Running Shoes for Every Gait

This ultra-cushioned workhorse received some fantastic updates this summer, and believe me, they look to be for the better. I thoroughly enjoyed the reworked foam that delivered on its promises of a soft, bouncy ride, yet still had some rigidity for proper toe-offs and landings. Also, the redesigned geometry in the heel allowed for smooth transitions that didn’t feel clunky or forced.

The breathable vegan upper is exceptional — as well as aesthetically pleasing — and the lacing did allow for a solid lockdown. I did experience some rubbing along the sidewalls at first, but thankfully, Hoka does offer this impressively cushioned runner in wide sizing as well.

What I like most about the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is the versatility offered through the energetic midsole. Yes, you definitely feel the max cushioning, and each step is exceptionally cozy thanks to the higher foam height and exaggerated forefoot silhouette. If you want to quicken the pace, though, the ZoomX has enough zip for the task.

In testing, I found this Nike offering to excel at a number of paces and distances, but despite the Flyknit upper, I did begin to accumulate some sweat on longer runs. Still, this is one shoe that’s sure to catch some attention. If you’re like me, the biggest qualm you’ll have is whether to save this sneaker for the road or daily wear.

Okay, calling a $150 running shoe a “budget pick” might seem like a stretch, but plush has a price, and these well-cushioned sneakers from Saucony can give you the most (still expensive) bang for your buck. The PWRRUN+ midsole gives this silhouette exceptional underfoot feel while remaining fairly lightweight. A mono-mesh upper cloaks the foot nicely for a fit that’s secure yet breathable.

Just don’t expect to find that strapped-in feel with these cushioned runners. The articulated eye row gives enough lacing stability that you won’t literally run out of these shoes, but some can find it difficult to achieve that snug, tight fit needed for faster paces.

If you want that cushiony vibe all day, every day, these sleek and stylish New Balance runners are for you. The Hypoknit upper provides a streamlined profile on foot and features a stretchy construction for that sock-like fit. The Fresh Foam X 1080v12s also feature excellent cushioning, which is further enhanced by the natural flex zones. In each step, I certainly felt the cozy support, but also found a unique sense of connection with the road underneath.

The seamless transitions made this a very fun shoe to run in, but that’s only because my sizing was correct. Many have stated that this silhouette runs a half size too big, so be sure to order accordingly before adding this stylish, efficient running shoe to your daily training wardrobe.

Don’t be fooled by the Gel-Nimbus 24’s silhouette. This is definitely a well-cushioned runner. While the Nimbus stable is well-established in the Asics family, this latest iteration received plenty of overhauls, most notably in the Flytefoam Blast+ midsole. Foregoing a mile-high stack height, this construction provides luxurious levels of softness and bounce within its lightweight frame. I also really enjoyed the fit of the jacquard mesh upper, as well as the stretchy gusseted tongue.

The Gel-Nimbus 24 performed well in any mileage thrown at it, from light strolls through town to extended Saturday morning runs. The aesthetic leaves a little to be desired, but these cushioned sneakers are here to run the roads, not walk the runway.

Whereas the Asics above were somewhat forgettable in the looks department, I challenge anyone to peep the Cloudmonsters and not be left staring. With enough of On’s Cloudtec underfoot to practically fill the sky, these max cushion runners are surprisingly lightweight at just 9.7 ounces.

The exaggerated, light-as-air Cloud elements underfoot pair well with the amplified rocker geometry for a comfortable ride that easily propels you forward. Plus, a soft sockliner and upper pump up the comfort and breathability thanks to the recycled polyester construction. To get the best fit, though, you may need to purchase a half size up. This cushioned runner, while comfortable, can feel narrow on some.

It’s getting to a point now that I’d be more impressed to find an activity the Ultraboost 22s don’t perform in. They’re solid gym shoes, efficient running shoes and damn fine walking shoes, all while showcasing that luxe, lifestyle-centric look.

Why do these get the nod for best cushioned walking shoes? Well, for one, the BOOST midsole is great at providing plenty of softness underfoot and easily retains its shape. Second, while the 11.7 ounces can feel kind of clunky while running, it’s more than manageable at a walking pace. Lastly, if you’re wearing a sneaker with this much street cred, you’ll probably want to give your onlookers a chance to see the kicks.

BEST CUSHIONED TRAIL RUNNING SHOE

Brooks isn’t hiding the Caldera 6’s goal of max on-trail cushioning with these sneakers. Featuring a meaty slice of foam underfoot and a 6mm heel-to-toe-drop, these trail runners are fantastic for bringing that cozy vibe to the great outdoors. While the Caldera 6s are listed as weighing 11 ounces, running in these was a lighter experience than expected. This is definitely credited to Brooks’s nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam providing a featherweight feel with notes of responsiveness and durability.

I also enjoyed the grip from the TrailTack rubber outsole, but wouldn’t advise running in extra muddy conditions with the Caldera 6s. While you can generate enough traction underfoot, the upper doesn’t dispel the muck as easily, leaving your feet well-caked come the trail’s end.

Highlighted by an all-new DNA LOFT v3 midsole — Brooks’ softest foam to date —the latest Glycerin iteration makes for an exceptional cushioned runner. I particularly enjoyed these kicks on recovery runs, where I was just looking to stay active without really pushing the pace. The lightweight frame and soft, bouncy landing were more than welcome in these scenarios, and I really admired the breathability of the mesh upper.

While the Glycerin 20 definitely maintains that bounce and cushioning as the miles add up, I did begin to feel a bit of clunkiness on longer runs, leaving me wanting more from my turnovers. I would attribute this to the thicker rubber outsole, which took away from the otherwise enjoyable jog. Still for shorter jaunts, I couldn’t recommend these more.

Who said cozy can’t be quick? The third iteration of the Endorphin Speed lineup from Saucony brings the fast-paced tempo to well-cushioned running, bolstered by the brand’s PWRRUN PB foam cushioning bringing plenty of plush and performance to every stride. I also felt the SPEEDROLL Technology underfoot, which made it easier to hit the gas pedal when my tempo workouts called for a quicker pace.

The FORMFIT design also cloaks your foot in a secure aesthetic, but with enough room in the forefoot to not feel too constrictive. While some might not like this added room and desire more of a sock-like vibe on tempo days, there’s plenty to like about this foundational runner from Saucony.

For athletes that transition between running and strength training, I recommend the all-new UA HOVR Phantom 3s from Under Armour. A secure heel counter and full rubber outsole fit well in any gym setting, and the updated HOVR midsole technology provides just the right amount of coziness and responsiveness. I really favored these sneakers when mixing my normal strength training regimen with some treadmill runs, and these kicks were more than capable of seamlessly transitioning without a change of pace.

I also appreciated the sock-like fit of knit collar and IntelliKnit upper, which provided exceptional stretch and breathability. I will say, however, that the stretch was a little constrictive at the toes during my first few experiences with the sneaker, but gradually began to loosen as the silhouette became accustomed to my foot shape.