Best Cushioned Running Shoes [2023]

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From Ouch To Aha!

Your running shoes can make all the difference.

And if it is a well-cushioned one, then your feet will be thankful to you after your longish runs.

Here is a list of the best-cushioned running shoes of 2023 based on 10 hours of research that we have done.

We have taken into consideration, the materials used and the feedback of the runners using these running shoes.

Let us know if you like our recommendation. This will keep us motivated to serve your better.

Our Top Picks

For Women:

✅ HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoe

“Thick Cushioning with high shock-absorbing capacity. Good color options.”

For Men:

✅ NIKE Men’s Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoe

“Stylish, well-cushioned shoe with good shock absorption. Clean design.”

10 Best Cushioned Running Shoes 2023

In the last couple of years running shoe industry has made tremendous progress.

They have come up with a lot of variations in running shoes as they know that different users like different kinds of shoes.

One such variation is the cushioned running shoe. These are meant for runners who like more cushioning under their feet.

Below is a list of running shoes that we found to be cushy, lightweight and has good absorption.

Also, they are very comfortable according to their users.

#	Product	BPG Rating
1	HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoe	(4.8)	Check Price!
2	NIKE Men’s Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoe	(4.7)	Check Price!
3	Saucony Men’s Triumph Iso 4 Running Shoe	(4.5)	Check Price!
4	Altra Women’s Paradigm 4.0 Running Shoe	(4.5)	Check Price!
5	HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 5 Running Shoe	(4.5)	Check Price!
6	adidas Men’s Ultraboost	(4.3)	Check Price!
7	Brooks Womens Ghost 11	(4.3)	Check Price!
8	ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe	(4.3)	Check Price!
9	Brooks Womens Glycerin 16	(4.2)	Check Price!
10	Altra Men’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoe	(4.0)	Check Price!

1. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.8)

Check Price!

This is one of the most cushioned road-running shoes and falls into the maximally cushioned category.

They provide you with a smooth ride due to the refined early stage Meta rocker.

The mid-sole is made up of full-length compression-molded EVA-foam which is durable.

For good breathability and comfort, the upper has an open, engineered mesh.

It has Lycra comfort heel frame and provides comfortable support.

The Memory foam collar protects the ankle and gives a plush comfort.

The heel counter is made in such a way that it provides a locked-in fit, thus providing stability to your feet.

The outer sole is redesigned in such a way that it reduces weight and optimizes durability.

It comes with a beveled heel design for a smooth transition and also optimizes its durability.

Also, the Float-ride mid-sole is very durable and is lightweight.

+ POSITIVES

✓ Stylish design.
✓ Run true to width according to most of the users.
✓ Very comfortable.
✓ Lightweight

– NEGATIVES

⤫ It seems to be a bit expensive.
⤫ For some users the arch support seems to be a bit less.

2. NIKE Men’s Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.7)

These Nike Running shoes are stylish and clean to look at.

The upper of these shoes have a synthetic mesh.

This makes the shoes breathable and keeps your feet cool and dry for longer.

The outsole is made of rubber and is durable. They also provide you proper traction.

In the midfoot, it has flywire cables for supportive lockdown.

The collar is soft and well padded. This gives you a plush cushioning.

The midsole has Lunarlon foam cushioning. This is plush and provides you with a soft cushioning.

To top it all, these shoes are lightweight.

+ POSITIVES

✓ Good cushioning due to Lunarlon foam midsole.
✓ Lightweight and comfortable.
✓ Good traction due to rubber outsole.
✓ Padded collar for stability.

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Some runners may find it too soft due to the air unit at the heels.

3. Saucony Men’s Triumph Iso 4 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.5)

The Triumph ISO 4 has full-length Everun midsole.

EVERUN gives runners a more flexible cushioning which is more durable. It also feels livelier from the first step to last. (source)

In other words, you will have comfortable running experience.

The ISOFIT has been redesigned to give more stretch and better fit.

The engineered mesh upper is designed to provide you a very comfortable feeling every time you step into the shoes.

The topsole is also made of Everun to provide you with additional cushioning.

It has an offset of 8 mm with a heel stack height of 28 mm and a heel stack height of 20 mm. (source)

The outsole is made of rubber and to provide you with proper traction.

Although this is a neutral running shoe, it can also be helpful for runners with underpronation or supination. (source)

+ POSITIVES

✓ True to size
✓ Good for everyday running
✓ Comfortable and light weight
✓ Good stability

– NEGATIVES

⤫ For some runners, it is not as responsive as expected.

4. Altra Women’s Paradigm 4.0 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.5)

This Paradigm is inspired by tired feet at the end of Badwater 135

What is Badwater 135?

It is the world’s toughest foot race.

You can get more details here.

The entire shoe is revamped and now has Stabilipod.

Stabilipod refers to three areas of firmer midsole materials of the shoe.

Two on each side of the forefoot and one at the heels.

This will provide you with more stability and support while running and keeps your feet aligned in the shoe to minimize overpronation.

The upper is knitted for durability and the midsole is Altra EGO.

Altra EGO midsole along with the GuideRail and a full rubber outsole gives you a comfortable running experience for longer distances also.

+ POSITIVES

✓ True to size as per most of the users.
✓ Maximal cushioning with Stabilipod.
✓ 5 mm sculpted footbed.
✓ INNERFLEX grooves in the midsole allow your foot to flex.

– NEGATIVES

⤫ For some the toe box seemed to be narrow.
⤫ Some users mentioned that outsole is not as durable.

5. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 5 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.5)

This Clifton 5 is light, cushy and very fast

The mid-sole has HOKA ONE ONE’s famed geometry and is made up of full EVA-foam which is very durable.

The fore foot is adaptive and gives a very comfortable experience.

The upper is made of clean engineered mesh which is very breathable.

It has reinforced eyestays which provides more durability

It has a moderate heel bevel which allows a smooth heel to toe transition.

Also, the early stage Meta rocker technology provides you with a smooth ride.

The outer sole is made of durable rubber and can withstand a lot of wear and tear

+ POSITIVES

✓ Good for runners with plantar fasciitis, neuroma or bunion
✓ Gives you a pillowy feel
✓ Good for long distance running
✓ Lightweight
✓ Good for those who supinate

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Little narrow and small in the toe box

6. adidas Men’s Ultraboost

Editor Rating:

(4.3)

Your foot will get adaptive support and ultralight comfort as the upper of this ultraboost is made up of adidas Primeknit

The sole is not only very cushy but also very responsive. It utilizes the energy you provide to it and gives you back.

The midfoot is secure and well supported by the TORSION system.

For optimal movement of your achilles and for a more natural fit, the heel counter is on molded FITCOUNTER type.

The outsole is made of STRETHWEB rubber and flexes underfoot while you run.

This provides you with superior grip and a very energized ride

Also, for a good grip during bad weather conditions, the outsole has Continental rubber.

For a lock down fit of midfoot there is a supportive cage that wraps around your midfoot

+ POSITIVES

✓ Very comfortable
✓ They feel like walking on clouds
✓ True to size and fits like a glove
✓ Very light
✓ Good bounce for a responsive ride

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Expensive
⤫ The white bottom gets dirty easily and cleaning it takes a bit of effort

7. Brooks Women’s Ghost 11

Editor Rating:

(4.3)

These shoes will give you soft secure fit.

The mesh upper is stretchy. So, it will adapt with you feet when you are in motion.

Plus, it is very breathable. So, your feet will remain cool and dry during the entire running session

The midsole has Boost’s proprietary BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT.

They together provides you with the right softness under your foot without compromising the responsiveness and durability.

Also, they are very light so, they will not weight you down during running.

The forefoot of the outsole has segmented Crash Pad. This is a integrated system of shock absorbers.

Hence, no matter how hard you land, your feet is always protected. Also, it helps in a more smoother heel-to-toe transition

+ POSITIVES

✓ Great for runners with bunions, plantar fasciitis
✓ Good for even HIIT with polymetric jumping
✓ Comfortable and lightweight
✓ Good for high arched foot

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Narrower toe box than Ghost 10

8. ASICS Men’s GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.3)

The upper of this running shoe is made up of 100% textile.

You will get maximum bounce back from these as the midsole is made from Asics proprietary FLYTEFOAM technology

Another advantage you will have is, since the sole is foam based,you will have a very lightweight experience

Since, FLYTEFOAM uses organic super fibers, you will not face the issue of packing out, which is very typical of foam based midsoles

To give your feet maximum protection, the midsole blends in another technology called FLUIDERIDE

This makes these shoes very responsive and provides your with excellent cushioning.

Also, this blend increases the longevity of your shoe and you will have a happy feet for a long time.

+ POSITIVES

✓ Great for runners with back pain
✓ True to size
✓ Suitable for pavement running
✓ Responsive

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Costly
⤫ Not suited for trail running

9. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 16 Running Shoes

Editor Rating:

(4.2)

The upper of this running shoe is made up of 100% textile.

You will get maximum bounce back from these as the midsole is made from Asics proprietary FLYTEFOAM technology

Another advantage you will have is, since the sole is foam based,you will have a very lightweight experience

Since, FLYTEFOAM uses organic super fibers, you will not face the issue of packing out, which is very typical of foam based midsoles

To give your feet maximum protection, the midsole blends in another technology called FLUIDERIDE

This makes these shoes very responsive and provides your with excellent cushioning.

Also, this blend increases the longevity of your shoe and you will have a happy feet for a long time.

+ POSITIVES

✓ Good for even longer runs
✓ Good for people with plantar fasciitis and ingrown toe nails
✓ Suitable for high-arched runners
✓ Responsive

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Less breathable than the earlier versions
⤫ A bit narrower toe box
⤫ Not suitable for wet surfaces

10. Altra Men’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoe

Editor Rating:

(4.0)

It gives you more support, stability and traction on any terrain.

The upper of the shoe has synthetic mesh. This make these shoes more comfortable.

Also, it has cool mountain graphics and a 4 point GaiterTrap.

You can feel the difference in its flexibility as the midsole has InnerFlex.

This flexibility is also because, the height of these shoes as been reduced by 2mm.

You will get improved stability as the Vibram MegaGrip outsole has been widened in the heel area for increased stability.

Also, you will get a better traction in wet conditions as the middle groove has also been widened.

They have max cushion, sticky rubber outsole and TrailClaw.

This makes them your perfect companion for trial running.

Also, they are one of the best cushioned trail running shoes for women as well.

+ POSITIVES

✓ Can be easily used by people of heavier side of the weighing scale
✓ Good for people with plantar fasciitis and other foot issues
✓ Very good for longer distance runs
✓ Toe-box is wide giving you excellent room for wiggle

– NEGATIVES

⤫ Cushioning is a bit less compared to earlier versions
⤫ The outsole is not as durable

https://www.saucony.com/en/triumph-iso-4-wide/30752W.html?ref=Triump%20iso%204&dwvar_30752W_color=S10414-1#q=Triump+iso+4&start=1

https://www.hokaoneone.com/mens-road/bondi-6/1019269.html

https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a23311221/best-altra-running-shoes/

https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/mens-shoes-road/paradigm-4-alm1848g

Madhusree Basu

Author, Admin

Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.