By Paul Freary
With so many running shoes on the market right now, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing a pair.
One of the most common questions asked by both new and seasoned runners is, “What’s the best cushioned running shoe?”
With variables such as the runner’s weight, pace and distance to consider, as well as their perception of comfort. The answer isn’t always straightforward, and the final choice is a very personal one, but here we’ll try to provide you with some guidance to help answer that question.
I’ve selected a range of great, cushioned running shoes for a variety of runners and uses that should help point you in the right direction.
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“No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes.” - US Olympian and marathoner Don Kardong
6 Top Running Shoes With Good Cushioning
1. New Balance - Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Considered by many to be one of the go-to choices for a soft, cushioned, neutral running shoe, the New Balance 1080 is an obvious choice in this list. This, the v14 is the latest version, and although at first glance it appears very similar to previous versions, it does feel a little softer and more responsive.
1080v14
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The Fresh Foam X cushioning is a CM-EVA based formulation, but it rides with a little more bounce than many midsoles of this kind. The deep stack helps, and the low heel drop also contributes to the smooth ride. This latest version is also a little more stable than previous iterations, making it all the better.
The ride is one that simply soaks up the impact of every stride. While it’s the most responsive in terms of toe-off, it has lost the feeling of ‘running on soft sand’ that previous models tended to have.
Verdict: For a pillow-soft, smooth ride, the 1080 offers a no-nonsense approach that oozes comfort from the word go.
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. ASICS Gel Kayano 32
OK, yes, the Gel-Kayano is technically a support category model, and all the other options shown here are strictly neutral cushioned shoes, but it is important to remember that you can have great cushioning in a support shoe! Cushioning and support are not exclusive.
Kayano 32
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ASICS’ long-time range-topping support shoe has seen a makeover in the last couple of versions, and while it still retains top-level cushioning in the form of FF BLAST PLUS foam, its support has become a little less obvious.
It is the cushioning from that deep stack of FF BLAST PLUS that makes the ride super-smooth and the plushest ever in this model. With a higher stack and lower drop than the previous version, the shoe has more forefoot cushioning, and it’s that which adds noticeably to the soft feel.
Verdict: ASICS’ range-topping support-type shoe maintains its position but seems to be transitioning to a more ‘stable neutral’ model rather than a go-to model for support and control. Nevertheless, it’s a great combination of cushioning and control. However if you are looking for a maximum cushioned with neutral support ASICS shoe, then the Nimbus 27 with plush comfort would be right at the top.
4. Brooks Glycerin Max
This max-cushioned shoe from Brooks has been a sensation for the neutral cushioned section of the running shoe market thanks to the deep stack and stable ride. While some super-high stack shoes leave you in fear of rolling an ankle, the Glycerin Max manages to provide a confident footing, even though it appears unwieldy.
Brooks Glycerin Max
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Using Brooks’ DNA Tuned midsole foam, the nitrogen injection process in this model has a different feel in the heel and forefoot. In the heel, the larger cells making up the cushioning create a soft landing. While in the forefoot, softer cells make for a much more responsive feel that manages to add a little spring to your stride.
With the deep midsole comes a sharp forefoot rocker. This makes toe-off easy, and with that forefoot foam manages to make the shoe feel surprisingly agile and responsive.
One thing you won’t notice at first glance is the durability of the shoe. The DNA Tuned cushioning is remarkably long-lasting and seems to go on and on. With over six-months of mileage on a pair, mine feel like new every time out with no sign of giving up any time soon!
Verdict: For the ultimate in MAX-cushioning feel, the Glycerin Max is my number one choice. The feel of the shoe is second to none in terms of impact absorption, and the long-run comfort is superb. For easy days, the shoe soaks up the miles, leaving the legs so fresh they feel like a recovery cheat code!
5. 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.
6. Brooks Ghost 17
Brook’s DNA Loft v3 nitrogen foam makes up the midsole once again, but in the latest models, it’s 1mm higher in the heel area and 3mm higher in the forefoot. This results in a more cushioned feel and slightly lower heel drop, now down to 10mm from 12mm in the previous version.
Ghost 17
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The heel drop is largely unnoticeable, but what you do notice is the increased level of cushioning feel in the forefoot. The shoe somehow feels significantly more cushioned than the Ghost 16.
On the move, the shoe is balanced and capable. It manages impact well and has a smooth transition from heel to forefoot. The nitrogen-infused foam offers a smooth, responsive toe off that works well in a daily training shoe model, without being too soft or springy: we have tempo shoes for that.
The Ghost 17 is also available in a wide range of width fittings for narrow to extra wide, as well as a wide range of colours, including an all-black version (popular with those who simply require a comfortable shoe for all-day or work wear). A Gore-Tex option gives waterproof protection and again makes the shoe a very versatile choice.
Verdict: Despite already having selected the Glycerin Max in this lineup of the Best Cushioned Running Shoes, the Brooks Ghost 17 deserves to get a mention as it’s what I consider to be the Best Value Cushioned Running Shoe around right now.
The Ghost 17 features the latest cushioning technology in the shape of the DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-injected midsole and provides a great, stable ride that proves to be comfortable, accommodating and durable for a wide range of runners. It’s a shoe that most runners could pull on and go in, no fuss, just go.
It’s not shouting from the rooftops or promising PR’s; the Ghost 17 is simply a great value running shoe for the majority of runners.
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