Best Cushioning Running Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest for cushioning by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All shoes
148 shoes · page 6 of 7 · includes daily trainers, supershoes, racing shoes, trail shoes and track spikes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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#121 ASICS
METASPEED Sky Tokyo70 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 60/100
Racing · Neutral · 5mm drop
A carbon plate under a maximal stack.
Overall 70 Comfort 53Overall70Cushioning70Value56Durability56Appearance55Comfort53Confidence60Pros
A carbon plate under a maximal stack.
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and 5 for cushioning.
Cons
It lists at $270, above the $250 median for racing shoes on sale.
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#122 Saucony
Omni St 2370 Decent Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 54/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of two reviewers so far calls it an excellent stability shoe, relatively light and durable with some bounce.
Overall 70 Comfort 73Overall70Appearance74Value73Comfort73Cushioning70Durability70Confidence54Pros
One of two reviewers so far calls it an excellent stability shoe, relatively light and durable with some bounce.
Cons
The two reviewers so far split sharply, one rating every dimension 5 and the other rating comfort, cushioning, durability and value 1 and calling it cheap but uncomfortable.
It lists at $170, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#123 New Balance
FuelCell Propel v570 Decent Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 42/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 4.8 oz · 6mm drop
Light at 8.5 oz for a 37mm heel stack.
Overall 70 Comfort 69$60 $120 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall70Value76Cushioning70Appearance69Comfort69Durability66Confidence42Pros
Light at 8.5 oz for a 37mm heel stack.
It lists at $120, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
Earlier FuelCell Propel versions rate poorly here, the v4 at 46 on twelve reviews and the original at 48 on three.
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#124 Nike
Pegasus Premium69 Below average Cushioning · 6 reviews · Confidence 74/100
Daily trainer · Stability not rated
One reviewer running 70 miles a week wears it for everything but speed days and races.
Overall 69 Comfort 67$138 $220 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall69Appearance81Durability71Cushioning69Comfort67Value60Confidence74Pros
One reviewer running 70 miles a week wears it for everything but speed days and races.
Comfort and cushioning are the highest-rated dimensions, at 4.4 and 4.3 out of 5.
All six reviewers who rate it overall give it 4 or 5 out of 5.
Cons
Durability rates 3.6 out of 5, below comfort and cushioning, with two reviewers rating it 2 or 3.
Value draws the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 3.5 out of 5, running from a 5 down to a 1.
It lists at $220, well above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#125 Nike
Free Run 5.069 Below average Cushioning · 7 reviews · Confidence 58/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Reviewers highlight the flexibility and call it comfortable for everyday runs.
Overall 69 Comfort 95$74 $100 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall69Appearance98Value96Comfort95Durability73Cushioning69Confidence58Pros
Reviewers highlight the flexibility and call it comfortable for everyday runs.
Value rates 4.9 out of 5 across seven reviewers against a $100 list price.
Cons
Durability draws the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 4.0 out of 5.
Cushioning rates 4.1 out of 5, and one reviewer keeps it to runs of six miles or less.
One reviewer says it holds on to pebbles in the tread.
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#126 Nike
Zoom Rival Fly69 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 55/100
Racing · Neutral · 8mm drop
The one reviewer so far calls it durable, eye-catching and comfortable, and rates it better than the Air Max they came from.
Overall 69 Comfort 68$75 $105 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall69Appearance87Cushioning69Value69Comfort68Durability64Confidence55Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it durable, eye-catching and comfortable, and rates it better than the Air Max they came from.
It lists at $105, well below the $250 median for racing shoes on sale.
Cons
The design dates to 2019.
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#127 Under Armour
Infinite Pro69 Below average Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 47/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Both reviewers so far find it comfortable, one saying you can stand in them all day.
Overall 69 Comfort 60Overall69Durability73Appearance69Cushioning69Value65Comfort60Confidence47Pros
Both reviewers so far find it comfortable, one saying you can stand in them all day.
One reviewer calls them tanks and reckons they would go a thousand miles without showing it.
It lists at $130, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One of two reviewers finds it short on responsiveness.
The other needs to break them in before they are comfortable.
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#128 adidas
Supernova Rise 369 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 19/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 69 Comfort 70$60 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall69Durability74Appearance71Comfort70Cushioning69Value65Confidence19Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $100 29% offMSRP $140
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Pros
It lists at $140, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
The Supernova Rise 2 before it scores 70 on eight reviews, against 66 for this version.
The one reviewer so far rates durability and looks 3 out of 5.
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#129 Nike
Vomero Premium68 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 61/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 10mm drop
The one reviewer so far says it handles a wide range of paces, and likes it on pavement and harder surfaces.
Overall 68 Comfort 64Overall68Appearance81Cushioning68Durability65Comfort64Value60Confidence61Pros
The one reviewer so far says it handles a wide range of paces, and likes it on pavement and harder surfaces.
That reviewer, running 70 miles a week, rates its durability 5 out of 5.
Cons
It lists at $230, far above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
The one reviewer so far calls it heavy.
That reviewer rates its looks 2 out of 5.
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#130 Saucony
Endorphin Azura68 Below average Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 55/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
One of five reviewers runs everything in it, from slow long runs to 200 meter repeats.
Overall 68 Comfort 73$150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall68Value88Appearance76Comfort73Durability73Cushioning68Confidence55Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $150Dick's $150MSRP $150
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Pros
One of five reviewers runs everything in it, from slow long runs to 200 meter repeats.
Two of five reviewers call it lightweight, and another has it still in good shape at 500 miles.
All four reviewers who rate value give it 5 out of 5.
Cons
One of five reviewers finds it firm and slow to break in.
One reviewer rates its durability 1 out of 5, against 5s from three others.
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#131 Nike
Pegasus Plus67 Below average Cushioning · 24 reviews · Confidence 92/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.3 oz (men's) · 10mm drop · 34mm stack
At 7.3 oz it is well under the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 67 Comfort 65$108 $190 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall67Appearance90Durability77Cushioning67Comfort65Value63Confidence92Pros
At 7.3 oz it is well under the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
One of twenty-four reviewers describes it as low to the ground and flat.
Another calls it a good combination of support and responsiveness.
Cons
Cushioning averages 4.0 out of 5 across twenty-four reviewers, the joint weakest of its categories, and one says outright that it does not give quite enough.
It lists at $190, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale, and value averages 4.0 out of 5.
One reviewer, running 80 miles a week, has them wearing out at about 60 miles.
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#132 Mizuno
Wave Inspire 2267 Below average Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 41/100
Daily trainer · Stability
Both reviewers so far call it a comfortable stability shoe, one adding that it is lightweight and low to the ground.
Overall 67 Comfort 64$145 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall67Durability72Cushioning67Value66Comfort64Appearance62Confidence41Pros
Both reviewers so far call it a comfortable stability shoe, one adding that it is lightweight and low to the ground.
One reviewer calls the nitrogen infused cushioning awesome.
Cons
One of two reviewers finds the heel too loose, takes a bad blister from the friction on a long run, and will not buy it again.
The Wave Inspire 21 before it scores 72 on one review, against 59 for this version.
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#133 Nike
Air Zoom Pegasus 3966 Below average Cushioning · 134 reviews · Confidence 99/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.6 oz · 10mm drop · 33mm stack
Ten reviewers say how far a pair lasts them, most landing between 300 and 500 miles.
Overall 66 Comfort 65$75 $130 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:30 AM UTCOverall66Appearance99Value95Durability94Cushioning66Comfort65Confidence99Pros
Ten reviewers say how far a pair lasts them, most landing between 300 and 500 miles.
Reviewers run everything in it, from easy miles to tempo work, and on road, track and trail.
Two reviewers who had lacing trouble and peeling outsole segments on earlier Pegasus versions say this one fixes both.
Cons
Four reviewers find it short on bounce for track work and racing, one preferring spikes for a cross country 5k.
Two reviewers get fewer miles out of it than out of earlier Pegasus versions, one watching the midsole bottom out at 200 miles while the upper and outsole are still intact.
Cushioning is the weakest of its categories at 4.2 out of 5, across a hundred and thirty-four reviewers.
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#134 Nike
Structure 2666 Below average Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 60/100
Daily trainer · Stability · 9.1 oz (men's) · 10mm drop · 38mm stack
Durability is the strongest of its categories at 4.2 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far.
Overall 66 Comfort 56Overall66Appearance76Durability76Value69Cushioning66Comfort56Confidence60Buy it now
Dick's Sporting Goods
$59 $145 59% off
Best price · lowest in 90 days
Buy at Dick's Sporting Goods ↗Other retailers
Dick's $59 59% offNike $83 43% offRunning Warehouse $100 31% offMSRP $145
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Pros
Durability is the strongest of its categories at 4.2 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far.
One of those reviewers rates it better than the Pegasus 42 they came from.
Cons
The Structure 25 before it scores 93 on seventeen reviews, against 62 for this version.
Comfort, cushioning and looks all average 3.8 out of 5 across the six reviewers so far.
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#135 adidas
adizero SL265 Below average Cushioning · 32 reviews · Confidence 94/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.8 oz · 9mm drop · 40mm stack
Six reviewers get 400 miles or more out of a pair, one of them reaching 500.
Overall 65 Comfort 50$67 $130 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall65Value94Durability89Appearance85Cushioning65Comfort50Confidence94Pros
Six reviewers get 400 miles or more out of a pair, one of them reaching 500.
Light at 7.6 oz with a 40mm heel stack.
Reviewers use it across the range, from recovery runs to tempo work and the occasional track session.
Cons
Three of thirty-two reviewers mark the fit small, against fourteen who find it true to size.
Three reviewers call the ride firm, and one finds the cushioning going away as a long run wears on.
Two reviewers have trouble with the outsole, one with the heel rubber peeling off inside 50 miles.
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#136 Nike
Alphafly Next% 365 Below average Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 65/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.6 oz · 7mm drop
Light at 7.0 oz in the men's and 6.2 oz in the women's for a 40mm heel stack.
Overall 65 Comfort 62Overall65Appearance79Cushioning65Comfort62Value54Durability54Confidence65Pros
Light at 7.0 oz in the men's and 6.2 oz in the women's for a 40mm heel stack.
One of three reviewers finds it snug at the heel and wide enough at the forefoot, a combination they could not get from the Ghost or the Vaporfly.
Cons
That reviewer has the heels wearing down too fast, though they rate the comfort worth it.
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#137 Under Armour
HOVR Velociti 265 Below average Cushioning · 3 reviews · Confidence 41/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz
One reviewer has about 300 miles in a pair and expects 400 or more.
Overall 65 Comfort 61Overall65Value72Durability72Appearance68Cushioning65Comfort61Confidence41Pros
One reviewer has about 300 miles in a pair and expects 400 or more.
Comfort averages 4.7 out of 5 across three reviews, and one reviewer has replaced the Nike Pegasus with it after six years.
All three reviewers rate value 5 out of 5.
Cons
Cushioning is the lowest of its dimensions at 4.0 out of 5 across three reviews.
One reviewer finds it runs small.
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#138 ASICS
Cumulus 2864 Below average Cushioning · 2 reviews · Confidence 51/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
Durability averages 4.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far, the strongest of their marks.
Overall 64 Comfort 50Overall64Cushioning64Durability60Value59Appearance53Comfort50Confidence51Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $145Dick's $145MSRP $145
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Pros
Durability averages 4.5 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far, the strongest of their marks.
Cons
Comfort and looks both average 3.0 out of 5 from the two reviewers so far.
One of two reviewers finds the fit too big.
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#139 Topo Athletic
Atmos64 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 48/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz · 5mm drop
9.7 oz on a 39mm heel stack with a 5mm drop.
Overall 64 Comfort 89$124 $160 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall64Value92Comfort89Durability81Appearance76Cushioning64Confidence48Pros
9.7 oz on a 39mm heel stack with a 5mm drop.
The one reviewer so far, with wide feet, praises the roomy toe box and reports no wear at 300 miles.
Cons
The one reviewer so far calls the cushioning slightly firm and rates appearance 3 out of 5.
The Atmos 2 has replaced it, though the one reviewer notes this version can still be found on sale.
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#140 PUMA
ForeverRun NITRO 364 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 15/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The ForeverRun Nitro line has rated consistently across its three versions.
Overall 64 Comfort 65$150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall64Appearance82Durability74Value69Comfort65Cushioning64Confidence15Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $150Dick's $150MSRP $150
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Pros
The ForeverRun Nitro line has rated consistently across its three versions.
Cons
The one reviewer so far rates comfort 2 out of 5.
That reviewer rates cushioning and value 3 out of 5.
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#141 Reebok
Zig Dynamica 464 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 12/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
It lists at $85, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 64 Comfort 67$70 $85 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall64Durability71Value69Comfort67Cushioning64Appearance62Confidence12Pros
It lists at $85, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
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#142 Nike
Pegasus 4163 Below average Cushioning · 66 reviews · Confidence 96/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.3 oz · 10mm drop · 45mm stack
Five reviewers use it across the range, from easy days through tempo work to track warmups and cooldowns.
Overall 63 Comfort 62$75 $145 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:31 AM UTCOverall63Appearance83Durability81Value65Cushioning63Comfort62Confidence96Buy it now
Other retailers
Dick's $76 48% offRunning Warehouse $143 1% offNike $154MSRP $145
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Pros
Five reviewers use it across the range, from easy days through tempo work to track warmups and cooldowns.
One reviewer has worn the Pegasus line since 1988, and another is on their tenth pair of this version.
One reviewer runs about 600 miles in a pair and reports them holding up.
Cons
Cushioning is the weakest of its categories at 3.9 out of 5, and three reviewers describe it as basic, brick-like, or fading as the miles add up.
One reviewer wears the heel rubber through to the midsole at 60 miles, with the heel lugs gone after a few runs.
The Pegasus 40 before it scores 77 on a hundred and eighty-eight reviews, against 66 for this version.
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#143 New Balance
Fresh Foam X 860 v1361 Below average Cushioning · 5 reviews · Confidence 63/100
Daily trainer · Stability (Moderate) · 9.8 oz · 10mm drop · 35mm stack
Reviewers rate durability 4.6 out of 5, and one gets 800 to 1000 miles from a pair across five purchases.
Overall 61 Comfort 62Overall61Durability69Appearance65Comfort62Cushioning61Value58Confidence63Buy it now
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Pros
Reviewers rate durability 4.6 out of 5, and one gets 800 to 1000 miles from a pair across five purchases.
Two reviewers call it a solid, dependable everyday trainer.
Cons
Reviewers rate comfort 4.0 out of 5, its lowest dimension.
One of five reviewers so far needed 150 miles to break in an upper that dug into the foot and ankle.
Averaging 9.8 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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#144 Topo Athletic
Phantom 461 Below average Cushioning · 1 review · Confidence 27/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far says the extra stack over the Phantom 3 comes without losing the ground feel.
Overall 61 Comfort 75Overall61Comfort75Durability67Value64Cushioning61Appearance57Confidence27Pros
The one reviewer so far says the extra stack over the Phantom 3 comes without losing the ground feel.
Cons
That reviewer, a heel striker at 180 lb on rough roads, has to patch the heel outsole with Shoe Goo before 100 miles.
The Phantom 3 before it scores 80 on seven reviews, against 64 for this version.
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.