If you love a cushioned running shoe, you’re in luck because right now brands are focusing on this more than ever! Stack heights are increasing as each one tries to create the best cushioned running shoes. I’ve been testing them all and here are my top picks!
As a runner since 2002, I’ve seen running shoes go through so many massive changes. Right now we are in the age of cushion, more cushion and MORE cushion.
My initial thought was that this could lead to injuries with the increasing stack height. But then again, I loved HOKA from the first run, so maybe not. And then to my great joy, people started doing studies to help us know exactly what all this cushion is doing.
Should You Run in A Super Cushioned Shoe?
And here’s where things come down…
If you deal with Achilles issues then the bigger stack and cushion may not be ideal. If you deal with Plantar Fasciitis, you might love the cushion, but remember you MUST keep doing foot strength work.
The research simply does not prove that a more cushioned shoe reduces injuries, though it does reduce the force of your landing. (Though one new study in European Journal of Sport Science has come pretty close!)
However, we do know that if you find a shoe and you adore how it feels, that alone can improve your running regardless of the shoe type.
What Does Max Cushion Mean?
Most of the shoes you will find on this list are categorized as max cushion by the brand. This simply means that compared to other shoes in their line up it has the most possible cushion and softness.
It now also tends to mean that the shoe is taller (stack height) and I think this isn’t always as good for a treadmill runners.
7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes
All right, now let’s get in to what I’ve found through a lot of testing this year. I happen to love a good cushioned shoe as a daily trainer or for marathon long runs, so these are high on my list of go to shoes.
BUT NOT ALL OF THESE will be max cushion because our testers didn’t think many of those were in fact, the best.
Which running shoe has the most cushion? That’s hard to answer depending on how you like the cushion to feel, but most of these are going to be very similar with the Cloudeclipse having the biggest stack height right now.
None of these are stability shoes or trail shoes, sorry folks I went with things that will work for most folks in this first set of testers!
#1 Asics Novablast 5
The Novablast has been a winning max cushion shoe from Asics since it first launched and they have continued to increase the amount of cushion in the shoe, while working to drop the weight.
This is in fact the most lightweight daily trainer on the list!
The 5 has a completely new full length midsole with their FF Blast Max foam. Again, I like that this shoe is a more responsive cushion and you don’t sink in to it so much.
While this is a neutral shoe, with no guiderails or anything for stability, it absolutely has some of that built in to the design. The width of the platform from toe to heel reduces pronation and provides a really good ride.
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Weight: 7.9 oz women’s, 9.1 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 41.5mm
- Read my full review of the Asics Novablast 5 >>
- Available at Zappos $140 (my favorite for easy returns) and on Asics.com
#2 On Running Cloudeclipse
Those of you looking for that great recovery run and easy day shoe are going to really enjoy this one.
It doesn’t have the pep of the Cloudmonster, which is why I list it for those types of runs. That being said, I know plenty of folks who have already said this is a go to long run shoe for them because of the cushion.
**Note this shoe is going to be replaced in 2025 with the Cloudsurfer Max!
While there is a double layer of CloudTec Phase® cushioning, I don’t feel like the shoe is plush. Meaning you don’t sink in to it and lose your ability to actually push off the ground. I think is because of the speedboard which is providing both that needed firmness and a light touch of stability.
You’ll also notice this has a different bottom than older On shoes. You won’t find any issues with rocks getting stuck and you will absolutely be able to feel the cushion in this shoe, which didn’t used to be the case.
- Heel to Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 8.4 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
- Stack: 37mm
- See my full review of the On Cloudeclipse >>
- Available at On Running and retail stores for $179
NOTE: I continue to put a lot of miles in the original Cloudmonster. If you aren’t looking for a max cushion, but instead just a decent daily trainer from On, it’s a winner.
#3 Brooks Glycerin Max
We’ve said a lot of not so kind things about the Max shoes that Brooks has been putting out. BUT the Glycerin Max is a whole different ballgame and whole different shoe from the original Glycerin.
It’s also pricier than some of the other shoes on the list. So far in our testing it seems like a truly durable shoe and a number of runners said they feel faster in it than other big cushioned shoes.
This feels like you’re walking or running on a supportive cloud. Supportive being the key phrase here. There’s a little bit of firmness but in comparison to something like the Triumph, the foam in the Glycerin Max really helps absorb the impact with each step.
The shoe has a GlideRoll Rocker that provides an effortless heel-to-toe transition. For someone that runs like a dancer (up on my toes), this has helped me focus on a smoother stride rather than always running on the outer side of my foot.
- Weight: 10.5oz Men’s, 9.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 45mm
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Available in 3 Colors
- Available on Brooksrunning.com for $200
- Checkout our full Brooks Glycerin Max review >>
#4 New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14
Listen, I like a good cushioned shoe and this one fits the bill. It’s become one of my go to daily run shoes.
I’ve actually gone through many pairs of the 1080’s for the last few years. And while the increase in cushion means it’s lost some of the speediness I previously loved, it’s just changed places in my line up because I still really enjoy it.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X is just a winner for me. I’ve always found it to do well for high mileage without breaking down and it just feels good underfoot.
The most recent version 14 of the shoe is slightly lighter (about 1 oz less) and has the knit upper, which makes the shoe simply feel like it’s hugging your foot a bit more. The stack height has also increased, but thus far I haven’t noticed that as an issue, so it remains a shoe I really enjoy.
The Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making it perfect for runners who enjoy long-distance running. Remember this isn’t a plush shoe, but cushion that still responds. The upper part of the shoe is made of Hypoknit, which is a soft and breathable material that provides a comfortable fit.
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.5oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Available in wide
- Available on New Balance and Zappos for $165
- See my full review of the New Balance 1080 v13
#5 HOKA Skyflow
I am super excited to be updating this article with the Skyflow to replace the Bondi. While it was a good shoe, it was so plush that I found some runners ended up with back pain because they simply sink in to the show and lose good form.
The Skyflow will not have that issue and you’ll be getting an even better quality foam! In fact, you’re getting the same supercritical foam that we see in top end shoes. That means cushion with a little bounce.
Due to the weight, this is definitely not a fast tempo run kind of shoe and yet with the same cushion as the Mach, it’s 100% a shoe that I could a lot of runners using on race day for the half or marathon. It just feels good underfoot and has enough room in the shoe for your foot to swell a bit on those long runs.
- Heel drop: 5 mm (41 mm stack on men’s)
- Weight: 8.6 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
- Stack: 39mm
- Available in wide
- Available in the most sizes and colors on HOKA.com for $160
- Read my review of the Hoka Skyflow>>
#6 Altra Torin 7
Considered their most cushioned shoe, I’m going to say it doesn’t feel wildly different than the Paradigm to me. The main difference here is it’s a neutral shoe.
The Torrin is also one of their most popular models, so they have continued to create new versions or offer different styles from leather to waterproof. After taking the 7 out for some runs, I can see why this model has remained so popular.
It’s that sweet spot of cushioning and makes it really easy to transition from your standard running shoes with the padded tongue and heel collar. I could easily see this being a favorite for long runs, once I’ve built up my body to do more zero drop miles.
- Heel Drop: 0mm drop
- Weight: 8.3 oz women’s, 9.9 oz men’s
- Stack: 28mm
- Available on Altrarunning.com for $150
- See my full review of the Altra Torin 7
#7 On Cloudboom Strike
This feels like cheating, so I almost didn’t include it in the list. But the truth is that the best carbon plate running shoes have INCREDIBLE cushion. It’s got bounce and is so light and super fun to run in when pace is the focus.
After seeing Helen Obiri win Boston, a lot of runners stood up to take notice of what On was doing with carbon fiber. It’s a very different type of shoe than Nike and for a lot of runners, that’s a good thing.
Slipping on the On Cloudboom Strike, I could tell right away a lot of things had changed from the first model in 2020. Changed for the better!
- Increased cushion for distance running
- No pods along the bottom to collect rocks
- Better overall fit and foot room (going to fit wider feet than many carbon shoes)
This is a BIG stack height , but lower heel drop than many of the other super shoes on the market. Compared to the Nike Vaporfly 2 or 3, that are very narrow, it’s a 100% different fit and feeling.
This was a shoe we fell in love with immediately and are excited to see where it goes. While it’s absolutely considered a top end carbon plated racing shoe, a lot of runners are going to have fun with hitting some speed in it.
It feels incredibly light and bouncy!
- Heel Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 6.8 oz women’s and 7.7 oz men’s
- Stack: 40mm
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at On Running for $280
- Detailed review of the On Cloudboom Strike >>
All right friends how was that for a round up of the best cushioned running shoes? Feel like there is one missing from the list, I’d love to hear what you’ve been running in that’s got that great feeling.
There are some notable really popular shoes like the Nike Pegasus and Brooks Adrenaline GTS missing from this line up. That’s because in comparison they don’t have the same amount of cushion as these shoes. So it comes down to what you want from the shoe!
Personally, I like to rotate.
So you’ll often see me going for more moderate cushion options like the Mach 6, Pegasus or Kinvara a few days a week, then a carbon plate 1 day and a bigger cushion from the lists above another couple days.
Looking for more running info?
- What is Heel Toe Drop?
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes
- How To Get Back To Running After a Long Break
- How Long Should Your Longest Run Be?
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Brooks Glycerin Max Review | Unbeatable Comfort
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