Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2026

There are plenty of good reasons to look for the best cushioned running shoes when you’re running on pavement or dirt roads. Whether it’s your day-in, day-out running shoe of choice or something that you rotate in for long tempo runs, post-workout recovery miles, or those ever-so-important easy runs, a good cushioned road running shoe can help keep your feet, muscles, and joints happy when you’re pounding miles of pavement.

To help you find shoes that meet your needs, this year we’ve researched countless cushioned running shoes and tested more than two dozen new different models over hundreds of miles before narrowing our list down to the best options available today. At the top of our list is the Asics Novablast 5, a bouncy, versatile shoe excellent for daily miles and strides, while we loved the Adidas Adizero EVO SL as a versatile, lightweight option. For those searching for a plated shoe, our testers enjoyed the Puma Deviate Nitro 4, and for low-drop lovers, the Altra FWD Via 2 proved to be a well-cushioned mileage monster. Finally, one of the most unique cushioned shoes we tested was the Brooks Glycerin Flex, which provides excellent cushion and an incredibly natural ride.

Below, you’ll find reviews for those shoes and the rest of our top picks for the best cushioned running shoes for the road. You can also check out our buying advice, testing methodology, and answers to your frequently asked questions. We’ve also included a glossary of common running shoe lingo.

Finally, if you’re looking for trail options with ample cushion, take a look at our Best Cushioned Trail Shoes guide.

Best Cushioned Road Running Shoes

• • Best Overall Cushioned Running Shoe: Asics Novablast 5
  • Best Max-Cushioned Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 10
  • Most Versatile Cushioned Running Shoe: Salomon Aero Glide 4
  • Best Lightweight Cushioned Running Shoe: Adidas Adizero EVO SL
  • Best Plated Cushioned Running Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro 4
  • Best Cushioned Shoe for Marathons: Asics Megablast
  • Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Heavy Runners: Nike Vomero 18
  • Best Low-Drop Cushioned Running Shoe: Altra FWD Via 2
  • Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Natural Ride: Brooks Glycerin Flex
  • Best Value Cushioned Running Shoe: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

Best Overall Cushioned Running Shoe: Asics Novablast 5 ($150)

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 9.0 ounces (255 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 42/34 millimeters | Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Lightweight, comfortable, and versatile
• Bouncy and good energy return

Cons:

• The heel was a little loose for one tester

Our top pick for cushioned running shoes is the Asics Novablast 5, which made one of our testers fall back in love with Asics again. Another told us it’s his favorite trainer for easy road miles. The main reasons are the comfort and energy return. “Right out of the box, the shoe felt lightweight, soft, and springy underfoot, which made me want to wear them for everything from recovery runs to moderate workouts,” the first tester told us. She regularly took them on paved paths and roads, and dirt and light crushed rock paths and roads.

That comfort and versatility starts at the bottom of the shoe, where Asics employs a “trampoline-inspired” outsole design to boost energy return. If it feels like the Novablast adds a bounce to your step, it’s because that’s exactly what Asics designed it to do. The stack height is 42 millimeters at the heel and 34 millimeters at the forefoot. The outsole also features increased traction pieces, which helped our tester feel confident navigating them on crushed rock trails. For its midsole, the shoe features Asics’s FF Blast Max cushioning. Not surprisingly, it’s one of Asics’s most dynamic and efficient midsole foams. On the upper, Asics has updated this model with a new technical mesh to improve comfort and breathability compared to previous models.

We also love that the shoe weighs only 9 ounces in the men’s version, making it an excellent daily trainer that can also do some uptempo work.

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Best Max-Cushioned Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 10 ($155)

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 10): 9.8 ounces (278 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 42/34 millimeters| Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Plush without feeling mushy
• ‘Goldilocks’ in stack height, drop, and fit

Cons:

• The arch cuts in on some foot shapes and feels too intense
• The toebox isn’t wide enough for some

While there is no shortage of options for max-cushioned shoes, we loved the ever-popular Hoka Clifton 10 because it doesn’t feel as clunky as some of the other shoes with 40-plus millimeters of stack height. And yes, Hoka added a staggering 10 millimeters of stack height at the heel from the previous version, entrenching this shoe in the max-cushioned category.

This shoe checks all of our boxes for fit and durability while hitting the sweet spot with cushion and performance. While it’s not the lightest, it’s also not the heaviest max-cushioned daily trainer, especially considering the amount of compression-molded EVA foam underfoot. And though it certainly feels bulkier than previous versions, which you could use for some uptempo work, it’s still more nimble than a shoe like the Hoka Bondi or similar max-stacked trainers. We found that the 42 millimeters of stack height under the heels was more than enough to keep our feet happy for a multi-hour-long run without feeling too clunky.

The biggest change to this version of the Clifton is, of course, the change in stack height. Hoka bumped it up to 42 millimeters at the heel and 34 at the forefoot, increasing both the amount of cushion underfoot and the drop. While we were initially skeptical of such a drastic increase, we didn’t feel much of a difference in the ride. We loved the updated jacquard knit upper on this shoe and found it to breathe well. The improved fit and cushion around the heel help comfortably secure the foot into the shoe, and Hoka added a bit more room at the forefoot, which we also found to be an improvement over the previous version. Overall, this shoe will work well for many runners, for any distance, and at just about any pace but the very speediest.

You can read more about this shoe in our in-depth Hoka Clifton 10 review.

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Most Versatile Cushioned Running Shoe: Salomon Aero Glide 4 ($160)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 9.0 ounces (255 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 41/33 millimeters | Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Can handle roads, gravel, and light trails
• Lots of bouncy cushion

Cons:

• Female sizing runs large

The Salomon Aero Glide 4 is a road running shoe from a brand typically associated with the trails, and perhaps that’s why our testers loved it so much for those runs that featured slick roads, gravel, and light trails. While we’ve outlined the functional versatility of the Adidas Adizero EVO SL and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, this shoe has a different type of versatility: its ability to run well on multiple surfaces.

The outsole features flat, wide lugs that provide better traction than any shoe in this guide. Ironically, Salomon also makes a gravel version of this shoe, but our testers said this version performed great on wet pavement, icy roads, gravel, and light trails. In fact, one of them said she had just as much traction in these shoes as she did in her Hoka Challenger 8s (review), which are designed for trails. “The rubber on that shoe is working overtime for sure, and it was so nice to see it be so versatile,” she said.

Of course, it’s not a cushioned shoe without ample quality foam, and this shoe checks that box with 42 millimeters of Salomon’s Optifoam2 underfoot at the heel and 34 at the forefoot — the same profile, in fact, as the Hoka Clifton 10. These shoes have noticeable pop without feeling overly cushioned, and they feel forgiving on tired legs. Both of our testers reported that even with the high stack, this shoe doesn’t feel unstable on trails or other surfaces. They also held up well to some high-speed downhills.

Our female tester noted that this shoe runs large in women’s sizing and has lots of volume in the toebox, both laterally and vertically. And our male tester said he was concerned rocks would get stuck in the sole’s heel cup, but it only happened once.

Overall, this shoe was a pleasant surprise for our team and would be a worthy companion for runners seeking a highly cushioned shoe that can handle unpaved surfaces.

Shop the Men's Salomon Aero Glide 4Shop the Women's Salomon Aero Glide 4

Best Lightweight Cushioned Running Shoe: Adidas Adizero EVO SL ($150)

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9.5): 7.9 ounces (223 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 39/32 millimeters | Drop: 7 millimeters

Pros:

• Supremely light and energetic
• Premium foam for not-premium price
• Incredibly versatile
• Clean, simple aesthetic

Cons:

• Bad tongue and laces
• Road-running only

The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an extraordinary shoe. It’s priced like a daily trainer but has a premium foam, crisp design, and the versatility to do pretty much anything. It’s also, as our category suggests, incredibly light, coming in at an actual weight of less than 8 ounces in a U.S. men’s 9.5. For $150, you won’t find a much better deal.

The most striking feature of this shoe is its midsole. It’s made from Adidas’s Lightstrike Pro, a TPEE foam typically reserved for their racing super shoes like the Adidas Adios Pro 4. The foam makes these shoes bouncy, responsive, and a lot of fun to run in. They were our primary tester’s go-to shoes for a marathon training block, and he wore them on everything from easy runs to track workouts to long marathon-specific work. And if you don’t want to shell out $250-plus for super shoes or simply prefer the ride of unplated shoes, they could be a race-day shoe as well, especially from the 5k to half-marathon range. Just make sure to remain on paved roads or dry tracks — the Continental rubber outsole performs well on those surfaces, but on any others you will need more traction.

The upper is made from a thin, breathable mesh that we found to be durable through hundreds of miles of running, and the fit is accommodating throughout the entire foot. Our primary tester struggled with lockdown on the first couple of runs, but after that, the shoes felt dialed. The upper also contains the shoe’s biggest weaknesses: a floating tongue that often slid down or shifted mid-run, and thin laces that came untied on a few runs. And while style is subjective, the simple, clean design of these shoes makes them a compelling lifestyle option, too.

Shop the Men's Adidas Adizero EVO SLShop the Women's Adidas Adizero EVO SL

Best Plated Cushioned Running Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro 4 ($170)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 8.2 ounces (250 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 38/30 millimeters | Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Responsive ride
• Great upper
• Versatile outsole

Cons:

• Could be too firm for some

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is the brand’s plated super trainer, and our testers found that it delivers. Its Goldilocks cushioning, secure fit, strong outsole, and versatility make it our top choice in the admittedly niche category of plated cushioned shoes.

The midsole is composed of two layers of Puma’s Nitrofoam, with a top layer of PEBA foam and a bottom layer of a PEBA/EVA blend. Sandwiched between these two layers is the brand’s carbon composite PWRPLATE. The result is a ride that, in the eyes of one of our testers, strikes a nice balance between cushion and responsiveness. She wore the shoes for a couple of workouts, including some hill work, and a long run, and reported that they felt responsive without being overly soft or aggressive, though our other tester felt they lacked a bit of pop. “There’s definitely cushioning underfoot, but it doesn’t feel mushy or unstable,” the first tester said. “The ride feels controlled and efficient, which I really appreciate as the miles add up.”

Both of our testers also praised the shoe’s fit. One of them has a unique foot shape, with a high arch, wide forefoot, and narrow heel, and he said they fit well. Our other tester noted that the tongue “stays in place throughout the run, doesn’t cause any rubbing or pressure points, and has a really comfortable feel overall. The upper material feels well constructed and secure without being restrictive.” The outsole features the brand’s Pumagrip, which offers tremendous grip for a road shoe. It’s robust enough to take on gravel and light trails in addition to roads.

Overall, if you’re looking for a plated trainer with ample cushion and a responsive ride, this shoe is hard to beat.

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Best Cushioned Shoe for Marathons: Asics Megablast ($225)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 8.1 ounces (230 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 45/37 millimeters | Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Supremely versatile
• Premium foam
• Fun to run in

Cons:

• Pricey
• Clunky for speedwork

While there are certainly more specialized options to lace up for a marathon — see our Best Marathon Shoes guide for specific picks — the Asics Megablast was our top choice for runners seeking a marathon shoe that can double as a trainer, workout shoe, and, well, basically anything you need it for.

This shoe is probably best classified as a “performance trainer” or “super trainer,” which are fancy ways of naming a shoe with tremendous cushion that can handle easy miles, workouts, and yes, even races. We have to start with the foam: Asics employs its FF Turbo2, one of its premium foams, and the driver of the high price. Our tester, who has run hundreds of miles in these shoes, said the cushion offers a great balance of firmness and bounce. They’ve turned into his go-to workout shoes for mile repeats or longer, though for any fast speedwork, he said they felt a bit blocky on his foot. “It really shines during tempo and threshold sessions, while still holding up well on longer runs,” he said.

With this cushioning, combined with a breathable and comfortable upper and relatively low weight, this shoe could absolutely be a race-day option for runners who are seeking an unplated option or don’t want to shell out $250-plus for a super shoe. In fact, our tester wore these shoes for a 39-mile FKT on a mix of roads and gravel — a nod to their speed, comfort, and capable rubber outsole.

“Overall, it’s a true do-it-all shoe,” he summarized.

Shop the Asics Megablast - Unisex

Best Cushioned Running Shoe for Heavy Runners: Nike Vomero 18 ($155)

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 10): 11.3 ounces (320 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 46/36 millimeters | Drop: 10 millimeters

Pros:

• Very plush, comfortable, and responsive
• Lots of cushion without the clunk
• Will work for a lot of types of runners

Cons:

• Heavy
• The new outsole makes it less versatile

For better or worse, the Nike Vomero 18 is almost nothing like previous versions of the shoe. Nike added six millimeters of stack height at the heel and forefoot, combining its two high-end midsole foams — the ReactX and ZoomX — to 46 millimeters at the heel and 36 millimeters at the forefoot to make it one of the highest-platformed shoes on this list. All of that foam makes this shoe our top pick for heavier runners who want extra protection.

The Vomero 17 was one of our favorite running shoes, thanks to its versatility. It was cushioned enough but not overdone. It was responsive and midweight, and the outsole handled multiple surfaces well. The Vomero 18 is still responsive, but it no longer qualifies as midweight, nor is it as versatile. Nike removed large portions of the waffle-inspired rubber outsole and replaced it with outsole pods that help improve heel-to-toe transition, but left more exposed midsole foam. We were actually amazed that this shoe doesn’t run like its stack height and weight indicate it should. The somewhat aggressive rocker and high-end foam boost responsiveness.

The upper, which has increased padding around the heel and tongue, increases the shoe’s comfort around the heel and ankle. While the Vomero might not be as versatile in terms of surfaces and workouts it can handle, the construction does boost the versatility of body types and runners this shoe will work for. In the end, it’s not the Vomero we loved, but it’s still a very solid shoe, and an even better one than the prior if you’re looking for maximum cushion.

Find out more about the specifics of this shoe in our in-depth Nike Vomero 18 review.

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Best Low-Drop Cushioned Running Shoe: Altra FWD VIA 2 ($165)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 10.5): 10.6 ounces (301 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 37/33 millimeters | Drop: 4 millimeters

Pros:

• Lots of cushion
• Versatile
• Wide toebox

Cons:

• Low-drop is not for everyone

The Altra FWD VIA 2 is a low-drop, max-cushioned daily trainer — and our primary tester said it is one of his favorite Altra shoes after nearly a decade of running in the brand’s shoes.

It’s easy and perhaps natural to assume that lots of cushioning and low drops are antithetical — we often associate low- or zero-drop shoes with minimalist running — but it is indeed possible to have maximum cushioning and minimal drop. This shoe is a testament to that fact. With 37 millimeters of Altra’s EGO P35 foam in the heel and 33 in the forefoot, this shoe is well-cushioned while still remaining true to Altra’s low-drop ethos. Our tester ran in these shoes on easy runs, tempos, and even took them to the track, and he found them to be light, comfortable, and responsive in these varied settings.

In addition to the low drop, this shoe holds true to the other primary marker of Altra shoes, with ample room in the toebox and an accommodating fit. Our tester praised its fit, with no pressure points and no sliding around despite the extra room in the toebox. With a durable rubber outsole, this shoe also performed well on various surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and light trails.

This would be a great shoe to try for someone who is curious about Altra but doesn’t want to jump into zero-drop shoes right away, as the more moderate 4-millimeter drop, combined with the cushioning and wide toebox, makes it a great entry-level choice.

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Best Cushioned Shoe for Natural Ride: Brooks Glycerin Flex ($170)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 9.1 ounces (258 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 36/30 millimeters | Drop: 6 millimeters

Pros:

• Unique and flexible
• Cushioned without being unstable
• Versatile

Cons:

• Slightly narrow toebox

For a brand known for its legacy shoes like the Ghost and the Glycerin, the Brooks Glycerin Flex was a highly anticipated launch — and it was a good one. This shoe delivers a ride unlike most other daily trainers, utilizing what Brooks dubs a FlexZone, or flexible groove in the midfoot, for a flexible, natural feel. Our tester, a former collegiate runner who has dealt with several foot issues throughout her running career, called this shoe “easily my all-time favorite trainer” — and even convinced her husband to get his own pair.

With a stack height of 36 millimeters in the heel and 30 millimeters in the forefoot, the Glycerin Flex is not a towering, max-cushioned shoe, but the nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned EVA foam with small cells in the forefoot and larger ones in the heel offers a comfortable ride. Its most striking feature, though, is its flexibility: This shoe simply bends in ways that others simply can’t, and it moves with your foot when running. “This shoe provides excellent comfort and relief, making it my go-to for easy miles,” our tester wrote. “They also handle slightly faster paces well, making it a versatile option beyond just easy runs,” she added.

The upper is a flexible knit that allows your feet to move naturally, and our tester reported that the outsole is strong enough to take on roads, grass, and light trails. Her only complaint was that the toebox runs a bit narrow, so if you have wider feet, there are better options, like the Altra FWD Via 2 discussed above. But for a well-cushioned shoe with a unique, individualized ride, this new shoe is worth a try.

Shop the Men's Brooks Glycerin FlexShop the Women's Brooks Glycerin Flex

Best Value Cushioned Running Shoe: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 ($145)

Claimed Weight (U.S. men’s 9.5): 7.9 ounces (223 grams) | Stack Height (heel/toe): 35/29 millimeters | Drop: 6 millimeters

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and fast
• A ton of fun

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than the previous version

We’ve started calling the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 the do-everything shoe. Going for a long run? The Rebel v5 works well. Speed workout? Also an excellent option. Normal, everyday run? Absolutely. And though $145 is still a lot of money, this versatility makes this shoe an excellent value, especially when other, less versatile shoes can cost you close to $200.

New Balance’s FuelCell midsole features a new PEBA/EVA foam that is lightweight and very propulsive. The foam is taller and wider, making this version of the shoe its highest-ever stack height — going from 30 to 35 millimeters at the heel and 24 to 29 millimeters at the forefoot — and officially entering it into the cushioned category of running shoes.

New Balance leaned into the versatility and speed of this shoe with its updates to the v5. The brand added more grippy rubber to the forefoot of the outsole, improving the shoe’s traction. And it redesigned the heel and tongue to improve the comfort for fast miles, specifically. Both are updates we think improved the overall performance of the shoe, and considering this could be your training, workout, and racing shoe all in one, we think it’s well worth the cost.

Shop the Men's New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5Shop the Women's New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

Comparing the Best Cushioned Running Shoes

SHOE	PRICE	WEIGHT	STACK HEIGHT	DROP
Asics Novablast 5	$150	9.0 oz	42/34 mm	8 mm
Hoka Clifton 10	$155	9.8 oz	42/34 mm	8 mm
Salomon Aero Glide 4	$160	9.0 oz	41/33 mm	8 mm
Adidas Adizero EVO SL	$150	7.9 oz	39/32 mm	7 mm
Puma Deviate Nitro 4	$170	8.2 oz	38/30 mm	8 mm
Asics Megablast	$225	8.1 oz	45/37 mm	8 mm
Nike Vomero 18	$155	11.3 oz	46/36 mm	10 mm
Altra FWD Via 2	$165	10.6 oz	37/33 mm	4 mm
Brooks Glycerin Flex	$170	9.1 oz	36/30 mm	6 mm
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5	$145	7.9 oz	35/29 mm	6 mm

Glossary

• Stack Height: The total height of the shoe between your foot and the ground, measured in millimeters at both the heel and forefoot. This is often used as a proxy for the amount of cushioning found in a shoe’s midsole. A cushioned running shoe typically has upward of 35 millimeters of cushion at the heel.
• Drop: Also called “heel-to-toe drop” or “offset,” it is the height difference between the height of a shoe’s heel and forefoot, measured in millimeters. Higher drops indicate more height at the heel than at the forefoot and mean the shoe is better suited for heel strikers. A lower drop indicates the shoe is more evenly heighted throughout its length. Low-drop shoes are typically better for midfoot or forefoot strikers.
• Outsole: The material on the bottom of a shoe, usually rubber, that makes contact with the ground.
• Upper: The top of the shoe, including the entirety of the shoe above the sole.
• Midsole: The layer(s) of foam between a shoe’s upper and outsole. Midsole performance and durability can vary drastically between brands and models, and the materials chosen can often be major factors in the shoe’s price.
• Toebox: The front of the shoe surrounding the ball of the foot and toes.
• Ankle Collar: The shoe’s opening, which wraps around the heel to help hold it in place.

How to Choose Cushioned Running Shoes

Benefits of Cushioned Running Shoes

Many runners prefer cushioned road running shoes for pure comfort, especially those who supinate or absorb impact on the outsides of their feet while running. Other runners claim a perception of reduced fatigue or faster recovery when running in cushioned shoes.

However, it’s worth noting that studies are mixed on whether running in cushioned shoes actually reduces the risk of running-related injuries. There are benefits and drawbacks, and they vary depending on the runner.

If you currently run in traditional shoes and want to ramp up your underfoot cushion, we recommend doing so gradually and stopping immediately if you experience any negative effects. Better yet, talk to your physical therapist or podiatrist before making a drastic change.

Choosing a cushioned running shoe with an average drop, like the Brooks Glycerin Flex or Asics Novablast, can help ease the transition between more traditional running shoes and highly cushioned ones.

Cushion Amount

The right amount of cushion is the amount that feels the best to you. There are many variations in runner body shapes and sizes, running gaits, and runner preferences, and different shoes will work for different people. Goals matter, too.

A runner training for a five-hour marathon will likely prefer a different type of cushion and shoe feel than a runner training for an 18-minute 5k or a runner who wears their shoes for daily runs, dog walks, and errands. Since there’s no right or wrong way to run, there’s no right amount of cushion.

That said, shoes with a lot of cushion, like the Nike Vomero 18, will feel softer and more comfortable, but they will come at the cost of reducing your ability to feel minor variations in the ground underneath your feet. Meanwhile, minimalist shoes with very little cushion will let you feel every pebble underfoot, but — ouch! The Brooks Glycerin Flex, with a stack height of 36 millimeters and a drop of 6 millimeters, is a solid middle-of-the-road option that offers a unique, natural ride that flexes with your foot.

The shoes in this guide fall within a range of 35 to 46 millimeters of stack height at the heel — more than a traditional running shoe but well within a range many runners prefer. Of the shoes we included in this guide, five of them have stack heights of 40-plus millimeters at the heel, including the Asics Megablast and Salomon Aero Glide 4.

Types of Cushion

In addition to stack height, different types of foam will significantly affect how a shoe feels. A plush foam will deliver a softer experience, which can feel incredibly comfortable but also mushy, flat, or cumbersome if it’s too soft. A responsive foam will provide better energy return with each step, creating an experience that’s bouncy, springy, and light; however, it could also feel too firm or unstable for some.

We’ve included a mix of cushioned shoes in this guide that can be described as plush and soft, bouncy and responsive, or somewhere in between to help you find the best cushioned running shoes for your specific running style. We describe each of them based on the feedback from our testing team, which included a variety of runners with different body types, running paces, and goals. The Adidas Adizero EVO SL uses a premium foam for a fun, bouncy ride, and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 uses a mix of PEBA and EVA foams to create a blend that is both lightweight and propulsive.

That said, with many cushioned road running shoes, as with any running shoes, a runner’s experience may vary according to their unique physical build and how they run. Our testers found the Hoka Clifton 10 to have an outstanding balance between plush and bouncy, and it is a shoe that will work for a lot of runners.

Running Volume and Injuries

If you’re a relatively high-volume runner getting out more days a week than not, cushioned road running shoes could be a good option in your rotation. Perhaps you select a soft pair, like the Nike Vomero 18 for long, easy runs and recovery days, and a shoe with firmer cushion for long tempo or marathon training runs. The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is a great option for a shoe that can work for a lot of different running needs.

You might rotate your cushioned shoes with other styles of shoes that you use for shorter interval workouts or race days. Or maybe you just like to mix things up, and having the best cushioned running shoes in your closet can keep your feet comfortable.

A cushioned shoe could still be a good option for runners who maintain a lower running volume, don’t do regular running workouts, or are looking for one pair of shoes, like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, to do it all. And for those who are dealing with aches and pains or coming back from an injury, a cushioned shoe could help keep your miles more comfortable as you regain strength and fitness. Note, however, that cushioned running shoes do not necessarily reduce your risk of injury, and we recommend seeking advice from your doctor or physical therapist.

Stability Versus Neutral Running Shoes

Stability running shoes are designed for runners with low and/or very flexible arches that collapse inward as they absorb the impact of running. While some degree of collapse, or pronation, is normal, too much can lead to pain or injury.

Stability shoes address overpronation with firm midsole foam on the inside of the shoe that helps guide the foot toward a neutral position without altering a runner’s natural gait. Neutral shoes lack this firmer midsole foam and tend to feel more flexible. However, even within the neutral shoe category, some can feel more stable than others.

There are stability and neutral options available in the cushioned shoe category, and many running brands offer similar shoes in both, such as the Hoka Arahi 8, the brand’s stability shoe, which has similar cushion levels to the Hoka Clifton 10. Still, the Arahi is different in that it is stiffer and has added stability support.

Toebox Shape

As with cushioning, choosing a toebox shape comes down to your preference, and the best cushioned running shoes for you might not work for someone else. Some runners prefer a more trim fit in the front of the shoe, while others want their toes to relax and splay out. Runners with high arches might prefer a roomier toebox to accommodate their higher volume foot, and our tester found that the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 works for that foot profile. The key is to ensure that whatever shoe style you choose, you have enough room in the front for your toes to wiggle and fully lengthen.

Of the shoes in this guide, the Altra FWD VIA 2 has the roomiest toebox, as it utilizes Altra’s famous FootShape fit.

The Hoka Clifton 10 is a classic all-around daily trainer. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Why You Should Trust Us

This best cushioned road running shoes guide has been compiled with the expertise and testing experience of the iRunFar team, supplemented by extensive research by multiple authors and input from seasoned running shoe experts.

We began by compiling and considering a list of nearly 50 cushioned road running shoes on the market. We whittled down this list and sent our top picks to our team of experienced testers, who ran in each model for several weeks, collectively putting hundreds of miles on each style and providing feedback on fit, feel, stability, cushion, performance, durability, and other factors. With this information, we further narrowed our list of the best to the shoes in this guide. Each shoe in this guide has at least 100 miles on it.

We continue testing new products as they come on the market and update this guide regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cushioned shoes better for road running?

Cushioned road running shoes can provide benefits, but there are also trade-offs, so it comes down to your personal preferences and running goals. More cushioning underfoot can help protect your muscles and joints from the impacts of running, especially on pavement. Shoes like the Salomon Aero Glide 4 or Asics Novablast 5 can make running feel more comfortable, help you run longer before fatigue sets in, or help your legs bounce back more quickly after a long training run.

The flip side is that you lose ground feel and some degree of responsiveness with a lot of cushion. As a result, highly cushioned shoes like the Nike Vomero 18 might feel cumbersome if you’re doing a track workout or racing a short distance. But some cushioned shoes, like the Adidas Adizero EVO SL, are lightweight and springy and will perform well on workouts like a tempo run or hill repeats. And if you need a pair for a race like a marathon, we loved the Asics Megablast.

What kind of cushion is best for road running?

The best cushioned running shoes will feel soft but not mushy, and springy but not too firm or unstable. Soft cushion will feel plush and comfortable underfoot, but if it’s too soft, it might feel mushy, flat, or unresponsive. It may feel like it’s absorbing all the energy you’re putting into it without sending any back.

Meanwhile, a springy cushion will feel like it’s sending energy back into your legs and propelling you forward, but if it’s too firm, it might not feel that smooth underfoot. We found that the foams in the Adidas Adizero EVO SL and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 provided plenty of propulsion while still offering a lot of cushion. We also liked the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 for a plated option.

The best cushioned running shoes are whatever combination of soft and springy feels right to you. The tricky part is that this balance will feel different for each person and depend on their size, weight, running gait, foot shape, and personal preferences.

The running shoes featured in this guide all offer some sort of middle ground between soft and springy and are a good starting point in figuring out what you like best. We selected the Asics Novablast 5  as the best overall cushioned running shoe because its cushion, fit, and performance will work well for many runners for everyday training.

Will cushioned shoes help with knee or foot pain?

Cushioned road running shoes may help with knee and foot pain if the shoes fit properly and if the pain stems from the impacts of running on hard surfaces. All sorts of things can lead to knee and foot pain, including issues with a running gait, training volume, strength imbalances, and genetics. A fairly middle-of-the-road shoe like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is probably your best bet for helping with niggles as it provides cushion without being extreme in any aspect of its fit or construction. Our tester of the Brooks Glycerin Flex, who has a history of foot injuries, also reported that its natural ride offered her comfort and relief on easy runs.

If you’re experiencing knee and foot pain associated with running or walking, we recommend consulting a physical therapist or podiatrist before choosing your next pair of running shoes. While wearing a pair of highly cushioned shoes is not guaranteed to help with injuries, they can make running more comfortable as you get back into running shape if you have to take some time off.

Will cushioned shoes cause me to roll my ankles?

More stack height underfoot can feel less stable for some runners, raising concerns about rolling an ankle. Additionally, more cushion underfoot decreases the foot’s ability to sense minor variations in the ground, reducing the sense of stability for some runners. Our testers found that the Salomon Aero Glide 4, even with 42 millimeters of stack height at the heel, felt stable on multiple surfaces.

On the other hand, some brands use cushioning to enhance a shoe’s stability by extending the cushioning out to either side of the platform that holds the foot. Called sole flare, this gives the shoe a wider base underneath the foot and can help guide a foot that overpronates or supinates into a more neutral position. The Hoka Clifton 10 has a noticeable sole flare.

Do I want running shoes with low drop or high drop?

Heel-to-toe drop is a matter of personal preference and depends on your running stride and unique physiology, and choosing the right drop comes down to what feels best for your natural running gait and any history of injury. If you’re a heel striker, you may prefer a high-drop shoe with lots of heel cushion and a smooth transition to the forefoot, like the Asics Novablast 5 or the Nike Vomero 18. A low- or zero-drop shoe might feel too abrupt through that transition. Additionally, if you’ve ever experienced  Achilles tendonitis or have very tight calves, a zero-drop or even low-drop shoe may not work.

On the other hand, some people prefer low- or zero-drop shoes like the Altra FWD VIA 2 because they simply feel more natural and can help to lengthen the muscles and tendons along the rear chain of your body, though we always recommend easing into zero- or low-drop shoes.

If you want to try a different drop than what you’re used to, it’s a good idea to ease into that change by rotating your new shoes in with your traditional running shoes. If you’re not sure what drop to go with, we recommend choosing something in the middle of the range, such as a shoe with a 6- to 10-millimeter offset. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the Brooks Glycerin Flex are great mid-range shoes.

Do heavier runners need more cushion?

Not necessarily. Heavier runners or runners with a heavy natural gait might find more cushioned running shoes, like the Nike Vomero 18, to feel more comfortable. In addition, running shoes with at least moderate cushioning may last longer before the foam packs out.

On the other hand, highly cushioned shoes may feel less stable for some runners. It depends on your preference and what feels best on your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back.

What is the difference between cushioned and stability running shoes?

Cushioned road running shoes have more cushion and higher stack heights underfoot. Stability running shoes typically have a firm piece of midsole foam along the inside of the foot to help runners who overpronate and roll their ankles inward.

It is worth noting that some shoes have designs where the cushion enhances the shoe’s stability by creating a wider platform underneath the foot. This is called sole flare and can be considered light stability, but it will not be as supportive as a true stability shoe built specifically for runners who overpronate. The Hoka Clifton 10 has a sole flare.

Call for Comments

• What style of cushion do you like, moderate or maximal? Soft or bouncy?
• Do you have a favorite pair of cushioned road running shoes? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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