Some days you just need a hug, and the same sometimes goes for your feet. The level of cushioning you are looking for from run to run can vary greatly. “Cushioned” might mean something very different for you the day after a marathon versus the day after a rest day. It’s important to understand what the best cushioned running shoe for you is and when different levels of cushioning will be beneficial to your running.

If you polled a group of runners and asked them to describe what a “cushioned” running shoe looks and feels like, they would probably describe something with a thick midsole that feels soft underfoot. But is that the whole truth? The reality is that the best cushioned running shoe can look and feel very different depending on the runner.

“Heavier runners compress the foam more than their lighter counterparts do, so what one runner finds cushioned, another may not,” advises running coach Cory Smith. And while increased cushioning generally provides a soft feeling that lessens the impact of ground strike, “it’s only one element in the underfoot formula that brings a running experience to life,” says Bekah Broe, director of product performance footwear at Hoka.

We consulted our experts to help demystify what makes the best cushioned running shoes in 2023 for both men and women. Keep reading to see our top picks for running shoes with cushioning, along with expert tips for what to look for in a cushioned running shoe  for every foot type and condition.

How We Selected the Best Cushioned Running Shoes

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. When it comes to selecting the best shoes in any category, we take the job very seriously, constantly testing models throughout the year. And that was no exception when we sought out the best cushioned running shoes for both men and women. We tapped Cory Smith, an expert running coach, tested most of the shoes ourselves, interviewed industry experts, and scoured online reviews to compile real customer feedback. The result is a researched list of the best cushioned running shoes for 2023 for all foot types and conditions.

Top Cushioned Running Shoes of 2023

• Best Overall: Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes
• Best for Heavy Runners: Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes
• Best Neutral: Asics Novablast 3 Running Shoes
• Best Lightweight: Craft Pro Endurance Running Shoes
• Also Consider for Lightweight: Hoka Rincon 3 Running Shoes
• Best for Ultramarathons: Salomon Ultraglide 2 Running Shoes
• Best for Long Runs: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoes
• Best for Trail Running: Hoka Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes
• Also Consider for Trail Running: Altra Olympus 5 Running Shoes
• Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes
• Best for Wide Feet: On Cloudmonster Running Shoes
• Best for Marathon Racing: Nike Alphafly 2 Running Shoes
• Best Adidas: Adidas UltraBoost Light Running Shoes
• Best Stability: Saucony Guide 16 Running Shoes
• Best for Recovery Runs: Nike Invincible 3 Run Flyknit Running Shoes 

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Best Overall Cushioned Running Shoe

• Size Range: 7-16 (Men’s) | 5-12
• Colorways: 19 (Men’s) | 10 (Women’s)
• Weight: 8.9 oz (Men’s) | 7.2 oz (Women’s)
• Materials: EVA Foam midsole
• Drop: 5 millimeters
• Pros: Ultra luxurious, pillow-like cushioning without compromising a secure, stable ride.

It’s impossible to talk about cushioned running shoes without mentioning Hoka. After all, Hoka running shoes started the maximum cushioning shoe trend. One of Hoka’s best maximum cushioned everyday neutral trainers is the Clifton 9.

Everything about the model is the epitome of luxury, from the pillow-like cushioning under your feet to the heavily padded tongue and heel collar. The Clifton 9 is Smith’s go-to shoe for recovery runs or long distances when his legs just can’t handle the harsh impact of concrete. Sometimes, tall, softer midsoles can feel mushy and wobbly, but while this model is not classified as a stability running shoe, its wide base allows for a secure, stable ride. A new, lighter midsole compound also knocked nearly 15 percent off the weight of this model compared to previous iterations, giving the Clifton 9 a faster feeling.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more capable maximum cushioned running shoe. If comfort is what you’re after, the Hoka Clifton 9 is the shoe for you. As one reviewer noted, “These shoes are the most comfortable, supportive shoes I have ever worn.”