Top 5 Best cushioned running shoes

With the most cushioned shoes, you can run farther and feel softer.

The shoes’ cushioning is what gives them their softness, bounce, and comfort. On those days when you recover slowly, certain cushioning units make you feel pampered. Others push you to accelerate, making you feel as though you’re walking on little trampolines.

We have evaluated a number of cushioned running shoes in order to choose the best ones using our own shoe lab and wear tests.

We also published a comprehensive guide if you’d like to know more about which foams are more durable and which are more responsive, how a carbon plate impacts their performance, and other cushioning specifics.

Best cushioned running shoes overall: Asics novablast 5
Best cushioned running shoes for race: Nike Alphafly 3
Best stability cushioned running shoes: ASICS Gel Kayano 31
Best cushioned running shoes for trail: Nike zegama 2
Best budget cushioned running shoes: Saucony Axon 3

Best cushioned running shoes overall

Asics novablast 5

Because Novablast is a flexible trainer that allows us to cruise at any speed with ease, the fifth time is a charm. It claims its rightful place as the best-cushioned running shoe by balancing stability, low weight, and a healthy dose of energy with an incredibly cushy platform, all supported by lab data and actual running.

It is absolute delight to sink into the ample cushioning. Its FF Blast MAX foam combines softness and height in a divine way. Our caliper displays a huge stack of 40.9/33.5 mm. Our foot is shielded from the shock of the ground wherever we land. It is 38.4% plusher than usual, according to our durometer, which makes it comfortable and propelling even for extended runs.

Even with its skyscraper design, our runs feel balanced and supported. With an additional 8.3/6.9 mm to help us get our feet, its landing surface is wider than usual. In order to understand why the shoe feels stable, we also measured its torsional rigidity at 4/5.

The ride of the Novablast 5 is incredible because, in spite of its enormous size, it seems light. This is supported by our scales, which register a reading of 9.0 oz (254g), which is below average. Its effortlessness is further enhanced by the fact that we found it to be extremely pliable. It is 32.2% more flexible than usual, according to our bend test.

We didn’t feel secure enough on wet surfaces, even if traction is excellent on dry ones. A shoe with a more grippy outsole is recommended for people who frequently walk on slick roads.

Best cushioned running shoes for race

Nike alphafly 3

The Alphafly 3 from Nike is all about speed and keeping up the tempo. It’s an amazing blend of airiness, comfort, and a huge energy return that lets us glide for kilometers without counting. It is our best racer among cushioned running shoes, supported by outstanding evaluations from our lab and test runs.

Its unique midsole design, which includes Air Pods for optimal responsiveness and a strong FlyPlate, is at its heart. It guarantees that even during demanding long-distance runs, we maintain our energy levels. Our bend test revealed it to be 145.2% stiffer than average, demonstrating its consistent support and resilience. This results in strides that are incredibly propelled.

We measured a remarkable 38.1/29.6 mm stack, composed of the superior ZoomX foam, which propels us forward and prevents leg weariness. Its dual-density setup consists of a hard 29.3 HA top layer for stability and a soft 18.1 HA for comfort.

Its delicate 7.1 oz (201g) weight, in spite of its large height, increases our speed and agility. Its attractiveness is enhanced by the Atomknit upper’s excellent breathability for increased comfort. Our lab’s flawless ventilation grade attests to this.

It’s important to note, though, that this speedster costs a whopping $285. However, for runners who want to perform at their best, we think it’s worth the money.

Best stability cushioned running shoes

ASICS Gel Kayano 31

We were astounded by the ASICS Gel Kayano 31’s ability to combine surefootedness and pillowy cushioning. According to our study, the brand’s FF Blast+ foam provides opulent comfort, while the 4D Guidance System and wide base provide steadfast support. As our finest stability-cushioned running shoe, it unquestionably tops the lists.

GK31’s wider-than-normal 122.1/97.6 mm midsole guarantees solid steps. It’s true that every landing feels secure and the fit is forgiving. Its 4D Guidance System adapts to the contour of our feet by using softer foam beneath our arch to provide personalized stability.

Despite being so tall, this shoe is surprisingly stable. As expected, our shoe, which is filled with ASICS’ softest foam, has an astounding height of 39.3/27.8 mm when sliced in half. According to our durometer, it is 27.1% softer than usual. The ride remained comfortable and well-cushioned thanks to this wonderful combination.

The midsole is surprisingly flexible in contrast to the majority of maximalist and stability shoes. Because it doesn’t impede our normal range of motion, it improves comfort. According to our flex test, this shoe bends to 90 degrees with 14.4% less force than usual.

However, GK31’s bulky 10.4 oz (295g) construction doesn’t deviate from the norm. Other stability shoes with a more streamlined design are available for those who would rather weigh less.

Best cushioned running shoes for trail

Nike zegama 2

Regardless of the distance or the terrain, we ran with confidence while wearing the Nike Zegama 2. It is incredibly comfortable without sacrificing the durability, energy, and grip required to handle a variety of trail conditions. Following our trials and laboratory testing, Zegama 2 became the industry standard for cushioned running shoes.

Our explorations with the Zegama 2 were effortless because of the ZoomX midsole’s cushiony yet springy feel. With its 30.3/26.3 mm stack, which is 36.1% softer than the typical trail shoe, this shoe provided one of the most luxurious experiences on the trail. Each transition felt incredibly fluid and energizing when combined with its rocker geometry.

We also tested the unrivaled Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is another noteworthy attribute. Its 4.0 mm-deep Traction Lugs consistently adhered to the ground, navigating muddy or loose terrain. In our Dremel test, it only sustained 0.8 mm of damage, demonstrating its exceptional abrasion resistance.

In the lab, Zegama 2 demonstrated its independence from top to bottom. With remarkable ratings of 4/5 and 5/5 with the breathable upper and heel, respectively, our Dremel was no match.

The shoe, however, tips the scales at a hefty 10.7 oz (302g). You’re better off going somewhere else if you want a lighter and more natural experience.

Best budget cushioned running shoes

Saucony Axon 3

Given that a daily trainer typically costs $130, the Axon 3 is undoubtedly a good value at $100. It received great reviews both inside and outside of our lab and shown that it is a flexible, cushioned trainer that can match more costly models in terms of performance.

This everyday workhorse is lightweight on our feet as well as in our pockets. The Axon 3 weights only 8.6 oz (244g), in contrast to the majority of cushioned and reasonably priced trainers. Compared to the typical everyday trainer, that is 12.5% lighter!

Its durability is another factor that ensured we got value for our money. The Carbon Rubber outsole, which is 21.9% thicker than normal, was hardly scratched after ten miles. In our harsh Dremel test, it had 22.2% less indentation than typical, further confirming its long lifespan.

Soft underfoot, the PWRRUN foam is ideal for novices and even long-distance runners. 18.3 HA, or 22.5% softer than usual, was the result of pressing our durometer into the midsole. The shoe’s forefoot enjoys its 27.9 mm front, which is superbly stacked considering its weight.

We advise extreme heel-strikers to search elsewhere for greater comfort due to its low-drop shape.