Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by Andy Walker
As a running coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the right pair of cushioned shoes can make or break a training cycle. It’s not just about soft landings—it’s about protecting your joints, optimizing energy return, and keeping your legs fresh so you can run longer and recover faster. Whether you’re logging your first mile, training for a marathon, or coming back from injury, the right cushioning can dramatically improve your performance and reduce your risk of setbacks.
To help you make the best choice for your stride and goals, I’ve put together a comparison of the best cushioned running shoes available in 2025. These picks cover a range of needs, from ultra-soft to balanced cushioning, and each one is built to support consistent, injury-free running.
Full reviews of my picks for the best cushioned running shoes are below the summary table.
Summary: Best Cushioned Running Shoes in 2025
Shoe Name | Best For | Cushion Tech | Runner Profile | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Everyday mileage | Compression-molded EVA | Neutral runners, road runners | $120–$170 – Check latest prices | |
Long distance comfort | FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO + Gel | Heel strikers, high-mileage users | $130–$180 – Check latest prices | |
Max cushion experience | ZoomX foam | Runners needing plush protection | $150–$200 – Check latest prices | |
All-around luxury | DNA LOFT v3 | Neutral runners, daily training | $140–$190 – Check latest prices | |
Balanced daily running | DNA LOFT v3 | Neutral runners, beginners to intermediate | $110–$160 – Check latest prices | |
Versatile performance | Fresh Foam X | New runners and advanced alike | $130–$180 – Check latest prices | |
Unique ride feel | Helion™ superfoam + CloudTec® | Tech-savvy, fashion-forward runners | $150–$200 – Check latest prices |
Reviews of the Best Cushioned Running Shoes in 2025
HOKA Clifton 9
Best For: Everyday mileage
The HOKA Clifton 9 is my go-to recommendation for runners seeking comfort and efficiency in a single package. HOKA improved this version by removing overlays and making it slightly lighter, while maintaining the plush ride that the Clifton series is known for. It’s ideal for neutral runners who log moderate miles and want a reliable, daily workhorse with just the right amount of bounce.
The updated midsole feels more energetic than past versions—thanks to a new compression-molded EVA compound that delivers both softness and resilience. It’s not over-cushioned, which means you still feel connected to the ground without sacrificing comfort. The rocker design encourages a smooth transition and saves energy over long runs.
If you’re recovering from injury or building base mileage, the Clifton 9 offers consistent support without feeling bulky or overbuilt. It shines in daily training and recovery runs but may not be your first choice for tempo or race day speed.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: Compression-molded EVA
- Stack Height: 32mm heel / 27mm forefoot
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: ~8.7 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Lightweight and responsive
- Balanced softness for daily runs
- Wider base offers more stability
Cons:
- Not ideal for speed workouts
- Outsole durability could be better
Men’s version | Women’s version
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Best For: Long distance comfort
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 builds on the plush legacy of its predecessor and introduces small but welcome changes to improve fit and efficiency. As a coach, I recommend it to runners who prioritize cushioning for long miles, joint relief, or recovery days.
The Nimbus 27 maintains the max-stack height but introduces a sleeker engineered mesh upper and an updated FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam compound that feels more energetic underfoot without sacrificing softness. ASICS also improved the heel collar and tongue padding, giving the shoe a more tailored, secure fit.
For heel strikers and distance-focused runners, this shoe offers excellent impact protection. It’s also a great choice for runners returning from injury or looking for comfort-first training. Just keep in mind—it’s still a bit heavier than the average daily trainer and is best suited for moderate to easy paces.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO + Rearfoot Gel
- Stack Height: 42mm heel / 34mm forefoot
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: ~10.3 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Maximal cushioning without mush
- Better fit and breathability than Nimbus 26
- Durable for high mileage
Cons:
- Still on the heavier side
- Not designed for speedwork
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3
Best For: Max cushion experience
The Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 is like strapping mini trampolines to your feet—and I mean that in the best way. For runners who love a soft, bouncy ride, there’s nothing quite like ZoomX foam. It delivers maximum shock absorption with a high level of energy return, making it perfect for long, easy miles.
This third version adds a more structured heel and widened forefoot to address past instability concerns. While it’s still not a stability shoe, it now offers a more secure ride without losing its signature squish. The upper is breathable and minimal, though some runners with narrow heels might want a runner’s loop lacing technique to lock in.
As a coach, I suggest this shoe to runners who have experienced joint discomfort or are simply looking for max comfort on recovery or base mileage days. Just know—it’s not subtle. This shoe is big, bold, and bouncy.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: ZoomX foam
- Stack Height: 40mm heel / 31mm forefoot
- Drop: 9mm
- Weight: ~10.9 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Ultra-plush underfoot feel
- Great energy return
- Wide base adds stability
Cons:
- Less structured upper
- Bulky look may not appeal to all
Men’s Version | Women’s version
Brooks Glycerin 22
Best For: All-around luxury
The Brooks Glycerin 22 improves on one of the most reliable premium trainers by offering a more refined upper, better transitions, and a slightly more responsive feel. As a coach, I still turn to the Glycerin when runners want softness without the “sinking” feeling, especially during longer runs or recovery days.
In this version, Brooks has reworked the upper with Engineered Warp Knit, giving the shoe a sock-like fit that still feels secure. Underfoot, the DNA LOFT v3 midsole continues to shine—ultra-soft yet stable, and now slightly lighter. Brooks also updated the outsole pattern for smoother heel-to-toe transitions, particularly noticeable during longer sessions.
This is a great pick for runners with wider feet, neutral mechanics, or those logging 20–40 miles per week who need a dependable workhorse that feels luxurious. It’s not flashy—but it just works.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: DNA LOFT v3
- Stack Height: ~38mm heel / ~28mm forefoot
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: ~9.2 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Premium step-in comfort
- Durable midsole for long-term mileage
- Wide sizes and generous toe box
Cons:
- Still on the soft side for speedwork
- Knit upper may feel warm in summer
Men’s version | Women’s version
Brooks Ghost 16
Best For: Balanced daily running
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the workhorse in the Brooks lineup—trusted, consistent, and now better than ever. For runners seeking a cushioned but balanced daily trainer, the Ghost 16 offers the sweet spot between softness and responsiveness.
This model continues to use DNA LOFT v3 foam but with a slightly firmer tuning than the Glycerin. That makes it better suited for runners who prefer more ground feel or want to move a bit faster without losing comfort. It’s especially beginner-friendly thanks to its forgiving heel, wide midfoot platform, and smooth ride.
I often recommend this shoe to first-time 5K or half marathon runners because it adapts to most training needs and body types. It also handles treadmill, road, and light gravel equally well. The updated engineered mesh improves fit, and the shoe remains impressively lightweight for the amount of cushion it offers.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: DNA LOFT v3
- Stack Height: 36mm heel / 24mm forefoot
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: ~9.0 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Versatile and dependable
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Great for new runners
Cons:
- Less plush than Glycerin
- High drop not ideal for everyone
Men’s version | Women’s version
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Best For: Versatile performance
With the launch of the 1080v14, New Balance doubled down on its goal to create the most adaptable cushioned trainer on the market. As a coach, I see this shoe as an ideal all-rounder for runners of all levels—comfortable enough for beginners but responsive enough for experienced distance runners.
The v14 features an updated Fresh Foam X midsole with a redesigned rocker and a slightly softer, more compliant feel than the v13. It offers an improved heel fit with a reshaped cup and a more secure lockdown, fixing one of the major complaints with the v13. The outsole geometry also changes slightly to improve transitions and outsole durability.
This model remains a favorite for runners training for half marathons or marathons who want just one shoe to handle everything—easy runs, long miles, and the occasional speed session. It’s also great for those who need a little forgiveness underfoot due to joint pain or fatigue.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: Fresh Foam X
- Stack Height: ~38mm heel / ~32mm forefoot
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: ~9.2 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Balanced softness with good bounce
- Redesigned upper for better lockdown
- More forgiving fit than v13
Cons:
- Still not as plush as max-cushion competitors
- Rocker geometry takes getting used to
Men’s version | Women’s version
On Cloudmonster
Best For: Unique ride feel
If you’re looking for a shoe that makes running feel different—in a good way—the On Cloudmonster delivers. As a running coach, I recommend this model to athletes who want high energy return, solid cushioning, and a smooth ride that supports natural motion. It’s one of the few max-cushioned shoes that manages to be both fun and functional.
The Cloudmonster uses Helion™ superfoam and CloudTec® pods—a series of collapsible structures that compress on landing and spring back during toe-off. The result is a bouncy, propulsive ride with a unique feel underfoot. It’s not soft in the marshmallow sense like a ZoomX or Nimbus, but it’s incredibly responsive and efficient, particularly when paired with the exaggerated rocker sole.
I often suggest this shoe for medium to long road runs, daily mileage, or as a stylish recovery-day option. The upper is snug and breathable, but may run narrow for wide-footed runners. It’s also a great option for those who care about aesthetics—it looks fast and modern right out of the box.
Specs:
- Cushion Tech: Helion™ superfoam + CloudTec®
- Stack Height: 33mm heel / 27mm forefoot
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: ~9.7 oz (Men’s)
Pros:
- Bouncy and engaging ride
- Eye-catching design
- Smooth rocker geometry for easy transitions
Cons:
- Firmer forefoot feel than others
- Pricey for some budgets
