Best Cushioned Running Shoes: 12 Pairs Our Testers Kept Coming Back To

Introduction

Cushioned running shoes mean different things to different runners. For some, they are the shoes that soak up tired recovery miles; for others, they are versatile daily trainers that can handle a bit of everything. This shortlist collects the cushioned shoes our testing team kept reaching for time and again this year, with the reasons each pick earned its place and the kind of running it suits best.

What We Looked For

Every shoe here was chosen because a tester genuinely went back to it run after run. We focused on how each one feels underfoot, what kind of runs it handles well, and where the trade-offs sit. Some picks are unapologetically plush recovery shoes; others strike a balance between cushioning and a livelier, more responsive ride. Knowing which end of that spectrum you want is the first step to choosing well.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2 is the plush benchmark. A massive wedge of ZoomX foam makes it the softest shoe most testers have run in, and you genuinely sink into it while still getting a bounce back on every step. Nike positions it for those easy runs on tired legs during marathon training, and that is exactly how it gets used here, several times a week for easy miles.

The second version changes mainly the upper, so if you want to avoid paying full price, the original Invincible remains a very similar experience on the foot. Support rails wrap the foam to add structure, and despite its size it feels lighter than it looks. It is a fun, bouncy and genuinely exciting shoe, though its soft, high ride is not the most stable around tight corners.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer is built as a training shoe that can double as a race day option for runners not chasing the podium. Its 47mm stack height puts it over the legal racing limit, but the carbon fiber plate sits high in the shoe, so you feel its snap rather than sinking deep into foam.

The result is a max-cushion shoe that does not feel ploddy. It works well for enjoyable, bouncy long efforts, and one tester raced a half marathon in it quite happily. The trade-off is stability: a shoe this tall is never going to feel secure on twisty courses. It is also an expensive shoe, so if you only want an easy-mile cruiser, other picks here make more sense.

New Balance 1080 v12

The New Balance 1080 v12 is a big step forward from its predecessor. New Balance dropped the plastic heel element that never worked for everyone and moved to a softer, more classic running shoe upper. Fresh Foam cushioning here is soft but not the softest on this list, which brings a little more durability and versatility in return.

One caveat: the shoe runs long, so many testers had to size down from their usual New Balance fit. Get the sizing right and it is a superb all-rounder. Faster runners will want something lighter for track and speed work, but for beginners or anyone training for a first marathon who does not want to buy three pairs of shoes, this is a cushioned trainer that can genuinely do everything.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 proves a cushioned shoe does not have to be slow. A tall stack of PWRRUN PB midsole foam, a nylon plate and a wide cushioned base at the midfoot combine with a forgiving 8mm drop to create a ride that is protective without feeling sinky. It cushioned seven-hour, slow long runs across Europe for one tester, yet still felt lively enough to race a half marathon in.

At 229 grams in a UK men’s size 8.5, it stays light and nimble where many max-cushion shoes feel chunky. Durability is another strong point: after 600 miles in a pair, the midsole was still going strong. If you want one cushioned shoe that can do easy miles and faster days, this is a compelling pick.

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Hoka Mach 5

The Hoka Mach 5 became an instant favorite for testers who prefer a firmer, more agile ride. There are bigger stacks and softer foams out there, but this shoe strikes a happy balance between soaking up road impact and still rolling you through your stride with a bit of pop. Easy runs feel fluid rather than labored, and three-hour outings pass comfortably with the shoe almost disappearing on the foot.

The wraparound upper holds the foot well without being overly soft, the stable base keeps ground contact feel, and the early-stage MetaRocker rolls each step along nicely. It also has enough in reserve to take on faster runs, which makes it a genuinely versatile cushioned trainer rather than a one-trick plush cruiser.

On Cloudmonster

The On Cloudmonster is On’s answer to years of criticism that its shoes run too firm. The biggest CloudTec elements ever fitted, made from Helion foam, make it the softest On shoe most testers have run in, and in a direct side-by-side comparison against a much softer rival over two miles, the difference was far smaller than expected.

The large cloud elements, a speedboard through the midsole and pronounced rocker geometry mean what you give up in raw softness you get back in roll: this is a lovely shoe to clip along in on easy runs. The upper is excellent with a real disappearing feel and plush heel padding, though at 276 grams it is the heaviest pick here. It suits slow, head-up miles where you just want to enjoy your surroundings.

Saucony Triumph 20

The Saucony Triumph 20 won over a tester who would not normally buy cushioned shoes. At 253 grams it is light enough for genuine long runs, and 20-mile outings feel entirely manageable. It is breathable, locks down without lace fuss, and effectively disappears on your feet.

A small rocker and a 10mm drop keep it feeling punchy, while a big chunk of PWRRUN PB midsole delivers responsive return alongside real softness. One tester wore it for recovery running the day after a marathon, but it will also cope with a pickup in pace when you feel good. The durable outsole rounds off a shoe that is a fantastic all-rounder for easy miles with a bit of range on top.

Saucony Ride 15

The Saucony Ride 15 is the sensible cushioned choice for runners who prefer a lower profile. At 227 grams it is lighter than the Triumph 20, and the upper mesh is noticeably lighter too. It carries less PWRRUN PB foam, so it is not as soft or as bouncy, and it gives you more road feel in return.

For testers who normally wear racers or firmer shoes, this is about as cushioned as they want to go. The 8mm drop keeps it fine for pace pickups, and it was the single trainer one runner chose when they could only pack one pair. If you want gentle cushioning without losing touch with the road, this is the pick.

New Balance More v3

The New Balance More v3 topped one dedicated cushion-shoe tester’s list, and it is easy to see why. Fresh Foam here is balanced rather than radically soft, with a touch of firmness that gives the shoe a lovely turnover and a nice rolling feeling through each stride. Compared to something like the Invincible, the midsole is relatively firmer, and that is precisely the point.

Every run in it feels efficient and comfortable, and it is the shoe this tester kept reaching for even while reviewing others. The plush, comfortable upper completes a package entirely focused on comfort and enjoyment. Note that a More v4 is now appearing in some places, so the v3 may become easier to find at a discount.

View more details for New Balance More v3

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is the most impressive Glycerin yet. A nitrogen-infused midsole foam makes it a little bouncier and more enjoyable to run in than earlier versions, while the plush upper cradles the foot with a secure, stable feel. It is a shoe built around comfort, and it delivers.

It is not quite as versatile as the Triumph 20 and it runs a touch more sluggish than the More v3, but every run in it feels good. A generous amount of outsole rubber grips well all year round, in wet conditions included. Pick any of these three premium cushioned trainers and you will get many enjoyable, comfortable miles.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is the do-it-all value pick. It does not have a huge stack by max-cushion standards, but it is very comfortable, feels natural on the foot, and balances softness and bounce without anything being overbearing. It works as a training partner for slightly faster efforts or purely as an easy and long run cruiser.

The outsole is a genuine standout, gripping well on light trails, wet pavements and even snow, which matters when easy runs wander off-road. With an RRP of £100 or $120, it is excellent value in a cushion category that keeps getting more expensive, and it is often found in sales for less. It also looks good enough to wear outside running.

Saucony Tempus

The Saucony Tempus is the stable counterpoint to the max-cushion shoes here. It is a lightweight stability shoe whose support elements are never overbearing, so even fully neutral runners enjoy running in it. Soft, bouncy PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole is framed by firmer PWRRUN FOAM sidewalls over a nice wide base, creating a ride that feels planted without feeling restrictive.

This is exactly the shoe to reach for late in marathon training when everything aches and easy miles need extra support. It remains versatile too, handling tempo runs, staying light and springy with a hint of rocker. For neutral runners curious about stability, it is a genuinely appealing option that never gets in the way.

Buying Advice: Building a Rotation

The clearest pattern from this shortlist is that most runners get the most from two or three cushioned shoes rather than one. A typical setup pairs a versatile daily trainer with a plush recovery shoe and, if you race, something livelier. The Velocity Nitro 2, 1080 v12 and More v3 all sit comfortably in that versatile all-rounder role, while the Invincible Run 2 is the definitive soft, fun recovery pick.

Think about your priorities before buying. If softness above all else appeals, start with the Invincible Run 2 or the SuperComp Trainer. If you prefer some ground feel and agility, the Mach 5, Ride 15 or Tempus will suit better. And if value and versatility top your list, the Velocity Nitro 2 is the standout, especially when found on sale. The Invincible also regularly appears in seasonal sales, so waiting can pay off.

Conclusion

There is no single best cushioned running shoe, only the best one for the way you run. This year’s field is unusually strong, with genuinely great options at every point on the soft-to-firm spectrum. Match the shoe to your training, your preferences and your budget, and any of the picks here should reward you with many comfortable miles.