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Running Shoes · Best picks

Best Cushioned Running Shoes

Max-cushion shoes put a thick layer of soft foam under your foot. They make long runs and recovery days more comfortable, at the cost of weight and ground feel.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 (most cushioned). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

    #1 · Most cushioned

    ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

    Very soft, maximum cushioning

    Check price
  2. HOKA Bondi 9

    #2

    HOKA Bondi 9

    Maximum cushioning in HOKA's line

    Check price
  3. HOKA Clifton 11

    #3

    HOKA Clifton 11

    Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight

    Check price
  4. Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

    #4

    Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

    About 8 oz, light for a max-cushion shoe

    Check price
  5. ASICS Novablast 5

    #5 · Best value

    ASICS Novablast 5

    Lively, bouncy ride

    Check price
Jump to the full breakdowns
In depth

The 5 best running shoes, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Most cushioned

1. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

ASICS

ASICS' plushest neutral trainer, combining FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam with PureGEL in the heel for soft landings on long runs.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL
  • 8mm drop (ASICS spec)

Pros

  • Very soft, maximum cushioning
  • PureGEL softens heel landings
  • Comfortable knit upper for long runs
  • Made with recycled upper content (ASICS)

Cons

  • Heavier than lighter cushioned shoes
  • Premium price
  • Too soft for runners who like ground feel

Best for: long runs and recovery days

Product details Check price on Amazon
HOKA Bondi 9

2. HOKA Bondi 9

HOKA

HOKA's most cushioned road shoe, with a higher stack and supercritical EVA foam. Popular with walkers and runners on their feet all day as well as for recovery runs.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Supercritical EVA midsole
  • 5mm drop (HOKA spec)

Pros

  • Maximum cushioning in HOKA's line
  • Low 5mm drop (HOKA spec)
  • Stable wide base for a tall shoe
  • Wide widths available

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky for faster running
  • Tall stack feels disconnected from the ground
  • Firmer than some expect for its size

Best for: recovery runs, long walks and all-day standing

Product details Check price on Amazon
HOKA Clifton 11

3. HOKA Clifton 11

HOKA

HOKA's long-running daily trainer pairs a thick, light EVA midsole with a rocker shape that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe. It's sold in men's and women's versions and in wide widths.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • MetaRocker geometry
  • Compression-molded EVA midsole
  • Double-lace lock

Pros

  • Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight
  • MetaRocker geometry makes easy miles feel smooth
  • Neutral design suits most runners who don't overpronate
  • Available in wide widths

Cons

  • Compressed EVA midsoles lose bounce sooner than premium foams
  • Not designed for fast speedwork
  • Tall stack can feel less stable on tight corners

Best for: everyday easy miles

Product details Check price on Amazon
Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

4. Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

Brooks

A lighter, lower-drop take on Brooks' plush Glycerin, with a flat-knit upper and flex grooves for a more natural foot motion. Brooks lists it at about 8 oz with a 6mm drop.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • 6mm drop (Brooks spec)
  • Flat-knit nylon upper
  • Road and treadmill

Pros

  • About 8 oz, light for a max-cushion shoe
  • 6mm drop suits runners who prefer a flatter feel
  • Nitrogen-infused foam is soft and comfortable
  • Stretchy flat-knit upper

Cons

  • Lower drop can strain calves if you're used to 10-12mm shoes
  • Newer model with little long-term durability data
  • Knit uppers run warmer and less structured than mesh

Best for: cushion with a flexible, low-drop feel

Product details Check price on Amazon
ASICS Novablast 5
Best value

5. ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS

A bouncy, energetic trainer using FF BLAST MAX foam, light enough for faster days but cushioned enough for daily miles.

  • Neutral
  • FF BLAST MAX midsole
  • 8mm drop (ASICS spec)
  • About 9 oz

Pros

  • Lively, bouncy ride
  • Light for its stack height
  • Good mix of easy-day and up-tempo use
  • Usually priced below flagship trainers

Cons

  • Less stable than firmer shoes
  • Not for runners needing support
  • Bounce can feel less controlled on corners

Best for: runners who want one fun do-it-all shoe

Product details Check price on Amazon
Head-to-head

Compare the top picks

Torn between our leading picks? These side-by-side comparisons settle it.

Cushioning is about more than softness. Very soft shoes like the Gel-Nimbus feel plush; bouncier shoes like the Novablast return more energy; the Bondi feels protective but firmer than its size suggests.

Taller shoes can feel less stable, especially on corners and uneven ground. If you roll your ankles easily, favor wider bases or a stability shoe.

How we chose these picks

We shortlisted current-generation models from major running brands, then compared manufacturer specifications (cushioning type, drop, weight, support system) with independent reviews and owner feedback patterns. We didn't wear-test these shoes, and we don't publish test scores or star ratings.

Running shoes are personal. Fit and comfort on your own feet matter more than any list, so buy where returns are easy and try them on a treadmill or indoors first.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cushioned running shoes right now?

Our top pick is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 (most cushioned), because very soft, maximum cushioning. The runner-up is the HOKA Bondi 9, followed by the HOKA Clifton 11.

What is the best budget option among cushioned running shoes?

Our best-value pick is the ASICS Novablast 5: lively, bouncy ride. Check the current price on Amazon, since deals change often.

Which of the cushioned running shoes should I buy?

It depends on what matters most to you. For most cushioned, choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27. For value, choose the ASICS Novablast 5.

Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our cushioned running shoes research, though heavier than lighter cushioned shoes.

Are max-cushion shoes better for your knees?

They reduce the impact you feel, and many runners find them more comfortable, but research hasn't shown they prevent injuries. Comfort is still the best guide.

What's the most cushioned running shoe?

Among these picks, the HOKA Bondi 9 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 have the most cushioning, with the Bondi taller and the Nimbus softer.

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