Most Comfortable Maximalist Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest for comfort by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All maximalist shoes
25 shoes · page 1 of 2
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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#1 HOKA
Clifton 1098 Exceptional Comfort · 11 reviews · Confidence 93/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.2 oz · 8mm drop · 38mm stack
Cushioning is the highest-rated dimension across eleven reviewers, at 4.7 out of 5.
Overall 98 Cushioning 99Overall98Cushioning99Comfort98Value82Durability67Appearance63Confidence93Pros
Cushioning is the highest-rated dimension across eleven reviewers, at 4.7 out of 5.
One reviewer calls it an ideal long and recovery run shoe and credits the move to an 8mm drop.
One reviewer reports it wearing well from 8:30 pace down to six minute miles.
Cons
Durability draws the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 3.7 out of 5 across eleven reviewers.
One reviewer says it is not holding up as well as the Clifton 9.
One reviewer finds the fit slightly narrower than the Clifton 9.
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#2 ASICS
Novablast 597 Exceptional Comfort · 18 reviews · Confidence 94/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.5 oz · 8mm drop · 41mm stack
Reviewers use them for easy days, tempo runs and track sessions.
Overall 97 Cushioning 97Overall97Value98Cushioning97Comfort97Appearance75Durability74Confidence94Buy it now
Other retailers
Dick's $117 22% offRunning Warehouse $130 13% offMSRP $150
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
Reviewers use them for easy days, tempo runs and track sessions.
Runners describe a bouncy, responsive ride that encourages faster paces.
9 oz with a 40.5mm heel stack, light for the cushioning.
Cons
Several runners say the cushioning fades after roughly 300 miles.
A few reviewers find it runs long and size down half a size.
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#3 ASICS
GEL-Nimbus 2796 Excellent Comfort · 2 reviews · Confidence 88/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.0 oz (men's) · 8mm drop
It carries a 43mm heel stack at 9.0 oz, more stack than the 39mm median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 96 Cushioning 97$110 $165 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall96Cushioning97Comfort96Durability92Appearance74Value67Confidence88Pros
It carries a 43mm heel stack at 9.0 oz, more stack than the 39mm median for daily trainers on sale.
One reviewer says the cushioning let her return to running with less foot pain.
The GEL-Nimbus 25 scores 98 on eighty-eight reviews and the GEL-Nimbus 26 scores 90 on twenty-four.
Cons
One reviewer says there is so much cushioning that it dampens speed.
Value draws the lowest ratings of any dimension in the two reviews so far, at 3.5 out of 5.
A newer GEL-Nimbus 28 is on sale alongside it.
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#4 Brooks
Ghost 1795 Excellent Comfort · 8 reviews · Confidence 92/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.5 oz · 10mm drop · 37mm stack
Two of eight reviewers call it soft and comfortable without the feel of a max-cushion shoe.
Overall 95 Cushioning 88$110 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall95Durability97Comfort95Cushioning88Value84Appearance71Confidence92Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $110 27% offDick's $110 27% offMSRP $150
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
Two of eight reviewers call it soft and comfortable without the feel of a max-cushion shoe.
One reviewer got about 400 miles from a pair before replacing them.
One reviewer uses it for easy runs and two or three track workouts a week.
Cons
The Ghost 16 before it scores 97 on thirty-eight reviews, against 89 here on eight.
Cushioning and appearance draw the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 4.1 out of 5.
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#5 New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v595 Excellent Comfort · 7 reviews · Confidence 88/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 6.3 oz · 6mm drop
Light at 6.9 oz on a 35mm heel stack.
Overall 95 Cushioning 89$137 $145 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall95Comfort95Value91Cushioning89Appearance76Durability57Confidence88Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $145Dick's $145MSRP $145
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
Light at 6.9 oz on a 35mm heel stack.
Reviewers describe a springy ride that works at easy and uptempo paces.
Wide widths are available, and one reviewer with a wide forefoot found room in them.
Cons
Durability draws the lowest ratings of any dimension at 3.4 out of 5, and one reviewer gets 220 to 250 miles before the foam goes.
Two of seven reviewers find it too soft to feel steady at fast paces.
Reviewers rate it below the Rebel v4 it replaces, which scores 99 on thirty-eight reviews.
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#6 adidas
adizero Evo SL94 Excellent Comfort · 22 reviews · Confidence 94/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.1 oz · 7mm drop · 40mm stack
Reviewers run everything in it, from easy miles to intervals.
Overall 94 Cushioning 96Overall94Cushioning96Comfort94Appearance88Value87Durability80Confidence94Buy it now
Other retailers
Dick's $97 35% offRunning Warehouse $150MSRP $150
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
Reviewers run everything in it, from easy miles to intervals.
Light at 7.5 oz with a 40mm heel stack.
Reviewers consistently praise the cushioning and comfort on longer runs.
Cons
Several reviewers find grip lacking, particularly on the track.
A few runners say the tongue slips around mid-run.
Four reviewers rate durability 3 or below, and one asks for a tougher outsole.
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#7 ASICS
GlideRide Max94 Excellent Comfort · 6 reviews · Confidence 78/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
A 46mm heel stack at a listed 8.9 oz.
Overall 94 Cushioning 94$80 $170 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall94Cushioning94Comfort94Durability85Appearance80Value70Confidence78Pros
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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#8 PUMA
MagMax Nitro93 Excellent Comfort · 2 reviews · Confidence 81/100
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 93 Cushioning 94Overall93Value98Appearance96Cushioning94Comfort93Durability91Confidence81Pros
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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#9 Mount to Coast
R192 Very good Comfort · 2 reviews · Confidence 32/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz (men's) · 8mm drop
A 36mm heel stack at 7.5 oz, light for the cushioning.
Overall 92 Cushioning 76Overall92Comfort92Durability83Appearance77Cushioning76Value71Confidence32Pros
A 36mm heel stack at 7.5 oz, light for the cushioning.
Both reviewers so far rate comfort 5 out of 5.
Cons
Cushioning and value draw the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, both at 4.0 out of 5.
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#10 Mizuno
Neo Zen90 Good Comfort · 1 review · Confidence 74/100
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 90 Cushioning 80$105 $150 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall90Value93Comfort90Durability87Cushioning80Appearance71Confidence74Pros
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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#11 Salomon
Genesis89 Good Comfort · 2 reviews · Confidence 77/100
Trail · Neutral · 8.8 oz · 8mm drop · 33mm stack
Reviewers call it cushioned and hard-wearing at 8.8 oz on an 8mm drop.
Overall 89 Cushioning 81Overall89Durability91Comfort89Appearance88Value82Cushioning81Confidence77Pros
Reviewers call it cushioned and hard-wearing at 8.8 oz on an 8mm drop.
One reviewer bought it for ultra races and says it has been great.
Cons
Appearance draws the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, at 4.0 out of 5.
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#12 Topo Athletic
Atmos89 Good Comfort · 1 review · Confidence 70/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz · 5mm drop
9.7 oz on a 39mm heel stack with a 5mm drop.
Overall 89 Cushioning 64$124 $160 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall89Value92Comfort89Durability81Appearance76Cushioning64Confidence70Pros
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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#13 New Balance
1080 v386 Good Comfort · 10 reviews · Confidence 85/100
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 86 Cushioning 94Overall86Cushioning94Comfort86Appearance72Durability65Value54Confidence85Pros
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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#14 The North Face
Altamesa 50086 Good Comfort · 3 reviews · Confidence 50/100
Trail · Neutral · 5.9 oz · 6mm drop · 42mm stack
Reviewers find it fast on gravel and hard-packed dirt trails.
Overall 86 Cushioning 88Overall86Cushioning88Comfort86Appearance82Durability73Value71Confidence50Pros
Reviewers find it fast on gravel and hard-packed dirt trails.
A 42mm heel stack at 9.7 oz in the men's build.
One reviewer is a couple of hundred kilometers in and has disliked nothing about it.
Cons
One of three reviewers so far calls the grip only good enough on wet or technical terrain.
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#15 norda
00585 Good Comfort · 2 reviews · Confidence 33/100
Trail · Neutral · 8.0 oz (men's) · 7mm drop · 38mm stack
One reviewer has 1,000 miles on a pair and calls it the fastest trail shoe he has run in.
Overall 85 Cushioning 78Overall85Durability86Comfort85Value84Appearance83Cushioning78Confidence33Pros
One reviewer has 1,000 miles on a pair and calls it the fastest trail shoe he has run in.
A 38mm heel stack at 8.0 oz, cushioned while keeping ground feel.
One reviewer says the mesh upper breathes, drains and is extremely tough.
Cons
It lists at $325, nearly twice the $170 median for trail shoes on sale, and one reviewer calls the initial cost high.
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#16 Salomon
Aero Glide 485 Good Comfort · 1 review · Confidence 22/100
Daily trainer · Neutral
The one reviewer so far calls it light for its class, with great shock absorption and energy return.
Overall 85 Cushioning 86Overall85Appearance90Cushioning86Durability85Comfort85Value75Confidence22Pros
The one reviewer so far calls it light for its class, with great shock absorption and energy return.
The three Aero Glide versions before it score 84 to 87.
Cons
Durability and value are the only marks below 5 in the single review so far, both at 4 out of 5.
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#17 Salomon
Pulsar72 Decent Comfort · 1 review · Confidence 42/100
Trail · Neutral · 9.3 oz (men's) · 6mm drop · 30mm stack
It lists at $140, below the $170 median for trail shoes on sale.
Overall 72 Cushioning 61$120 $140 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:34 AM UTCOverall72Appearance84Durability78Comfort72Value72Cushioning61Confidence42Pros
It lists at $140, below the $170 median for trail shoes on sale.
The one reviewer so far rates value 5 out of 5.
Cons
At 30mm the heel stack sits below the 36mm median for trail shoes on sale.
The one reviewer so far rates cushioning 3 out of 5.
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#18 adidas
adizero Adios Pro 471 Decent Comfort · 5 reviews · Confidence 67/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.4 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
A 39mm heel stack at 6.4 oz.
Overall 71 Cushioning 81Overall71Appearance92Durability86Value85Cushioning81Comfort71Confidence67Pros
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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#19 HOKA
Skyflow68 Below average Comfort · 10 reviews · Confidence 80/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.9 oz · 5mm drop · 39mm stack
Cushioning averages 4.3 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, and three describe it as great or well padded in their own words.
Overall 68 Cushioning 84Overall68Cushioning84Appearance76Durability72Comfort68Value57Confidence80Pros
Cushioning averages 4.3 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, and three describe it as great or well padded in their own words.
Two reviewers set it against the Clifton 9: one finds it lighter and more responsive, the other more bulky but still snappy.
Cons
Value averages 3.6 out of 5 across the ten reviewers so far, the weakest of its categories.
One reviewer finds it stiff and awkward through the midfoot and now wears it only for walking.
It lists at $160, above the $150 median for daily trainers on sale, while its 8.9 oz weight and 39mm stack sit exactly on the category medians.
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#20 Nike
Air Zoom Pegasus 3965 Below average Comfort · 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 65 Cushioning 66$75 $130 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:30 AM UTCOverall65Appearance99Value95Durability94Cushioning66Comfort65Confidence99Pros
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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#21 Nike
Winflo 1065 Below average Comfort · 1 review · Confidence 9/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.5 oz · 10mm drop · 33mm stack
It lists at $105, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Overall 65 Cushioning 72$50 $105 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:35 AM UTCOverall65Appearance85Value74Cushioning72Durability66Comfort65Confidence9Pros
It lists at $105, well below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
The one reviewer so far rates it 4 out of 5 on every dimension.
Cons
Averaging 9.4 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
Two newer Winflos are on sale alongside it, scoring 73 and 70.
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#22 New Balance
Fresh Foam X 860 v1362 Below average Comfort · 5 reviews · Confidence 52/100
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 62 Cushioning 61Overall62Durability69Appearance65Comfort62Cushioning61Value58Confidence52Buy 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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#23 Nike
Alphafly Next% 362 Below average Comfort · 3 reviews · Confidence 36/100
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 62 Cushioning 65Overall62Appearance79Cushioning65Comfort62Value54Durability54Confidence36Pros
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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#24 Saucony
Ride 1860 Below average Comfort · 6 reviews · Confidence 63/100
Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.6 oz · 8mm drop · 35mm stack
Durability averages 4.8 out of 5 across the five reviewers who rate it.
Overall 60 Cushioning 75$76 $145 Buy now ↗ As of Sep 14, 8:32 AM UTCOverall60Value82Durability80Cushioning75Comfort60Appearance59Confidence63Pros
Durability averages 4.8 out of 5 across the five reviewers who rate it.
Value averages 4.6 out of 5, and one reviewer says nobody should be buying the Brooks Ghost while this exists for less money.
One of six reviewers uses it for recovery miles and still gets enough bounce out of it for pickups and intervals.
Cons
Looks are the weakest of its categories at 3.7 out of 5 across six reviewers.
Comfort averages 4.2 out of 5, below what the same reviewers give for durability and value.
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.