Picture this: you're dashing through the streets, legs pumping, heart racing, and every step feels like a dream. Why? Because you've finally found the ultimate cushioned running shoes that make every stride feel like you're floating on a cloud. I've been there, friends, and I'm here to share my top picks that will transform your running experience.

Running shoes can make or break your workout, so let's dive into the world of cushioned bliss together. Your feet will thank you later, I assure you. Let me be your personal guide to discovering those oh-so-perfect shoes that'll have you leaping with joy, and make every step feel lighter than air.

Ready to float through your next run? Join me, fellow runners, as we explore the cream of the crop in cushioned shoe technology. Say goodbye to sore feet and hello to cloud-like comfort!

Our Top 10 Picks

Running Shoes - Comparison

#1: Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women - Brooks Glycerin 20

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	10mm	Men 286g | Women 252g

Brooks Glycerin 20 is a top choice on our "Women Cushioned Shoes" list. Boasting plush cushioning and a fantastic step-in feel, the Glycerin 20 caters to various runners with its breathable mesh upper with a medium-toe box plus neutral arch support and 10mm heel-to-toe drop.

These shoes do not just excel in comfort; they also offer a responsive ride and weigh only 252g for women. The durable yet lightweight build ensures excellent value for money. Moreover, the outsoles provide superb grip on wet roads and gravel.

While evolved from previous models, the Glycerin 20 has minor drawbacks like finicky laces requiring double-knotting and a slightly blocky ride for some runners. However, the overall benefits far outweigh these issues.

If you are seeking cushioned with responsive and durable running shoes that provide great value then Brooks Glycerin 20 is your perfect match. Grab a pair and let your feet revel in the luxury they deserve!

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#2: Best Max Cushioned Running Shoes - On Cloudmonster

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Reflective, Mesh upper	Medium	Neutral	6mm	Men 274g | Women 230g

On Cloudmonster is a standout among max-cushioned running shoes that boast a monstrous foam cushioning layer for unparalleled comfort during daily training, long runs and even casual walks. Its reflective mesh upper offers breathability and visibility, while its medium toe box with neutral arch support plus 6mm heel-to-toe drop and lightweight build (230g for women) cater to a variety of runners.

What sets the Cloudmonster apart is its bouncy cushioning with smooth heel-to-toe transitions and impressive grip on wet roads and light trails. The sustainable and durable upper adds to its appeal.

However, it's worth noting that the shoe may be too firm for recovery days, not ideal for wide feet and comes with a potentially steep price tag. Despite these drawbacks, the On Cloudmonster is an excellent choice for those seeking max-cushioned running shoes with all-day comfort stability and versatility for various terrains and running styles.

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#3: Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Men - New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Knit Upper / Reflective	Wide	Neutral	8mm	Men 292g | Women 249g

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is a top choice for cushioned running shoes that is perfectly balancing the traditional NB 880 v11 and ultra-cushioned NB Fresh Foam More v3. Ideal for easy to moderate runs and long-distance outings, this shoe offers protection with stability and a lively ride.

Key features include a reflective knit upper with a wide toe box, neutral arch support with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and a weight of 292g for men. The 1080v12 provides protective cushioning via foam midsole with smooth transitions and excellent grip on various surfaces. It's also suitable for wide feet and heavy runners.

However, it may not be the best choice for narrow feet or fast runs due to its bottom-heavy design and its breathability could be improved. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is a versatile, cushioned, and stable running shoe that caters to various running conditions and distances.

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#4: Best Shock Absorbing Running Shoes - Hoka Clifton 9

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Knit upper	Narrow	Neutral	5mm	Men 249g | Women 207g

The Hoka Clifton 9 excels as a top-tier shock-absorbing running shoe that provides a perfect blend of cushioning and responsiveness for joint protection and a lively stride. The updated model boasts a thicker more energetic midsole and a lightweight design (Men: 249g, Women: 207g) with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop. Its neutral arch support with a narrow toe box and mild stability elements ensure a secure comfortable ride. The outsole delivers reliable traction on roads and mild trails making it perfect for easy days and long runs.

However, the Clifton 9 has a narrow fit with an upper that requires break-in time and average breathability. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Hoka Clifton 9 road running shoes remains an excellent choice for those seeking exceptional shock absorption and overall comfort in their running shoes.

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#5: Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Heavy Runners - Saucony Triumph 20

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	10mm	Men 275g | Women 243g

As an expert shoes reviewer, I can endorse Saucony Triumph 20 for heavy runners seeking top-cushioned shoes. Returning to its original essence, this daily runner offers superior cushioning and a bouncy ride for leg-saving comfort. The shoe features a plush, breathable mesh upper, medium toe box and neutral arch support with a 10mm heel-toe drop and lightweight design (275g men, 243g women). The Triumph 20's excellent heel clutch and lace system ensures a secure irritation-free fit that stands out from competitors for its lively comfort.

However, it comes with a little higher price tag and less pronounced rocker geometry. Despite these drawbacks, the Saucony Triumph 20 is a solid choice for heavy runners valuing cushioning, comfort, and performance.

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#6: Best-Cushioned Nike Running Shoes - Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	10mm	Men 261g / Women 215g

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 earns its place due to its versatility that caters to beginners and long-time runners alike aiming for their first 5K or marathon and long-time runners who appreciate a stable, traditional ride. This workhorse is perfect for various run types that offer a lighter (261g men, 215g women) and more responsive design compared to other shoe brands. Key features include a mesh upper, medium toe box, neutral arch support and a 10mm heel-to-toe drop.

The shoe provides a snug, comfortable fit, preventing lace bites while ensuring excellent grip on wet concrete and light trails. However, it has a narrow toe box for wide feet, a warm upper and may not be ideal for recovery days. Despite these cons, the Pegasus 39 delivers cushioning, versatility and stability, making it a great choice for any runner.

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#7: Best Forefoot Cushioned Running Shoes - Saucony Guide 15

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Stability	8mm	Men 269g / Women 235g

The Saucony Guide 15 is an exceptional choice for those seeking forefoot Cushioning in their feet. This lightweight stability shoe offers a comfortable and supportive ride designed for runners with flat feet or overpronation. Key features include a mesh upper plus medium toe box, stability arch support with 8mm heel drop and a weight of 269g for men and 235g for women.

This shoe stands out with its unobtrusive stability and protective cushioning, providing support without sacrificing lightness. The Guide 15 ensures a smooth rolling motion with secure foot wrap and a roomy toe box that makes it ideal for summer running. The use of recycled materials in the upper adds an eco-friendly touch.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider e.g. lacks bounce and has a somewhat excessive carbon rubber outsole in the heel. Even though its combination of stability and cushioning makes the Saucony Guide 15 a top choice for those in search of a reliable and eco-friendly running shoe.

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#8: Best High Cushioned Running Shoes - Hoka Speedgoat 5

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Medium	Neutral	4mm	Men 276g | Women 241g

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is an exceptional trail running shoes and a top choice in the 'High Cushioned Shoes' category. It offers remarkable grip with durability and support and is perfect for tackling technical terrains at high speeds. Features a mesh upper and medium toe box, neutral arch support and a 4mm heel drop, this lightweight shoe (276g for men and 241g for women) excels in various performance categories.

Its standout qualities include a super grippy outsole with a springy ride, a stable platform with high-impact protection, breathability, a secure fit and excellent heel hold. However, it may not suit runners with wide feet and the flared collar's style might not appeal to everyone. Given these minor flaws, Hoka Speedgoat 5 remains an outstanding option for those seeking a high-cushioned shoe for conquering challenging trails that provides the confidence to go further and faster as trail runner.

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#9: Best Lightweight Cushioned Running Shoes - Adidas Ultraboost Light

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Knit upper	Wide	Neutral	10mm	Men 299g | Women 260g

The Adidas Ultraboost Light has secured its place among 'Best Lightweight Cushioned Shoes' transforming from a lifestyle sneaker into a high-performance daily trainer. The 23rd edition boasts a knit upper, wide toe box, and neutral arch support, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The reduced weight and 10mm heel-to-toe drop make it perfect for easy days and moderately long runs.

This iteration of the Ultraboost series distinguishes itself from competitors with its sustainability efforts and impressive performance improvements. The well-cushioned heel, effective stability elements, and durable outsole provide a lively ride with great energy return. However, a few drawbacks include thin forefoot cushioning, subpar grip on wet surfaces, and inadequate lockdown for speedwork.

In summary, the Adidas Ultraboost Light has made significant strides from its predecessors, addressing previous issues while enhancing performance and sustainability. It's an excellent choice for runners seeking a lightweight, cushioned daily trainer with a stylish flair.

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#10: Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Marathon - HOKA Bondi 8

Material	Toe Box	Arch Support	Heel to toe drop	Weight
Mesh Upper	Narrow	Neutral	4mm	Men 311g | Women 270g

The HOKA Bondi 8 is a top choice for marathon runners seeking ultimate cushioning and comfort. Its plush mesh upper with narrow toe box and neutral arch support delivers exceptional stability for long-distance runs. With a 4mm heel geometry, the shoe promotes a natural stride while the men's 311g and women's 270g weights ensure durability.

The Bondi 8 excels in comfort that offers a gliding ride with a touch of springiness and a soft breathable upper that keeps your feet cozy during marathons. The shoe's stability and durability make it an excellent option for marathon training despite shoe weightage. Some drawbacks include a tight midfoot and heaviness but these factors are overshadowed by the shoe's overall performance. In summary, the HOKA Bondi 8 is perfect for marathon runners seeking a cushioned, comfortable and stable shoe that can withstand the demands of long-distance running.

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How We Tested

So far we've explored the finest cushioned running shoes together, and now you're armed with the knowledge to choose the perfect pair for yourself. But you may be curious about how I tested these heavenly shoes. Well, my testing journey was a mix of personal experience, extensive research, and gathering feedback from fellow runners. I've pounded the pavement in various terrains, checked in with experts, and compared notes with fellow enthusiasts, all to bring you the most reliable and trustworthy shoe recommendations. So, lace up your new cushioned kicks and let your feet experience pure, cloud-like bliss. Happy running!

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Frequently Asked Questions