them to stop rubbing at the ball of the foot.
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#86 Mizuno
Neo Zen80 Decent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 66/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 6.8 oz (men's) · 5mm drop
At 6.8 oz it stays light on a 46mm heel stack, among the tallest stacks on sale.
Overall 80 Comfort 90$105 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall80Value93Comfort90Durability87Cushioning80Appearance71Confidence66Pros
At 6.8 oz it stays light on a 46mm heel stack, among the tallest stacks on sale.
The one reviewer so far calls it a fun, bouncy and soft daily trainer.
The single review so far rates comfort, cushioning, durability and value 5 out of 5.
Cons
Appearance is the only mark below 5 in the single review so far, at 4 out of 5.
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#87 Brooks
Launch 1280 Good Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 60/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The Launch 10 and 11 before it score 99 and 91.
Overall 80 Comfort 90$119 $120 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall80Value98Comfort90Cushioning80Durability78Appearance73Confidence60Buy it now
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Running Warehouse $120Dick's $120MSRP $120
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Pros
The Launch 10 and 11 before it score 99 and 91.
It lists at $120, below the $150 median for daily trainers.
Cons
Scores across the Launch line have ranged from 71 to 99.
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#88 Brooks
Glycerin Flex80 Decent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 56/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far calls it flexible, with the stability of a Brooks shoe and none of the clunkiness.
Overall 80 Comfort 91$145 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall80Value94Comfort91Durability88Appearance80Cushioning80Confidence56Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $170Dick's $170MSRP $170
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Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it flexible, with the stability of a Brooks shoe and none of the clunkiness.
The single review so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and for comfort.
Cons
Cushioning, durability and value each draw 4 out of 5 in the single review so far.
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#89 Brooks
Addiction GTS 1580 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 50/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of two reviewers describes it as supportive without feeling heavy.
Overall 80 Comfort 79$136 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall80Durability80Cushioning80Comfort79Value72Appearance66Confidence50Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $140Dick's $140MSRP $140
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Pros
One of two reviewers describes it as supportive without feeling heavy.
Both reviewers so far rate comfort 4 out of 5 or better.
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One of two reviewers finds it too soft to hold an orthotic insert firmly, and wants a stiffer platform.
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#90 Saucony
Kinvara 1679 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 77/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of two reviewers so far calls it nimble, light and responsive for going fast in comfort.
Overall 79 Comfort 86$120 $130 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall79Value95Appearance89Comfort86Cushioning79Durability53Confidence77Pros
One of two reviewers so far calls it nimble, light and responsive for going fast in comfort.
Both reviewers so far rate value 4 or 5, and it lists at $130, below the $150 median for daily trainers.
Cons
Cushioning draws the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, at 3.5 out of 5.
Durability rates 3.0 out of 5 in the two reviews so far.
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#91 Nike
Winflo 1179 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 42/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 10mm drop
Both reviewers so far rate it 4 or 5 out of 5 on every dimension.
Overall 79 Comfort 65Overall79Appearance90Value81Cushioning79Durability73Comfort65Confidence42Buy it now
Dick's Sporting Goods
$51 $110 54% off
Best price · lowest in 90 days
Buy at Dick's Sporting Goods ↗Other retailers
Dick's $51 54% offNike $110MSRP $110
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Pros
Both reviewers so far rate it 4 or 5 out of 5 on every dimension.
It lists at $110, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
The Winflo 10, 11 and 12 all score in the low seventies, on one to two reviews each.
A newer Winflo 12 is on sale alongside it.
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#92 Nike
Zoom Fly 678 Decent Cushioning · 27 reviews · Confidence 92/100
Speed / workouts · Neutral · 8mm drop
Reviewers run it across easy days, tempo work and intervals.
Overall 78 Comfort 59Overall78Appearance94Cushioning78Durability67Value60Comfort59Confidence92Buy it now
Other retailers
Dick's $104 42% offRunning Warehouse $120 33% offMSRP $180
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Pros
Reviewers run it across easy days, tempo work and intervals.
Reviewers like it most for training at quicker paces.
Cons
Comfort, cushioning, durability and value all rate under 4 out of 5 across twenty-seven reviewers.
Two reviewers call it heavy and short on snap for racing.
The Zoom Fly 5 before it scores 93 on thirty-three reviews against its 82.
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#93 Altra
Escalante 478 Decent Cushioning · 7 reviews · Confidence 83/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.9 oz
Light for a daily trainer at 7.8 oz in the men's build.
Overall 78 Comfort 87$90 $130 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall78Comfort87Value85Durability83Cushioning78Appearance66Confidence83Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $95 27% offDick's $130MSRP $130
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Pros
Light for a daily trainer at 7.8 oz in the men's build.
One reviewer says durability is about the same as the Escalante 3.
Cons
Two reviewers say the added cushioning feels little different from the Escalante 3, and one that it now rides like a high-stack shoe.
One reviewer says the laces always come undone.
The Escalante 3 and 4 score 75 and 82 against 93 for the original.
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#94 Brooks
Addiction 1578 Decent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 19/100
Daily trainer · Stability
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall, and 5 for comfort and value.
Overall 78 Comfort 84Overall78Comfort84Value78Cushioning78Durability76Appearance56Confidence19Pros
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall, and 5 for comfort and value.
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
That same reviewer rates cushioning, durability and appearance 3 out of 5.
Earlier Addictions score unevenly, the Addiction 13 at 81 on four reviews and the Addiction 12 at 66 on one.
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#95 Nike
Zoom Vomero 577 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 82/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers so far rate the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Overall 77 Comfort 67$90 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:33 AM UTCOverall77Appearance80Cushioning77Comfort67Value62Durability58Confidence82Pros
Both reviewers so far rate the cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
One of two reviewers says it can feel like bricks during speed work.
Durability and value both average 3.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far, and looks 3.0.
It lists at $170, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#96 adidas
Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive77 Decent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 67/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far calls it fantastic and rates comfort and durability 4 out of 5.
Overall 77 Comfort 69Overall77Durability87Appearance84Cushioning77Value71Comfort69Confidence67Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it fantastic and rates comfort and durability 4 out of 5.
Cons
Cushioning and value each draw 3 out of 5 in the single review so far.
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.