The 18 best cushioned running shoes 2024

The 18 best cushioned running shoes 2024
Gorka Sedano
Gorka Sedano
Journalist and popular runner
Posted on 08-03-2024

We have already started 2024 and the brands have already begun to announce the first news in terms of the best running shoes with maximum cushioning for this year. Surely the top cushioning shoes are the ones that occupy the most shelves in running stores, and the ones that are most seen and promoted in online stores. So we are bound to tell you about the best cushioned running shoes this year.

Best cushioning top running shoes

The top of the line concept in running shoes that we keep hearing about will continue to be a trend this season, leaving us with more than desirable models. Of course, they are looking to  to absorb the impacts in each stride, and thus minimize their negative effects on the runner's joints . This not only makes running more comfortable and smoother, but also improves the runner's performance in a more than remarkable way. And the maximalist maxim, couldn't say it better, is: Run safely and well protected.

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Best cushioned running shoes

Best running shoes with maximum cushioning

With all this, all brands and the most cutting-edge of the running universe have opted to have their own iconic running shoes with maximum cushioning. In this selection you will find practically all the major brands: adidas, ASICS, Brooks, HOKA, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike and Saucony... we'll be on the lookout for new products to add to the list.

New Balance Fresh FoamX 1080 v13

It is now available the new New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13, undoubtedly the best-selling running shoe of the American brand New Balance. This new version presents interesting new features with respect to the previous version but maintaining the essence of being a shoe with maximum cushioning and very comfortable.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 262 gr

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

The New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 shoes are consolidated as one of the most solid bets of New Balance for runners who prioritize protection in all types of distances, although they are ideal for those long runs.a model that includes the latest technology of the brand with the aim of offering a perfect balance between protection, comfort and versatility.

The innovative Fresh Foam X ensures the benefits of maximum cushioning for all types of runners from the first to the last kilometer. However, the improvements do not end there, because this model also features a new rocker with a wider platform. A technological resource that embodies the perfect combination of cushioning and support to enjoy smooth transitions.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Low
  • Weight: 295 gr

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 stands out as one of the best daily training shoes. Its main hallmarks are a soft and adaptable cushioning. It is designed to face any distance over a variety of surfaces, ensuring a well-cushioned, very comfortable and responsive ride.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral, Supination
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 277,8

Brooks Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max is a running shoe with the essence of one of the most acclaimed models of Brooks but with maximalist profile that will not leave anyone indifferent. It is a shoe that gives us maximum cushioning and large profiles to have a comfortable, smooth and light race at all times.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium

ASICS Nimbus 26

One of the daily running training shoes that stands out for its maximalist approach and great cushioning is undoubtedly the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26. The new version maintains the essence of the saga and remains a reference in terms of comfort and protection.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium

ASICS Gel Kayano 30

The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 confirms that the product developers of the japanese brand have hit the right key to renew its most emblematic and best-selling models with the success of improving them in every way to make the runner's experience as positive and rewarding as possible. It features several significant updates and improvements such as a new engineered mesh upper, FlyteFoam technology in the midsole, a foam that is 55% lighter than standard foam or the new Pure GEL system in the heel and forefoot for superior shock absorption.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Overpronation
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low

Joma R2000

The Joma R2000 is one of the most complete and versatile running shoes from Joma and also has one of the best value for money for those fast runners who want to run comfortably. The shoe stands out for aspects such as its lightness, its great breathability and an excellent level of support.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training, Mixed
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: High

Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung

The new adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2 is one of the most innovative and highest quality shoes from the German multinational. The shoe stands out for offering the best performance of maximum cushioning and comfort with profiles that are above the 40 mm allowed in official athletics competitions.

  • Surface: Road
  • Technology: Carbon plate
  • Use: Training, Racing, Mixed
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6,5
  • Pace: High

Nike Invincible 3

The Nike Invincible 3 is a running shoe that carries the maximum cushioning label for neutral runners. In this new update, the model has more cushioning capacity with that exclusive ZoomX foam, which, of course, also adds great energy return with every step. Its wider back also contributes to provide extra stability, which will make you run with more confidence and security.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 9 mm
  • Pace: Medium

Nike Structure 25

The new Nike Structure 25 is now available, a new version of a model that offers maximum stability and support and is presented with important new features to recover the essence of the shoe, including a new design and aesthetics of the shoe.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Overpronation
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium

Under Armour Infinite Elite

The Under Armour Inifinite Elite is a model that combines comfort and performance, which means that it is a very good option for daily workouts without ruling out the idea of running at fast and dynamic rhythms. A responsiveness that comes from the inclusion of its exclusive and evolved HOVR foam. Additionally, that beveled heel that contributes to softer landings. You will run with a greater sense of security and confidence.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium, High
  • Weight: 358 gr

HOKA Bondi 8

Of the training shoes from the renowned American brand, the HOKA Bondi 8 is the most cushioned. Its perfect balance between cushioning and protection ensures smooth, comfortable, dynamic and fluid transitions. You can use them in all kinds of distances, but they are a perfect model for long distances.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 304 gr

Mizuno Wave Sky 7

The Mizuno Wave Sky 7 is one of the shoes of the Japanese brand that offers maximum cushioning to roll with great comfort and performance during our daily workouts or long distance races in which it performs wonderfully.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: Medium
  • Weight: 280 gr

On Cloudeclipse

The new On Cloudeclipse is a running shoe that stands out mainly for its comfort and performance in our daily workouts. The shoe features the best materials and technologies developed by the Swiss brand.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Medium

On Cloudmonster 2

The On Cloudmonster 2 stands out as a truly versatile model, but especially for its maximum level of cushioning, because it is designed to enhance your daily runs and prolonged efforts. They have more cushioning than the original version, seeking to reach even higher heights. It is an ideal choice for daily workouts, long distances, and even training sessions at more agile and lively paces.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 6 mm
  • Pace: Low

Saucony Kinvara Pro

One of Saucony s latest innovations for 2023 in its fast and racing shoes is the Saucony Kinvara Pro. It is one of the best mixed shoes of the North American brand that, thanks to the incorporation of the carbon plate, gives it a more competitive character and has some of the best technologies and materials of the moment of the company.

  • Surface: Road
  • Technology: Carbon plate
  • Use: Training, Racing
  • Cushion: Neutral, High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Pace: High

Saucony Triumph 21

The Saucony Triumph 21 is one of the running shoes of the American brand that are designed to offer great cushioning and stability in all our workouts and competitions and that, season after season, is one of the most popular models and with more followers of Saucony.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: Neutral
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Pace: Low, Medium
  • Weight: 280 gr

Altra FWD

The Altra FWD Experience is now available, a shoe that represents a turning point in the American brand as it is the first Altra shoe that does not have the characteristic 0mm drop of the brand, specifically has a 4mm drop that allows us a more efficient way of running and with more cushioning.

  • Surface: Road
  • Use: Training
  • Cushion: High
  • Running gait: Neutral
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Pace: Low

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Gorka Sedano

Gorka Sedano

Journalist and popular runner

Graduate in information sciences from the University of the Basque Country. Journalist by vocation and profession. They say that dreaming is free, but without perseverance, those dreams do not materialize. I am a popular runner, one of those who looks at the heart rate monitor to see the kilometers run rather than the time invested in running them. I am passionate about sports equipment.