By Paul Freary
One of the most common questions I get asked by both new and seasoned runners is, “What’s the best cushioned running shoe?”
Important considerations such as the runner’s weight, pace and distance all play a factor in making the right selection.
For the purpose of the selection here, I have chosen stable, neutral running shoes that focus on great cushioning and comfort.
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Fortunately, I am lucky enough to log plenty of miles in lots of different models.With so many running shoes on the market right now, from established brands to new challenger brands, the answer isn’t straightforward. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to log plenty of miles in lots of different models.
Ultimately, when making a choice, comfort should be the deciding factor, and this, of course, is a very personal part of choosing your footwear.
6 Top Running Shoes With Good Cushioning
1. Brooks Glycerin Max 2
The Glycerin Max 2 is a gentle evolution of the original Glycerin Max and remains one of the most cushioned running shoes on the market today.
Glycerin Max 2
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With a midsole stack of 45mm, it is a great choice for those who are seeking the ultimate in deep-stack cushioning.
The nitrogen-infused midsole is Brooks’ DNA Tuned variety, with larger cells in the rearfoot for maximum cushioning on heel strike, and smaller forefoot cells for a more responsive toe-off. Combine this with a rocker-shaped geometry, and the shoe rolls easily along despite its max-stack size.
Despite the high stack of the shoe, it is very stable. This is thanks to the broader footprint and the sidewalls of cushioning extending up, around the rearfoot, seating the foot ‘within’ the shoe rather than ‘on it’.
Verdict: Deep cushioning and a responsive ride make this the ultimate long-distance cruiser shoe. It soaks up the miles and the impact, and at the same time has a smooth rolling ride and effective toe-off. My favourite max-cushion model, I’ve logged hundreds of miles in the Glycerin Max 2 so far this year.
2. Saucony Triumph 23
Saucony’s range-topping neutral cushioned shoe, the Triumph 23, once again delivers a high level of cushioning with a more responsive ride and super-plush feel. The brand’s PWRRUN PB remains from the previous model but somehow feels softer and springier in the Triumph 23, and it makes for a much more entertaining experience.
Triumph 23
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Sometimes you get the feeling a brand has tweaked the formulation of a midsole foam without mentioning it, and that’s certainly the case here. The general geometry and PWRRUN PB and the same as the previous version, but the overall ride feels better. The shoe feels a little more stable, a little softer, and certainly has a little more ‘bounce’.
The toe-off is the main point of difference, and it lifts the shoe, which was beginning to feel a little too soft and unresponsive in previous versions. Now, it’s lively and entertaining with a smooth and responsive feel.
Verdict: A deep stack of cushioning with an improved, springy ride that adds a smile per mile to those daily training runs.
3. HOKA Bondi 9
A long-time fan favourite, the HOKA Bondi 9 has been transformed with the introduction of a super-critical foam midsole. While the CM-EVA midsole in a high-stack format was sufficient in previous versions, it was beginning to feel a little long in the tooth and left behind by competitor shoes.
Bondi 9
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The super-critical update now has a much more responsive feel, and while the level of cushioning feels the same, the transition from heel to toe feels smoother, and toe-off much better. Stability has improved, too, and while the shoe is totally neutral, it manages to offer enough stability to keep most people steady and balanced.
The midsole also sees a slight increase in stack height of 2mm throughout its length and contributes to that improved max-cushion ride.
Verdict: The new super-critical midsole transforms the Bondi and elevates the shoe into a more premium category, and it’s all the better for it.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
The new INFINION midsole is the major update from the previous generation 1080v14. The new midsole is a supercritical, nitrogen-infused foam material. This gives a lighter, softer and more durable feel over previous generations’ CM-EVA-based foam midsole.
1080v15
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The supercritical foam is created when a regular midsole material, such as EVA, is infused with gas, often nitrogen or CO₂, under high pressure and temperature.
The gas enters a supercritical state, meaning it has the properties of both a liquid and a gas. When the pressure is released into the foam material, it expands, forming tiny, uniform bubbles to create a midsole that is lightweight, springy, and soft, with a consistent feel throughout the shoe.
The midsole stack here is 40mm deep, the highest to date in the 1080 by New Balance. It’s the most advanced foam ever used in a 1080, and it arrived right on time, when other brands were all moving away from CM-EVA-based materials into the new generation ‘super-foams’. I think the new 1080 stays a pace with the competition, and I find the new midsole gives it a modern, ‘poppy’ feel.
The ride of the 1080v15 is very soft and very smooth. Heel impact is instantly absorbed, and there’s a good transition from heel to toe, with a nice degree of ‘pop’ in the forefoot on toe-off.
Verdict: The softest cushioned shoe in this line-up, the 1080v15 is the best 1080 yet from the brand and delivers for those seeking a soft cushioned ride with a lightweight and responsive feel. Its my favorite shoe to date.
5. Mizuno Wave Rider 30
The latest in a long line of Wave Rider models from Mizuno, the Wave Rider 30 really is the biggest transformation to date and the best version by far!
Wave Rider 30
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The latest in a long line of Wave Rider models from Mizuno, the Wave Rider 30 really is the biggest transformation to date and, in my opinion, the best version by far.
The Wave Rider has always been a highly dependable, neutral cushioned daily training shoe, but this latest version takes the shoe and pushes its boundaries into the realms of supershoes.
The new Mizuno Enerzy Nxt Dual-layered midsole, a nitrogen-infused top layer and EVA bottom layer provide a soft yet balanced cushioning experience, but in a new max-stack construction.
A full-length Mizuno Wave Plate now runs the full-length of the shoe. This provides a little stability to the soft cushioning of the shoe, and also adds a little more natural propulsion to the ride.
The Rider 30 also has a broader footprint than the previous generation model, being 14mm wider across the midfoot at the ground. This adds stability and helps keep the new super-soft and responsive rider in check.
Verdict: Stepping up the cushioning, the Rider 30 transforms the shoe from previous generations. I really do prefer the new, soft cushioning, smooth riding and lively toe-off make it a great daily training model at any pace.
6. Brooks Ghost 18
The most popular neutral daily training shoe option from Brooks, and one of the most popular shoes full-stop, the Ghost 18 represents good value for money in this category.
Ghost 18
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With a wide range of width and size fittings as well as lots of color options, including a work-ready all-black plus a Ghost Trail and Ghost Gore-Tex option, there really is a Ghost for everyone!
In my store, I sell a Ghost every day. I think it’s a great, versatile model.
Cushioning is provided by the brand’s DNA Loft v3 Nitrogen-infused foam, and with near-max stack heights in this version, the shoe provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a ride as good as any shoe at this price point. The nitrogen midsole is as durable as it is comfortable, making the shoe excellent value.
The upper is a triple-jacquard knitted construction, and this helps with the fit, having a nice degree of natural stretch to the design.
Size Availability -
Available in women’s, narrow (A width), regular (B width), wide (D width) and in men’s, narrow (B width), regular (D width), wide (2E width) and extra wide (4E width).
Verdict: Endless options and great value for money, the Brooks Ghost 18 is a versatile daily training option with durable and comfortable cushioning.
7. Karhu Fusion 5
While many may not have heard of the brand, this model, their most popular, stable neutral daily trainer, is the smoothest and most responsive and perfect for daily miles at any pace.
Fusion 5
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In fact, it actually feels better the quicker you go in it. Its Fulcrum geometry creates a positive rocker effect through the midfoot and rolls the foot forward quickly and smoothly. I have found the Karhu a very surprising shoe. I like its natural stability and smooth ‘rolling’ ride.
It may take a few miles to get used to for some runners, but I've the majority report a highly engaging and entertaining running experience.
The midsole is a PEBAX-based foam, similar to Saucony’s PWRRUN PB, but with a slightly denser, more stable feel. It is, however, super-smooth and reassuringly positive in the way it delivers its running experience.
The shoes are very well made, with highly engineered uppers and overall construction, giving them a premium fit and feel.
Verdict: Great fit and feel with a smooth ride and a propulsive ride that’s great fun to run in. Its one of my favorite shoes of this year.
8. Hylo AXIS
This new, UK-based brand is beginning to make great inroads into the specialist running scene and this model, the AXIS, is their second shoe and provides a stable, supportive ride, although it has a neutral construction.
AXIS
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For me, the brand represents a nice, eco-friendly approach to running shoes, and I really like their no-nonsense approach.
It’s the geometry of the shoes’ midsole which provides the support, but it is more of a stable-neutral shoe rather than overly controlling. Made with bio-based materials, the brand is focused on producing shoes that have less of an environmental impact.
The cushioning comes from a bio-based foam, HyperBolt+, constructed via a nitrogen-injected process. Even with its green credentials, the cushioning is as highly effective as any other model here.
The Treadlight outsole is inspired by F1 car tires and provides water displacement in the wet and similarly good traction in the dry.
Verdict: Green credentials and environmentally friendly design and construction make this the eco choice.
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