The 14 Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2023, According to Running Experts
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People / David Hattan
There’s no feeling quite like the adrenaline of running — the wind rushing past you, your strides hitting the ground, blood pumping through your veins — but like any sport, you have to have the right equipment to succeed, or in this case, the right pair of shoes.
Since every runner has a slightly different gait, there are thousands of running shoes designed to keep you balanced when you run. As a foot and ankle surgeon and co-founder of DoctorInsole, podiatrist Robert J. Joseph, DPM treats many runners in his practice. “A lot of runners have an uneven gait, and then twist their ankles,” Joseph tells PEOPLE. He says in many cases, this happens because one leg is longer than the other, and ends up compensating for the shorter one. In order to correct this and prevent injuries, you have to look for ways to adjust the subtalar joint (where your heel bone connects to your tibia and fibula bones) to a neutral position (more on this later).
Regardless of your gait or where you like to run — be it trails, roads, or even the beach — the right cushioned running shoe can make or break your running experience. We’ve researched and spoken to experts and runners alike to find the best cushioned running shoes for every run.
Read on for the best cushioned running shoes that fitness experts and doctors recommend in 2023.
Best Overall: Hoka Women's Bondi 8
Who It’s Good For
Those who prefer road-running, and especially long-distance running like marathons. This shoe will work best for people who have neutral pronation or underpronation (supination).
Who It’s Not Good For
These shoes are not designed for trails, hikes, or off-road terrain running or walking. Also if you run with overpronation, these shoes won’t provide enough structure.
As one of the most popular running shoes right now, the Hoka Bondi 8 shoe is ideal for that next marathon you have coming up, the holiday trot with your family, or even just your morning jog to start the day. The shoes are beautifully designed with maximum cushioning for a neutral foot position. They also have a beveled heel to increase durability and help guide a smoother stride when you run.
Once you slip on these Hoka shoes, you’ll feel the soft inner lining and snug fit, which creates a comfortable chamber for your feet. The breathable mesh on top helps your feet air out and the EVA foam midsole absorbs shocks while you set your next PR time. We can confirm the breathability as we tested the shoes in our lab. The Hokas were a perfect fit — our toes had room to wiggle and the heel cupped the base of our foot without rubbing the skin or being too stiff.
While they weren’t the most responsive shoes in terms of pushing off the ground, they are super comfortable and don’t seem like they will cause blisters. The thick cushioned sole is also ideal for those with plantar fasciitis because it provides good shock absorption. Apart from comfort and durability, these shoes are fun to look at. With 17 eye-catching designs to choose from, you’ll draw some attention the next time you zoom by.
Price at time of publish: $165
Colors: 17 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best Budget: Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer Shoe
Who It’s Good For
People who want to go for a light jog or fast walk, and those who want a decent fitness shoe for a lower price.
Who It’s Not Good For
These aren’t designed for long-distance runs, marathons, or terrain activities.
If you want a low cushion at an even lower price, the Adidas Cloudfoam QT shoes will be the perfect running companions. Made with 50 percent recycled upper, the shoes are super comfortable; we didn’t get any blisters while testing them. Given the flat base and overall design of the shoe, we think this pair would be a better choice for fitness activities like the treadmill or elliptical, rather than long-distance running or hiking.
When we tested these shoes in our lab, they won us over with their perfect fit, neither too narrow or too wide. In addition, the material proved quite breathable, so your foot won’t get too sweaty when wearing these shoes. The cushioning level is definitely on the lower side, but for many runners this could actually be a bonus if you like to be closer to the ground when sprinting.
Price at time of publish: $58.95 (orig. $64.95)
Colors: 8 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-toe Drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Low-level
Best Lightweight: Mizuno Women's Wave Sky 5
Who It’s Good For
Marathoners, road runners, and those who want a lightweight shoe with good arch support.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who prefer to run on terrain or want shoes for hiking.
“Lighter shoes are more efficient and generally more comfortable, but also wear out faster, so many people opt for a more rugged (but heavier) pair of training shoes for road running and a lighter, less durable pair for racing, explains certified personal trainer and author Mike Matthews, who counts Mizuno as one of the best lightweight brands.
This particular offering is an ideal race shoe because they are extremely comfortable, thanks to the new and improved “Mizuno Enerzy Core”, which lets runners bound off the ground with impact-resistant cushioning ready to support their feet when they land. The wave plate in these shoes disperses the impact to help with stability and comfort.
As Matthews notes, while lighter shoes tend to wear out sooner than heavier pairs, the durable carbon rubber on the exterior of these shoes is designed to maintain longer wear. They also offer effective arch support to help maintain a solid gait when running and a decent heel-to-toe drop of cushioning. Mizuno shoes are ideal for racers with a need for comfortable light footwear.
Price at time of publish: $105.40 (orig. $169.95)
Colors: 5 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best for Road Running: Brooks Women's Ghost 14
Who It’s Good For
This shoe is ideal for many runners, especially those who run on road surfaces, enjoy eco-friendly products, and want a perfect fit.
Who It’s Not Good For
These aren't a good fit for trail runners due to the smoother tread.
If your preferred running surface is asphalt — the ole open road — then a pair of the Brooks Ghost 14 shoes are going to be your new best friends. (Matthews is also a big fan of this brand.) These runner favorites offer an elevated 3D Print fit on the top of the shoes to mold to your foot shape, preventing sliding and avoiding discomfort. These are also made from carbon neutral materials, making these shoes a sustainable dream.
The Ghost 14’s DNA Loft cushioning foam supports your foot while you power ahead on your runs. The upper section is breathable, lightweight, and thin to allow airflow. These are truly a workhorse pair of shoes that will consistently serve your runs. Good running shoes should quietly help you get where you need to go and the Ghost 14 shoes will do just that. Matthews notes that a “relatively thin, breathable upper” is important for road running. “Shoes with an aggressive tread (like trail running shoes) will quickly get worn down by running on concrete and asphalt, so there’s really no advantage to wearing these shoes while road running,” he explains.
“When choosing cushioned road-running shoes, you want a pair of lightweight shoes that have a fairly smooth outsole and a relatively thin, breathable upper,” says Matthews. “Shoes with an aggressive tread (like trail running shoes) will quickly get worn down by running on concrete and asphalt, so there’s really no advantage to wearing these shoes while road running.”
Price at time of publish: $99.95 (orig. $140)
Colors: 8 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12mm | Cushioning: Mid-level
Related:The Best Walking Shoes of 2023, According to Experts
Best for Trail Running: Salomon Women's Speedcross 5
Who It’s Good For
These shoes are perfect for running on off-road terrain like nature trails, dirt roads, hiking paths, etc. The neutral position of these shoes is also good for those with normal pronation or supination.
Who It’s Not Good For
Since the tread on these shoes is intended to grip soft earth, it’s not great for road runners, as it can get torn up on the asphalt over time.
“Trail running shoes need to have an aggressive tread to grip soft, muddy, or loose ground, a more durable upper that can withstand abrasion from rocks, bushes, and branches, and ideally should also dry quickly, since you may run through streams, mud, dew-covered grass, et cetera,” says Matthews.
Designed with trails in mind, the Salomon Speedcross 5 shoes (a brand Matthews stands behind) have a solid tread made for gripping the ground and gaining traction on grassy and muddy surfaces. Most of the materials on the shoe are designed to keep out debris like twigs, leaves, and grass, such as the gusseted tongue, lace pockets, and anti-debris mesh on top. For added benefit, the toe of this shoe has a rubber toe cap and mud guard.
The structure of this shoe is neutral, making it a suitable option for many runners (especially those with normal pronation or supination). There’s a great deal of support in the midsole and toward the heel to help you launch your foot off the ground with each stride, and the EVA foam midsole also helps with shock absorption.
As far as cushion level goes, Matthews says that you can generally get by with less cushion in trail running shoes than road running shoes since you’ll be running on softer surfaces (like dirt and grass instead of concrete and asphalt).
Price at time of publish: $139.95
Colors: 7 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Terrain | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm | Cushioning: Regular
Best for Marathons: Hoka Women's Rincon 3
Who It’s Good For
Marathon runners will love these lightweight and cushioned shoes. They’re designed for extended wear and provide a great neutral structure for running.
Who It’s Not Good For
These aren’t designed for off-road running, so they wouldn’t be good for trail runners or cross-country running.
The Hoka Rincon 3 are not only flashy shoes, they’re extremely comfortable with supportive cushioning to give your foot a boost while you run. For marathon runners especially, these shoes provide long distance comfort, a lightweight fit, and a unique design that creates a smooth transition from heel to toe with each stride.
“Most marathons take place on asphalt roads, so the same shoes that make good road runners will generally be suitable for marathons, too,” explains Matthews. “Most runners take anywhere from 3-to-5 hours to finish a marathon, so comfort is key,” citing Hokas as a great option if you prefer additional cushion.
The ventilated mesh on the upper section helps keep airflow to your feet, and the bold colors will make you stand out as you run past onlookers. Make an entrance crossing the finish line with these Hoka cushioned running shoes.
Price at time of publish: $125
Colors: 9 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm | Cushioning: Balanced
Best for Arch Support: Nike Women's React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Who It’s Good For
These shoes provide significant cushioning which makes them great for someone who wants more support. They’re also great for road running due to the flat tread.
Who It’s Not Good For
They're not as effective for trail running.
Matthews notes that even if you don’t necessarily need arch support for orthopedic reasons, you may find that they actually feel better. “Most people have perfectly healthy, supportive arches and don’t need special shoes with arch support, but if you think you do, try on models from a variety of brands and see what you like best,” he explains.
The Nike React Infinity Run FlyKnit 2 offering is a great place to start, as they’re sleek, supportive, and comfortable on your feet. These shoes have a wide front section to help provide a stable landing for your foot with each stride (and prevent ankle rolling!) and high cushioning to help absorb shocks. The midsole is medium height which provides solid arch support for those who seek it. We tried these shoes in our lab, and noticed they run a little narrow. Other than the sizing, we found the shoes to be fairly comfortable with a flexible knit upper and arch-supportive structure. They’re super responsive when running, with a springy cushioning that helped propel us forward.
With 10 attractive colors to choose from — including a bold neon print — these Nike road-running shoes are attractive both in looks and in comfort. The breathable mesh allows ventilation and the shoes are lightweight, so you can wear them for hours and still keep that spring in your step.
Price at time of publish: $105.97 (orig. $160)
Colors: 10 | Structure: Supported | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8.4mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best for Cross Training: Reebok Women’s Nano X1
Who It’s Good For
These trainers are great for people doing any kind of cross-training class or HIIT workouts.
Who It’s Not Good For
They aren’t designed for intense terrain running or road running as they have a flat tread.
“Cross training generally refers to participating in a variety of different sports, so you want shoes that will feel and perform well during many activities,” explains Matthews. “Generally, good cross-training shoes will have some tread on the bottom to improve your grip when going off-road, a thicker, more durable upper than regular road-running shoes, and less cushion, since most people aren’t running long distances in cross-training shoes and lots of cushion can reduce your stability during exercises like the squat, lunge, and overhead press.”
Matthews credits Reebok as a great option for the multi-faceted athlete. The Reebok Nano X1 shoes have a high heel-to-toe drop and medium cushioning to keep your foot aligned and add comfort. They’re lightweight and designed with multifunctional movement in mind, so unlike runners, cross-trainers allow your feet to move in many directions while still absorbing shocks and distributing your weight for balance and stability. Plus, all of the styles feature cool and sophisticated colors so your feet will also look good while you work out.
Price at time of publish: $84.73 (orig. $150)
Colors: 7 | Structure: Supported | Uses: Cross Training | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm | Cushioning: Medium
Best Comfortable: Hoka Women's Clifton 8
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who needs really soft and comfortable shoes due to foot discomfort issues, or perhaps someone who works on their feet all day.
Who It’s Not Good For
The design isn’t as friendly to terrain-running; these would be better for roads.
If you’re looking for comfortable shoes to wear on your morning jogs, look no further than this Hoka pair. During testing we found the cushioned running shoes to be extremely comfortable, supportive, and flexible. They snugly fit our feet without feeling too snug or too loose. The cushioning is definitely thick, but it’s around the median range and doesn’t feel clunky when you’re walking or running.
We appreciated how responsive the shoes were while in use; they maintained their lightweight feel and still propelled us forward with each step. We do worry about blisters given the height of the achilles section of the shoe — there is definitely potential to rub the skin there. We didn’t experience any wobbly ankle-syndrome while wearing these kicks, so they definitely feel stable. In fact, they were so comfortable, we could easily wear them all day. These could be ideal for long distance running as well, since the shoes are lighter than other Hoka shoes.
Price at time of publish: $111.95 (orig. $140)
Colors: 12 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm | Cushioning: Mid-level
Best for Supination: Saucony Women's Ride 15
Who It’s Good For
These running shoes are ideal for roads due to the smooth tread, and for people who run with normal pronation or underpronation (supination) due to the neutral structure.
Who It’s Not Good For
These shoes do not have enough tread for terrain running and do not have enough structure for those who run with overpronation.
“In regards to running, supination refers to a perceived inadequate inward rolling of the foot after it makes contact with the ground,” explains Matthews. The Saucony Ride 15 shoes are designed with a neutral structure to keep your feet in line while you run. They have underfoot contouring for a smoother fit, and immense cushioning without adding weight to the shoes. The breathable mesh circulates airflow and the midsole is designed to help smooth out your gait while you run.
Sometimes running means taking a leap, but you don’t have to worry about the landing. The front of the shoe is a bit wider than earlier models and grounds your foot each time it lands to maintain stability. The outsole rubber also ensures these shoes will last a while. And as a bonus, the upper portion of these shoes is made with recyclable materials — because we love the earth we’re running on!
Price at time of publish: $76.98 (orig. $140)
Colors: 10 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best for Long Distance: Saucony Women's Endorphin Speed 2
Who It’s Good For
These shoes are ideal for those engaging in races, marathons, and long-distance running.
Who It’s Not Good For
Since the tread is quite flat, these shoes aren’t good for terrain running, and the neutral structure isn’t meant for those who run with overpronation.
“The best shoes for long-distance running will be lightweight, breathable, and have sufficient cushion and grip to suit your preferences and running surface,” says Matthews. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 shoes are designed with special cushioning and a nylon plate which makes this a great shoe for long distances. The plate works to propel you forward so you can run further, and nylon in particular is known to be a great material for training.
The breathable mesh, contoured design, and elevated cushioning all work together to keep your foot supported and comfortable, making your run all the more enjoyable. So if you’re training for a marathon, these are the shoes you’ll want on hand.
Price at time of publish: $99.61 (orig. $160)
Colors: 12 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X More v4
Who It’s Good For
While no shoes will cure plantar fasciitis, these shoes are just generally really comfortable which can help, and have a lot of cushioning in the heel area, which is the root of pain with this condition.
Who It’s Not Good For
This level of cushioning might be too much for long-distance runners.
When we tested these shoes, we loved the snug fit (without being too tight) and how stabilizing they were while running. We could fit our thumb’s width between our toe and the end of the shoe, so there was a good amount of space in the toe box. We did notice a bit of extra room in the heel, so the back of your foot could have some friction with the shoe back which could cause blisters.
In addition to providing a decent fit, the shoes were also super comfortable and supportive. This makes them a great option for those who deal with plantar fasciitis: an inflammation of the connective tissue (fascia) that connects the heel bone to the toes and can cause a sharp pain along the bottom of the foot. While Matthews says that you can’t “fix” or prevent plantar fasciitis with footwear, you can choose the most comfortable, supportive shoes for your unique feet and take care to gradually increase running volume to avoid injury.
The thick cushioning creates a bouncy step and the ultimate support under both flat and arched feet. In spite of the size of the shoes, the foamy base is super lightweight. Our feet fell into alignment while running with the shoes and didn’t get too sweaty due to the breathable material.
Price at time of publish: $149.99
Colors: 8 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 34mm | Cushioning: Maximum
Best Investment: On Women's Cloudstratus
Who It’s Good For
Anyone who runs on roads and pavement, and those who don’t mind a higher price point.
Who It’s Not Good For
These shoes aren’t the best suited for people who run with overpronation since they have a neutral structure.
The On Cloudstratus shoes are highly comfortable shoes with a sleek, eye-catching design that comes in an assortment of bright and whimsical colors. This cushioned running shoe has a thick foam cushioning, is highly durable on roads, and provides good support under all parts of your foot. The upper section is made with recycled materials, and the uniquely-designed tread would likely allow some off road running as well. The base of the shoe is also very responsive and launches you ahead when moving.
While these shoes are at the top of our list in terms of price, we think the quality matches the cost. The On Cloudstratus shoes offer durability, breathability, support, and comfort. These are shoes you can wear for a long time without discomfort., making them ideal for someone with sensitive feet due to plantar fasciitis.
Price at time of publish: $169.99
Colors: 7 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm | Cushioning: Mid-level
Best for All-Day Wear: Asics Women's Gel-Nimbus 25
Who It’s Good For
These shoes are perfect for those who work on their feet all day because they provide extra support and cushioning.
Who It’s Not Good For
They may not be ideal for hiking or trail running due to the high level of cushioning and smooth tread.
Matthews likes Asics for those who spend a lot of their time on their feet, especially in wet or cool conditions. We tried these shoes for about a month during real world testing and can confirm that they are highly comfortable for all-day wear. They were super easy to slip on thanks to the wide loop on the back and the stretchy upper that helps your foot slide into the shoe.
Our toes did not hit the end of the shoe, so there’s definitely some wiggle room, but the shoe as a whole fit snugly so they’re stable when you’re walking or running. We did experience mild blisters while we broke them in, but that hasn’t been an issue since. There’s a good amount of responsiveness with the shoes as they propel you forward when moving, though we’ll caution you that they can be somewhat slippery when wet. The level of plush and cushion provides so much support, making the shoes a great option especially if you’re on your feet all day.
Price at time of publish: $159.95
Colors: 13 | Structure: Neutral | Uses: Roads | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm | Cushioning: Maximum
How to Pick the Right Cushioned Running Shoes
Structure
When you run, your neutral position — called pronation — lines your heel up with the back of your leg, so your heel hits the pavement first and then the sole of your foot, followed by the ball. Runners with this gait should use what’s called a neutral shoe structure, like the HOKA Rincon 3.
Some runners’ feet slant inward and land on the inner part of the sole when they run — an effect called overpronation — and therefore must correct that with a structured or arch-supportive shoe. We’d suggest our choice for cross-training, the Reebok Nano X1. The opposite effect — called supination — happens when a runner’s feet slant outwards and can be fixed with a neutral shoe and added cushioning near the outside of the shoe. You should keep the shoe structure that will best suit your gait type in mind.
Tread and Cushioning
If you’re a runner who primarily trains on roads (whether long or short distance) you should look for a lightweight shoe with a smooth tread so it doesn’t wear down against the rough asphalt overtime. We think the best shoe for road-running is the Brooks Ghost 14. Those who prefer to run off-road should find shoes with a thicker, toothy tread so they can grip different kinds of terrain without issue — and the Salomon Speedcross 5 fits the bill. For people with any regular foot discomfort due to conditions or poor arch support, simply finding a shoe that is comfortable for you will be the best option; perhaps our most comfortable pick, the HOKA Clifton 8.
Price
Running shoes can be an expensive purchase, but they are built to last and well worth the investment. Our picks range from $48 to $170, with most shoes landing over the $100 mark, such as our best overall choice, the Hoka Bondi 8. When you’re running, you need a shoe that can take a beating and keep up with your activity level, and the materials needed to create that can contribute to higher prices (and higher performance). Should you be interested in a more budget-friendly pick, we suggest the Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer Shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cushioned shoes good for running?
Cushioned shoes don’t greatly affect your ability to run — so they aren’t good or bad, per say. “Comfort and control are two separate things,” says Joseph. He suggests finding a shoe that helps you control your gait (fixing your pronation if needed) to avoid injuries, and then looking for a cushioning level that will be most comfortable.
“While many people think more cushion is always better, this isn't the case," adds Matthews. "Instead, you want the most comfortable shoe for you, which could mean lots of cushion or very little. Where the cushion is positioned can also influence how the shoe fits, which is why it’s important to try a few different models and see what suits your fancy.”
What kind of cushioning is best for running?
While cushioning may not improve your running as much as other aspects of a running shoe, it can still play a role. For instance, EVA foam is put in many midsoles, which is lightweight and great for shock-absorption, so that type of cushioning can help reduce impacts when you’re running. Many shoe brands also have their own unique cushioning, so looking at the specifics and benefits for each can help you pick the right shoe. Your level of comfort will also determine how much cushioning is right for you.
What are the best shock-absorbing running shoes?
Cushioned running shoes can be great for shock-absorption because they create a durable layer between your foot and the ground to dispel some of the impact of running. As mentioned, shoes with EVA foam midsoles are a great option, and brands best-associated with shock-absorbing shoes are Hoka, Saucony, Asics, and Mizuno.
Take Our Word For It
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources. After heavily researching the market of cushioned running shoes to determine the best picks for different needs, she compared popular brands and models based on factors including cost, styling, fit and comfort, durability, suitability to running surfaces, and more. She also utilized lab-tested and real-world insights and spoke to experts Robert J. Joseph, DPM, podiatrist and co-founder of DoctorInsole, and Mike Matthews, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Legion sports supplements.
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