Cushioning Running Shoes Reviews

Cushioned running shoes make up one of the largest segments of the running shoe market. Most cushioned shoes fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of available options: more cushioning than minimal models, but without major support or corrective elements. Meant for runners that have little to no pronation, cushioned running shoes provide protection and shock absorption with little to no additional support for strong pronators or issues like exceptionally high or low arches.

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Weight
7.6 oz.
Drop
6 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Fresh Foam Beacon v2 is a great option in the lightweight cushioning category but there are alternatives available if you prefer a softer ride.  Fans of the previous version will be...” Read expert review
Sean Felty
Long Distance Runner, Neutral Shoe Expert
Weight
11 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Nike Winflo 6 is a well cushioned daily trainer that comes with notable upgrades when compared to its predecessor.  The newer styling blends in with the more elite Nike shoes, but...” Read expert review
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Weight
10.1 oz.
Drop
12 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Brooks Ghost 12 is reliable as ever as a daily trainer and long-run shoe that will deliver a plush, smooth ride mile after mile. Ghost loyalists will be pleased to discover that the 12th edition...” Read expert review
Taylor Gupton
Cross-country and track coach
Weight
9 oz.
Drop
5 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Clifton 6 sheds some weight and moves to a softer midsole foam giving it a soft, smooth and highly cushioned ride.   The ride combined with an upgraded upper made of higher quality and...” Read expert review
Sean Felty
Long Distance Runner, Neutral Shoe Expert
Weight
9.8 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Ride ISO 2 is a dependably cushioned shoe that’s not too much, but not too little. The just right amount of soft responsive cushioning and accommodating upper make it a solid single shoe choice...” Read expert review
Jim Coulson
Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.
Weight
8.7 oz.
Drop
5 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Hoka One One Carbon X is a new carbon plate shoe that can be used for both training days and races. While it's durability for a shoe that can be used in a distance race is great, the Carbon X...” Read expert review
Andrew Leibowitz
Running Expert
Weight
10.25 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The ASICS Gel Contend 5 is a discount trainer, however it does not pack enough of a punch to warrant a purchase. This shoe does not log the long miles, and shows wear quickly.” Read expert review
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.
Weight
8.9 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36s are a proven shoe from Nike that offer a durable, reliable, and well-tested set of features. With a fair price and smart looks, you’re sure to have a good run ahead if...” Read expert review
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Weight
9.1 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The Altra Torin 4.0 is a road shoe that can do just about everything.  It is sleek and lightweight, which makes it perfect for racing, but there is definitely enough cushion to the shoe that...” Read expert review
Denny Krahe
Running Coach and Podcast Host.
Weight
10.3 oz.
Drop
4 mm.
Category
Cushioning
“The New Balance Fresh Foam More is a maximal trainer that still has a pep in its step. Cushion for the long run, but an aggressive design that will let you push the pace, it's a fun ride.” Read expert review
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.